First Level of New Binghamton Parking Garage Now in Service

Downtown Binghamton shoppers now have another parking option with the opening of a section of the $25 million Water Street garage.

About 40 spaces in the facility next to Boscov's department store became available Wednesday afternoon.

The new garage was built on the site of a parking ramp that had opened in 1970. That crumbling structure was closed nearly three years ago and demolished.

Mayor Jared Kraham said construction will continue on the upper levels of the new five-story garage. More than 500 precast concrete sections were put into place last spring.

Boscov's shoppers can park for three hours for free at the Water Street facility with a validate ticket from the garage.

Although some parking spaces are available for the holiday shopping season, Kraham said the garage "remains an active construction site." That means some areas of the structure will be cordoned off while work is underway.

In the months ahead, additional floors of the garage will open for parking.

Two hours of free parking will be available for people using the new garage through December 7.

A small interior space in the garage at the corner of Water and Henry streets could be used by a business in the future.

Kraham said the city will be seeking proposals for possible uses for the spot in the future.

William H. Lane Incorporated of Binghamton was the general contractor for the Water Street parking garage project.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The mayor moved a construction barrier away from the entrance to the new garage on November 27, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.