Most of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District trustees said Friday the Miller South Shore stop should remain open, but they stopped short of taking any vote.

The trustees heeded a request from developers of a proposed $120 million Gateway Station to provide NICTD with more information before they take any vote on the Miller stop.

Miller Beach residents packed the board room for the 10 a.m. trustees meeting, which was standing-room only. They oppose closing the Miller stop, which serves 500 commuters daily.

"I don't feel this is a good project to go forward with," Trustee Richard Vulpitta said. "The Miller stop should stay open."

"I'm not against development in Gary, but this station needs to remain open," he said.

Board Chairman Mark Yagelski expressed hope some kind of compromise could be found and the Gateway Station project could go forward.

Gateway Partners LLC, which is developing the Gateway Station for downtown Gary, maintains the Miller stop must close to make its project economically viable.

Gateway Partners LLC managing partner Mark Titus said he didn't think trustees had enough information to make an informed decision Friday. That is why his company asked for a delay.

He said his company will provide them with enough facts so they can take action at their next meeting.

"We are not wavering in our position or plan," Titus said. "We are still proceeding."

Miller Beach residents, many of whom gathered outside the Dune Park NICTD headquarters to savor their partial victory, said they were happy with the result and willing to wait for a final decision.

"Most Miller citizens are all in favor of development in downtown Gary, as long as it doesn't come at the expense of our little part of the city," said Cullen Daniel, a Miller resident and South Shore rider.

Gateway Partners has spent more than a year laying plans for a Gateway Station to replace both the current Metro Center station in downtown Gary and the Miller stop. It would include 1,500-space and 500-space parking garages, a high-level boarding platform and retail shops and eateries.

The Gateway Station would be about 4 miles from the Miller stop. Gateway Partners wants to charge $3 for parking. Parking at Miller is free.

Gateway Partners partner Vance Kenney said after the meeting that he was surprised by how many board members voiced opinions against closing the Miller stop.

"I don't think they have enough information to make a decision at this point," Kenney said.