A Metro-North stop in Astoria is in the news again

Image source: HelveticaFanatic on Flickr 

The topic of building a Metro-North station in Queens – in particular, Astoria – is in the news again. The Daily News reports that Quinnipiac University sophomore Ali Fadil (he lives in Whitestone) “has launched a petition urging the MTA to open a Metro-North station in Queens.” He started this after learning about the potential Metro-North trains running through western Queens over the Amtrak line (currently the MTA is conducting a feasibility study on this).

In his words, “If you’re running through Queens, why not have a stop in Queens?”

The MTA says there are no plans to build a station in Queens; as far as new commuter train stops in Queens, there will be an LIRR station built in Sunnyside. In the past, a Metro-North was considered for Astoria, but the analysis showed that there wouldn’t be enough riders to justify the high cost of constructing a station, as well as low-ridership.

Two local City Councilmen have chimed in with their opinions. From Peter Vallone (D-Astoria), “The benefits of adding a stop in western Queens have to be weighed against the increased burden from additional trains.” And from Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), “It’s a good idea, but I don’t know how viable it is at this point.”

If this idea of a Metro-North station in Astoria continues to be discussed and eventually seriously considered, Vallone plans to speak with the community first about it, and will come to a decision after gauging interest locally.

College student starts petition for Metro-North stop in Queens [NYDN]