In 2015, the Broome County Land Bank (BCLB) was approached to assist with the demolition of a formally private religious school, which had been previously owned by Christ the King Church, located at 1605 Davis Avenue in the Town of Union.

The school had been vacant for 10 years, and during that time, portions of the building had been flooded and vandalized and the structure was a hazard to the community.

The Endwell Fire Department, Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police had responded to numerous calls to the site over the years and the structure was in such poor condition that no one could safely enter the building.

With over 250 residential and small business properties within a two-block area surrounding the property, the removal of the dilapidated and dangerous structures had a strong positive impact on the neighborhood. Including an overwhelming amount of community support for this project.

With the help of funding from the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Broome County Government, and the Town of Union, the BCLB was able to demolish the dilapidated structures on the site, which took place in early 2017.

After demolition, a portion of the property was sold to a nearby church for use as greenspace and additional parking for its growing congregation. The church serves as an anchor in the neighborhood and was committed to helping make the property a focus of pride rather than fear and concern.

Additionally, a portion of the property was used to create a community garden, which is run by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. Community gardens are popular around Broome County and residents of the Endwell community were excited about this opportunity to have one in their neighborhood.