Dear Editor:
During recent months I have expressed my opinion to the municipal council of Jersey City regarding the conditions created by the vehicular traffic towards the Holland Tunnel.
Almost daily the Holland Tunnel creates traffic problems that have a negative impact on the quality of life of the people of Jersey City. The pollution created by these traffic jams is real. Frequently, traffic jams along Marin Blvd. extend to south of Grand Street. In addition, spill over traffic clogs all approaches to the Holland Tunnel along residential streets in downtown Jersey City.
Ninety minute morning traffic jams are not uncommon. During this time, thousands of vehicles are emitting their dangerous and environmentally hazardous fumes and gases. The rate of asthma and other respiratory conditions are aggravated by the situations created by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA) in their management of the Holland Tunnel.
The PA is a creature created by both states mainly to manage interstate transportation. The PA controls John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark Airports, in addition to all of the river crossings, such as the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels and the George Washington Bridge among others.
One end of the Holland Tunnel is located in Jersey City, and the other end is located in New York City. Jersey City has for more than 50 years accommodated the PA in their operations of the Holland Tunnel. The city has extended easements and approved other periodic requests from the PA.
The city of Jersey City has been a good partner in its relationship with the PA. Unfortunately, the association has been one where the city gives, gives, gives and the PA takes, takes, takes. It is time for the city to take a stronger position with the PA as it relates to certain problems in Jersey City.
Newark Airport is located between the cities of Newark and Elizabeth. For this, both cities receive millions of dollars annually from the PA. JFK and LaGuardia Airports are located in New York. For this, the city of New York receives millions of dollars annually from the PA. In addition to the Holland Tunnel, the PA has a major office complex in Journal Square. What does the city of Jersey City get for the location of the Holland Tunnel and the environmental and health damage that it creates for the residents of Jersey City?
Now to add insult to injury, the PA is considering raising its fees from $4.00 to $7.00 at the tunnel and bridge crossings and from $1.00 to $2.00 for the PATH subway. These increases are, in the opinion of many, unnecessary and exorbitant. These increases will create a hardship for thousands of people who live in Jersey City and work in New York State.
It is my understanding that these increases will go towards the PA’s $10.5 billion, 10 year, development plan. If this is correct, the question is why should we pay for a development plan in which we have had no input? Why should we continue to pay for the fiasco at Newark Airport, without any criticism?
The PA must be responsible for its acts and for excluding the real problems of the people of Jersey City in their deliberations. The PA should get off of their collective duffs, and start responding to the real considerations of the community. It has been my experience that the PA is more concerned about its own agenda. The city council and the community in Downtown and greater Jersey City must demand that the PA respond to a community agenda which protects the quality of life of the people who live close to its facilities.
Jaime Vazquez
(former) Councilman Ward E