How realistic is it to move Madison Square Garden to fix Penn Station? Here's the not-so-simple answer.

"The Grand Penn proposal would move Madison Square Garden across Seventh Avenue, onto or near the former Hotel Pennsylvania site, and use the freed-up space above Penn Station to build a much grander, roomier train hall."

"Backers say that could produce a brighter, safer station, add accessibility improvements and potentially increase train throughput to 48 trains per hour."

"In a 2023 compatibility report, Amtrak, the MTA and NJ Transit laid out just how much the current arena configuration complicates Penn Station improvements, saying a comprehensive reconstruction is needed."

"The master plan they referenced calls for more stairs, escalators and elevators, simplified circulation and expanded public concourses—all changes that are, understandably, more difficult to pull off with a 22,000-seat arena sitting on top of everything."

The Grand Penn proposal seeks to move Madison Square Garden to the former Hotel Pennsylvania site, allowing for a larger train hall at Penn Station. This relocation is projected to enhance safety, accessibility, and train throughput, with an estimated cost of $7.5 billion and a timeline of 11 years. However, the plan encounters substantial hurdles, including complex government regulations and the influence of wealthy stakeholders. A 2023 report highlights how the current arena configuration complicates necessary improvements to Penn Station.

Read at Time Out New York