Dear Editor:
Recently I read a letter in your paper written by a Demetri Sarantitis of Hoboken who identifies himself as “the designer of the Sinatra Drive parking garage” proposed by Stevens Institute. He also takes credit for being one of the designers of Pier A Park as well as claiming membership in Coalition For a Better Waterfront for nine years. He says he terminated that membership two years ago when he discovered the president of that public interest group, Ron Hine, wasn’t holding meetings for the general public and had developed “his own agenda.”
My association with Ron Hine began in the fall of 1993 when we joined forces to defeat Joe Barry’s The Shipyard Project, between 12th and 14th on the waterfront. That battle resulted in Joe removing a 58,000 square foot supermarket from his plan. I am a Political Scientist who was retained by the president of Foodtown Supermarkets as project manager for the objector’s side. The contest lasted about four years. During that time I attended meetings and fundraisers for The Coalition for a Better Waterfront. At the end of each meeting Ron always asked the people gathered there if anyone had any comments or suggestions to offer. A few people usually came forward to speak. Demetri never asked to speak as far as I can remember.
Why does Demetri feel so wounded now? Why is he surprised that Ron Hine has an agenda? Did he really believe that The Coalition For a Better Waterfront was just some rudderless ship? Surely an educated man like him must know that the president of a public interest group listens to all suggestions but in the end decides what the policy will be for that group.
In the four years I opposed Joseph Barry and The Shipyard on the waterfront, he always conducted himself as a gentleman. Although the stakes were high (a $250,000,000 project), there was never a cross word uttered between either of us. Name calling and personal attacks are certainly out of place here, not worthy of a professional man of your stature. Of course it’s your call Demetri, but a public apology seems to be in order at this time.
Domenick R. Pedalino