Businesses hopeful about Union Station project

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Phase One in the redevelopment of Springfield's Union Station got underway Tuesday morning.

The Governor joined city officials to launch the start of the project, which as been in the making for nearly four decades.

Advocates of the project say it will make Springfield a transportation hub, bringing people into downtown. Business owners in the city hope that is the case.

"We've been waiting a long time for it to happen, 30 years.  And several businesses downtown are looking forward to it.  Anything that brings people and transportation," said Robert D'Agostino, Co-Owner of Katz & Daogs Delicatessen on Main Street.

The $78 million project will include a revamped terminal where buses, trains, and taxis transport people in and out of the city.

But some business owners think other development is needed as well.

"I think if they had some reasons for people to come to the city, then it would help," said Mike Preston, Owner of All Floors.

Phase One of the project includes tearing down the baggage building and renovating the main terminal.