Comment EI-17213
Received or sent (printed as 4/7/2009)
Greetings, This is to urge the Surface Transportation Board to authorize an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Pennsylvania Railroad Harsimus Branch Embankment so decision-makers have the best information available to them. Abandoning the Embankment without such an assessment risks immeasurable adverse effects to Jersey City historic districts, landmarks, neighborhoods, and families. The Embankment borders the National Historic Districts of Harsimus Cove and Hamilton Park and is itself a recognized historic site. It was entered into the State Register of Historic Places in 1999, is eligible for the National Register, and was named a Municipal Landmark in January 2003. Abandonment will lead directly to demolition. An EIA will reveal the likely health effects that demolishing the massive structure would have on the air and sound quality to local residents including children. An EIA is needed to inform the Board and the public of the potential dire consequences of demolition in the following areas as well: * vibrations * increased heavy truck traffic through fragile historic districts * damage to buildings on two sides for one-half mile * removal of a cultural resource * release of contaminants (studies done on them have thus far been inadequate) * flooding (no half-mile of fill to absorb stormwater in flood plain) * water quality (increased burden on combined sewers; release of CSOs into Hudson Estuary) * habitat destruction of wildlife, including migratory birds and monarch butterflies, and many local species * ecosystem destruction (part of habitat corridor joining Hudson to Hackensack) * cultural loss for Holy Rosary historic festival and Italian community * loss of grade-separated transportation structure, ideal for urban area’s heavy traffic * loss of light rail linking Secaucus to waterfront * loss of light freight opportunities It should be noted that Conrail’s developer partner has failed to submit an environmental sampling study to the Board. Rather than destroy the Embankment, why not care for it as a much needed greenway in a densely-developed urban environment located six blocks from the Holland Tunnel? An open space full of the wonder and beauty of vegetation and wildlife for all to enjoy is an oasis in such a setting. Like most children and adults alike, I derive enormous pleasure from exploring and relaxing in nature. It's contemplative and recreational. It provides mental and physical health benefits as well. Please authorize an Environmental Impact Assessment for the benefit of the Jersey City community. Sincerely, Paul Bennett
Submitted by: Paul Bennett · New York, NY
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-17213 · back to the docket sheet