The City of Binghamton has announced an ambitious project to rehab a large portion of a blighted and crime-ridden neighborhood.

Mayor Rich David was joined by fellow elected officials and area residents Thursday in releasing details of an $11 million project along Crandall Street on the city’s Westside.

The First Ward Action Council is leading the effort to gut and fully renovate 11 apartment buildings along Crandall and turn them into low and moderate income housing.

“The Mayor at that meeting said he had heard that several properties on Crandall Street were for sale. And a light bulb went on in my head. ‘Wow, maybe that’s going to make a project,” said First Ward Action Council Director Jerry Willard .

The project also includes funds to renovate the nearby Sturtevant House at 47 North Street.

The historic 1870’s home was slated for demolition until the community group Safe Streets and Councilwoman Dani Cronce fought to save it.

It will have renovated apartments upstairs with a community center operated by the United Way on the first floor.

“A lot of our dreams are coming true today. For too long, our please for investment in this neighborhood have been ignored. Mayor David, thank you so much for answering our concerns and for becoming our advocate in Broome County and in Albany,” said Safe Streets Member Mary Webster.

Money for the project comes from private financing as well as state Homes and Community Renewal funds, city funds and a commitment from the Broome County Land Bank.

First Ward Action Council already has contracts on the buildings and hopes to close on them this Fall at which time renovation work will begin.