Talk of new marina in Liberty State Park angers park advocates

JERSEY CITY -- Liberty State Park advocates are sounding the alarm about what they say are plans to open a private marina on the south end of the park, a marina the advocates say would obstruct views, limit the public's access to the park and potentially threaten wildlife.

The state is tight-lipped, saying only that any change to the park would undergo a "public process." Park advocates like Sam Pesin, who runs Friends of Liberty State Park, say a second marina would "ruin" the south end of the park.

"That's where urban families go to relax and enjoy picnics, where people go just to take in those open views of the harbor, the sweeping panoramic view," Pesin said. "It's a sacred and priceless area because it is right behind the Statue of Liberty."

The last time the Christie administration toyed with an idea to generate revenue for the 1,200-acre park, a 2015 plan that would have added private development including a hotel and amphitheater, Pesin led a coalition of local groups and elected officials in opposition and the state dropped its plans.

Read more: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2017/11/talk_of_new_marina_in_liberty_state_park_angers_pa.html