STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After a series of delays, the New York Wheel garage will be open to commuters on Friday, starting at 6 a.m. But it's valet parking only until at least the end of the year.
While New York Wheel CEO Rich Marin had hoped to have the parking garage open in time for the Staten Island Yankees' home opener in June, it wasn't the case.
At the time, Wheel officials said they needed a temporary certificate of occupancy for the garage before it could open to the public.
"We are pleased to have finally received our temporary certificate of occupancy and look forward to once again providing conveniently located parking for hundreds of Staten Islander commuters and residents," said Marin, who noted the certificate of occupancy was received on Wednesday.
Parking will be valet only for a period of time, and then will become a "self park" facility at some point, said Tiffany Townsand, a NY Wheel spokeswoman. It was unclear how long the facility will only accommodate valet.
"We do not have a date yet on when that changeover will be," she said.
THE GARAGE
The New York Wheel garage is expected to include valet parking for 820 vehicles that will be able to access the facility via Bank Street at the foot of Jersey Street in New Brighton. However, drivers will eventually be able to access the garage from Richmond Terrace at Nicholas Street.
An additional 130 spaces will be available when construction is completed by Dec. 1, Marin said.
Once it is open, commuters will be able to arrange pickup of their cars in advance of their arrival at the garage by sending a text message to 917-696-3751, Tiffany Townsend, a Wheel spokeswoman, said.
Shuttles will be provided from the garage to the ferry terminal and back.
The price for daily parking will be $8; monthly permits will cost $135. Customers can pay for parking with cash or credit card.
Construction on the 60-story New York Wheel began late last year. It will be located adjacent to the Richmond Country Bank Ballpark and Empire Outlets. Construction of the $580 million Wheel will result in more than 350 union construction jobs and nearly 500 permanent jobs once complete.
Permits can be purchased at 475 Bay St. between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. For information from Impark, call 917-885-8190.
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