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(rshsdepot) Southeast, NY
It's now Southeast
By: Eric Gross 10/30/2003
25 years later Brewster North station renamed
SOUTHEAST - The Brewster North Railroad Station is no more.
Officials from the Metro-North Railroad traveled to Putnam County early Monday and after greeting sleepy commuters rushing for their morning trains, unveiled a new sign which officially renamed the Brewster North station as Southeast.
Railroad President Peter Cannito said the occasion was historic. "It's taken us 25 years to get here but finally the confusion between Brewster and Brewster North will be no more. The renaming of the station to Southeast was important to members of the community. I'm pleased that we are accommodating the town as much as possible."
Southeast is one of the most heavily used stations along the entire Metro-North Railroad. "What makes this station so popular is the parking. Many of those who use this facility are not Southeast residents. This is a regional station that draws commuters from southern Dutchess, northern Westchester and western Fairfield counties," said Mr. Cannito.
State Assemblyman Willis Stephens was on hand for the occasion. "The new name creates a clarity that railroad passengers had requested for years because many people got off at Brewster Village. The new name gives Southeast an individual identity that will hopefully increase ridership," he said.
County Executive Robert Bondi called the day a proud one for not only Southeast but for all of Putnam County. "This station is the most heavily traveled transportation depot in Putnam. It will remain as a focal point for many years to come," he said.
Edward Vrooman, chairman of the board of the Metro-North Railroad, also attended the ceremony and applauded the name change. "Confusion created by two stations named Brewster will be eliminated. Now Southeast has an identity and riders will know exactly where the station is located," he said.
Supervisor Lois Zutell remembered the ribbon cutting for Independence Way when the Brewster North station first opened. "Officials of that era wanted to take the commuter traffic out of the village. Having the station renamed Southeast goes along with that philosophy because the station is located outside of the village limits," she said.
Southeast Councilman Richard Honeck compared the station to the motion picture "Field of Dreams." The councilman said, "When the vast parking lots were constructed at what is now called Southeast, hundreds of commuters began using the facility. Its time people realize where they are."
Southeast Town Clerk Ruth Mazzei was a bit philosophical about the name change. "I wear a name tag that indicates I am town clerk of the Town of Southeast. Nobody ever recognizes it. Perhaps, now they will," she said.
New train schedules with the Southeast station shadowed in blue ink were distributed moments after the name was officially changed.
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org
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