MTA Board Member Raises Concerns About New Penn Station Project
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled plans for the new Penn Station, a Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member is raising concerns about the project's timeline and its funding.
Cuomo wants the $1.6 billion Penn Station overhaul to be completed by 2020, a timeline board member Veronica Vanterpool called "accelerated and ambitious."
"I think it certainly raises questions about is this even feasible and possible," Vanterpool said.
The chairwoman of the Tristate Transportation Campaign also wanted to know where the $220 million to revamp the Long Island Rail Road concourse and subway stations will come from.
"Where is this money coming from? How does it impact the existing capital program? Is there additional funds that the governor is going to commit to this?" Vanterpool asked.
MTA chairman Tom Prendergast told Vanterpool he understands her concerns, but the time for talk is over.
"It's been talked about for 20 years," Prendergast said. "The governor is taking a position that says talk is over. It needs to get done. I don't see a position where I as the chairman of the agency can argue with that."
"It's a very important project," he added.
Cuomo unveiled the renderings Tuesday for a unified Penn Station complex that includes the Farley Post Office, which will be redeveloped into the Moynihan Train Hall.
Cuomo said the new train hall will have more space than Grand Central's main concourse and will accommodate both the LIRR and Amtrak ticketing and waiting areas. There will also be plenty of retail and dining options, Cuomo said.
Three contractors have been picked to work on the project: Skanska AB, Vornado Realty LP and Related Companies.
