Downtown Salem was abuzz this morning as Gov. Deval Patrick, in town to address the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association, made an impromptu stop at the Salem train depot to make official the funding package that had been put together for a new parking facility.
Mayor Kim Driscoll, Congressman John Tierney and Rep. John Keenan all emphasized that the effort to build a new garage has been a priority not only for them, but for organizations like The Salem Partnership and the Salem Chamber of Commerce, both of which were well represented at the event.
From left, Patrick, Driscoll, Keenan and Tierney at Salem train station.
The governor spent several minutes on the platform leading down to the station from Washington Street where Driscoll pointed out the overcrowded lot and the need for a waiting area for commuters. She noted that the current, inhospitable platform has been described as the coldest spot in America.
One question from the governor: What’s that junk yard doing across the river?
Glad you asked, Driscoll replied. The city has long sought to do something with the eyesore that is among the most prominent features looking across the North River from downtown Salem.
