Raleigh Council takes right step on Union Station’s cost

The Raleigh City Council has made a sound and unified decision to approve more funding for the Union Station project rather than balk at cost-overruns.

The hub of the station, which is a federal, state and local project, is running about $10 million over the initial $44 million estimate. But the hub, when completed, will be a spectacular gathering place in the city’s warehouse district. It will feature a design that will include retail and perhaps office space along with entertainment venues. It’s the type of structure Raleigh should have had years ago.

There was hesitation when cost increases were announced, and that prompted discussion about scaling back parts of the project. But the finished station, a transportation center for rail and alternatives, is going to be worth it. The city’s residents would have come to regret cost-cutting that made the station less versatile and attractive. Raleigh is going to have a destination park on the old Dorothea Dix property, and the city’s downtown residential construction is booming.

This is no time to go on the cheap with regard to this transit project. Council members were united in support and should stay united. Other challenges and other expenses may await, but that’s OK. Raleigh needs to be bold here, with all engines roaring.

This story was originally published November 6, 2015 at 5:03 AM with the headline "Raleigh Council takes right step on Union Station’s cost."