Connecticut Lawmaker Wants To Move Forward With New Stamford Parking Garage

STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- As one of the older parking garages at the Stamford Transportation Center crumbles, a new garage is needed now more than ever, a state lawmaker says.

The discussion has gone on for nearly 10 years, said state Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, adding that it's imperative to move forward with using the $35 million the state has set aside for the project.

"But we've got to get this done as soon as possible because commuters, they can't wait," Tong told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau. "We're being held hostage by this process."

Local officials in Stamford say they have zoning authority over the garage and development on the site, which is actually owned by the state.

The state Department of Transportation, however, says it does not need the city's OK to move forward.

The parking garage was suddenly shut earlier this month after the DOT discovered chunks of concrete falling to the level below. Commuter advocate Jim Cameron said more than 700 commuters use the garage.