Major parking garage on Clay Street in downtown Oakland shutting down

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- A major parking garage on Clay Street in downtown Oakland is shutting down Friday indefinitely because it's not earthquake safe.

The 55-year parking structure is near city hall and the closure is leaving workers and holiday shoppers without a place to park.

It definitely has a prime location-across from the state building and near city hall, but even some customers had a feeling this day was coming.

"This is a dangerous parking lot, too many old cracks all over it," one woman said.

A city spokesperson says the Oakland City Center across the street has room to absorb the customers from Clay Street and a letter was sent to monthly subscribers letting them know they could move over there.

For those who park at the old garage for free during city council meetings, that same deal is now being offered at the Dalziel lot. That entrance is on 16th Street. However, customers feel worried about the transition.

"You have to find street parking or find another lot and it is hard to find parking. I's a shame, what are they going to do with this," Oakland resident Erika Salum said.