Appraisers tour Grand Central project.

How fast can a Metro North train go? Up to 110 miles per hour. When did Grand Central Station first open? The year was 1913.

This information and more on the history and operation of Grand Central Station was passed onto appraisers of the Metropolitan New York Chapter of the Appraisal Institute during a special two hour tour given by Frederick T. Palmer, general superintendent of Grand Central Terminal, and Daniel A. Biederman, president of the Grand Central Partnership. They were joined by Peter S. Brooks, MAI, president of chapter.

Since the station opened nearly 80-years ago, Grand Central has greeted many travelers, according to Palmer. While air and auto travel have deemphasized the train as a mode of transportation, over 100,000 customers, mostly commuters, board Metro North's trains each day.

"The station is busier than ever handling about 57 million rush-hour commuters annually," said Palmer.

The biggest year for the Terminal was 1946; over 65 million passengers passed through its gates. At peak rush hours, trains arrived or departed on an average of one a minute.

Palmer also told appraisers that Grand Central is expected to reach capacity by the year 2010, and extensive plans are underway to help meet the growing demand at the station. These plans include the North End Access Project to provide easier access for passengers, and increase the out-door air circulation.

Another improvement is the Super Tower or New Operations Control center currently being tested and monitored for proper operation. The Super Tower, which would control train switching operations, should be operational by April of 1993, according to Dave Treasure, superintendent of operations support.

Following the tour inside, Daniel A. Biederman, president of the Grand Central Partnership discussed the success they have had in improving the area surrounding the station.

Biederman took appraisers for a stroll on Vanderbilt Avenue and around the perimeter of the Terminal. To emphasize the decrease of litter in the area, he pointed out a passing street cleaner for Grand Central Partnership who rolled by with broom and garbage receptacle in tow.

Noticeably absent on the tour were the homeless that used to line the street. A coalition created by the Partnership to help rather than just relocate homeless, has removed 218 homeless people and placed them in a 28-233k rehabilitation program.