The proposal to close the Miller train station in favor of a new downtown Gary station has drawn considerable opposition. The opponents are right to fight this foolish plan.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board should vote today to reject the idea.

The developer pushing the new $120 million Gary Gateway station downtown hopes it will bring an economic rebirth to downtown Gary. The station would include two parking garages, able to accommodate a total of 2,000 vehicles, and retail shops and restaurants.

Gateway Partners LLC, the developer promoting the new station, says the Miller station would have to close to make the new downtown station viable. The Miller station draws about 500 people a day, while the existing Gary Metro Center downtown draws about 600.

NICTD officials say if the new station is built, the Miller station would have to be closed in order to keep the travel times speedy.

It would be wrong for NICTD to close down the Miller station, with its free parking, and force passengers to pay $3 or more to park at the new station.

The Miller station serves not just the Miller area but nearby cities and towns as well.

While the rebirth of downtown Gary is an admirable goal, doing so at Miller's expense is not appropriate.

Keep the Miller station open.