Dear Editor:
Senator Kenny and I are working to secure $3.25 million for pier restoration in an effort to improve public access to the Hudson River waterfront communities Hoboken, Weehawken, West New York and Guttenberg.
Legislation has been drafted to convert the piers into park and recreational areas. Waterfront development has focused on residential and commercial projects for years. This measure would place new focus on improving access to the riverfront.
Under the proposal, a $3.25 million appropriation would be made to the Department of Community Affairs to finance grants for the four municipalities. Each grant would be used to transform unused and underutilized piers into healthy, public-friendly, enhanced recreational facilities along the riverfront.
The restoration of the piers is not a novel concept. Hoboken, for example, has turned one large pier into a 5.1 acre part with a spectacular view of Manhattan Island. Meanwhile, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has committed millions of dollars to a recreational facility and ice skating rink on another pier in Hoboken.
Senator Kenny and I are working toward the goal of improving riverfront access and public facilities in all waterfront communities.
In October, we helped expedite a transfer of unexpected state funds to help finance the Hoboken phase of the Hudson River Walkway Project. As members of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, we served $850,000 toward construction costs of the pedestrian pathway along Hoboken’s waterfront.
The walkway project will serve to link pier-oriented park sites and other waterfront points of interest. It is our belief that the old piers are seen as eyesores will compliment the pathway once they are turned into tennis courts, playgrounds, walking paths and concert areas.
Assemblyman Albio Sires
D-West New York