The protest is against NJ Gov. Jon Corzine's scheduled dedication event for the completed 10x200 foot hill which is the proposed foundation for the NJ 9/11 Memorial, Empty Sky. It includes two walls, 30 ft high by 200 ft. long, that the FOLSP says blocks views of the NYC skyline.
For more on the Empty Sky controversy, read this weekend's edition of the Jersey City Reporter. - RK
The mound at the tip of the park is now planted with grass with flowers. However, it does block the great open view that used to greet me and tens of thousands of others who visit the park. When the Two 30 foot tall and 200 foot long walls are built, the site will block the open view even more.
The old train station is located south of the memorial, and so it does not block the open view from the park entrance at the north-eastern tip of the park. However, the memorial site is located right at the north-eastern tip of the park, where everybody drives, bikes, or walks into the park.
I totally respect those whose family members passed away on 9/11. A memorial site is meant to be a reminder of the unfortunate event and of those whose lives are lost. However, if it will interfere with the pleasant enjoyment of the great open view by so many park lovers, its significance is negatively affected.
The site location should have been more openly discussed before it has been determined. It has been decided on without the opinion of those who visit the park often. Those who do not visit the park often made the decision. It does not seem right...
I keep a sailboat at Liberty State Park and when I first saw the mound of dirt being "assembled" near the river I was suprised and destressed. I didn't want the view of New York to be taken away from Liberty State Park.
Today I went to see how the memorial will sit on the site. I now realize that the memorial will not block the view of the city no more than the view is blocked by the Historic Train Station and the structure covering the old tracks.
I am one who was opposed to the memorial based upon the information provided by a few....but after actually seeing the site and how the memorial will site on the site I have realized that the view of the City will not be blocked. I can now say that I believe that the state of New Jersey's memorial for those lost on 9-11 is both beautiful and respectful of Liberty State Park and its special view of lower Manhattan.
They believe they have exclusive rights to the view the waterfront and the right to exclude all others views.
Many of these same people have also protested against humane treatment of terrorist prisoners.
If we are going to honor those who died in 9/11, we should do so by having respect for other people