Council adopts ordinance to sell 42 Fayette Street to Paul Sidorski, overriding mayoral veto

The Binghamton City Council voted unanimously to adopt introductory ordinance O26-10, authorizing the sale of 42 Fayette Street to Paul Sidorski for $500 and overriding a mayoral veto that challenged the sale price.

Council member Hotchkiss presented the ordinance and moved to adopt after reading a paragraph of the mayor's veto into the record that questioned whether the low sale price could be "anything other than an unconstitutional gift." Hotchkiss and other supporters said the council's valuation reflected repair and preservation costs for the property and the long-term municipal benefit of maintaining housing rather than converting the lot to parking.

"Our valuation is based on the cost to repair and preserve," Council member Kavanaugh said during debate, noting repair estimates and the prospective tax revenue from a multi-unit rental compared with alternative uses. Kavanaugh added: "I simply say, why not give him a chance?" in arguing for the buyer, who has been described as a tenant who maintained the property.

Madam Clerk conducted a roll call and the vote to adopt the ordinance passed 6-0, with council members Madivetsky, Hotchkiss, Kavanaugh, Middleton, Murray and Council President Dunton recorded as "aye." The council's action carries forward the sale authorization despite the mayor's objections. The mayor's veto text and prior 2024 authorization to a separate buyer (203 Court Street LLC) were discussed in council comments; members said differing valuations had been justified by different policy aims (tear-down-and-pave versus preserve-and-repair).

The ordinance was adopted as recorded; the council did not place additional conditions on the sale during the session.