City officials, downtown leaders, and many others are tired of waiting for redevelopment of the former AM&As Department Store at 377 Main Street. The City is considering moving forward with foreclosure of the property due to unpaid taxes, seen as a quicker process than an eminent domain action.
Vacant since 1999, the 375,000 sq.ft., half-block complex in the center of downtown has seen a number of development ideas over the years. Most recently, reputed owner 377 Main Street proposed retail, office and residential uses (below). Before that, a 340-room Wyndham Hotel. Other than gutting and asbestos removal, not much has happened at the site as two Queens-based investment group battle over ownership over the site in court. Meanwhile, the City has funded work to repair collapsed vaults along Washington Street and unpaid taxes exceed $245,000.
Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski is formally asking the City to begin foreclosure proceedings on the property. The resolution is on Tuesday’s Common Council’s agenda.
The property has faced an uncertain future since Bon Ton shuttered the store in March 1995. Taylor’s Department Store was the last building occupant.
