Spot Repairs Continue on Doomed Binghamton Garage

Construction workers still are engaged in temporary patching of a downtown Binghamton parking ramp expected to be shut down soon.

Crews have been observed making spot repairs throughout the Collier Street garage this week.

Mayor Richard David said "the number one factor" regarding the facility is public safety.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the mayor said if he ever receives an indication there is "some imminent danger" he would "not hesitate to on the spot close it."

David said a consultant hired by the city has indicated the biggest concern is the ability of the garage to survive another winter like the last one.

The mayor said contingency plans for when the ramp must be closed are being finalized.

But David stressed "there is no scenario" where the city will be able to absorb 534 parking spots that will be lost when the garage is shut down.

Hundreds of spaces in the ramp have been unavailable for more than four months since the upper levels of the garage were closed because of crumbling concrete.

On October 21, a sign indicated the garage was full and directed drivers to use the State Street parking ramp instead.