Liberty State Park, a cherished public space in Jersey City and one of the most visited parks in the United States, is under threat from a proposed development that could forever alter its character. The plan, put forward by Suntex Marinas, calls for the construction of a massive 75-foot-high warehouse for boat storage. This proposal has sparked a heated debate, drawing fierce opposition from environmental groups, park advocates, and concerned citizens who view this development as a blatant attempt at privatizing public land for commercial use.
Proposal Details: A Looming Industrial Structure
The proposed warehouse would occupy three acres of parkland in the northern section of Liberty State Park, specifically along Audrey Zapp Drive. It would house up to 500 dry racks for boat storage within a towering structure, designed to stand 75 feet tall. Situated across from the 9/11 Grove of Remembrance, this development would place a commercial facility in the midst of a space valued for its scenic views, open spaces, and its significance as a symbol of freedom and public access.
The project is backed by Liberty Landing Marina, which is owned by Suntex Marinas. The marina’s proposal includes a 60-year lease for the land and an offer of $30 million toward a bulkhead replacement. However, critics argue that the deal amounts to little more than a “quid pro quo”, which they say amounts to blackmailing the state for commercial gain at the expense of public space.
Opposition: A Fight to Preserve the Park’s Integrity
The Friends of Liberty State Park (FOLSP), a leading advocacy group, has been vocal in its opposition to the warehouse proposal. The group asserts that the project would not only harm the park’s natural beauty but also violate longstanding land use agreements. Specifically, the National Park Service had previously ruled in 1990 that development in Liberty State Park could only cover half an acre, as the park was acquired with federal funds designated for public outdoor recreation.
Moreover, opponents argue that the project would privatize what is meant to be public land, transforming an open green space into a commercial area, specifically catering to the luxury boating market. Liberty State Park, which is accessible to millions of people, would lose its identity as a public park if this proposal moves forward.
A Critical Loss for the Community
Liberty State Park is not just any public space. It is a vital urban oasis, offering green space, waterfront views, and recreational areas to residents of Jersey City and the greater New Jersey metropolitan area. For many, it is one of the few accessible parks in an urban environment with limited access to open land.
The proposed warehouse would detract from the park’s character, turning part of this beloved space into an industrial complex. For local residents, especially those in nearby urban and low-income communities, the park is a rare refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. The loss of even a portion of this land for private use would be a significant blow to public access to this invaluable resource.
As one advocate for the park put it, “The warehouse would damage the park’s character, history, openness, and sacredness.” It would forever alter the park’s function, making it less about public recreation and more about commercial enterprise, catering primarily to those with yachts and leisure boats.
The Deal on the Table: A Dangerous Precedent
The proposed deal between Suntex and the state has raised significant concerns. In exchange for the 60-year lease and the ability to build the massive boat storage facility, Suntex has offered a $30 million contribution toward replacing the marina’s bulkhead, a project that would primarily benefit the marina itself.
This arrangement is being described by critics as a “dirty deal” that would set a dangerous precedent for future privatization efforts. Public parks and public lands are meant to be preserved for the people, not commercialized for private interests. The price for allowing such a transformation would be far too high, both in terms of the park’s integrity and the message it would send about how we value public spaces.
The Legal and Environmental Implications
Apart from concerns about the deal itself, there are also legal and environmental implications to consider. The proposed warehouse could potentially violate federal land-use restrictions that are in place to protect the park’s natural character. The 1990 National Park Service ruling limits the extent of commercial development in Liberty State Park, and many argue that this warehouse would directly contradict those guidelines.
The industrial nature of the proposed warehouse would stand in stark contrast to the park’s intended purpose as a recreational space for the public. The environmental impact of such a structure, especially in a park with significant historical and cultural value, is another key point of concern for many environmental groups.
A Long History of Protecting Liberty State Park
This battle is part of a long-standing fight to protect Liberty State Park from privatization and development. Over the years, numerous proposals for waterparks, hotels, and even Formula One racetracks have been met with resistance from advocates, all with the same goal: to preserve the park as a public resource for future generations.
The Liberty State Park Protection Act, introduced in response to growing development pressures, is seen by many as essential to safeguarding the park from further commercialization. As one advocate put it, Liberty State Park is “our Yellowstone,” a national treasure located in the heart of New Jersey’s urban landscape.
A Call to Action
As the state continues to weigh the future of Liberty State Park, public pressure will be crucial in determining the outcome. Residents are encouraged to take action by submitting public comments to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). With the public comment period on the proposed lease set to close on September 18, 2025, now is the time for concerned citizens to make their voices heard.
The future of Liberty State Park is at a critical juncture. Will this iconic green space be preserved for public use, or will it become another casualty in the push for privatization? Advocates for Liberty State Park are urging the state to reject this “quid pro quo” deal and stand firm in their commitment to protecting public lands for future generations.
To learn more about the ongoing efforts to protect Liberty State Park and the resources available for those who want to get involved, visit Explore New Jersey.
