We the members of the Washington Park Association of Hudson County, Inc. (WPA) and Second Street Neighborhood Association, and the surrounding communities urge Hudson County and Mayor Stack to significantly revamp Union City’s troubling proposal to build a curb-to-curb, multi-purpose sports complex in the historic Washington Park. Under Union City’s proposal, the tract known as Washington Park Number Three, which includes the Cal Ripken Little League Field, would be gutted, enclosed by 20-foot-high concrete walls, and flooded with stadium lighting. Virtually overnight, the historic Washington Park — a fixture of our community that, as you know, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary — would be irretrievably transformed. Union City’s Grant recommendation by The Hudson County Executive’s Office and the now defunct Hudson County Open Space Grant Trust is not about needing more recreational space. Union City’s grant proposal for a sports complex in the middle of Historic Washington Park is about removing a legacy, a history and a community’s identity.
The surrounding community would like a public hearing to address our concerns regarding the compatibility of the proposed complex, which include:
- Storm water run off
- Removal of 17, 100 year old endangered Sycamore trees
- Light pollution
- Sound pollution
- Parking deficit
- Increase in traffic
- Destruction of scenic vista / view shed in Hudson County
- Destruction of community's character
- Location, magnitude and timing of development
- Destruction of biological diversity on a contiguous tract of open space
- Historic preservation
- Reduction in passive park spaces below the national recommendations
By signing this petition I am asking my elected officials for an immediate public hearing on this proposal before any votes are taken on the grant recommendation. I do not want the current recreational footprint of park number three to be increased. Thank you for allowing constituent voices to be heard.
The WPA is a not-for-profit organization, whose Board of Trustee members reside in both Jersey City and Union City. The WPA’s mission is to work with the community to revitalize, maintain and protect Washington Park, Hudson County, New Jersey and promote its use through the development of programs and activities that enhance the quality of life of park users and local residents. More information about the WPA can be found on its website http://www.wpanj.org/
