The Conservancy moderated a panel on Penn Station last week with proponents and experts on “through-running.” This would allow all trains to continue beyond Penn to other destinations. According to the experts, initiating through running would be less expensive than the current State plan for Penn and would not require the demolition of any nearby buildings.
Panel Discussion hosted by The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen
The Conservancy has always opposed the State’s plan to level six blocks around the station. The giant towers first envisioned are off the table. But the threat of demolition continues. So, we’d like to know if through-running proponents are correct.
Penn Station seems to have dropped off the map. We haven’t heard anything from the Governor in almost a year. But the railroads seem to have settled on a plan to bring the new Gateway tunnels being dug under the Hudson to under 31st Street across from Penn Station. There, they plan to build a large, underground terminal for the New Jersey Railroad which will require leveling all, or most, of the block above. Several landmark quality buildings, along with homes and local businesses will be demolished. Amtrak has also told groups that through running couldn’t happen for some 60 years.
Gateway Keeps Getting Worse
The Daily News editorial board has opposed Gateway and opposed demolishing Penn neighborhoods. They renewed their objections in a Wednesday editorial.
We want to restart a public dialogue on Penn. We want an independent peer review committee to assess both sides and let the public know which side is correct. Billions of public dollars are at stake, along with homes, livelihoods, and historic assets surrounding the station.
It’s time to start speaking out again.
Email the Governor’s Secretary at Karen.p.keogh@exec.ny.gov and say the public deserves an independent review of through-running and what is best for Penn Station and New York.
Peg Breen, President
The New York Landmarks Conservancy