Metro-North moves closer to a transit-oriented development at Harrison Train Station

Metropolitan Transit Authority Metro-North Railroad is issuing its first solicitation for a transit-oriented development at Harrison Station in New York. It will improve access to trains by replacing three surface parking lots with a mixed-use development that includes retail space and housing units wrapped around a new parking structure. The project is also intended to serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization in Harrison. The New York State Department of State awarded a Smart Growth Grant to aid this TOD project. "We have branded this project 'It's Happening in Harrison,' because we believe this project, when realized, will create a sustainable, lively, walkable and vital development that will expand and complement the existing village hub at the same time it increases access to trains and reduces reliance on single occupancy vehicles," said Metro-North President Howard Permut. In May, the town board unanimously passed a resolution in support of the TOD solicitation. The site consists of slightly more than three acres of property owned by MTA Metro-North Railroad currently used as commuter parking. The railroad, working with the Real Estate Department of the MTA, intends to use the property to facilitate expanded access to the station. The amount of commuter parking will be doubled, from 255 to about 500 spaces to address needs on this segment of the New Haven line.