The Feature in Binghamton’s New Parking Garage No One Talks About

Although the $25 million city-owned parking structure on Water Street in downtown Binghamton opened nearly one year ago, there's something in the garage that seems to be a secret.

Almost all of the attention given to the new parking ramp has been on the 500 spaces available for cars. But there's a section of the garage next to Boscov's department store that has received little, if any, publicity.

It's the small area on the first level that's been set aside for bicycle parking.

No bikes were parked in the designated spaces during spot checks of the area in recent months.

The bicycle parking section is generally dark although lights are turned on automatically when sensors detect activity around the spaces.

It's the first time that a secure and protected bike parking area has been available in a city-owned garage in downtown Binghamton.

A 2016 parking study recommended that such parking features be included in the development of future garages.

The Binghamton Metropolitan Transportation Study planning organization also supported that move.

The Water Street garage has parking spaces to accommodate a couple of dozen bikes. It also has a bicycle repair stand equipped with basic tools.

The city's Hawley Street garage - which opened in 2021 - does not have a bike parking area.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.