Binghamton Announces Closure Date for State Street Garage

The city of Binghamton has officially announced the closure date for the aging State Street Garage, a public parking facility that has served residents and visitors for more than half a century. Mayor Jared Kraham confirmed that the 12-level garage will cease operations on January 5, 2024, as plans for its demolition move forward.

The decision follows extensive preparations by city officials to address the structural deterioration of the garage, which opened in June 1970. Over recent years, Binghamton has invested millions of dollars in maintenance efforts to enhance the safety of the facility. Despite these efforts, the mayor’s announcement underscores the need for significant changes to the downtown parking landscape.

Plans for Demolition and Relocation

The demolition of the State Street Garage is scheduled to begin later in 2024, a process expected to take several months. In anticipation of the closure, LAZ Parking, the company managing the garage under contract, is working to identify alternative parking options for individuals with monthly passes. While the exact number of monthly parkers needing relocation has not been disclosed, LAZ Parking is prepared to assist them.

After the garage is demolished, plans indicate that several dozen parking spaces will be made available in a surface lot at the corner of State and Henry streets. Mayor Kraham noted that the cleared parcel could eventually facilitate future “economic development opportunities” in the downtown area, indicating a broader vision for the site.

Alternative Parking Solutions

For those affected by the garage’s closure, Binghamton offers other parking facilities. The city has two additional parking garages located downtown: one on Water Street, adjacent to Boscov’s department store, and another at 7 Hawley Street. Additionally, a surface parking lot is accessible at Collier and Hawley streets, conveniently situated across from Governmental Plaza.

Monthly parkers looking for further information regarding their options can reach out to LAZ Parking at (607) 759-1026. As the city prepares for the garage’s closure, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore these alternative parking solutions.