Comment EI-16657
Received or sent (printed as 4/2/2009)
As an affected resident and former Councilman for this Ward I am asking for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The National Environmental Policy Act requires Federal agencies to prepare EISs for major Federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. This is one such example. I have been a supporter of the Sixth Street Embankment Coalition for over 8 years and will continue to do so for the next lifetime. Downtown Jersey City has seen a complete revitalization of its waterfront and surrounding areas. Thousands upon thousands of condo units have been built. Just in the last couple of years approvals have been given to build an additional 25,000!! There is no need for more development! There is a need for more open space which would provide residents of the area with a safe haven. A declaration of abandonment will lead directly to demolition (Conrail and partner are currently seeking City permits and approvals to do this now). The effects of this potential demolition from this massive structure would create havoc on air quality with the large amount of dust that will circulate. The noise and vibrations from heavy truck traffic through fragile historic districts would create the potential to do damage to buildings on both sides for one-half mile. That would be inexcusable. Imagine the concern for the safety and health of all the residents in the nearby area. It would create problems with flooding (no half-mile of fill to absorb storm water in flood plain) and water quality. It would destroy habitat and wildlife including migratory birds and monarch butterflies, and much local species. There would be a tremendous loss of the ecosystem and not to mention the cultural loss for Holy Rosary historic festival and Italian community that has taken place there for over 50 years. Thus far there have been inadequate studies done of contaminants that include the failure of Conrail’s developer partner to submit environmental sampling study to STB. There has been a gross neglect of the site over decades by Conrail and they continue to deal in bad faith as they and their partner seek demolition permits. There is an ABSOLUTE need for this federal agency to enforce federal laws rather than burdening local governments and citizens. I am asking as a resident of this community that you please authorize an Environmental Impact Statement before abandonment causes severe adverse effects to Jersey City historic districts, landmarks, neighborhoods, and families that would be irreversible!
Submitted by: E. Junior Maldonado · Jersey City, New Jersey
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/AB-167/sub/1189X/comment/EI-16657 · back to the docket sheet