Downtown Binghamton Parking Project Delayed

Work on a controversial parking lot in downtown Binghamton is expected to resume in the spring.

The $336,000 project to remove the Washington Street pedestrian mall north of Court Street was announced by Mayor Richard David three weeks ago.

Trees, benches and planters were removed by construction crews in the first few days of work. Concrete was poured to fill sections of the site, including empty spaces where the Binghamton Sidewalk of Stars had been located.

David says there had been a goal to install parking spaces in the first phase of the project.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the mayor said because of the change in the weather, it won't be possible to open the parking area before winter.

David said the parking work will be incorporated into the second phase of the project. The plan calls for eleven parking spaces and new lighting.

The project ignited controversy shortly after the plans were made public. Several members of the city Commission on Architecture and Urban Design called on the mayor to halt the work.

Commission chairman Jeffrey Smith and five other members signed a letter contending the work was started in violation of city law.

David has disputed that assertion. He had said the call to stop the project wasn't "based on what's in the best interest of the city."

Meanwhile, even as work has been halted on the parking lot, preparations are underway in a neighboring storefront on a planned pawn shop. It's expected to be the first such business in the downtown retail district.