Jersey City Reporter, April 2, 2000

Dear Editor:

More than 25 years ago, I became the first President and founding member of the Van Vorst Park Association. The Van Vorst Park Association became a catalyst for other neighborhood groups after friends and neighbors attended functions.

Naturally, I am thrilled how well they succeeded. I am especially delighted with the activism of the various Heights associations. They should be commended for bringing to the public their concerns over the proposed Millennium Towers.

Speaking only as an individual who lives in Downtown Jersey City, I am concerned over the pending traffic problems. In the early 1990's the city approved approximately 15,000 parking spaces for the Colgate Redevelopment Plan. Yet only a fraction has been built, but I am sure the rest will follow.

With the proposed development of the new Medical Center and the new School #3 complex of 900 students, how will traffic move? The Medical Center, the school complex and the Millennium Towers will border Jersey Avenue. And what about the turnpike traffic that presently crosses Jersey Avenue?

In addition, I am also concerned about the underground water table. As more pilings are used to support these large buildings, water is displaced. This leads to more flooding during heavy rains. Where are the engineering studies?

I have created a web site to stop the present proposal. The address is www.balcer.com/towers. Please download a copy of the petition and bring the signed petition to your block association or to the City Clerk.

Yvonne Balcer
Jersey City