Roseanne Koberle
Information Officer, NJTPA
One Newark Center
17th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102The Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association is very concerned about the development of the Bergen Arches, and the rehabilitation of Route 139. Community members who have been studying this project have given a presentation on the proposed scope of work to our membership. This project will have a profound effect on our neighborhood.
Our neighborhood is already a non attainment area for carbon monoxide, particulates, and ozone. We are already choked by traffic congestion. We already suffer from the noise of traffic en route to the Holland Tunnel.
This project, if completed as a highway, could be devastating to our already poor air quality. Further, people looping through the BA terminus at Washington Blvd. would be adding to our traffic problems in attempts to get to the Holland Tunnel. In addition we would have increases in the traffic sounds with a highway located within feet of existing and developing housing.
We would like you to seriously consider our neighborhood concerns in all aspects of the development of this project. We would like you to consider all possible uses for the Arches in a thoroughly prepared alternatives analysis Further, it would be appropriate to keep the neighborhood informed of your development plans. Your proposed highway is wihin the boundaries of the Hamilton Park Neighborhood, and is on the border of the Nationally Registered Hamilton Park Historic District. We have not seen any concern from any governmental entity to find out what our concerns areabout this project. We, as community members should be informed of hearings on projects which certainly will effect our quality of life.
Sincerely,
Janice Monson
Task Leader, HPNA