Dear Editor:
Almost every bit of open space now dedicated to public recreational use in Hudson County has come about due to the efforts of the citizens. As far back as the creation of Liberty State Park and the concept of the Hudson River Walkway, it was citizen imagination and activism that coerced open space into existence.
A similar thing is happening today in tiny Guttenberg. There a group of residents in the Bulls Ferry complex has taken up the challenge of saving a parcel of land from development in order to attain open space recreation. In a small town strapped for open space, every inch of open space is precious. The area of contention is but a small tract of land located just north of the Bulls Ferry development. It has been targeted by developer K. Hovnanian for construction of condominium units. The area is rightly zoned for open space.
Those of us from other cities in Hudson County who have worked for many years to obtain open space see a wonderful opportunity at hand. That opportunity rests with Guttenberg to accede to the pleas of its citizens for open space and, as so many densely populated Hudson County towns have done before, to honor the right of its citizens and to formulate the land use of its city, even in the face of wealthy and powerful forces. The Quality of Life Coalition applauds the Bulls Ferry residents for their determination and persistence. It is just one current example of how Hudson County has succeeded in obtaining sorely-needed open space for all of us. We are all connected along the Waterfront and throughout the county. We hope that on March 8 when the Guttenberg board meets to vote on the condo proposal that the voice of the people will once more be heard in the land. It has proved over the years to be the right voice for the future.
Helen Manogue, Coordinator
Quality of Life Coalition