Larchmont Station Project Moving Again?
by Judy Silberstein
(October 16, 2003) Metro-North’s plans for renovating
the Larchmont Train Station appear to be back on track once
again. Round one of construction
bids at the end of last year produced disappointingly high
responses. Round two appears to have produced a satisfactory
bid and bidder, according to Dan Brucker, spokesman for Metro
North.
In the latest round, the train company received six bids
for a project to renovate various elements of the station
and add an elevator and bathrooms. (See: FAQ
on Larchmont Train Station Project) The lowest bidder
was St. Francis Construction in Queens, New
York – a
company familiar to Metro-North. “That’s
good news,” said Brucker.
St. Francis Construction previously built the Harmon Wheel
True shop for reconditioning train wheels, and another facility
in the Brewster train yard.
“They’re reliable. And they came in at cost, “said
Brucker, though he cautioned that the official decision to
go with St. Francis has not been made yet. “Even though
they have not done a station project for us before, we do
have confidence in their ability and are meeting with them
right now for further discussions.”
Though the Larchmont Station project has been in the works
for years, the tempo built up last August when additional
federal funds became available. After December brought disappointing
bids, Metro-North came up with a number of approaches to
stream-line the project and cut costs. Planners revised various
elements
of the work schedule and insurance system and sent the project
out for bid again during the summer. (See: Rebid)
Now the bids are back, and it looks like the plan has succeeded
in attracting an acceptable bidder at an acceptable price
so renovations can begin early in 2004.
“That would be wonderful – if they can actually
start,” said Trustee Marlene Kolbert when apprised
of the news. “ There will be some displacement, but
people have been waiting for this for a long time.”
“The commuters are anxious to get this project underway,
said Trustee Liz Feld. “If we’re one step closer
now, that’s great news.”
Trustee Anne McAndrews was equally enthusiastic. “This
has been years in the making,” she said. She’s
looking forward to seeing the details of the next phase,
especially those for the elevator and the rest rooms. “It’s
been too long since we’ve been proud of our train station,” she
added.
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