Amtrak officials toured the Bristol Borough train station property last week to explore possibly renting or purchasing it now that the borough owns it.
News about the scheduled visit was discussed at last week’s Council meeting.
Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe announced the visit and tour of the historic train station last week.
He said the idea of Amtrak purchasing the property would benefit the borough in many ways.
Having an Amtrak office here in town could lead to a stronger partnership between the transportation company and the borough, officials said.
Credit: Submitted
The relationship between the two entities has warmed considerably in recent years. This is due to the company participating in clean-up efforts in the borough’s north ward spearheaded by Councilwoman Maria Figueroa. The north ward councilwoman since her election to represent the two precinct wards, has made it a personal goal to improve relations with the train company. Amtrak has almost completed an overhaul and upgrading of the Bath Street underpass.
In May the borough announced that it had taken sole possession of the train station property that Nona’s Loving Care Center had been operating out of since 2013. Borough officials said Nona’s is moving the child care center to a Jefferson Avenue location next month.
Pennsylvania Railroad originally owned the property officials said. It was purchased by Bristol Historic Preservation Inc. in 1998 for $62,500 with support from the Grundy Foundation, according to a 2000 article in the now-defunct Bristol Pilot.
The historic structure will maintain its look officials said because it is subject to a facade easement, insuring the stone work “will remain in perpetuity.”
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