BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- After months of weighing whether or not the Collier Street parking garage was worth more investment, the city is shutting it down Monday, leaving many drivers searching for other options.

"I'm actually going to be parking at the Holiday Inn," Binghamton University student Ryan Mirchin said at the garage. "I set it up with them. It's a pain because it's a lot more money. It's double the price of here and it's not covered."

The decision to shut down the garage came after a consultant said keeping the facility open during a drastic temperature change would require extensive work. Two levels of the ramp were closed in June after workers found several issues. City officials don't believe the structure can survive another winter like last year's. But that didn't stop people from parking inside on Friday, just days before its closure.

"I had to," Mirchin said. "I had nowhere else to park, so I guess if the building collapses or if the garage collapses, then I'll have no car to drive, but I have nowhere else to park unless I want to pay a ton of money at the meters."

While many residents said they're going to be very inconvenienced by not having the garage available, they agree it's better to be safe than sorry.

"I don't have to worry about anything collapsing on my car, which is nice. So that's a good thing," Mirchin added.

And while monthly parkers will be relocated to the State Street garage and Water Street ramp, some said more options are necessary.

"For development reasons, they're going to need to have some sort of adequate parking for people," said Delf King, a Norwich resident who also parks in the garage.

Binghamton Mayor Rich David is supporting a mixed-use development on Hawley Street that would include parking, commercial space and market-rate housing. The plan would include approximately 350 parking spaces.

The city is also considering allowing people to park in certain spots downtown on Hawley and State streets, where parking is currently not allowed for those who don't work for the city.

After the garage is closed, it will be secured so that no one can enter. Demolition is expected next year.