Is The Train Station Heading East?

A fantastic picture of Parkesburg's train station taken by Tom Kelly IV of the Daily Local News

An article in this morning's Daily Local News regarding the debate being waged over the future of Parkesburg's century old train station and whether a better location for the proposed new station being planned by PennDOT would be a quarter mile to the east behind Borough Hall on the South and Rocco and Anna's on the north side of the tracks.

At stake are better access from Routes 10, 30 and 41, better lighting, better parking and a better crossover for train riders and pedestrians alike.

Read the article here.

The money quote comes from Borough Manager Jim Thomas:

"This is the last train station in Chester County next to Lancaster County.  For western Chester County and eastern Lancaster County, this is the transportation hub. It has easy access to routes 41, 30, 10 and 372."

Train Station Planning Update

Gerry Treadway and Mel Keen were just two of the many local residents working with PennDOT last week to develop ideas for the future of Parkesburg's train station

By Council President Mel Keen

Last week PennDOT and Baker Engineering were in Parkesburg for two presentations and two workshops to gather facts, history, needs, wants and wishes of the community as it relates to our train station.

Many train riders and residents participated in the three meetings, providing lots of information about traffic and neighborhoods. 

At the end of the three sessions, two locations for the train platform with a variety of parking scenarios seemed to stand out.  The first location is the area of Chestnut Street and the second in the area of Gay Street.  

PennDOT and Baker Engineering took all the info gathered back to Harrisburg to consider and  crunch numbers and engineering data all in an effort to calculate which location best meets state and local requirements.  When PennDOT reaches a conclusion it will be made public.

What is known at this point is several elements must be included in the plan.  First, an ADA cross-over must be implemented giving all persons, even those with handicaps, access to both east- and west-bound trains.    Second, train platforms must be raised to the level of a train's door and be at least 500 foot long on both sides of the tracks.  Third, at least 75 parking spots with improved lighting and a drop off area must be available with options for future parking spaces nearby.  Finally, access to the platforms by pedestrians, bikes, autos, and buses is a must as train ridership grows.

Just for the record here are answers to questions I've heard:

• SEPTA isn't part of this project.  
• The W. Bridge demolition and reconstruction is a separate project.
• Borough Council will not have a vote on the plan.
• Borough money will not be used for the project.
• PennDOT plans to announce their plans by the end of the year
• Once plans are announced it will take a couple of years to complete 

Last week was very much a work in progress. Its important to note nothing has been decided.

 

For more information on the initiative and to stay on top of developments residents are encouraged to check PennDot's PlanThe Keystone website

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