THE PEOPLE HAVE WON A GREAT GRASSROOTS
VICTORY !!!
Thank you one and all for fighting
for a free and green park.
Friends Statement on the Termination of
the LSP Development Corp.
Governor James E. McGreevey and NJDEP Commissioner Brad Campbell are heroes
and champions of Liberty State Park for terminating the 17 year old
Development Corp. Their historic decision begins a positive era for this urban
state park, which is sacred land because of its location next to Lady Liberty
and Ellis Island, its NYC skyline and harbor views, and its rare urban open
space. They have liberated this special American public land with its
extraordinary potential as a free spiritual, recreational, natural, cultural,
and historic resource.
The People have finally won the 27 year battle for a Central Park-type park
and against commercialization and privatization plans for this waterfront
oasis which opened on Flag Day in 1976 as NJ’s bicentennial gift to the
nation.
New Jerseyans’ passionate and persistent fighting for a free park shows that
democratic action does make a difference. New Jerseyans fought many
negative battles to prevent the ruination of this American green jewel. The
might of The People’s voice has prevailed.
Deep gratitude is owed by future generations to all the individuals and local
and statewide organizations who joined with the Friends and the LSP
Conservancy in the Dev Corp abolition campaign: including NY/NJ Baykeeper,
Communications Workers of America #1037, NJ Audubon Society, NJ
Environmental Federation, NJ Environmental Lobby, Hudson and NJ Sierra Club,
Hackensack Riverkeeper.
Deserving of thanks for their clear call for the termination of the
public-be-damned Corporation are these elected officials and candidates,
alphabetically: Bayonne Mayor and Assemblyman Joe Doria, J.C. Councilman Steve
Lipski, Assemblyman candidate Lou Manzo, Freeholder Bill O’Dea, J.C.
Councilman Mariano Vega, and Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg.
Continued citizen involvement and vigilance is essential every step of the way
in guiding the park’s progress, and getting public funds and private sector
grants for LSP. Come out and enjoy the People’s Park.
up to this topic page