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The East Fayette Street parking garage in Syracuse has been closed due to structural safety concerns. The closure follows a recent inspection by city engineers and the code enforcement department, which revealed significant deterioration in the 41-year-old structure. The garage, located at 300 East Fayette Street, was shut down on Thursday (November 6), affecting over 100 city workers who parked there regularly.
According to Jake Dishaw, Syracuse's Deputy Commissioner of Code Enforcement and Zoning Administration, the inspection revealed that some concrete columns and exterior panels on the northwest corner of the building had shifted due to internal movement. Dishaw explained, "A lot of it was discovered on the northwest corner... there are some columns that appear they are moving a little bit and the concrete panels on the outside of the structure have moved and shifted a little bit due to some of the internal movement."
The closure has led to increased demand for parking at the nearby East Washington Street garage, which is half a mile away. City officials have also closed the sidewalk along the northwest side of the building due to the risk of falling debris. Dishaw noted that the city is considering various options, including further testing and potential demolition, to address the garage's condition. "Safety remains our top priority," he said.
The garage closure has raised concerns about increased traffic and limited parking in downtown Syracuse. City officials continue to evaluate the situation to determine the best course of action. The city is offering alternative parking solutions and encourages residents to use other available parking options.