In an ongoing effort to inform the public of the logic associated with utilizing the former New York Central Terminal as the only reasonable choice for a passenger rail station in WNY, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation will be offering a Free tour this Saturday at 5:30pm. In addition the CTRC along with representatives from Councilman David Franczyk’s office, with members of various preservationist, and community organizations will stage a tree lighting ceremony and offer a Christmas selfie station next to the famous concourse Buffalo statue.
Following the free public tour an informal gathering will take place to share reminiscences and opportunities to share the project initiated by Congressman Brian Higgins, Councilmember David Franczyk, NYS Senator Tim Kennedy, Assemblyman Sean Ryan, the entire Buffalo Common Council and Erie County Legislature along with community and preservation groups Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood Housing Services, PUSH Buffalo, Forgotten Buffalo and Preservation Buffalo Niagara. The holiday gathering will take place at Arty’s Grill located at 508 Peckham St. in the shadow of the famed art deco tower immediately following the Christmas tree lighting.
Because of recent structural issues with the downtown City of Buffalo Amtrak station on Exchange Street, new locations are now being studied as alternatives. The organizers of the event feel the Central Terminal would not only serve the needs for Amtrak and its users but would also spur economic development, while reinventing one of WNY’s most neglected areas.
The coalition known as Station Support Team has begun using the hashtag #allaboardct and sharing their reasoning through social media platforms facebook and twitter along with their website www.allaboardct.com where individuals may sign an electronic petition to climb aboard this project. The public is encouraged to visit the site, like or follow the social media for regular updates and to share the mission with their friends and followers.
Built at the most efficient crossing site for all passenger train lines in Western New York in 1929, the ideal location for the new Amtrak station was, and still is, the former New York Central Terminal.
For more info, visit Facebook event page:
