15 Years After Flood, Site Work Starts at Former BAE Systems Site

The first big step in redeveloping a former federal government property west of Johnson City is getting underway.

Initial work has started on a massive project to raise the elevation of a town of Union site that most recently had been used by BAE Systems.

About 1,300 people had jobs at the sprawling complex at 600 Main Street in Westover until 15 years ago.

The place was wrecked by flooding that started on September 7, 2011. BAE Systems eventually shifted its local operations to the Huron Campus in Endicott.

FLASHBACK: The closed BAE Systems facility on September 11, 2015. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Broome County and town of Union officials have decided to raise the elevation of the Westover site to make it less vulnerable to future flooding and make it more attractive for future development.

The state two years ago approved an $11.3 million grant to help pay for the planned work.

A truck passed by 600 Main Street in Westover on August 31, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

LeChase Construction now is doing preliminary work at the site. A portion of the property will be raised several feet in the months ahead.

The Broome County Industrial Development Agency held a series of meetings discussing the elevation project and future options for the site.

The former federal government property has been surrounded by fencing and unused for any purpose since the big flood.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to 600 Main Street in Westover on August 31, 2026.

WNBF NEWS FLASHBACK: A look at the start of demolition of the old Air Force Plant 59 on February 19, 2016.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.