MTA seeks tenants for suburban train stations

Four Westchester train stations are set to hit the rental market this week as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority attempts to transform its excess space and slash upkeep costs. According to the Wall Street Journal, the agency is seeking tenants to take over its brick station buildings in Peekskill, Tarrytown, Ossining and Port Chester, which were originally built to house waiting rooms and ticket booths, but which were made relatively obsolete with the advent of electronic ticket machines. The hope is that restaurateurs and retailers will want to take advantage of the foot traffic those spaces offer in exchange for covering the maintenance of bathrooms and waiting areas. Bids are due next month, and the MTA is looking to sign 10-year leases for the buildings, which range from 1,200 square feet for the Ossining station to 7,400 square feet for the one in Peekskill. Additional stations throughout Westchester and Long Island may come on the market over the next year. [WSJ]