Dear Editor:
February 15th was a great day in the history of Jersey City. Mayor Jerramiah Healy and State DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson announced that after several years of threatened development, the Reservoir’s natural and historic treasures will be permanently preserved as a nature park.
The means that future generations of Jersey City residents will be able to take their children and grandchildren fishing, walking, boating, nature-watching and picnicking in this beautiful urban oasis – instead of driving an hour out of the city to get the same experience.
The Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance would like to publicly thank Mayor Healy, Commissioner Jackson, Council President and longtime friend of the Reservoir, Mariano Vega and the City Council for their vision in preserving this valuable open space for desperately needed “passive recreation” for our city. We’re also pleased that the mayor intends to designate all 13 acres of the site, not just nine acres, as parkland. City living can be stressful and far removed from nature. Preserving the Reservoir as a green jewel is a great step toward making Jersey City a more humane, livable and beautiful place.
The Reservoir Alliance looks forward to a continued partnership with the City administration and to together opening the Reservoir for public enjoyment this summer and for generations to come.
Steven Latham, President
The Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance