After being side-tracked by a gubernatorial veto last year, a proposal to tighten regulations and safety inspections for parking garages in New York State is taking a step forward.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, who authored the bill following the collapse of a parking ramp at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City and the condemnation of the Collier Street ramp in Binghamton, says the New York Department of State will issue regulations for regular structural inspections of parking garages.

The Endwell Democrat and State Senator Tom O’Mara testified January 23 at a hearing of the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council.

Lupardo says she and others were surprised to learn there were no state or federal requirements for regular structural stability inspections of parking garages.  She says that causes a major safety concern for all New Yorkers, especially given the aging infrastructure around the state.

The Department of State will now begin work on drafting the regulations to be followed by public hearings.

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