Paving crews have started work on a planned parking lot near the Binghamton Governmental Plaza.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Employees of G. DeVincentis and Son Construction Company began putting in the asphalt base at Hawley and Collier streets on Wednesday morning.

City officials say the new lot will have about 75 spaces. It's being developed at the site of the old Collier Street garage.

The parking ramp had 534 spaces. It was closed last November because of safety issues. Much of the structure already was off-limits because of crumbling concrete.

The city had spent millions of dollars in recent years making repairs to keep the garage in service.

Mayor Richard David had hoped the ramp could be kept open until 2018. But he determined it would have cost too much to do additional work to maintain the facility.

The demolition of the garage cost about $484,000. That project was completed a few weeks ago.

In recent days, electrical contractors worked at the site to complete the wiring for lighting for the lot.

The top coat of asphalt is expected to be applied soon. The new lot is scheduled to open next month.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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