Man Who Wants Ramsey Train Station Closed Responds To Critic

RAMSEY, N.J. — The uncle of a man whose nephew was killed when he walked under a lower gate and crossed the tracks at the Main Street train station in June is being called selfish by local residents regarding his desire to close the station.

A Mahwah resident wrote in a letter to the editor on NorthJersey.com that Jamie Ryan "wants to make life more difficult for hundreds of Ramsey and nearby residents," Sidney Keyles said in his letter. "If Jamie Ryan’s call is not one of the most selfish acts I have seen, then I don’t know what is. While I understand his grieving for the loss of his nephew, his call for closing the station should be condemned."

Tommy Ryan was struck and killed by a train after he walked under the gate and crossed over the tracks to get to the other side. Another man committed suicide near the station in September, officials said. State and local officials continue to discuss changes made at the station to improve safety, including more warning lights and an alarm.

RELATED: Victim's Family Wants Deadly Ramsey Train Station Shut Down

Jamie Ryan wants the New Jersey Transit-run station shut down so people can use the nearby $27 million station opened in 2004. Ryan said four people, including his nephew, have died at the old station in the past 10 years.

Ramsey Mayor Deirdre Dillon previously said that Tommy Ryan's death was preventable and that a lot of people walk to that train station and "nothing happens."

The state Department of Transportation and NJ Transit issued a memorandum regarding the Main Street station that outlined several dozen safety issues there.

"This explains why a federal study has deemed Ramsey Main Street Station the 2nd deadliest train station in New Jersey," Ryan said in a statement issued Wednesday. "The reality is that residents walk around the down gates daily. Additionally, NJ Transit trains travel at a speed of 70 mph through this old station at the same time when another train is stopped at the station. This creates a deadly combination because commuters are not expecting the second train."

Ryan also said that using the Route 17 station "seems to be a reasonable alternative."

"I would encourage Mr. Keyles to spend a morning at the old station to witness what the state has identified," Ryan said. "There is nothing selfish about trying to save lives and I am confident that collectively and with Sidney's help we can change the situation."

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Photos: People walking under the gate at the Ramsey Main Street train station recently. Courtesy of Jamie Ryan