markhb wrote:TRNE wrote:One of NNEPRA's Strategic Goals & Initiatives is to relocate the Portland Train Station from its current location on the Mountain Branch (Portland Transportation Center) to the Mainline. Additional details at http://www.trainridersne.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
That's interesting, because the whole Thompson's Point project is set up as Transit-Oriented Development with a TIF to match, and the rail connection was a key part of that. They were also going to build a parking garage which the PTC would share.
It's also interesting to see that the wye is no longer in the cards, which explains why MDOT appears ready to sell that land to the city.
I've read similar talk about TOD on the former Blue Rock quarry site at the border of Westbrook, which would also possibly take advantage of the rail track for a connection. Which means that, what could possibly work is:
1. take the whole block from the corner of Congress & St. John, knock down the shopping center. This should give them more than enough room for three tracks through the area, if they don't have it already, which it does look like!)
2. current PTC/Thompson's Point and Rock Row become transfers on a NJT-Princeton Junction shuttle-type service, with a cross-platform transfer at the connection timed to meet the Downeasters.
That area around the tracks is prime potential TOD. Currently it's extremely run-down, but it's within walking distance of two hospitals and the Western Promenade, which is a lovely walk, even in terrible weather. The 1,200 parking spaces seems a bit like a red herring, since there's more room near the current site and it's better connected to the highways - unless they build a multistory parking garage, they're not going to get that kind of space anywhere near the tracks.