Name    : 
E-Mail  : 
Subject : 

Comments:
: Steven Latham 
: Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance 
: 201 656 5235 
: 201 705-9219 cel 
: jcreservoir@juno.com 
: jcreservoir.org  

: May 11, 
: 2006                                                                         
: *-- For Immediate Release --* 
: * * 
: *Locked-Out Rally - **Hundreds Protest Jersey City's Ban on Fishing, 
: Nature Walks, Bird-Watching, and Other Planned Summer Events At The 
: Reservoir* 
:   
: On Saturday May 6, 2006, four hundred concerned residents from around 
: Jersey City stood outside the locked entrance to the Reservoir on 
: Jefferson Avenue with fishing poles, paddles, and giant photographs of 
: last summer's public activities at the Reservoir, chanting, "Open The 
: Gates!" The crowd gathered to protest Jersey City's ban on public access 
: to the green urban oasis and recent rejection of summer activities: a 
: fishing derby, nature walks, guided tours, bird-watching and free kayak 
: lessons. 
:   
: With a symbolic key, Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance 
: President Steve Latham attempted to unlock the gate, saying "Mayor Glenn 
: Cunningham gave us the key to the Reservoir when the site had been 
: abandoned and no one was taking care of it.  That same day the City came 
: and fixed the broken gates. Last summer with the City's cooperation, the 
: Alliance opened the Reservoir to the public and thousands of people 
: participated in tours and events." 
:   
: This year, the Alliance expected to continue its tours and expand the 
: opportunities the public has to enjoy the Reservoir.  But the City has 
: refused to give permission, and has indicated that even if it relents, 
: it will impose severe restrictions, including:  limiting access to just 
: two days, prohibiting the Alliance from bringing government officials 
: onto the site, keeping out the press and even banning the public from 
: taking pictures.  The City's lock-out of the Alliance comes as 
: Councilman Steve Lipski has publicly called for the Reservoir to be 
: demolished so more athletic fields can be built next to the ones in 
: adjoining Pershing Field. 
:   
: Sam Pesin, President of the Friends of Liberty State Park, compared this 
: to the struggle to create Liberty State Park, "This is such an outrage 
: that this gate is closed.  We shouldn't have to drive an hour to enjoy 
: nature.  We need this place.  We cannot let our visionless City 
: officials steal this from us and future generations." 
:   
: Steve Krinski, a science teacher at the Learning Community Charter 
: School at the Boys and Girls Club, remarked "Last year I brought two 
: groups of students here, a geography class and our environmental club.   
: This year I want to bring more students. The City needs to recognize the 
: great teaching resource we have in our own backyard.  This is not a just 
: a Heights issue, kids all over the City need to come to this beautiful 
: spot." 
:   
: Joshua Parkhurst, President of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, 
: told the crowd "The Reservoir was a key component of the historic water 
: works built by Jersey City in the 1870s to ensure a plentiful, safe 
: supply of water.  It is an important landmark of 19^th century urban 
: American engineering and public works."  Parkhurst continued "When the 
: Reservoir was abandoned, something amazing happened - nature took over 
: and created something beautiful.  We are seeing species of birds and 
: trees that haven't been seen here in years."   
:   
: In a parade around the Reservoir walls, impassioned Reservoir supporters 
: carried signs and chanted "Open the Gates."  Toward the rally's end, 
: Steve Latham asked the supporters to give the police escort a round of 
: applause. 
:   
: Landmarks Conservancy founder John Gomez shouted "Where are our elected 
: officials who claim to be environmentally conscious?  Our officials 
: turned their backs not only on history, but on the environment too.  We 
: need to take this rally to City Hall." Gomez told the cheering crowd 
: "The Reservoir will need you again and again until these gates are open." 

: For more information, go to jcreservoir.org , or contact Steven Latham 
: at jcreservoir@juno.com  , (201) 656-5235 
: or (201) 705-9219. 


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