Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 3/21/2023
PALMER — For nearly 30 years, Steaming Tender Restaurant Owner Blake Lamothe has been working alongside state officials to bring passenger rail service back to Palmer but now, it is the closest it has ever been.
The ongoing topic of adding a train stop in Palmer has been at the forefront of recent conversations following Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2024 (FY24) budget proposal, which includes a $4 million line item to fund rail projects in Palmer and Pittsfield. The line item explained that it would be used “for one-time expenses for rail projects in Palmer and Pittsfield; provided, that not less than $8.5 million shall be expended for track improvements at the Pittsfield station; and provided further, that not less than $4 million shall be expended for study and design for a Palmer station.” Currently, this is solely a proposal and still needs to make it through the legislative process.
On March 13, state Sen. Jake Oliveira was joined by state Senate President Karen E. Spilka to tour the historic Palmer Train Stop at the Steaming Tender Restaurant.
Blake and his daughter, Scarlet Lamothe, provided a tour of the structure that was built in 1884 on the Olmsted grounds.
In 1987, the Palmer Railroad Station was purchased by Blake and Robin Lamothe. Scarlet Lamothe explained that it took 17 years to restore the building. She pointed out the flat, “special brick” that was used throughout the entryway, along with archways in the basement and beyond. Scarlet Lamothe said the attention to detail was key and described the space as a “gem.”
She noted that it was funded by the Vanderbilt’s.
When people enter the Steaming Tender, Scarlet Lamothe said people look up at the high, exposed structure. She compared it to Grand Central Station in New York City which is still used daily.
When the Palmer Railroad Station was built, it was the fifth largest station in the United States. The railroad itself was the most popular at the beginning of the 1900s, with around 30 to 40 trains stopping at the Palmer station each day.
When the Lamothes purchased the station, Blake Lamothe said, it was on a list of most endangered properties. One of the projects he took on was rebuilding the outdoor canopies, among others.
At that same time, Blake Lamothe recalled the commerce that was in Palmer such as five hotels in the center of town and more than 100 little businesses. He shared that it is a “shame” rail service has not kept going along with the car industry.
Blake Lamothe said, “It would be embarrassing if we didn’t use this building” for the East-West Rail and down the road, the North-South Rail. Although it is important to focus on the present, he expressed the value of future development.
The Lamothes shared plans with Oliveira and Spilka that included proposals for passenger platforms and more, along with renderings.
Oliveira noted the importance of Palmer to him, as his great grandparents settled here after leaving Poland. He went on to say that when railroad service was at its peak, it brought more people to the area. “Palmer is the gateway to Western Mass.,” he added.
With the governor’s FY24 budget proposal, Oliveira said identifying Palmer as a stop is a “huge step.” With five colleges in the area, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he believes Palmer is an ideal stop.
“[I am] so happy the governor proposed this,” shared Oliveira. As the budget process moves along, he believes it is important that Palmer is recognized.
Spilka agreed and said having a train stop in Palmer “would do so much for this area.” She added that the state needs to expand access to commuter rail service.
Scarlet Lamothe shared that she lived in France for six months and traveled by rail often as it was the easiest option. After returning home, she said being in a car almost makes you feel “stuck.”
Blake Lamothe said he has been working with Congressman Richard Neal for years on this, along with Amtrak to “get a feel on what needs to be done.”
Spilka recognized Blake Lamothe for his efforts and said it is no longer a matter of if it will be done, but when.
Scarlet Lamothe shared that this is the closest it has ever been. “Massachusetts is such a small state – anything is possible,” she said.
Blake Lamothe said there are about 52,000 cars a day that drive by Palmer, forcing the Massachusetts Turnpike to become “so congested.”
Spilka said if there is anything they can do to take people off the pike, it should be done. Oliveira noted that passenger rail service will cut down on travel time.
Spilka went on to say that safe, reliable transportation is needed. With the East-West Rail, she said it will bring workers in, help with the environment, quality of life and more.
With the state senators who are currently involved in this project, Spilka said she is not concerned about this project losing momentum.
Oliveira noted that Palmer was built around the railroad. “Palmer is the crossroads,” he said. With all the conversations Oliveira has had surrounding this topic, he is confident that Palmer is on everyone’s map for a potential stop.
Spilka added that Palmer is an important location and believes the governor offered a solid budget.
She explained that the finalizing of the budget is a few months away.
Oliveira acknowledged Neal and Congressman Jim McGovern for their favorable partnership on this.
Spilka agreed and said she expects those partnerships to continue.
As Palmer was once a “transportation hub,” Scarlet Lamothe believes that it will once again become that – bringing the people and connectivity back to Palmer – the town of the seven railroads.