Parking became even more of a challenge in the city of Binghamton when the Collier Street parking garage failed inspection, earlier this year. But months after the old structure was demolished, the city officially opened a brand-new temporary parking area in its place. Vince Briga caught up with drivers who say this is going to make their commutes a whole lot easier.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- In mid-August, a longtime eyesore in the city of Binghamton was finally demolished. And while residents were happy to see the Collier Street parking garage come down, the construction made parking even more challenging.
"On nights when a lot of things are happening downtown, if we have the hockey game or the bars downtown open up, it can be a very tough thing to find a parking space," said Joe Schuerch of Endicott.
“Finding a place down here in Binghamton is kind of hard, especially if you have to walk two blocks just to go to one building,” said Steve Nesbitt of Binghamton.
But less than four months after the demolition, the city officially opened a nearly 100-space temporary parking lot in its location, making traveling into the city much easier for drivers and small business employees.
"I was pretty excited when I came around the corner and saw the parking lot was open, because I needed to get across the street there, and it was quick and easy and it made life a little more simpler," said Schuerch.
"I'm parking about a half a mile away and then walking in, so I'm definitely looking forward to something a little bit closer to my job," said Vincent Fronda, a cook at Buffy's Burritos.
For many of the small businesses just around the block on Washington Street, parking can fill up quickl,y but employees anticipate the new parking area on Collier Street will bring in a new group of people.
“I think it'll bring people that aren't located here in Binghamton into Binghamton, and give them an opportunity and a reason to be downtown. A good, nice, easy, convenient place to park,” said Fronda.
City officials say they hope the new parking area will do just that, bringing in more visitors as the downtown area continues to grow. City leaders have started at looking into developing the site.