05/05/2010
NEWS STORY
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The Mayor of Jersey City, which is bidding to host a round of the Formula One World Championship from 2010, has called on the city's Tourism Office to withdraw its bid.
"After a review of the draft proposal prepared by the City's Tourism Office, I have come to the same conclusion as Sam Pesin and the Friends of Liberty State Park that this type of event is not suited for Liberty State Park," said Jerramiah T. Healy in a statement today.
"While we work to attract national and international events to our city, we must ensure that they are appropriate and will have the least impact upon the quality of life of our residents and our community.
While Pesin, president of The Friends Board of Trustees, described Healy's request as a "great relief", it is understood that the issue is far from settled.
Liberty State Park, in which the proposed 3.6 mile track would be located, is owned by the state of New Jersey and all events held there must be approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
"Each year Liberty State Park receives numerous requests for events to be held at this park," DEP spokesman Larry Ragonese told NJ.com. "Each event is considered based on benefit to park users and its impacts on the natural and historic resources on the site."
"At this point I can only say we have not reviewed this proposal," he added. "If this proposal comes to us like any other proposal we'll look at it and consider it. They would have to get state approval to do this."
"Mayor Healy did reach out to me yesterday and we had a very constructive conversation," said Pesin. "I'm very grateful that his further review of the proposal by the city's Tourism official and also his heart and family values led him to this decision.
"Instead of a negative wasteful controversy, we can all focus on working together on positive efforts to benefit Jersey City and Liberty State Park."