Downtown Rail Commuters on Board with Increased Station Access

Construction of the “Gateway Transit Village” and an elevator to the eastbound platform has obstructed foot-traffic around the downtown train station here since early 2010, but relief is in sight.

In October 2011, a pedestrian and wheelchair friendly walkway will open, connecting the westbound platform of the station with College Avenue at Somerset Street, according to according to Jean Holtz, vice president of Communications & Operations for the New Brunswick Development Corporation, or DEVCO.

This new public passageway, which costs $500,000, is nearly complete. It is a small part of the $135.6 million Gateway project.

DEVCO, Pennrose Properties and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) are at the forefront of Gateway, which covers 1.3 acres and features retail and residential space as well as parking.

The 14-floor residential component called “The VUE” begins sales and rental contracts in September. Barnes & Noble will anchor retail, and a Starbucks within the bookstore will have an entrance from the enclosed walkway from College Avenue to the westbound station platform.

On the whole, the Gateway project is nine months ahead of schedule with 56 percent of its budget executed, Holtz said.

Meanwhile the Albany Street elevator to the eastbound platform is not slated to open until the spring of 2012. This $1.7 million lift is the first of several improvements to be financed by $10 million from the Liberty Corridor project, according to Courtney Carrol, senor public information officer at NJTransit.

Most morning rush hour commuters taking time to talk with New Brunswick Patch were enthusiastic about the changes. “I like it,” said Fernando Sorto, a 39-year-old Latin American immigrant. Sorto has taken the eastbound train to work for five years.

“I think it will be better that anyone will be able to get right up there,” Sorto said gesturing toward the nearly completed walkway.

“It’s hopeful for the handicapped and better than building an elevator,” said Awilda Davis, between sips from a steamy Dunkin’ Donuts styrofoam cup. The 49-year-old Davis has been commuting to work from the station for 16 years.

The initial idea for the Gateway project was brewing for years according to Holtz. “The area was in need of redevelopment and was designated back in 1991,” she said.

“In conjunction with discussions with the mayor over the need for more parking and residential units, a unified effort was developed,” indicating a consensus, Holtz said.

But currently the process doesn’t seem to have everyone on board for the ride. B&M Bagel is a small newsstand shop directly across Albany Street from the station. The owner’s brother, Kenny Patel, indicated that not all the local businesses feel included.

“We’re not going to stay here. They’re going to knock down this building in maybe one or two years and we don’t know anything,” Patel said.

Editor's note: The proper name of the 14-floor residential section of the Gateway Building is "The VUE". The spelling of the apartments was incorrect upon publication of this article.