Jersey Journal

Many reasons not to build this memorial

Saturday, May 03, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is an Open Letter from the Hudson County legislative delegation to Gov. Jon Corzine, Senate President Richard Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts.

Dear Governor,

Although there is yet no specific appropriation for construction of a second 9/11 memorial in Liberty State Park in the FY '09 budget, the Friends of Liberty State Park worry that one will be inserted in an updated version, as happened last year. We join them in urging you to make sure this does not happen.

At the time our state faces a severe fiscal crisis, expending money on this planned memorial is neither wise nor necessary.

One reason is that the projected cost of the previously approved design is grossly more than anticipated and the alternative cheaper design is not fitting. Another reason is that the Friends of Liberty State Park and other local users of the park strongly object to having this memorial sited to block the view of the harbor and the New York City skyline, including Ground Zero.

While everyone has the utmost respect for the families of the 9/11 victims and great sensitivity to their concerns, it is inarguable that the "Empty Sky" memorial is deliberately planned to obstruct the view which many of the 4 million visitors to LSP come to see. We know that's the point, and it's not popular locally.

We realize the aesthetics of the planned memorial are truly in the eye of the beholder. However, there are many complaints from park users about the view that is already obstructed, the plans to obstruct that view still more if the 30-foot-high by 200-foot-long walls are erected, the loss of well-used CRRNJ Terminal Public Plaza, and the apparent neglect of the first memorial, the beautiful grove of trees (The Grove of Remembrance), which could benefit from better signage and some lighting.

Those issues could be properly addressed quickly and inexpensively, while proceeding with the "Empty Sky" memorial at this time would be prohibitively expensive. The Department of Treasury's own public bid sheet evidences the fact that the contractor bids for the memorial's walls far exceeded estimates. The estimate was $9 million, while bids came in between $22 and $25 million.

Meanwhile, there is only a great, ugly pile of dirt behind a plastic fence, blocking not only the view but access to the shore. It is offensive to look at and dangerous, as well.

We encourage you to remove the dirt barrier and reopen the area at the water's edge to tourists and regular users of the park. Needless to say, we also want to direct state money to more pressing issues.

We must also point out the process of selecting the memorial is the subject of litigation, the outcome of which could significantly change the project.

For all these reasons - excessive cost in a time of fiscal restraint, unacceptability of the design to tourists and regular users, and current litigation - we urge you to appropriate NO money in the FY 2009 budget for a second 9/11 memorial in Liberty State Park.

31ST DIST.: Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham and Assemblymen Anthony Chiappone and L. Harvey Smith

32ND DIST: Sen. Nicholas Sacco and Assembly members Joan Quigley and Vincent Prieto

33RD DIST.: Sen. Brian Stack and Assembly members Ruben Ramos and Caridad Rogriguez
ear Governor,