Row of buildings

I would put a row of low buildings, non-railroad related, with the backs facing the aisle.  With 9 inches you could vary the depth of the buildings by 4-5 inches.  The whole row could be put on a piece of foam so that they could be removed.  Individual low buildings would still let you see over the tops or between the buildings to see the track or trains in the back track moving.  You could arrange it so the lower back track wasn't necessarily visible but the trains on it would be.  The only time you would know there was a track there is when a train was running on it.

Low warehouses, tenements, small industries, etc. would be the type of industries.  Leaving 3-5 inches of space between the backs of the buildings and the double main would allow you to add details for the various industries making that the focal point and drawing attention away from the back track and the wall immediately behind it.

"Transit hub"

Hi,

this is a nice spot for a small scene.

With a commuter station planned across the tracks I would think a small transit-hub type of operation would fit well. A small cafe, probably with bus station (ticket booth) and as you mention waterways - the ferry also needs some ticket office.

Depending on your desire, the actual bus station and a small parking lot (P+R) could be lowered into the scenery with the access road passing under the tracks, or you could just have a footbridge towards the bus station and parking lot across the tracks. Some space for a small park with a railroad-related exhibit may also work well.

Have fun!

Leave it Open?

No rule states you have to put anything in that spot.  What's the general "condition" of the entire area? Does it lean a bit toward "the other side of the tracks"?  If so, you could just let it be an overgrown, somewhat neglected piece of property with a couple of scraggly trees and maybe a board by board fence of some nature along the ROW.  It's location due to the track alignment would not be very enticing to anyone for wanting to build there I would think.  

2 bits worth from here.  

Jeff, I too like the idea of

Jeff,

I too like the idea of leaving it open. Something in it though that doesn't draw the eye away from the tracks and at the same time helps keep the eye from being drawn to the edges and back of the layout when train is on the tracks. 

Another vote for open space….

Don’t be tempted to fill every space….you can always remove scenery to add buildings later of something appeals to you… 

Rich S, Also good for getting

Rich S,

Also good for getting that camera in there to get some nice shots later.