BCW Applauds Metro-North Penn Station Access Project

A $1 billion rail plan that would open up Manhattan’s West Side to Metro North commuters in Westchester was hailed by the BCW this week as a shot in the arm for development in the county. 

The plan would make it possible for commuters from the Sound Shore communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye, Port Chester and Harrison to have a one-seat ride to the West Side and would create four new Metro-North stations in the Bronx.

“Opening up easy rail access between Westchester County and Manhattan’s West Side will be a game changer for economic and community development in the county,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. “New opportunities for commuting provide mobility and accessibility for businesses, and increased access opens up new routes for talent to access Westchester’s growing businesses. In addition, this new West Side access will make the new multi-residential communities being built in our urban centers even more attractive for those who want to live in Westchester and still have access to all areas New York City. This is tremendous news for commuters, businesses and residents of Westchester County.” 

MTA officials credited Gov. Andrew Cuomo with helping to broker the deal with Amtrak.

The Bronx stations will be built in Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester and Hunts Point. New Haven Line trains will split off after New Rochelle, with some heading to Penn Station and others taking the existing route into Grand Central.