Show Your Support for Moynihan Station at Tomorrow's Hearing

This Wednesday, April 28, the Moynihan Station Development Corporation (MSDC) is holding a hearing on the updated plans for Moynihan Station. They are seeking comments on two technical documents they released earlier this month, the Draft Amended General Project Plan and the Environmental Assessment.

The two documents reflect how similar the project is to what was approved in 2006, and provide details on the few key differences. The project has now been broken down into manageable phases that are achievable (described below), and Amtrak is identified as the primary transportation tenant in the new station — something MAS and other civic groups have long advocated for.

Phase 1, which consists largely of improvements below ground, will begin this year and be completed in 2015. This phase is fully funded and will result in improved circulation and greater access to platforms. The most visible part of this work will be two new entries into the Farley Post Office building, at street level on Eighth Avenue.

Phase 2 consists of construction of the train hall in the Farley Post Office. Work will begin later than Phase 1, but, if everything goes well, could also be complete in 2015. The Train Hall has not yet been designed, but the recently-released documents describe it as, "A new, iconic, sky-lit train hall (including a grand concourse larger than Grand Central Terminal's main concourse), constructed largely within original Farley's courtyard, covered by a glass roofscape, with direct vertical access to train platforms below." Phase 2 would also include private development within the Farley Post Office, which could be made up of retail and possibly a hotel.

"This project is pivotal for New York City and the whole region. The work to improve circulation and access included in Phase 1 will provide much-needed breathing room for commuters who know how severely overcrowded Penn Station is now ", said MAS President Vin Cipolla.

The documents make clear the state's commitment to historic preservation in this project and ensure that architectural details of the Farley Post Office building will be preserved. In fact, the MSDC has said that it plans to apply for Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits.

MAS will be at Wednesday's hearing, speaking in support of the Moynihan Station project moving forward. If you would like to come and show your support, the meeting will take place 4:00 - 8:00 pm, at the James A. Farley Post Office, 380 West 33rd Street, Room 4500 (entrance is close to 9th Avenue).