Oneida County Parking Garage Will Open to Public July 20View

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that the Oneida County Parking Garage will open to the public on July 20, 2024, accommodating parking spaces for Wynn Hospital patients and visitors and to those visiting downtown Utica businesses and attractions.

"Oneida County is pleased to provide this parking facility to accommodate the needs of the Wynn Hospital and the public visiting downtown Utica," Picente said. "Our parking garage will enhance the accessibility and convenience of the city center and demonstrates this government's commitment to supporting our healthcare services."

There are approximately 1,330 total parking spaces in the garage, 334 of which are public. Seventy public spaces are set aside for Emergency Department parking. Public parking is available on the first floor of the facility and a portion of the second floor.

The public can access the garage from entrances on State and Cornelia streets. When heading west on Oriskany Street, drivers must turn onto Broadway and access the garage via Lafayette Street. Paths leading to the public, emergency department and employee parking areas are clearly marked.

Parking will be free to the public for the garage's first month of operation. After that time period, the first two hours will be free to park and will then cost $2 per hour. Parking for hospital patients and visitors will remain free through MVHS validation. The Wynn Hospital will also offer valet parking from its main entrance but will discontinue it from the Emergency Department entrance.

The five-floor, 550,000 square-foot facility cost approximately $52 million. Of that total, $10 million is from a New York State grant and $12 million from Oneida County's American Rescue Act Plan funding. The remaining $30 million is being bonded for, with MVHS and the County doing a 75/25 split on the debt service over a 30-year time period.

The Oneida County Parking Garage opened to MVHS employees and volunteers on July 15, 2024. Their parking spaces are located on a portion of the second floor and the third, fourth and fifth floors. The County will also be installing a total of 69 EV chargers in the facility.

The facility has five elevators, three of which will be operational on Saturday. An enclosed walkway connects the facility to the hospital. The remaining two elevators will go online when the helipad is cleared for use by the Federal Aviation Administration. That is expected to occur by October.