James Redeker, a NJ Transit official, chaired the meeting, saying all input will be considered by agency officials, including its board of directors. Redeker said, by format, NJ Transit would not comment on any feedback that evening.

Redeker said the agency is mulling over the closure, due to declining ridership, said to be less than 20 customers per day.

That night, the possible shutdown faced a barrage of negative reaction. Arnold Korotkin of Little Falls said he felt the closure end would hurt Little Falls, saying local commuters would have to drive to the Montclair State University or Union Avenue stations, thereby aggravating traffic.

Korotkin also said he felt the Great Notch station’s patronage drop was no accident.

"By incrementally reducing the number of trains that stopped at the station during the morning rush hour, NJ Transit has caused a drastic reduction in ridership. The final blow to ridership at the station occurred when NJ Transit reduced morning service to one train, which arrives at the station at 8:42 a.m., and has a New York City arrival time of 9:50 a.m."

Scott Miller of Little Falls seconded that.

"I’ve watched NJ Transit gradually strangle the Great Notch station, over the past several years from a point where it was quite a busy station."

Miller said he thinks the rail link’s end is a foregone conclusion.

"It’s my sense that this not going to affect any decision, and if this is for show," he said, about the hearing, "then it’s a shame."

Councilwoman Christie Huh said she thought the train stop closure idea makes no sense.

"I am really surprised, especially with high gasoline price and environmental pollution. I ask the logic of this, when we want to encourage public transportation, we are closing one station."

Mayoral candidate John Agostinelli of Little Falls said he wants to see the station remain open.

"There is definitely a historical significance with the train station, and I want to see it maintained. It is within walking distance of a few developments."

Mike DeFrancisci of Little Falls, also a candidate for mayor, said possible closing does not make sense, considering today’s high gas prices.

"A few months ago, when gas was over $4 a gallon, the impetus was having people use mass transit."

Gary Kazin of Rockaway Township, who belongs to the Lackawanna Coalition of Millburn, a better railroad service advocacy group, said the station’s poor ridership is due to the agency’s policy.

"The main reason that you have 20 passengers is because you cut 80 percent of the trains. The trains are going through there anyway," he said, about passing commuter trains. "What does it cost to make the stop?"

Melissa Sandberg of Little Falls also commented.

"The reasons they don’t get on the train, or use the buses, is because the timetables are ridiculous in the area."

Hui-Ping Hsu of Little Falls said the current Great Notch timetable is impractical for ordinary commuters, saying the schedule only good for people who work 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"It becomes such a hassle, because at the end of the day, I probably have to take a bus."

Brian Reynolds of Little Falls said increased rail service would yield more station usage. He also said the location’s upkeep leaves more to be desired.

"I look at the pictures from 1910. You still have the same cement posts on there. You have not done maintenance in 90 years."

Renea Hoyt of Little Falls - president of the Alliance For A Better Community - said NJ Transit should have been more forthcoming about considering the Great Notch Station elimination.

"What upsets me the most is there was no communication with the community. The whole thing is baffling. You’re taking away, you’re not giving us anything."

Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-40th) appeared at the meeting. During a break, Rumana addressed the attendees.

"If you want to be heard by our office, please feel free to contact me. We’re another vehicle to get to NJ Transit because, as a state legislator, I’m your representative. I’m here to hear what your concerns are."

Rumana said anyone with Great Notch Station opinions can call his office at 973-237-1360.