Soaked Water Street Parking Ramp Elevator Still Out of Service

Read new information from City Hall at the end of this article.

THURSDAY'S ORIGINAL STORY:

Repair work has yet to get underway on a water-damaged elevator in Binghamton's new Water Street parking garage.

For several days, hundreds of people who use the $25 million structure next to Boscov's department store have had to use the stairs in the five-story ramp.

While the elevator has been out of service since last weekend, operational problems with the unit had been observed before then.

An Otis Elevator technician visited the garage Monday after the company had been contacted about the problem.

As he examined the area behind an operating panel, he discovered water had seeped inside and had come into contact with sensitive electronic parts.

In a statement, an Otis Elevator spokesperson said "some electronic components were damaged due to a water leak."

The statement added that although Otis is not currently responsible for the maintenance of the Water Street equipment, the company is working with the city "to get the elevator back in service as soon as possible."

The Otis representative said the company has been in touch with a manager with LAZ Parking, which operates Binghamton's city-owned garages. He said "they have a service order request" and Otis is prepared to provide assistance.

There are several parking spaces on the upper levels of the garage reserved for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. But those spots are of no use while the elevator is out of service.

The first level of the Water Street garage - with about 40 parking spaces - opened in November 2024. The upper floors of the facility have been in operation since March 2025.

UPDATE: Information provided by Mayor Jared Kraham's office Friday morning.

Elevator techs have been on site this week, and repairs are underway. Techs had been waiting for a part to come in, which I believe arrived yesterday. Service is expected to be restored at some point today.

Underlying water infiltration issues are being addressed, as well, with some additional caulking.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: An inspection of the Water Street parking garage on March 26, 2026.

THE INITIAL REPORT: What was observed when the disabled elevator car was observed on March 23, 2026.

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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.