why does the area immediately outside penn station look and smell like crap?

[KrazyHorse]

The building conservation movement is the second-most repugnant, welfare-destroying thing in New York

The worst thing is, obviously, rent control

[Dinner]

Grand Central Terminal is the final stop for all commuter rail traffic coming in from the North on Metro North (CT as well as Upstate NY). Penn Station is the main rail hub, housing Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the Long Island Railroad trains.

The original Penn Station was a grand station, a rival to GC, and its demolition to make way for the ugly replacement is what started the building conservation movement in NYC.

I believe they actually mentioned that in passing on Mad Men last season.