Officials announced today that the Long Slip Pedestrian Bridge connecting Jersey City to Hoboken will be open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Residents and community activists raised concern recently (see our article in the Reporter) because the walkway is by law required to be open to the public without time constraints.
The restricted portion was built by big-time Jersey City developer LeFrak Organization.
Jamie LeFrak, managing director, said today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony his concerns about liability were cleared up by the state and his hesitations in regard to public safety on the structure late at night were cleared up with Jersey City’s assistance.
The city will install closed-circuit cameras and call-boxes along the riverfront path.
LeFrak made note that the portion of the walkway funded by his organization is the “single largerst privately-financed section” of the almost-complete 18.5 miles of public walkway.
When completely finished, the walkway will span from the George Washington Bridge tot he Bayonne Bridge.
Many state and local officials attended the event at the walkway today, including Gov. Jon Corzine and Sen Robert Menedez. — TJC
LeFrak: walkway open 24 hours
