LSP For All Executive Director Arnold Stovell’s Statement On Jersey City Council Acknowledging The Legacy Of Excluding Minority Communities From LSP Decision-Making Process

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Liberty State Park For All Executive Director Arnold Stovell issued the following statement today regarding the Jersey City Council’s acknowledgment last night that for decades, minority communities have been excluded from the Liberty State Park decision-making process:

“The Liberty State Park Protection Act continues a legacy of excluding minority communities from the groups that make decisions about Liberty State Park. The legislation proposed by Sam Pesin and the Friends of Liberty State Park would lock in place plans to create a nature preserve instead of an active park in the currently contaminated 235-acre Interior portion.

“Last night the Jersey City Council acknowledged these historic wrongs. The Council’s updated resolution on the Protection Act noted many flaws in the Pesin legislation and urged action to fix them. Thanks to the community’s appeal, the resolution now calls for changes to the Protection Act so that the Advisory Committee includes local minority representatives. The resolution also calls for active recreation to be considered for the park. These changes were made because of the dedicated and vocal advocacy of community leaders in Wards A and F.

“This is an important step, not only for social justice but systemic reconstruction. In order for progress to be successful we must work against this notion of legacy organizations deeming ‘what’s best’ for a community never asked the question. Inclusion brings options, opportunities, respect and real equity. These are the times for communities that have been ignored for too long to take their place at the table rather than accepting scraps. Full inclusion of minority advocates is intrinsic to shared prosperity and longevity. Community advocates must have their planning intentions etched in legislation, just as legacy advocates have their representation guaranteed in statute. Much like the community surrounding Liberty State Park, LSPFA supports the full inclusion and considerations for a robust park that boasts safe active recreation and amenities, as well as passive options allowing for the true appreciation of nature by all.

“The Protection Act should be amended to guarantee minority advocate representation. It should be amended to clean up the contaminated Interior of LSP so active and passive recreation can exist. It should be amended to let communities speak and be heard before decisions are made. Those are our goals and we will keep fighting until those goals are achieved.”

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