PennDOT Announces Train Station Planning Sessions

Thanks to State Senator Andy Dinniman for bringing the following press release from PennDOT seeking input on our train station's future to our attention.

News for Immediate Release
08/10/2011
PennDOT Invites Public Input for Parkesburg Train Station
KING OF PRUSSIA
PennDOT invites the public to take part in a multi-day workshop this month to discuss improvement plans for the Parkesburg train station. The station is located on the Keystone Corridor, which provides high-speed rail service between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. PennDOT, in partnership with Chester County Planning Commission and the Borough of Parkesburg, is seeking public input on ways to improve access, create a welcoming environment and improve station amenities. The workshop is part of an overall revitalization strategy for Parkesburg Borough, consistent with the borough’s 2009 Revitalization Plan. On Aug. 23, the public is invited to attend an opening presentation at Parkesburg Borough Hall to introduce the project and findings to date. The following days’ workshops will be held at the same location. Community members will have opportunities to share their thoughts on alternate station designs and a plan for the future station area. The full schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Aug. 23 – Parkesburg Borough Hall; 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – opening presentation. Wednesday, Aug. 24 - Parkesburg Borough Hall; 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - public workshop. Thursday, Aug. 25 - Parkesburg Borough Hall; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – final public presentation. Parkesburg Borough Hall is located at 315 West First Avenue, Building 1. There is a parking lot located behind the building with an entrance off South Gay Street. The current Parkesburg station does not comply with federal Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The workshop will address this issue and explore potential methods to further enhance the station and its surroundings during this project. The Parkesburg workshop is part of PennDOT’s larger planning effort, “Plan the Keystone,” which aims to involve the community to help enhance transit service and strengthen the communities served by the Keystone Line. Community members can participate in person at public workshops, or contribute their ideas through the “Plan the Keystone” website at www.planthekeystone.com.