Dear NJDEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell,
July 4, 2005
Friends of Liberty State Park asks that you say an immediate “No” to
developers’ plans to privatize 42 acres of NJDEP public water along LSP’s
Southern End, behind Lady Liberty. The developer requested “DEP
guidance” in a 11/2/04 letter on their shameful request to lease Block 1497,
Lots 3N and 3R2, which starts at the developers’ 8 water acres(next to their 3
luxury Condo Towers/Golf Course) near LSP’s Public Boat Launch; extends all
along LSP’s S. End, includes 2 of the 3 open space jetties which have been
allowed to deteriorate; goes past the popular Picnic Area and S. Overlook Lawn
to LSP’s SE corner.The developers’(WA Residential Urban Renewal Co.)
obvious goal is an incrementally built yacht marina adjacent to LSP’s S.End.
As you know, the tremendous private Liberty Landing Marina exists at
LSP’s N. End with 550 slips and a pump out station; its 99 year lease allows a
dry rack storage facility for 288 boats.
Though we look to the DEP to say “No” now and uphold the DEP’s positive
post-Development Corp reputation, we realize that “connected” developers
in a pay-to-play system, may force the DEP to put this major privatization plan
on the table for Public Hearings. We formally request 2 Fall public hearings, 1
on a Sat. and 1 midweek; a month public comment period; and that this major
decision be made under the new Governor. With LSP behind Lady Liberty, the
highest standards of public participation must be implemented. Former DEP
Commissioner Scott Weiner stated in the early 1990’s, that “any proposal for
LSP will depend on a broad public consensus”.
You wisely said, in a The Star Ledger story on Sept. 11, 2002, “The
events of Sept. 11, 2001, further consecrate the value of Liberty State Park to
the state and reinforce our commitment to making sure those values are
honored.” As LSP’s steward for future generations, the DEP’s saying
“No” to a “Millionaires’ Marina in the People’s Park” will be
seen by New Jerseyans as an easy values decision. Jersey City, Hudson County and
NJ residents have overwhelming opposed LSP privatization. Behind Lady Liberty,
LSP is sacred land and water, with its urban open spaces and harbor views. LSP,
New Jersey’s 1976 Bicentennial gift to the nation, is a powerful symbol of our
democracy and America’s values, and is a spiritually uplifting oasis. Its true
purposes, expressed by New Jerseyans for 29 years, must be honored.
The People’s Common Heritage and the Public Trust of the public water and
the vital, dramatic, spectacular harbor viewshed/viewscape, must be
protected forever.The mostly lower income urban people who regularly relax,
picnic, play and fish at the South End, middle income people who do the
same and who use the Public Boat Launch, and all visitors have the right
to enjoy open, unblocked South End harbor views. Another key issue of course is unfettered/uncluttered
access by users of Public Boat Launch. The Public Good must be chosen over
private interests.
When our officers met to get information-due to our respect for Frank Gallagher,
you, and Dir. Jose Fernandez-with developers’ agents, they suggested throwing
a tiny bone of a kayak rental business, but LSP should take bids for bike &
kayak rental vendors, to provide useful amenities. Also, DEP should have gotten
a much better “mitigation” deal for the commuter/golf course ferry than
$600,000 for the athletic field ($500,000) & bulkhead study($100,000). The
ath. field, which we’ve been told of a few times, was formally unveiled at the
first Public Advisory Committee Meeting, and was raised at developers’ agent
meeting. Without disclosing exact ath field location, I had the OK to tell FOLSP
Spring meeting about it. Our legislators could have gotten ath. field funding.
We trust that you will do the right thing for the park and the public. Please
notify the Friends about the latest status of any application or approved
application amendment to the DEP, in relation to the developers' Nov. 2, 2004
letter to DEP official Al Payne.
Sincerely,
Sam Pesin, president
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