Early yesterday afternoon, Gov. Cuomo announced that the MTA Metro-North Railroad has completed $3.6M in station upgrades to the Croton-Harmon station. Here is more via the official press release I received:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that MTA Metro-North Railroad has completed renovation of the Croton-Harmon station’s customer waiting area. The $3.6 million project involves both station structural renovations and aesthetic improvements. The work was done in phases to allow for continual use by Metro-North customers with minimal disruption during the work.
“The Croton-Harmon station is an important hub along the Metro North Rail Road and these upgrades will improve the commuting experience for the thousands of riders who depend on it every day,” Governor Cuomo said. “This project is building on our efforts to rebuild and modernize the MTA and I am proud to see it completed.”
New wall panels, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, finishes, fixtures and air conditioning have been installed throughout the space, including the waiting area, bathrooms and coffee and newsstand concessions. Modifications to stair portals identify the tracks with sleek, illuminated overhead signage; this upgrade makes tracks more visible and reduces commuter congestion. A more energy efficient LED lighting system gives the station an open, bright and modern appearance. Photos of the station upgrades are available here and here.
The station layout is more efficient and streamlined. Ticket vending machines have been relocated to the nearby the ticket window, creating a self-contained ticket purchasing area. The ticket window has been completely rebuilt with improved lighting, new mill work and finishes and an ADA accessible counter.
The station’s entrance marquee has new ceiling slats, lights, a freshly painted enamel exterior and accented fascia panels in the front of the station building at the street level. MTA Arts & Design commissioned artist Corinne Ulmann to create site specific artwork at the station. Entitled Croton Harmon Station, Ulmann expanded upon the art installation she created for the Station’s South Overpass in 2013. The new artwork is composed of printed vinyl for the windows portraying views of local landscapes as they progress through four seasons, and a floor-to-ceiling glass mosaic, fabricated by Miotto Mosaic Art Studios of Carmel, New York, depicting the iconic Croton Dam, a distinctive landmark for the station and the city. Ullman’s work pays tribute to the Hudson River School painters and the inspiration they found in the romantic landscape of the Hudson Valley.
The station renovation was completed with funding from the MTA Capital Program, with a contribution of $300,000 of MTA capital reserve funds from Assemblywoman Sandy Galef.
Senator Terrence Murphy said, “Riders of the Hudson Line are getting the long anticipated improvements they deserve. The improved aesthetics and streamlined ticket purchasing will further enhance the riding experience for our local commuters and out of town tourists.”
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef said, “Many of my constituents use the Metro-North trains on a regular basis, for both employment and enjoyment. It is wonderful to see improvements in our infrastructure that makes public transportation more attractive and more pleasant for commuters and travelers alike.”
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Dr. Greg Schmidt said, “The Croton-Harmon station is vital to the countless residents in our community who rely on its convenience and service to NYC and all points in between. I applaud the Governor for pushing for this station renovation and for his continued commitment to improving infrastructure across the state.”
Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda D. Puglisi said, “Thousands of New Yorkers rely on Metro-North and the Croton Harmon station on a daily basis, and these upgrades and improvements will make a real and positive difference in their quality of life.”
The work to rehabilitate the station waiting area was performed by Kapris, Inc., a small, minority-owned firm that received the contract after participating in the MTA’s Small Business Development Program. This award-winning, innovative and model program offers emerging firms – especially those owned by women, minorities and military veterans – the unique opportunity to get access to capital, bonding, technical assistance, mentoring and the in-the-field training necessary to help their businesses learn, earn and grow.
Hopefully the upgrades are appreciated & well taken care of & respected by the commuters as well as being maintained to the best possible standards by employees.
xoxo Transit Blogger