(rshsdepot) Rome, NY

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

From The Observer-Dispatch

Rome train station renovations continue
Completion expected by mid-December
Mon, Nov 10, 2003

SHAWN ANDERSON
Observer-Dispatch
ROME -- Hey, you got a toilet?

While contractors renovate and refurbish the Martin Street train station's
lobby, Edward Uvanni has gotten used to hearing that question.

"People from the trains are using my facilities," said Uvanni, owner of the
"El Chico" restaurant next to the station. "They do what they gotta do and
walk out."

For the next month or so, that question won't go away.

Initially pegged to re-open by November, the station's opening date has been
pushed back to mid-December because of delays, Public Works Commissioner
Robert Comis said.

"I will finish that before the mayor leaves," Comis said. "If not, they can
fire me."

Not everyone is as optimistic about the new opening date -- including the
mayor.

"The last time I visited the train station (Monday), it didn't look that
encouraging," interim Mayor John Mazzaferro said.

The renovations began in the spring and have been beset by delays, including
rainy weather during the summer and the discovery of asbestos, which had to
be removed, Comis said.

The $2 million to $3 million project aims to give the train station a face
lift while adding a bus terminal that will be the central hub for the city's
VIP Transportation buses.

The city has spent an estimated $1.8 million, with the rest coming from
government grants, Comis said.

Amtrak trains are still picking up and dropping off passengers, six times
every day.

In Amtrak's last fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, the Rome station saw
6,343 people board or leave the train, an Amtrak spokesman said.

Once opened, the station still will not have a place to buy tickets. Comis
said the city will talk with Amtrak about putting a ticket machine in the
station, but until then, people will have to visit a travel agent or order
directly through Amtrak.

William Noblett, a customer at "El Chico," said he would take the train to
see Buffalo Sabres hockey games if purchasing tickets was easier.

"There should be an agent here at specified times," said Noblett, 47.

City officials hope the station will spur economic development. Comis noted
it's the closest Amtrak station to Turning Stone Casino Resort and it sits
within 15 miles of three Thruway exits.

Uvanni isn't even sure a refurbished station and bus terminal will help his
restaurant. Most passengers who use his bathroom or phone don't stick around
to eat, he said.

"I hope something picks up," Uvanni said. "We'll just have to see. It can't
hurt."

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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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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #786
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org