By Ron Zeitlinger
Jersey City is not sitting back and waiting to see how the proposed development of Liberty State Park plays out.
Jersey City is not sitting back and waiting to see how the proposed development of Liberty State Park plays out.
The city announced this morning that it has hired the law firm of Riker Danzig, Scherer, Hyland, & Perretti, LLP to protect Liberty State Park against the development of a new marina.
The Jersey Journal reported last week that Suntex, which operates Liberty Landing Marina on the north side of the park,
has a proposal before the state Department of Environmental Protection to lease 45 acres of the the south side of the park to open another marina; and to expand the existing marina by 10 acres.
has a proposal before the state Department of Environmental Protection to lease 45 acres of the the south side of the park to open another marina; and to expand the existing marina by 10 acres.
“Once again, the Christie Administration has proven their utter disregard for the importance of public parks in New Jersey,” Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said. “This development is one that would drastically change the landscape of one of the state’s best public parks, and to add insult to injury, has progressed up until this point behind closed doors.
“This lack of integrity has become business as usual, and this time, one of our best public assets will suffer unless we as a city fight back.”
City officials said the law firm will pursue legal options against the proposed marina, citing a misalignment between the proposed use and the original purpose of the public park, as well as safety concerns for residents and local wildlife.
The contract with the firm is not to exceed $25,000, according to a resolution on the agenda for tonight’s City Council meeting.
“We are immensely grateful to Mayor Fulop for delivering the legal resources necessary to protect the south side of Liberty State Park for the public to continue to picnic, fish, walk and
enjoy unblemished views of the New York Harbor freely,”
Greg Remaud, deputy director of the NY/NJ Baykeeper, said
in a statement.
enjoy unblemished views of the New York Harbor freely,”
Greg Remaud, deputy director of the NY/NJ Baykeeper, said
in a statement.
Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park, has been vocal in his opposition to the proposal. He organized a rally in the park on Dec. 2 to show state leaders the immense local opposition to the plan.
Related news stories:
Friends of Liberty State Park prove what DEP is up to
Details emerge about new Liberty State Park marina
Friends of Liberty State Park prove what DEP is up to
Details emerge about new Liberty State Park marina
Like this? Use form in upper right to receive free updates
See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column —
>>
See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column —
>>
