The new images reveal how transit officials hope to transform the darkened caverns of Penn Station into a modern, light-filled transit center.
The renderings show two possible avenues for the renovation of Penn Station – neither of which would require moving Madison Square Garden, MTA exec Janno Libre reported at Wednesday’s monthly board meeting.
Under one proposal, 40 percent of the upper level of the station would be eliminated – the construction of a single-level facility with a 40-foot-high roof.
Other “two-tier” options will place more of the upper tier, but create an atrium in the waiting area before Amtrak.
On 33rd Street, the MTA and city officials want to move MSG’s loading zone, to create a huge pedestrian plaza with a majestic entrance.
Andrew Cuomo’s grand vision for the area also includes new tracks one block south of the current track under the stretch of Midtown that extend 7th and 8th avenues between 30th and 31st streets.
A third Penn Station concept presented on Wednesday could handle the space facing 8th Avenue, currently occupied by the Hulu Theater, which is part of Madan Square Gardens.
But Labor said opening the theater’s utilities from the arena would cost an additional $ 1 billion or more, and would fail the slim congestion on 7th Avenue.
“We have, I would say, to make it a priority, at least emphasize the MTA’s approach,” he said. “The 7th Avenue side is where the people are, and where we need to prioritize.”
State officials are working with NJ Transit and Amtrak to determine the next steps.
Lieber said officials should act quickly to prepare for additional demand created by a new tunnel across the Hudson River, which officials hope to pursue under President Hayden.
“This is our chance,” he said. “We know that we should have a pen station ready to receive that extra capacity upon completion of the tunnels. It’s not far away.”
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