UPDATE: Car owners in Yonkers are facing an urgent crisis as the parking garage at 30 Hawthorne Ave. has been condemned, leaving drivers scrambling to relocate their vehicles. They have until Friday to move their cars, creating a significant disruption for local residents.
Inspectors from the city, including officials Joe Ferrotta and Pat Losco, confirmed the closure after discovering alarming structural issues during an inspection earlier this week. “I’d rather have the cars out than have the thing collapse,” said Losco, highlighting the real but not immediate danger posed by the garage’s condition.
The garage was deemed unsafe just three days ago, with inspectors noting “exposed rebar” and “extensive cracking throughout” the structure. The situation has left drivers like one man who spent his Christmas Eve searching for a secure spot to store his motorbike feeling frustrated and anxious. “It has been rough, with only like two days’ notice,” he lamented.
City regulations mandate that garage owners must have professional inspections every three years and file these reports with local authorities. However, Yonkers officials report that the garage owner, MPG, failed to meet these obligations and did not secure the necessary permits for repairs.
This situation escalated rapidly after resident Janique Breland shared a social media post showing falling concrete, which drew immediate attention from city officials. Breland expressed relief that her post prompted action, stating she will pay an additional $60 to park her car safely, prioritizing her and her son’s safety.
Although workers posted signs indicating upcoming renovations, officials are not ruling out the possibility of the garage being demolished. The garage owner has so far not responded to requests for comments regarding this incident.
As the deadline approaches for drivers to remove their vehicles, the community is rallying together to find solutions. Local residents are encouraged to seek alternative parking options to avoid being left without a safe place for their cars.
With the situation developing rapidly, residents are urged to stay informed and take immediate action to ensure their vehicles are relocated safely. More updates are expected as city officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
