Binghamton May Lease Public Space to Private Entity

A new effort to improve conditions at a troubled city-owned property on Binghamton's South Side is being discussed.

Nearby residents and those who operate businesses around the Southside Commons have been complaining about conditions at the small community space off South Washington Street near Vestal Avenue.

Police often are called to the site to deal with fights and disorderly people. Drinking and drug use have been a persistent problem since the Southside Commons opened about a decade ago.

City officials responded to the ongoing trouble by removing tables and benches from the west end of the property.

Brett Pritchard, the developer who acquired the former Number 5 restaurant property six years ago, is interested in leasing the Southside Commons site from the city.

Pritchard developed Number 5 Commons around the site of the old restaurant. He discussed the possibility of leasing the Southside Commons site at a city council work session Monday.

Pritchard told lawmakers business operators and their employees are concerned about the issues at the community space that have included people exposing themselves and garbage being dumped around the site.

The city parks department maintains the Southside Commons property. But Pritchard expressed a desire to "make it a safer environment."

Under the proposal being considered by council, an entity controlled by Pritchard would initially lease the site for five years and be responsible for maintenance of the property.

The site would remain open to the public from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lawmakers expressed interest in the concept. The plan is expected to be discussed in a future council committee meeting.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to Southside Commons on March 10, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.