Endwell’s Most Notorious Eyesore Finally Torn Down
- Mahendra Lokhande
- Aug 14, 2024
- 2 min read
ENDWELL, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – After 35 years of standing as a blighted eyesore in the heart of the community, the former Suds N Duds laundromat on East Main Street is finally being demolished.
On Wednesday morning, Town of Union officials took ceremonial swings with sledgehammers to mark the beginning of the demolition. The building, vacant and boarded up since an arson fire decades ago, has long been a symbol of decay in Endwell.
Tim Connolly, President and CEO of First General of Southern New York, who purchased the property 18 months ago, initiated the demolition with the help of an excavator. Connolly has amassed a total of 32 parcels across 5 acres in the block and expressed openness to selling the land to developers or undertaking development himself.
“I want to do what’s best for the community,” Connolly said. “I’m not looking for the first deal or the easy deal. Maybe my sights are too grand, but I believe in Endwell’s potential. Look at the school and the community's success. I’m proud to contribute positively.”
Connolly, who opened First General down the street just months before the laundromat fire, has since moved his offices into a new building that previously housed O’s and Bobby’s Place. Once a development plan is set, this building will also be demolished.
Town of Union Supervisor Rob Mack expressed satisfaction at seeing the demolition underway, stating, “I can’t tell you how many thousands of people have called the town over the years asking about these properties. It’s wonderful to see this finally happening.”
LCP Group of Vestal has already tackled three other dilapidated buildings on the block, including a former service station on Main Street. The next target for demolition is the old potato warehouse located directly behind the Suds N Duds on Scarborough Drive.
The ongoing efforts to revitalize the area are bringing much-needed change to the community, reflecting a commitment to clearing eyesores and paving the way for future development.
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