Liberty State Park marina plan is dead in the water

JERSEY CITY – A marina proposed for the south side of Liberty State Park has been rejected by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) after months of protests by park advocates.
This is third victory for park preservationists in two years.
The DEP, which oversees the state park on the eastern side of Jersey City, will however grant Suntex Marinas – which was to develop the southern marina – an additional 10 acres at the north end of the park where the company already maintains a marina.
Earlier in May, the DEP also rejected a proposed expansion of the Liberty Golf Course into a jetty near the south end of the park, prompting a significant outcry from park supporters as well as environmentalists over the possible encroachment into wetlands and wild species habitat located there.
Two years ago, Friends of Liberty State Park along with local public officials and others stopped a massive development plan proposed for the park, including the construction of a possible casino.
All three of these plans were proposed with the backing of then Gov. Christopher Christie. Advocates for the park credit the change of administration and the support of current Gov. Phil Murphy for the rejection of the latest plans.
Sam Pesin, president of The Friends of Liberty State Park was elated.
“This great news marks a major turning point in LSP history with hopefully a long, positive era initiated by Governor Murphy and his excellent DEP Commissioner Catherine McCabe and Assistant Commissioner Ray Bukowski,” Pesin said. “The Friends of LSP and our advocacy co-leader Greg Remaud, head of the NY/NJ Baykeeper, thank the hundreds of park supporters who once again stood up for our urban state park, and expressed special thanks to Mayor Steven Fulop and the Hudson County legislative delegation.”
“The decision not to pursue the Suntex Marina term sheet pushed through during the previous administration demonstrates that Governor Murphy and NJDEP Commissioner McCabe are strong stewards of the public trust, even in the face of influential special interests, said Greg Remaud, the NY/NJ Baykeeper. “Liberty State Park is back in good hands.”