Letter: Make the new Penn Station ‘green’

A view of what would be Penn Station's main entrance from 8th Avenue. The new entrance would be created by removing the MSG Paramount Theater. Credit: Office of the Governor
From Newsday’s photo and story, it’s difficult to tell what Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s vision includes for a new Penn Station [“Building his agenda,” News, Jan. 10]. Instead of yet another building of concrete, steel and glass, wouldn’t it be better to offer a truly green building?
An exterior green-planted wall would provide some hush to the noise of the city and would absorb carbons from the thousands of vehicles surrounding Penn. On sweltering days, a green roof would keep the interior cooler, reducing electricity demands and bills.
The possibilities are endless for greening the interior. I hope the governor’s designers, architects and engineers will consider making the new Penn an oasis in a part of Manhattan replete with concrete.
Vivienne Lenk, Little Neck