The long-troubled Sydney Avenue parking garage in Mount Vernon is facing new scrutiny after a hole on the top deck forced part of the structure to close.

A metal plate now covers a visible opening in the pavement. Mount Vernon Department of Public Works officials confirmed they are aware of the issue.

“I know there’s a hole,” said Jahmar Bailey, of the Mount Vernon DPW.

The closure is forcing drivers to make alternate plans. Paula, a Mount Vernon resident who regularly parks on the top level, said the sudden change has disrupted her routine.

“I’m in a rush and I’m late. So definitely this is an inconvenience for me,” she said.

Many of the drivers affected are customers of Extreme Fitness on nearby Gramatan Avenue. Gym manager Danika Johnson says concerns about the garage extend beyond the newly discovered hole.

“That’s our parking. I have gym guys bigger than me who don’t want to park there because no one keeps up with it. No one cleans out the elevators. They’re broken,” Johnson said.

Another gym member, Alisa Baj, described ongoing quality-of-life concerns inside the structure.

“It’s absolutely disgusting. It’s littered with homeless people. People smoke weed, do crack in the hallways. It reeks of urine,” Baj said.

News 12 has previously reported on complaints about the Sydney Avenue garage. In 2022, residents raised concerns about vehicle damage and broken elevators.

The City of Mount Vernon tells News 12 that engineers will inspect the hole on the top deck, but officials did not provide a timeline for repairs for reopening that section of the garage.

Stay with News 12 for updates on this developing story.