'Penn South' Rail Project Could Offer Relief To Commuters At Cost Of Historic Church
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- A church could be standing in the way of New Jersey commuters' hopes for a faster trip to the city.
For some weary N.J. commuters, even talk of the Penn South Project, which would add rail stations and in some cases eliminates bus transfers, provides a sigh of relief.
"There's a lot of stoppages on train lines and a lot of delays and if this is going to ease that, unfortunately if something has to go," one rider told CBS2's Emily Smith.
That "something" that has to go could be the beloved St. John the Baptist church.
Amtrak's plan to expand rail service across the Hudson would require adding another Penn Station terminal and two underground rails beginning at 31st Street.
Father Thomas Franks said he hasn't been contacted yet about possible church demolition, but fears it's imminent.
"It would be something where they demolish the whole block and rebuild afterward," Father Franks said. "Certainly nothing could replace a church that's been on site since 1870."
The church also houses a special shrine dedicated to St. Padre Pio; it contains a fingerless glove and a stained sock.
It's believed that Father Pio, in a small Italian church in 1918, started bleeding from his hands and feet as the miracle of stigmata, which some Catholics believe recreates the crucifixion wounds of Christ.
"It's never been on our radar that they could tear down a church of such historical significance," Father Franks said.
While plans are far from final, Amtrak building a new rail station for N.J. commuters would likely mean taking over the entire block.
A nearby restaurant owner said he is worried about the possible loss of a church that he visits everyday.
Amtrak is currently assessing the property acquisition needs that would be necessary for the future expansion of Penn Station.
"Amtrak does not necessarily intend to, and is not pursuing a plan to demolish anything yet," an Amtrak spokesperson said.
Plans for Penn South may be in the earliest stages, but it's something Father Franks can't help but think about.
"I would always hold out hope. We are a people with faith. I wouldn't want to lose hope," he said.
"It's an example of New York architecture and we need to remind ourselves and inspire ourselves for future projects around the city," one man said.
That sentiment was echoed by most on the block.
CBS2 also reached out to NJ Transit. A spokesperson said an official plan hasn't been processed yet. The project is still 10 to 15 years away according to Amtrak.
