Parking Ramp Regulations Get Public Comment

Public comments are to be taken following the passage of new rules in New York State for parking garage safety.

The legislation, penned in the Assembly by Endwell Democrat Donna Lupardo and Republican State Senator Thomas O’Mara, were introduced in 2016 following the collapse of a parking ramp at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City in 2015.

Shortly after that incident, the Collier Street, Binghamton ramp was closed due to safety concerns and then demolished.

The governor had vetoed the original legislation saying that some public agencies like the Building Code Council were not included in the process.

The final version gives local governments more say in the enforcement of rules, standards and inspection schedules.

The public comment period is scheduled for 30 to 45 days.

The final version of the proposed rules was released by New York State officials September 18.