Dear Editor:
John A. Martins should be commended for writing, “Are cars killing us?” published June 29, 2003. This is a serious issue that has been ignored when planning is done in Jersey City. Local government has always believed development will solve our fiscal problems, history have proved otherwise. However, development has brought parking, and our city has been generous in that regard. Unlike New York City, Jersey City gives more parking than required.
I have asked the city council on more than one occasion to do environment study. The study should cover our air quality and impact of the floods when the water table is raised to support masses of beams for waterfront development.
Usually when I make this request, I am politely ignored or attacked on this issue. (I even asked them for a resolution to support the state bill and didn’t receive a reply.) However, the fact remains that our air is contributing to many health problems, especially asthma.
Jersey City has historically accepted monies from different sources to build affordable housing — housing earmarked for seniors or families with children. Jersey City places the most vulnerable groups of people in the most polluted place to live and then ignores the issue.
Unfortunately, this bill did not come up for the vote in the state. The public should still ask our legislators to pass a clean air bill and ask local government to pass a resolution for clean air. Your health is at stake.
Yvonne Balcer