Dear Editor:
I read with much interest, and I have to admit with a sense of foreboding, Barbara and Dave Williams’ letter in the November 12th edition of the Jersey Journal concerning the issue of security in NJTransit’s light rail stations.
First of all, may I say to the Williams family that I hope their son has recovered from both the physical and emotional wounds he suffered after being attacked in the light rail station. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
This is an incident which I believe could have been prevented, and it makes me wonder how many other similar incidents have occurred and not been reported. Perhaps such incidents have been reported to the authorities, and we have not heard about them. I would like to know.
This is great concern to me because NJTransit is building an underground light rail station in Union City. This is project that has been ongoing for quite a few years, with actual construction beginning about a year or so ago and completion anticipated some time in 2005. Union City residents in the area of the construction have put up with regular blasting, changes in traffic patterns, loss of sidewalks and parking spaces, and all been understanding and patient because they realize the importance of the station to the future of the community. When the station is completed and is in use, I don’t want any of my residents or others who use this facility to be mugged or attacked in any way in the station.
Since I became the Mayor of Union City, I have been trying to convince NJTransit officials that they must make security at this station a top priority. Keep in mind this is an underground facility and is a “dead” area for police and other public safety communications.
I have had numerous meetings with NJTransit, and at each meeting I have brought up our security concerns. When I talk about it, they look at me as if I have two heads. They just don’t get it. I have brought Union City police officers to some of these meetings to not only offer their insights into this matter, but to answer any questions NJTransit officials might have about crime prevention in the station. Basically, they don’t want to hear it, and they don’t want to discuss it. It has come to the point where my telephone calls and letters on this issue go unanswered. My last letter to NJTransit, dated November 5, asking that we revisit this issue and come to some kind of agreement on security as soon as possible, has yet to be answered.
I have gone on record with NJTransit that if it takes a lawsuit to prevent the opening of this station without adequate security, so be it.
The new station will be a boon to the North Hudson area, bringing visitors to the area as well as expanding mass transit opportunities for our residents, and as such, we welcome it. But I am insisting that safety and security measures must be implemented in the station so our residents and visitors don’t have to endure the pain Barbara and Dave Williams’ family has.
Brian P. Stack
Mayor/NJ State Assemblyman Elect 33rd Legislative District