Dear Editor:
On behalf of the entire Environment Committee of Hoboken, we would like to invite all people to join our efforts, along with those of the City Council, to support the Hackensack Meadowlands Preservation Alliance and the Hackensack Riverkeeper in their fight against the Mills Corporation’ plans to further develop the Meadowlands.
Last fall, while the ravages of Floyd were still smoldering and the images of its victims being rescued by helicopter from their rooftops still freshly burned in our brains, the Environment Committee of Hoboken hosted a public meeting with Bill Sheehan, Hackensack Riverkeeper, and Hugh Carola of the Hackensack Meadowlands Preservation Alliance. The very convincing main points and results of their presentation were multiple:
a. Scientific proof that had the Meadowlands not been developed, and had the natural influx and out flow of tidal and non-tidal waters taken place, the devastating flooding experienced by inland-state communities would not have occurred;
b. Advice that taxes have been paid to Carlstadt for several years as if this property were already developed. This has fiscal and environmental consequences that are equal, if not surpassing, those of Floyd; should the land become a National Wildlife Refuge, or for whatever reason not developed, the city of Carlstadt would have to repay those taxes. I don’t remember the exact amount, other that it’s at least a few million dollars per year for several years.
c. The City of Hoboken Council unanimously approved a resolution to support the efforts of the Hackensack Riverkeeper and the Hackensack Meadowlands Preservation Alliance to petition Governor Whitman and Vice President Al Gore to declare these wetlands a National Wildlife Preserve. This was at the directive and initiative of Hoboken Councilperson Michael Cricco.
The Army Corps of Engineers, who will decide this issue, is accepting public testimony in writing through October 11. We strongly urge you to submit letters to: United States Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, Jacob K. Javitz Building, New York, NY 10278-0090, Attention: Col. William H. Pearce, RE: Public Notice Number 95-7440-RS, and inform them of your burning desire for no more malls! Insist that they deny this permit and encourage that the site become eternally preserved as a National Wildlife Refuge. Mother Nature and future inland flood victims will thank you.
(Mary) Robin Whitney, Board Member
Environment Committee of Hoboken