The Jersey City Reporter Letter to the Editor from Dr. Ethel Lawner June 16, 2002

Liberty State Park doesn't need commercialization 

June 16, 2002 

Dear Editor: 

I'm part of the throng of thinking New Jerseyans opposed to the continuation of the Liberty State Park Development Corporation and hoping with them, for its demise (Jersey City Reporter, 4/15 story by Prescott Tolk, "Park agency in precarious position").

This private Development Corp., is not a friend of the park and doesn't care about the public at large. Having spent decades in my hometown of Jersey City as a community activist and still practicing medicine there, I am now a resident of Westfield. I still have a piece of my heart in Jersey City and especially in Liberty Park which is so extraordinary, and so much needed. I want to see the park thrive and be kept green and open for all people to enjoy. 

I strongly urge Governor James E. McGreevey to stand firm and terminate the state's contact with the Development Corp. The NJDEP, with public input, will effectively maintain the park's beauty and vitality and keep it free from commercialization so it will be available to all New Jerseyans and people from everywhere. 


Ethel Lawner, M.D. F.A.C.E. 

©The Jersey City Reporter 2002