Dear Editor: Our dream of a new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Jersey City is about to become a reality. Last June 8th, members of the Liberty Humane Society accompanied Mayor Bret Schundler and his administration on the final site tour for the new shelter. Mayor Schundler himself led us to the location that all agreed is perfect. The acquisition of the land is now complete. Here are a few details about the site. The shelter will be located in a highly visible and accessible retail zone in Ward B. This will enable us to lease retail space to vendors, such as a pet supply shop, a groomer, a veterinary clinic, and a boarding facility. Rents from these retailers will help to support the shelter. Just think of it. A progressive shelter in an area that is easy to get to with plenty of parking and room to grow. At last, a haven where our stray, abandoned and unwanted "best friends" will receive a real second chance to be adopted into lifetime, loving homes. Equally important, the shelter will be managed by experts committed to ending animal overpopulation and irresponsible ownership. In addition, the public should be aware of the following: • A humane animal shelter is a necessity required by law. • Funds to build the shelter are earmarked strictly for capital improvement projects and could not otherwise be used for salaries, to avoid layoffs, etc. • The shelter will be operated by a non profit organization, not by Jersey City. • The shelter feasibility study authorized by Jersey City describes the current shelter, the SPCA as extremely understaffed; very old, substandard in equipment and design; and located in an isolated area. We look forward to the press conference where the mayor will announce the site of the new shelter. On behalf of all our animal friends who cannot speak for themselves, a great big "thank you Mayor Schundler" for picking a wonderful spot for the new shelter. Norrice Raymaker, President The Liberty Humane Society