New Jersey Women Pass Emergency Resolution in Support of Bill to Protect the Palisades
New Brunswick, NJ (PRWEB) May 15, 2014 -- Members of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) attending their 120th annual convention in Atlantic City last week passed an emergency resolution in support of a Bill before the NJ State Senate that would restrict the height of buildings within 2000 feet of the Palisades escarpment to 35 feet. The towns that would be affected are Englewood Cliffs, Tenafly and Alpine.
The Bill has been proposed by Senator Bob Smith who is Chairman of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Senator Smith is supported by Senator Christopher Bateman, and Senator Richard Codey, who have co-sponsored the Bill. Additionally, Assemblyman John McKeon has introduced an identical bill (A3183) in the NJ Assembly. On May 12, the Senate Bill was transferred to the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Jeff Van Drew, Chairman.
One of the immediate effects of the Bill, if passed, would be to force LG Electronics, USA, to lower the height of their proposed new US headquarters in Englewood Cliffs. The legislation would apply to all buildings whose foundations had not been laid by May 1, 2014 and LG is still only in the site clearance and demolition stage.
“The Borough of Englewood Cliffs approved plans by LG Electronics to build a 143 foot high office tower, four times higher than the long-time zoning limit observed and respected by other companies, thus creating opportunities for more and higher buildings which will destroy a national monument,” said Linda Babeuf, NJSFWC President. Ms Babeuf added, “Our resolution strongly urges the New Jersey Legislature to expeditiously approve Bill S.2025.”
Copies of the resolution will be sent to a long list of State officials, including Governor Christie. They will be reminded that convention delegates represent the 8,000 members of the NJSFWC and “since 1896 members have campaigned to preserve one of New Jersey’s ‘Natural Wonders’- the Palisades of the Hudson.”
A keynote presentation during the convention given by Ed Goodell, Executive Director of the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference, updated delegates on the potential damage that will be caused if LG is permitted to build their high rise structure. He said, “This would be the start of a slippery slide that would lead to many more tall buildings being constructed on the pristine Palisades north of Fort Lee.”
He went on to say that the only issue dividing the growing number of protestors and LG is the height of the building. “We have virtually no differences of opinion on any other point so it should be possible to bring this to a conclusion that satisfies everyone,” concluded Goodell.
Copy of the Emergency Resolution is attached. Simulations also available for use by emailing Jeanine Genauer: jgenauer(at)jprgroup(dot)com or call (973) 980-0100.
Jeanine Genauer, The JPR Group Public Relations, http://www.jprgroup.com, +1 (973) 809-8832, [email protected]
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