The Future of New York City Runs Through Penn Station
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Economic Growth and Urban Development Through Regional Mobility
Presented by City Club of New York, CUNY Graduate Center and the Center for Urban Research
Exhibition November 12 - December 13, 2024
12:00pm - 6:00pm
This exhibition showcases architectural proposals that reimagine Penn Station as a world-class transportation hub, at a moment when we face momentous decisions about the future of the station and of our city. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness the transformative potential of design, engage with plans that could shape connectivity throughout the region, and be part of a critical conversation about one of the most significant infrastructure projects of our time.
The proposals on exhibit include a range of major changes to the station aimed at enhancing its function as a regional transit hub, a public space, a civic center, and an architectural landmark. They restore the grandeur of the original station, optimize connectivity with the region's rail services, and elevate the commuter and visitor experience. The displays will communicate the visions for the future of the station through a range of striking visuals, such as immersive walkthrough videos, comparative architectural analyses, and phasing diagrams
Featuring:
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ReThink Penn Station
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Alex Washburn
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Tri-State Transportation Campaign
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of panels that will address in greater detail various dimensions of Penn Station's redevelopment.
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The exhibition and panels are free and open to the public- register now!
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The Future Runs Through
Penn Station
This hybrid event will inaugurate a series of panels that will explore the role of Penn Station as a world-class transportation hub, at a moment when we face momentous decisions about the future of the station and of our city. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a critical conversation about one of the most significant infrastructure projects of our time.
Location: CUNY Graduate Center
365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Elebash Recital Hall
Date: November 13
Time: 6:30pm -7:45pm
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REGISTER NOW!
Presented with the James Gallery for Art & Collaborative Inquiry,
the City Club, and the Center for Urban Research.
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The program will address the historical and current context for the redevelopment of Penn Station and will feature a panel on the benefits, merits, and challenges of implementing rail through-running. This change would allow trains to travel through a station rather than terminate there and has the potential to transform Penn Station into a more efficient hub that integrates New Jersey Transit and Long Island Rail Road. Our panelists will explore how this approach could enhance regional connectivity, reduce congestion, and provide a seamless experience for riders. They will also address the infrastructure updates and interagency coordination that this change would require. This conversation aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on what through-running could bring to New York City and the surrounding region.
Participants will include:
Robert Paaswell, Distinguished Professor of civil engineering at the City College of New York and director emeritus of the University Transportation Research Center.
Layla Law-Gisiko, an award-winning documentarian, author, and community advocate, as well as the president of the City Club of New York.
Liam Blank, Chair of the City Club of New York Transportation Committee.
Petra Messick, Senior Program Director in Amtrak's Capital Delivery Department.
Karim Ahmed, Senior Advisor at ReThink NYC.
Rachael Fauss, Senior Policy Advisor at Reinvent Albany.
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Mobility, Regional Growth,
& Urban Development
Tuesday, December 3, 6:30pm
Webinar
Description: This panel will explore the relation between regional mobility enhancements, economic growth, and urban development. Discussion will consider how upgrades to Penn Station might catalyze improvements to the neighborhood without inducing the displacement of its current residents and businesses.
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Featuring:
John Mollenkopf, Distinguished Professor at CUNY Graduate Center, where he teaches political science and sociology.
Owen Gutfreund, Associate Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Hunter College, where his specializations include transportation policy.
Nicole Gelinas, Senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, contributing editor of City Journal, and columnist at the New York Post who writes on urban economics, infrastructure, and finance.
Elizabeth Marcello, doctoral lecturer of urban policy and planning at Hunter College, where she focuses on regional governance and urban economic development.
​Registration Coming Soon!
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Registration Coming Soon!
Description: This panel will discuss international rail integration models, focusing on governance, operations, and scheduling. Experts will share insights from globally successful systems, with an emphasis on how these practices can inform and enhance rail operations in the New York metropolitan area.
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Featuring:
Paul Lewis, Principal at Deutsche Bahn E.C.O. North America, Inc.
Deborah Wathen Finn, President of The Wathen Group, which offers strategic consulting services on transit operations grounded on extensive leadership experience in transportation authorities.