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Plans to redevelop the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, first unveiled in 2008, appear to be going forward. PHOTO: Mike Fitelson
The long incubation period for the revitalization of the George Washington Bridge Bus Station in Washington Heights may finally be coming to an end. Port Authority officials announced Thu., June 30 an additional $3.2 million infusion to the project that will modernize the 47-year-old transportation hub, increase retail space, and possibly lead to construction beginning in the fall.
The Port Authority Board’s announcement brings the Authority’s total commitment to $83 million. The developer, George Washington Bridge Development Venture LLC, has pledged $100 million.
According to one spokesperson, the delays for the project, first announced in 2008, were due to the economy and other issues, but would not elaborate.
When construction is completed, now scheduled for late 2013, it is estimated that the retail space will be quadrupled to 120,000 square feet and about 750 new jobs will be created. Officials say national retailers have been signed to lease the commercial space, but would not say who they are.
The redesign also includes a new bus station with 21 gates, a modern waiting area for passengers, and better integrated transfers to the MTA’s subway system.
“Whether you use the George Washington Bridge Bus Station to commute to work or you live in the neighborhood and will be shopping in one of the new stores, today’s action is good news for the people of this region,” said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni in a statement.
The spaceship-looking bus station opened in 1963 and consists of two, three-level structures occupying facing blocks, directly above I-95, on the west and east sides of Broadway. Most of the commercial tenants have already moved out. Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union on the Fort Washington Avenue side of the terminal will relocate to the new Triangle Building owned by Alianza Dominicana on W. 165th Street later this year.
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