Parking Ramp Oversight Bill Clears Assembly

In the wake of a collapsed parking garage in Johnson City and the closure of the Collier Street Ramp in Downtown Binghamton as well as concerns in other parts of New York State, the Assembly is moving forward legislation to require regular inspections of parking structures by a licensed professional engineer every five years.

While there have been no injuries in the recent incidents involving parking garages, New York State lawmakers from the Southern Tier say action is overdue.

The bill’s sponsor in the Assembly, Democrat Donna Lupardo of Endwell says following several incidents around the region involving public parking facilities, she was surprised there were no regulations for inspections in place.

The bill, which is endorsed by the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, would also require inspection of structures that have been compromised by a natural disaster or accident even if the garage had already been inspected and is not due for another evaluation.

The measure is now before the New York State Senate.

Local New York State Senator Fred Akshar, a Republican, says he hopes action can be taken in that chamber quickly to get the measure passed before the legislature ends this session on June 16