Dear Editor:
It’s something of a rarity to have a “moving experience” at a Hoboken City Council meeting. That’s what happened to me and I’m sure to many others who were present at the September 6 meeting when volunteers who had gathered over 2000 signatures opposing construction on Hoboken’s piers chose to share their reasons for this effort. Some of the volunteers were known community activists and others were relative newcomers, residents for less than 10 years. What they had in common was love for living in Hoboken and a great respect for the lower Hudson River bordering our eastern shore which in addition to magnificent views offers the freedom of space and recreation for our community and visitors.
Ron Hine, a well known and knowledgeable waterfront activist, spoke eloquently about the historical perspective which has designated the Hudson River as the “public property of the people” as far back as the common law British rule of the colonies. A part of this worthy heritage is now ours to keep or throw away depending upon the choice of whether we open our piers to private development or treasure them as the geographical landmark resource that they are.
The “public trust” which is entrusted to those voted into office and their appointees on (hopefully) protective boards, like the Planning and Zoning Boards will determine whether the public will be served in this instance or developers and their profit motive will be over served as has occurred too frequently in this town in the past.
Jean Forest