New steel tariffs could drive up the cost of a long-awaited parking facility to be built in downtown Binghamton.

The long-delayed project is planned for a city-owned parcel northwest of Hawley and Washington streets.

Initial plans for the facility were made public about four-and-a-half years ago. Since then, the city wound up selecting another developer for the project.

This rendering provided by Binghamton City Government illustrates the proposed Hawley Street facility.
This rendering provided by Binghamton City Government illustrates the facility planned at 7 Hawley Street.
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What once was envisioned as a $20 million project with a 350-space parking garage with up to 10,000 square feet of commercial space has been scaled back.

The current plan calls for a $12 million facility with 300 parking spaces and 6,000 square feet of commercial space.

Planners initially expected the parking garage could be in use by this summer.

The multi-use parking facility is to be built at 7 Hawley Street, one block west of Binghamton City Hall. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The multi-use parking facility is to be built at 7 Hawley Street, one block west of Binghamton City Hall. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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No work has been done at the site since an archaeological survey was completed a few months ago. The fenced-off parcel now is filled with water, mud and litter.

Mayor Richard David Tuesday said the goal now is "to break ground before the weather turns."

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said the plans and documents for the project are being finalized.

The city last December announced The Pike Company of Rochester had been chosen to develop the project.

The mayor said the goal is for the developer to be able to purchase materials for the facility before new tariffs take effect. He said proposed tariffs on steel could affect the cost of the project.

David said there isn't a problem with the $3.4 million state grant that had been approved for the project.

The mayor didn't venture a guess as to when the much-needed additional parking spaces will be available.

More than 500 downtown parking spaces were lost when the city closed and demolished the Collier Street garage.

Workers prepared the development site for an archaeological survey on May 1, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Workers prepared the development site for an archaeological survey on May 1, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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