The appeals were the latest in a series of efforts by local commuters to protest the train station's move.
PRINCETON - A state appellate court has rejected two appeals from a group of commuters who are fighting Princeton University over the placement of the local train station known as the Dinky.
The Dinky station was moved 460 feet from its original location in 2014 as part of the university's Arts and Transit project.
Despite that, a local group called, "Save the Dinky," continues to fight against the move, arguing that it decreases ridership.
In October the group filed two appeals, challenging both the decision to move the station and the way that decision came about. Both appeals were rejected by a New Jersey appellate court Wednesday.
In one appeal the group argued that the New Jersey Transit Board was not transparent when it transferred the Dinky and surrounding property to the university.
University secures another victory
The board did not advertise or hold a public meeting before making the decision, the group argued. Because of that, they claim, the decision to transfer the property was invalid.
Their second appeal also concerned transparency and said New Jersey Transit could not authorize the Dinky's move without holding a public hearing first.
The appeals are the latest in a longstanding battle between the group and the university. Prior to the appeals, a superior court judge upheld the regional planning board's approval of the Arts and Transit project, to the dismay of opponents of the project.
Philip Rosenbach, an attorney representing the Save the Dinky group, said that the group was disappointed by the ruling.
"My clients believe that if the law permits NJ Transit to transfer important public transportation assets to a private developer without a hearing to show the transfer serves the best interests of NJ Transit's riders, the law should be changed," he said in an email Wednesday.
He added that members of the group believe Princeton is losing an important historical site in the old train station.
"My clients note that they fought this battle to give voice to the interests of the many people who rely on public transportation, and my clients are grateful to their supporters who have recognized that this was one of those battles worth fighting, win or lose," Rosenbach said.
Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.