By Brenda Flanagan
Correspondent
With the statue standing tall behind them, more than 100 advocates gathered on a windblown waterfront, to take what they called a “protest photo” opposing state proposals to develop portions of Liberty State Park.
“Freedom must ring from Liberty Park and not developers’ cash registers,” said President of Liberty State Park Sam Pesin.
“This park means everything to me. I could start crying right now, if anything happened to it. But it’s really very emotional. I love this park,” said Helen Weinberg of Jersey City.
“We’re always here as a family. We bring the dog, we bring the bikes. We’re always here. She loves it,” said Paulina Parelli of Bloomfield.
“Summertime I’m in this park four, five times a week. I’m very upset they want to turn the park into more of a commercialized area. I feel the governor has thrown the residents of Hudson County under the bus,” said Joe Wisniewski of Bayonne.
The state DEP’s considering several projects like a world class hotel, restaurants, a recreational venue and sports center that would generate revenue and make Liberty State Park self-supporting. Private developers would also help pay to rehab crumbling historic structures, like the train yard. The DEP claims it’d take up only 38 acres. Regardless, that vision’s a non-starter for many.
“A hotel is not the place for the park, OK? They want to build a hotel? Do it on the outside. Not in the park,” said Eliza Wright of Jersey City.
“There is no need to add anything to them. There is no need for a so-called ‘world class’ whatever. The parks exist, they have value, they’re a public trust resource for us, the public,” said Capt. Hugh Carola, program director, Hackensack Riverkeeper.
Politicians a few weeks ago, outlined tactics to thwart the DEP’s plans by delaying any development process — in the courts, if necessary — until a new governor’s elected. The state DEP says it will solicit input from stakeholders before moving forward with any development. For advocates, that’s not good enough. They’ve sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin, requesting open public hearings.
“Because the community that live here, they are a part of Liberty State Park. So they need to make sure we are heard as one voice, and not pick and choose what should be done to the park,” said Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.
The battle over developing Liberty State Park could take months, years even. But it’s public protests like this one that are the park advocates’ last, best weapon.