I had no idea that right here in Jersey City, right in Paulus Hook, we have gotten to be so exclusive that our parks can be padlocked just like the one in Gramarcy Park, NYC. I was not aware that the residents of Paulus Hook had arranged to have the small fenced-in parks at the corners of Washington and Grand made their very own...to the exclusive of all other residents of Jersey City. My, My! Not a bad deal if you can! Does that mean that shortly every other park, particularly in the down town area, i.e. Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park and the newer parks in Newport, along with the padlocked parks found along the waterfront (in all those tax abated apartment buildings) will also be padlocked to keep out the unwanted?
And why are they padlocked? Are the residents in Paulus Hook somehow a bit better than the rest of us? Somehow I think not! Can it be because in downtown Jersey City, we are overrun with green space? That there are lots and lots of areas to sit and pass the time of day? Meet and talk with neighbors. Lots of people and dog friendly spaces. Somehow I think not!
And by the way, who supplies Paulus Hook with those thick chains and padlocks, and who has the keys when the grass needs to be cut? And does the city cut the grass or has Pualus Hook hired their very own grass/park keeper? Well then now, maybe all whose taxes include the upkeep and care of our parks need to receive a rebate. After all, if we can't use the parks in Paulus Hook, is there any reason that we have to pay the taxes to cover their upkeep?
Lorraine Gagliardotto Garry
Post a Comment