Binghamton lawmakers agree to borrow to fix tennis court ‘mistakes’

As repair work continues to deal with the problem-plagued Recreation Park tennis court project, Binghamton City Council has authorized a loan for the work.

Lawmakers approved the issuance of $575,000 bonds to cover higher-than-expected costs associated with steam problems affecting the surface of newly constructed courts.

Mayor Jared Kraham said the city had hired experts to conduct a “forensic analysis” to solve what had been a mystery since the original project was completed at West Side Park.

In April, workers at Vestal’s Broome Bituminous Products removed the top layer of asphalt from the courts after city officials concluded it failed “to meet expectations for drainage and water resistance. “.

Additional cores from tennis courts have been taken in recent weeks.

Last month, Kraham told 12 News he hoped court rolling would begin the first week of August. Friday morning, this work had not started.

The mayor said the new process will be done in sections. He said it would take three weeks for the asphalt to settle before tests could be carried out to ensure it met the required standards. If the standards are met, the final paving will be done.

Kraham didn’t say when he expects people to be able to use the new resort.

The tennis court replacement project was originally expected to cost $600,000. The total cost is now expected to be nearly $1.9 million.

In a meeting on Wednesday, Council member Joe Burns said “the cost was increased by mistakes made” on the project.

For decades, Recreation Park has been the site of a professional tennis tournament. The event was last held in 2019.

Contact Bob Joseph, WNBF News reporter: [email protected] or (607) 545-2250. For the latest story development news and updates, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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