(rshsdepot) Springfield, MA

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

Commentary by congressman on Union Station redevelopment in Business West.

Bernie Wagenblast
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Union Station: It Does Make Sense 
By RICHARD E. NEAL 

I read with interest BusinessWest's recent editorial, "Union Station: It
Still Doesn't Make Sense," and must respectfully disagree with this
conclusion. In my view, the new plan for the redevelopment of Union Station
('Union Station II') represents an exciting opportunity to revitalize this
long-dormant landmark, and it makes great economic sense for Springfield. 
In a nutshell, the plan positions Union Station as the key regional
interchange for Amtrak and commuter rail service, regional and local bus
service, and taxi service. The existing run-down rail terminal would become
a modern public facility. A new bus terminal with a parking garage would be
built on the site of the baggage building. Office space would be provided
for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) as well as the Pioneer
Valley Planning Commission. A day-care center would serve employees
throughout the downtown area. Finally, the ADA-accessible facility will
include space for transit-related retail and more office uses in the future.

Union Station II is the result of an intensive year-long planning effort
undertaken by the PVTA, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, and the
Springfield Business Development Corp. Working with HDR, an award-winning
consulting firm, this team has produced a plan that resolves a number of
thorny issues that plagued previous efforts. 

While it is true that Union Station II is less elaborate than earlier
concepts, this new approach is both more realistic and within budget. 
Let's take a closer look at why Union Station II makes sense: 

Enhanced transportation facilities. With the memory of $4-per-gallon
gasoline fresh in our minds, the time has never been better to advance a
project that will support mass transit as an alternative to over-reliance on
the automobile. 

Transit-oriented development. Across the world, transit-oriented development
(TOD) has emerged as a proven vehicle for achieving 'smart growth' by
leveraging transit resources. Union Station will become a TOD anchor that
will attract private investment to the area. 

Market-driven. Union Station II is well-grounded in Springfield's
real-estate market. This practical approach relies on fewer tenants that
each have good reason to be located in a transit-themed facility. 

Downtown revitalization. The project will advance the cause of downtown,
bringing new people to Springfield and improving the marketability of office
space. It is an ongoing effort to move downtown forward, which includes a
soon-to-be-announced plan for the federal building. 

Historic preservation. Union Station II will preserve one of Springfield's
most important landmarks, taking full advantage of Union Station's
architectural and historic character. 

'Green' construction. The project will be undertaken on an environmentally
sensitive basis. Sustainable design is expected to earn the project a
'silver' LEED rating. 

Financial viability. The redevelopment plan reflects strict financial
discipline. It utilizes available federal financial resources and
anticipates private investment as ancillary commercial space leases up. 
While it has taken longer than I would like to bring about revitalization of
Union Station, the fact is that virtually every major economic development
initiative involves a certain measure of uncertainty, frustration, and
delay. In this case, the time spent is certainly reasonable given the
complexities involved in assembling a viable project. In my view, the
parties involved should be praised for their persistence in the face of
multiple obstacles. 

Springfield wants and deserves a transportation center that is modern,
clean, and efficient - a center that brings together various transportation
options, including commuter rail and intercity bus service, in an
attractive, welcoming, and customer-friendly setting. The economic and
environmental benefits of a revitalized station support the promise of a
brighter future for Springfield and the Pioneer Valley. 
Yes, Union Station II makes a whole lot of sense, and it deserves public
support.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal represents the Second District of Massachusetts. 


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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #1804
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org