ONECHELTENHAM.ORG
cheltenham chamber of citizens
The chief criticism of the current high level Platform plan of SEPTA is the isolation of the historic building from the new boarding functions. The location of the new high level platforms is not the issue. The relocation of the waiting room, ticketing, restrooms drop off and pickup to the center of the new platforms is the problem. At the Locust Valley Long Island Railroad station, the station functions including ticket machines are housed in the historic building. In the 3D view of Locust Valley, the station has the orange roofs and the elevated platforms extend southeast from the end of the historic canopy. Note there is only a minimal shelter on the platforms. All other functions are where they belong – in the station. The LIRR added a simple electronic announcement board that lets patrons know there train is due in x number of minutes. This allows plenty of time to walk to the platform for the arrival of the train.
The simple solution at Jenkintown Wyncote is to leave the passenger amenities in the station – preferably back into the main building with several smaller retail functions sharing the main space with SEPTA patrons. Accessibility will be addressed with ramps similar to what is proposed and the addition of elevators to a totally refurbished pedestrian underpass. See plan. Will there be some inconvenience for patrons using the South Parking lot – yes but the walk is not much different from those using the North lot.
The use of the existing tunnel with simple pavilions to house the elevators would have minimal impact on the visual integrity of the historic fabric. It will have a huge impact on the historic functional integrity of the building..
James Rose, Jenkintown Planning Commission