The Castle Shannon T-station project, which has been talked about since the mid-1990s, was given a boost recently when core-sample drillings, which gauge land stability, were taken at the site.

"It's been a long time, but every indication is positive at this point," borough Manager Tom Hartswick said.

The land for the project fronts Castle Shannon Boulevard and is the site of a major stop on the 42 T-line as well as for buses. It contains a park-n-ride lot and a walkway to stops on the connecting 47 line.

If local developer Jim Aiello's plans come to fruition, the area would be transformed into a development containing up to 96 residential units in a 10-story building near the front of the property.

More than 50,000 square feet of commercial development in two additional free-standing buildings also is being discussed, Mr. Hartswick said.

The Port Authority operation at the site would remain mostly unchanged; buildings would be built on a deck over the existing 500-space parking lot.

"Without seeing actual plans, this is what we believe will happen," Mr. Hartwick said. "As I understand it, they are just starting on their due diligence on the site."

The land was rezoned in the early 2000s, he said, to accommodate residential property. The area behind the T-station is mostly single-family residential, with some duplex housing and an apartment complex at one end.

The estimated cost of the project is $30 million, with applications for tax-increment financing and various state funding commitments.