Scaled-down plans announced for renovating Penn Station

Scaled-down plans announced for renovating Penn Station

FILE - In this July 15, 2014, file photo, a man consults the Long Island Rail Road departure board amid morning commuters, in New York's Penn Station. Some frustrated Long Island Rail Road riders are suing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the LIRR's parent organization, claiming breach of contract, negligence and "intentional infliction of emotional distress," over chronic shutdowns, delays and packed trains. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has detailed plans to redo often-maligned Penn Station, the country’s busiest rail hub. The Democrat’s plan announced Wednesday calls for transforming the dingy, subterranean station with open space, expanded access to subways and train platforms, and an improved streetscape. It’s expected to take four to five years and cost $6 billion to $7 billion. It’s a scaled-down version of earlier plans announced by previous Gov. Andrew Cuomo. That had included demolishing part of the surrounding neighborhood to expand the terminal and add new buildings. Penn Station has served roughly 600,000 travelers a day on regional rail lines, Amtrak and city subways.

Photo: FILE – In this July 15, 2014, file photo, a man consults the Long Island Rail Road departure board amid morning commuters, in New York’s Penn Station. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)