OPINION
Union Station: It Does Make Sense
I read with interest BusinessWests recent editorial, Union Station: It Still Doesnt 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.
Lets 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 Springfields 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 Springfields most important landmarks, taking full advantage of Union Stations 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.
