The Newsletter of the Embankment Preservation Coalition
Newsletter #4
Sept 16, 2007
Join Us in Marking Our Winning Petition to the STB
You're All Invited!
Free Activities and Refreshments
Saturday, October 13
Resurrection School Gym (Holy Rosary Complex)
189 Brunswick St (at Sixth St)
noon to 4 pm
Children's Activities Tour of Gardens along Embankment Displays Music Refreshments
See our park designs and give us your ideas
Complete Program in Next Newsletter
Between 1 and 2 pm we will honor individuals who contributed to the STB Petition, including Governor Jon Corzine, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg, NJ State Senator Bernard F. Kenny, Jr., NJ State Assemblyman Louis M. Manzo, Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise, Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, Council President Mariano Vega Jr. and Members of the Municipal Council, and the neighborhood associations and individual citizens who sent statements and letters of support to the STB.
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) ruling on August 9 seemed clear to us: The Harsimus Branch Embankment remains part of the national railway system. SLH Properties, however, challenged the ruling and filed a Petition for Reconsideration with the STB on August 30. The City, the Coalition, and our co-petitioners will respond this month.
We've worked for nine years to save the Embankment for public use, and view this move as just another bump in the road. We cannot predict when the STB will decide on this new petition but do not see any substantive issues that would delay a decision. Conrail did not join SLH's petition, which may be significant. So let's celebrate our win on October 13th and trust that the STB will affirm its initial ruling.
In August, on its counsel's recommendation, the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) dismissed demolition applications filed by SLH Properties for the entire six blocks containing Embankment structures.
Because of an administrative error made by HPC staff, the HPC counsel recommended that the hearings be on the agenda for the September commission meeting, so that they could be properly noticed, and that the board should again dismiss them. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m., Conference Room, Dept. of Housing, Economic Development, and Commerce (HEDC), 14th Floor, 30 Montgomery St, Jersey City. Parking is available on Columbus Drive.
We expect the Commission to once again dismiss the applications. We must be prepared for surprises, however, so the Coalition will send representatives in case there is a public hearing. If you can spare time to join us at the meeting, we will be grateful
Many Embankment members and supporters are participating in this year's Jersey City Artists Studio Tour, including artists who are volunteering their time at our October 13th event.
This 17th Annual Tour is on a never-before scale, with seven curated shows at anchor sites in addition to artists studios and Jersey City Museum exhibits
Studio Tour Kickoff Celebration: Friday, Oct. 5, 6 to 10pm. Canco Lofts, 50 Dey Street. Canco and additional flagship sites will be open for the Studio Tour weekend Oct. 6 and 7 and on additional days from Sept. 21 through Oct. 21.
For detailed descriptions and a complete schedule, see the Pro Arts web site. Members of Pro Arts, the regional arts organization and co-sponsor of the Studio Tour, "had the vision thing" and were among earliest contributors to our preservation efforts.
Jersey Journal "Embankment Sale Invalid"
Jersey Journal Editorial "Embankment Would Make A Great Park"
Jersey City Reporter "Embankment Closer to Open Space"
Help Us Increase Our Strength in Numbers!
The Embankment Preservation Coalition has approximately 1000 supporters who've indicated they want to keep informed about Embankment events. As we approach the final days of our nine-year struggle to preserve the Embankment, we hope more of you will become dues-paying members. Memberships start as low as $5 for seniors and students and $10 for other individuals. Please see our website for membership forms.
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