Bill protecting Liberty State Park from privatization moves along in Trenton

Legislation to protect Liberty State Park from development and commercialization is moving through the State House.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee released the Liberty State Park Protection Act with amendments on Thursday, sending the bill to the Senate floor for a full vote.

The proposed law would prohibit most privatization in the park, while still allowing for small-scale commercial enterprises such as bike rentals and concession stands. It would also revive the Liberty State Park Advisory Committee to further guide the park’s future with public input.

But a lobbyist for the nearby Liberty National Golf Course advocated that the park’s Caven Point Peninsula be excluded from the act. The ultra-exclusive golf club had previously requested to lease the 22-acre Caven Point Peninsula — home to a sandy beach and nesting area for migratory birds — and move three holes there, but the state Department of Environmental Protection denied the bid in 2018.

“Moves to expand a nearby golf course into the park underscore the importance of this legislation in protecting Liberty State Park and I look forward to meeting with those who take issue with the bill,” state Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham, a sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “Ensuring that the park continues to remain as a recreational area free for everyone to enjoy is crucial.”

A twin bill in the Assembly has already been voted out of committee.

Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park, said he would like to see the bill posted for a full vote by the Assembly and Senate by Dec. 16.

“I’m excited. I’m optimistic. The most important next mile stone is to get this bill to the governor’s desk in the lame duck session," Pesin said.

“Let’s get this done.”

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