The poll, conducted by Whitman Insight Strategies LLC, used online interviews to gather information and opinions from 500 New York area residents, including 160 Penn Station commuters. The poll was conducted from June 20 through June 25, and has an overall margin of error of +/- 4.4%. According to the report, respondents were asked a series of open- and closed-ended questions about their use of Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal, and their preferences between the two stations.

According to the report, "a majority of poll respondents supported an expansion of the current station that would accommodate a projected increase in passengers while improving the facility aesthetically, architecturally and functionally." More than 66% of all respondents would rather travel through a train station that looks like Grand Central than Penn Station.

While almost all participants are residents of New York City and its suburbs, their awareness of plans to renovate Penn Station was low, according to the report. Only 40% of respondents had heard about plans to build a new station and only 40% were aware of a plan to expand it across Eighth Avenue to the Farley Post Office building.

Notably, 92% of respondents believe the public should have a chance to see the renovation plans before they are endorsed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer or Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Roughly 80% of participants want public oversight of the renovation. Nearly all respondents stated it is important for the city and state of New York to preserve historic buildings and more than 90% believe it is important to preserve the Farley Post Office building in particular. Nearly 75% of respondents would prefer to use the grand entry hall and historic exterior of the Farley Post Office for Moynihan Station rather than for Madison Square Garden.

The association of MAS with the project dates back to the early 1990s, when Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan first promoted the concept of building a new rail station within McKim, Mead & White's Post Office. MAS has supported the expansion project throughout the planning process and continues to support it today according to the organization.

Instant Insights /

Moynihan Station Poll Reveals Desire for Public Voice

Related Stories

Recommended For You