Planning Begins For Train Station Renovation

If you couldn't make the 'Plan the Keystone' session Tuesday evening, the first of three such sessions planned this week to flesh out the improvements the community wants to see in a train station, here's a quick summation of the discussion and a copy of the presentation.

 From the Plan The Keystone website, this description of Tuesday evening's discussion:

The Community Workshop for the Parkesburg Train Station Area began on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 23.  Approximately 20 participants attended the opening-night presentation and workshop to talk about opportunities for improvement of the train station and downtown Parkesburg. 

The evening began with a presentation in which the project team and Bob Garrett of PennDOT discussed the importance of Parkesburg as a stop along the Keystone Corridor and preliminary project findings.  Participants then divided into small groups to discuss what they valued most about Parkesburg, including its small town character, facilities (library, park etc.), proximity to other urban areas, its history, and open space. They also discussed opportunities for the borough and train station including attracting more businesses, increasing connections and walkability, and encouraging SEPTA to expand service to the borough.

The groups then brainstormed ideas for three “themes” that emerged so far in the planning process: improve the station, connect the station to key Parkesburg assets, and improve mobility in Parkesburg.  The groups poured out a multitude of ideas and suggestions for potentially relocating the station or improving the existing station, improving ADA access, opportunities for East and West Bridge Street, and improving parking among many other suggestions.      

The day was a success and the project team looks forward to working with the public to develop concepts over the next two days. 

And the presentation used to kick off the evening's activities and get everybody thinking about the train stations future:

Parkesburg Train Station Renovation Planning Presentation