There are 746 parking spaces at the station. In a move that suggests Metro-North really is trying to upgrade its service for commuters, a spokeswoman says the line is considering a shuttle service to the Harriman train station. Although it's the busiest station along the Port Jervis line, Harriman is not the only station with a parking problem. Instead of implementing a shuttle service at that station, Metro-North is talking about buying homeowners' grassy land and converting it into blacktop lots. If the homeowners are not willing to sell, the parent company of Metro-North, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, can use eminent domain.
Eminent domain is the power to take over private property for the public good.
If back yards are bought, cleared and blacktopped, there will be enough space for another 188 cars. Commuters are grateful that Metro-North is finally listening to their complaints and doing something about them. But in its effort to please, the railroad shouldn't resort to quick fixes that penalize residents. The shuttle makes sense.