NJ to restore 234 acres of
Liberty State Park

Officials plan to spend millions on cleaning soil

By: James M. O'Neill
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... The state plan to spend tens of millions of dollars to excavate contaminated soil and restore 234 acres of Liberty State Park in Jersey City, a project that would make 40% of the park that had been off limits to the public for decades finally accessible.
..... Soil contaminated with metals and hydrocarbons will be excavated and capped with new soil, then planted with trees, grass and other vegetation. The project will create knolls with sweeping views of the Manhattan and Jersey City skylines, and add 7 miles of new walking trails. The new area will include several access points.
..... For decades, the area to be improved has been closed off by a chin-link fence because of the contamination. More than 70 acres of the site was once tidal wetlands that was filled in during the late 1800s.
..... "Liberty State Park is a cherished cornerstone of our state that improves the quality of life for New Jerseyans and offers great services and experiences," Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement. "Today's [09/04/2020] investment will allow us to not only rebuild, but enhance the site while preserving the environment, to provide opportunities for residents to discover and enjoy for generations to come."
..... The project will also restore several habitat types for a wide variety of species, including 72 acres of fresh and salt water wetlands. The project would add more than 300 new parking spaces and a variety of wildlife viewing, educational and passive recreational opportunities.
..... The money for the project will come form funds the sate department of Environmental Protection collected in lawsuits and settlements for natural resource damages.
..... Beginning in September, [2020] the DEP will reach out to elected officials, community leaders and the public to solicit comments on the major design elements of the restoration plans. The DEP will host a public meeting in late September and make presentation materials available online to invite comments and suggestions form the public.
.... "We are eager to engage the public, stakeholders and elected officials as we design the restoration of this important part of one of New Jersey's most unique and treasured parks," said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. "Liberty State Park offers New Jerseyans, especially the local community, an easy escape to nature in the midst of a densely populated urban center. We look forward to the community;s feedback on the proposed design."
..... Liberty State Park For All Executive Director Arnold Stovell said the advocacy group "is happy to see the DEP finally taking the crucial first steps necessary to remediate Liberty State Park. We are hopeful that a true dialogue recognizing residents, and not a predetermined plan, will be implemented to be inclusive and mindful of local needs."
..... Jersy City Mayor Steven M. Fulop said that :Liberty State Park is one our most protected treasures here in Jersey City, and it's a welcomed initiative and well worth celebrating when the state promise actions like this.
..... "Ensuring that Liberty State Park remains a protected open space for everyone is essential, but by significantly enhancing it by making large areas that currently lie behind chained fences ... safe for the use of residents, and visitors - how do you not applaud this endeavour," he said.
.... the project, which Jeff Tittel, head of the New Jersey Sierra Club, called "long overdue," is "important environmentally," he said. "Restoring wetlands in Liberty State Park will also help filter water and deal with flooding and storm surges. This is an important step forward for DEP to help get it done."

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