$37K Fine For Owners of 263 Washington Street

Mayor Kraham Announces $37K Fine In City Court For Owner Of Former Eyesore At 263 Washington St.

- Following 50-Count Conviction, City Secures Historic Fine In City Court -

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) - Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Wednesday announced the City has secured a historic fine against a problem property owner in City Court after the Court sentenced an owner of 263 Washington St. to pay $37,500 in fines.

Mayor Kraham said: "The days of problem property owners dodging serious consequences are over in Binghamton. The eyesore at 263 Washington St. was left to crumble for years while its owners stood by and failed to act. The City stepped in and pursued the owners in court, sending a clear message that this type of neglect won't be tolerated. Last week's sentencing is the latest proof of the City's commitment to holding bad actors accountable and fighting for our neighborhoods."

On Thursday, June 4, City Court Judge Daniel L. Seiden sentenced Philip Costa, of Wallkill, New York, to $37,500 in fines and a conditional discharge after the Court found Costa guilty of 50 misdemeanors at a trial last November regarding multiple Code violations at 263 Washington St.

It's the largest fine in a City Court housing case secured during Mayor Kraham's administration.

The fine is in addition to demolition costs the property owners are responsible for, incurred during the City's April 23 demolition of the property.

A warrant is out for the arrest of a second owner, Kevin Findley, whose last known address is in Binghamton.

Costa, Findley and Philmar Holdings LLC were cited by the City of Binghamton's Code Enforcement Department for several violations of the New York State Property Maintenance Code regarding the multi-family building, formerly known as Kenmore Apartments.

The charges, which dated back to late 2023, involved several areas of collapsing masonry, deteriorated masonry joints, falling bricks, damaged sections of the roof and gutters, damaged window frames and debris in the rear of the property.

In April 2026, the City declared the vacant structure an "imminent danger" and hired a contractor to demolish the building at the property owners' expense after the owners failed to act.

The City's code prosecutor, Attorney Elisabeth Rossow, led the City Court case for the City.

In 2022, Mayor Kraham created the Code prosecutor position to prosecute slumlords and repeat code offenders, with a focus on addressing unsafe housing conditions and persistent blight.

Mayor Kraham has announced several significant court victories as a result of the dedicated attorney position earlier this year.

To report unsafe living conditions or other Code issues in the City of Binghamton, residents may contact the Code Enforcement Department at (607) 772-7004.