BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — For the first time since 1996, Binghamton’s north side will be home to a grocery store.

Binghamton Mayor Rich David, Broome County Council of Churches Executive Director Dr. Joseph Sellpack, and New York State Senator Fred Akshar announced Thursday afternoon that a grocery store is planned to occupy the ground floor of the $20.5 million Canal Plaza mixed-use development project at 435 State Street.

The yet-to-be-named store, which will be open six days a week, will be operated by the Council of Churches in conjunction with Your Bargain Grocer, a “social purpose” grocery store in Utica, New York.

Profits generated from the store will go toward other services the Council of Churches provides. It will also be a zero-waste establishment, and will hire residents who live on the north side of Binghamton.

“After more than 20 years without a grocery store, North Side residents will finally have a place in their neighborhood to shop for fresh produce, meats, dairy and other grocery needs — all at an affordable price,” Mayor Richard David said in a statement. “As a social purpose grocery store, the business will reinvest profits to support programs and services provided by the Council of Churches and CHOW, which fights food insecurity across Broome County. Thanks to support from a broad coalition of partners, this store will expand access to healthy food and create new opportunity for the North Side.”

The grocery store will offer buyers affordable and healthy foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy.

It is expected to have three managerial positions and eight part-time employees.

Construction began on Canal Plaza in November. The development will include 48 apartments and 15,000 square feet of commercial space.

Those who live in 12 of the apartment units will be provided with supportive services for those with mental illness.

The last grocery store on Binghamton’s north side was the Grand Union, which left the area in 1996.