WPCNR THE PARKING NEWS. By John F. Bailey. June 6, 2007: The city of White Plains is undertaking a comprehensive thorough engineering inspection of the 27 year old Galleria garages, opened in 1980.
The survey came to light as a result of a minor structural failure, reported by the Department of Parking at the Galleria garage Monday. A flooding at a juncture, as described by a person who witnessed the cascade, was caused, according to Commissioner of Parking Albert Maloni was described as being the result of a precast double T intersection.
The Commissioner said, “ What happened yesterday was the result of a precast double-T intersection located at the corner of a very heavily trafficked intersection, so to speak, where water intrusion problems over the years caused a minor structural failure. It could have been a big problem. We had a double-T fail like this in 1996, and it was repaired as this one will be in the exact same fashion, and it’s as good as new.”
WPCNR asked if this meant the garage was wearing out and needing replacing,or whether this was just routine problems.
“Absolutely not,” Moroni said.
The Commissioner revealed though that the city is taking no chances. Contrary to what was reported in the paper press, that Charles Sells Engineering was repairing the Double T break, it turns out the Charles Sells firm is undertaking a much larger job.
Moroni explained: “I’m not saying that there aren’t problems located throughout the garage. That’s why we’ve hired Charles Sells engineering firm They’re doing a comprehensive evaluation of both garages, the ramps, the staircases, the supporting beams. Everything there is to look at is being looked at, and we are going to take a look and see what we need to do. I would not want anybody to think that garage is not safe.”
WPCNR asked if the Galleria Garage would have to be reconstructed sometime soon.
Maroni said, “No. Not reconstructed. There are going to be repairs that are needed. Once we get the engineering firm comprehensive report, we’re going to chip away at those major issues (they uncover). Come July 1, we have in the capital program, $1.5 Million for relamping and relighting the entire garage and repainting the entire garage. We’re putting half a million dollars in multi-space meters into it, and we’ll put whatever money we need structurally. The bonds on that garage are paid off. It's a major asset in the city economy."
