Binghamton Mayor Wants Old Parking Ramp Demolished by Year's End

Mayor Richard David hopes a dilapidated city-owned public parking facility will be gone by the time he leaves office.

David said the city is finalizing an agreement with a prospective developer for a project at the site of the Water Street garage. The structure is attached to Boscov's department store.

The mayor said he's hoping to announce details of the new project soon. He also said "we hope to ultimately have that ramp demolished by the end of the year and a new ramp started in that approximate time frame.

The Water Street garage opened in May 1970. The State Street parking ramp went into service the following month. There now are no working elevators in either facility.

Metal supports have been installed under a critical section of the parking garage used by Boscov's customers. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said city officials are working with Boscov's representatives to develop a plan that will address parking needs in the coming months.

The city opened a new 300-space parking garage on Hawley Street last January. A small surface parking lot is planned adjacent to that site.

The elevator in the Water Street parking garage is out of service. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)