Relief for Amtrak Travelers to New York's Penn Station Closer at Hand

CityLab's Eric Jaffe provides an update on the two phases of construction of Moynihan Station, an annex to America's busiest train station. Phase One could be completed next year and Phase Two is in need of a "mere" $200 million. But is that enough?

2 minute read

September 21, 2014, 5:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


Moynihan station is the conversion of parts of the adjacent 1912 James A. Farley Post Office, designed by McKim, Mead, and White, which also built the original Penn Station (photo) that was razed in 1963, and the 1919 Hotel Pennsylvania opposite Penn Station on Seventh Ave.

Erik Jaffe of CityLab writes that "Phase One of that project, which should provide better platform access for Amtrak riders, is already underway and may be completed as early as next year. The problem has long been a lack of funding for Phase Two—a grand new train hall filled with retail stores and, if one can believe the renderings, quite a bit more breathing room."

Last week the New York Times reported that Phase Two funding might be closer than previously believed. The Times quotes Senator Charles Schumer, a Moynihan Station proponent, as saying that the city and two developers (Related Companies and Vornado Realty Trust) have pledged $500 million for the great hall, leaving only a $200 million gap. Schumer called on the federal government to make up the difference.

But here's the kicker: According to Michael Kimmelman, architecture critic for The New York Times, the annex helps out only 5 percent of Penn Station's travelers, as he noted here in 2012.

Jaffe points to a column by his colleague, Ben Kabak of 2nd Ave. Sagas, who "reminds us, Moynihan Station would do nothing to address the biggest pressing need for Penn Station: more train capacity under the Hudson River. Unless that shortcoming is addressed, he writes, Moynihan Station will become a 'nicer shell for an older problem'"

Last word to Kabak: "For $1 billion, the Moynihan Station Development Corporation is creating a nicer waiting room for Amtrak without contemplated or expanded train capacity through the station. There's no denying that Penn Station needs fixing...But as dollars for transit are scarce, the priority should be expanding trans-Hudson capacity."

Look for a forthcoming post on just that: "expanding trans-Hudson capacity."

Monday, September 1, 2014 in CityLab

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Affordable housing

Commentary: How Can We Solve America’s Affordable Housing Crisis? CDFIs are the Key

As financial institutions whose mission is to support underserved communities, community development financial institutions can be key partners to ensure public-private efforts to build affordable housing pencil out.

October 31, 2024 - Bernel Hall

Playground in courtyard of apartment building.

How Courtyard Apartments Make Cities More Family-Friendly

Apartment buildings with interior courtyards can offer safe, affordable, and functional spaces for urban households with children.

November 10 - Bloomberg CityLab

Two rusty, abandoned oil pumps in rural Texas.

Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice

Remediating and repurposing some orphan oil and gas wells into parks can turn environmental hazards into community assets, promoting health, environmental justice, and accessible green space for underserved areas.

November 10 - Progressive City

Herd of Caribou in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska with snowy mountains in background.

Biden Administration Moves to Protect Alaskan Refuge From Drilling

The administration is taking quick action to cement some of Biden’s key environmental accomplishments before the new Trump administration takes the reins.

November 10 - CNN