Everything you Wanted to Know About Renovations at Larchmont Train Station

( August 29, 2002) On August 20, 2002 Metro-North unveiled the latest plans for renovating Larchmont’s Train Station, as reported in the Larchmont Gazette (See: Metro-North .) Since then, readers have contacted us with a variety of questions on various details. We’re providing the following questions and answers based on previous and updated information from Metro-North.

Further questions? Let us know and we’ll track down the answers: E-mail Larchmont Gazette

1. What improvements are planned?

The old overpass will be replaced with an entirely new structure with a stairway and elevator on each side. The overpass will have heat and glass windows that can be opened for cleaning.

The ramp leading to the inbound platform will remain. In addition, there will be elevators at the far end of both the North and South parking lots to provide access to the parking lots, platforms and overpass. Handicap parking will be upgraded.

There will be new canopies and drainage systems.

The existing tunnel under the tracks will be getting new paint and light fixtures, and better drainage.

In place of the existing ticket office, there will be a new air-conditioned building with a larger waiting room, concession area, water fountain, and unisex bathroom.

On the inbound side, the shelter will be repainted.

The exposed steel will be repainted.

There will be new platform lighting and signage.

2. What is the project schedule?

The station renovation is part of Metro-North’s 2002-2004 Capital Program and is slated to begin in the 4th quarter of 2002 and end by 2004. Metro-North will be putting the project out for bid during September 2002 and expects to have contractors at work before the end of 2002.

3. How much has been done already?

As part of Metro-North's 1995-1999 Capital Program, the old wooden stairs and structures at the west end of both the inbound and outbound platforms have been removed and replaced. The stairs in the middle of the platform have been renovated.

4. What will the project cost? How is it being paid for?

The construction budget is $5.65 million, which includes $1 million of federal funding secured by Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and state funding that supports Metro-North Capital projects. No Larchmont Village or Town of Mamaroneck funding is involved.

5. What is the Arts in Transit program?

In keeping with New York State and Metro-North’s policy, a portion of any capital budget is reserved for art. Arts in Transit is in charge of the selection and implementation of the particular art works. Local officials and residents participate in the process.

At this point, Arts in Transit is working with artist Joy Taylor to develop a final proposal for a mural to appear in the new waiting room. See Beautifying Larchmont's Train Station for more details.

6. What sort of input has there been from the Village of Larchmont and the Town of Mamaroneck in the design and development process?

The August 20, 2002 meeting was the latest in a series that involved collaboration between Metro-North and the Village and Town. In March of 2002, Metro-North met with Village and Town officials to present drawings considered 30% complete. They received numerous suggestions and requests for further information. (See: Larchmont Online's Document Center.) Of particular concern at that meeting was providing ongoing local input into the project and designing the new ticket office and overpass to reflect the character of the Village.

Since then, Metro-North has continued working with the local Town and Village Boards and with the Village Board of Architectural Review. According to Diane Neff, Chairperson of the Board of Architechtural Review, her committee was particularly concerned with the design of the waiting room and the overpass. The new designs move away from the current flat-roofed, metal structures towards a ticket office and overpass with peaked roofs and coordinating brick and stone facings. Some of the details were borrowed from designs of the original Larchmont train station lost to I-95 construction.

7. What factors determined the placement of the waiting room and overpass.

According to Diane Neff and the Metro-North spokesperson, there was limited flexibility for placement of the waiting room, elevators and overpass. The new waiting room location is tied to existing supports underneath the current structure. The overpass and elevators had to be located away from the overhead wires, tunnel and other stairways.

The elevators are towards the back of both North and South parking lots and near the handicap parking spots and curb cut. Although that requires a long walk for commuters walking in from Chatsworth Avenue, the assumption is that most handicapped riders will be arriving by car.

8. How will the project affect parking?

There will be a net loss of eleven parking spaces. Handicap access spaces will receive upgrades to include adjacent "handicap access aisles" for vehicle entry and egress. Other spaces will be lost to provide access to the elevator.

9. How will the project affect commuters during construction?

Commuters will have access to the old structures that will remain until the new overpass, ticket building and other shelters are complete.

Metro-North has not yet identified where it will locate the construction office, materials, vehicles and other apparatus. Providing space during construction may reduce the number of available parking spaces.

10. Which vendors will provide services within the waiting area?

All concessions are put out for public bid. The highest bidder is allowed to operate the concession.

11 . Are there new security and safety features resulting from the project?

Complying with ADA regulations will improve safety for all users of the station. There are no plans for additional security. There has been some discussion about closed circuit television, but there are no current plans or funds for this addition.

12. Are there additional improvement plans for the area adjacent to the train station?

The Town of Mamaroneck is completing streetscape improvement North of the train station, including burial of utility wires and new sidewalks and lighting. The Village of Larchmont has been working with consultants to develop plans for improving the business district near the train station and elsewhere. At this point, the Board has not decided on a specific course of action.

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