LYNN — More than two years after the closure of Lynn’s downtown commuter rail station, residents say they’re losing patience — and faith — in the pace of promised infrastructure improvements.
Although the MBTA reopened limited service at a temporary platform at Ellis and Friend Streets in December 2023, the agency has not provided a formal update on the permanent station or the adjacent garage redevelopment since September 2023. In that time, visible progress has remained minimal, and communication is sparse.
“It’s clear the station needed to close, and the temporary platform is something — but we don’t know what’s coming next or when,” said Marcus Delaney, a Lynn resident who commutes downtown. “From the outside, it just feels like things are stalled.”
The MBTA closed the original Lynn station in fall 2022 after identifying deterioration in the station’s structure. In September 2023, work began on the interim station to maintain service during the rebuild. Trains resumed stopping in Lynn on Dec. 18, 2023.
While the interim platform has restored service, riders say the lack of progress toward a permanent station — along with limited public updates — has fueled skepticism.
According to the MBTA, the long-term project includes a full reconstruction of the station with a high-level center island platform, ADA-compliant elevators at both ends, new stairs, canopies, lighting, and improved signage. As of last fall, design work was only 30% complete.
Aaron Clausen, Lynn’s director of planning and development, confirmed that the project remains in its early stages, and noted that the station and garage projects are being handled separately by the MBTA.
“They are bifurcated, even though they’re right next to each other,” Clausen said. “The garage and the commuter rail stop are very much on different timelines.”
The MBTA is currently conducting a feasibility study for the parking garage to determine whether to raze the entire structure, restore a portion of it, or repair it in full. That study is expected to conclude within the next few months.
For some residents, the timeline has already felt too long.
“I appreciate that trains are stopping here again,” said Julia Kim, a student at North Shore Community College. “But it’s been more than a year since they said they were designing the new station, and we haven’t seen any construction. It’s frustrating.”
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson acknowledged the long-term nature of the work but highlighted the return of train service as a critical milestone.
“While the full train station platform reconstruction is a long-term project, we are grateful for the MBTA’s collaboration in opening the temporary Friend Street platform, which has greatly benefited our residents by restoring train service,” Nicholson said. “Our partnership with the state delegation and the MBTA continues with our work on the parking garage redevelopment, and we look forward to the industry day in May, which will highlight the development potential of this site.”
City Council President Jay Walsh echoed the frustration of residents and emphasized that the city cannot accept indefinite inaction.
“That train station and that parking garage are in the same boat as a lot of these sites in the city,” Walsh said. “Whether it’s owned by National Grid or the MBTA, leaving them derelict and in a state of disrepair with no plan is not an option — for them or for the City of Lynn.”
He said city leaders are determined to keep the pressure on state agencies.
“They all have their difficulties, sure,” Walsh said. “But keeping these properties vacant or abandoned isn’t going to be an option. Not for the city, and not for the state. We’re going to keep pushing them to act.”
