Nov. 5, 2024
By Chloe O’Donnell
Staff Writer
Kingsland Station has been vital to commuters in Lyndhurst since it opened in 1918, but it may not be around much longer.
According to NorthJersey.com, the station, which is located at 250 Ridge Road, will likely shut down in 2025 because it is not handicap-accessible, lacks adequate parking and could be considered unnecessary since there is already a train station on Court and Stuyvesant Avenues.
After Kingsland Station closes, its riders would be encouraged to use the new station being constructed on Court and Delafield Avenues. The new station will meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and have ample parking, but those who do not drive to the station could have to walk a longer distance to get to their train.
Sophomore George Shekiladze, who uses the train an average of six times a week to perform music in Hoboken, Jersey City and New York City, said without Kingsland Station, it would be more challenging for him to get to his destinations.
“I [would] have to replan my schedule and when I leave,” Shekiladze said. “I [would] have to walk all the way down to a different part of town.”
Although Shekiladze would be negatively impacted by the station’s closing, he said it is hard to argue with NJ Transit’s reasons for wanting to shut it down.“I don’t really disagree with [NJ Transit], because we have two train stations in the town, and walking an extra three or four blocks isn’t really going to do me any harm,” Shekiladze said.
PHOTO BY MARIAH ALLEN Kingsland Station has been operational since 1918.
While Shekiladze is concerned about Kingsland Station closing, business and technology teacher Mrs. Weckstein said she welcomes the change.
“The Kingsland Station is so bad right now,” Weckstein said. “There are no shelters for passengers waiting for trains to arrive, and transit workers must shovel and spread salt on all the stairs… when it snows.”
Weckstein, who rides the train two or three times a week, said riders have a lot to look forward to with the opening of the new station.
“I will totally enjoy an elevator up to the platform, no question about it. I won’t miss those 20 plus stairs, especially the wooden ones. I will enjoy leaving from a well-designed, modern, beautiful, clean station with clean benches and overhead protection from the elements,” Weckstein said.
Lyndhurst Mayor Robert Giangeruso said NJ Transit has valid reasons for wanting to shut down Kingsland Station.
“[It] seems to be obsolete, and it’s not handicap-accessible. [The station] needs a lot of work,” Giangeruso said.
The good news for those who want Kingsland Station to remain operational is that its closure is not yet definite. On Aug. 14, there was a hearing at Town Hall in which community members voiced their concerns to NJ Transit. This hearing could convince NJ Transit to keep the station open.
“There are no shelters for passengers waiting for trains to arrive, and transit workers must shovel and spread salt on all the stairs… when it snows.”
Once NJ Transit releases its final decision, Giangeruso said he and the township cannot veto it.
“I feel for the citizens that use it, [but] we can’t make that decision,” Giangeruso said. “I know it’s a lot easier for some [commuters] to get up on Ridge Road because the bus goes through Ridge Road, and [there’s] a stop, and they can get on or off there, but it’s [NJ Transit’s] call.”
Giangeruso said even though Kingsland Station may shut down, it would only happen because a brand-new station is being built, which he believes will be good for Lyndhurst.
“Change has always been part of our town’s long-term growth plan. And while it comes along with challenges, it also brings opportunities,” said Giangeruso.
