MTA clears 180th St. overgrowth

MTA clears 180th St. overgrowth

Local straphangers no longer have to feel like they’re trekking through a forest to get to the 180th Street Station in Van Nest. 

The station, which serves the #2 and #5 subway lines, located at the corner of Morris Park Avenue and 180th Street, was recently pruned after its greenery became vastly overgrown. 

The weeds grew as tall as three to four feet in some areas, hiding the beauty of the Japanese maples and other shrubbery that surround the historic Spanish-style architectural landmark. 

After a New York City Transit spokesperson said the agency would look into the situation last week, commenting that maintenance of the greenery was done “periodically,” the situation was immediately remedied. 

“We’re very happy to address problems when brought to our attention,” a transit spokesperson said.

Designed as a regional hub, unlike most subway stations, the 180th Street location requires a great deal of exterior maintenance. 

The New York, Westchester and Boston Railroad emerged as a regional rail line in 1906, guided by Charles S. Mellen, who wanted to build a new station in the Bronx to rival the then-overtaxed Grand Central Station. 

Pleased with the clean up, local resident Gloria Espada said, “Now I don’t feel like I’m headed through the jungle on my way to work.”