June 16, 2018

Vote yes on Senate bill 1074 Regarding Protecting the Public Trust Rights Along Tidal Waters

To: Senators Sarlo, Stack, Addiego, Bucco, Cruz-Perez, Cunningham, Diegnan, Greenstein, Oroho, OScanlon, Ruiz, Singleton, Thompson

Senate bill 1074 (Smith, Bateman, Gopal) provides for, and strengthens the protection of the public’s rights along tidal waters, including the Hudson River Waterfront, under the public trust doctrine. The Hudson River Waterfront and the Waterfront Walkway are used by thousands of New Jerseyans each day as a vital link in the public transportation network and an enormous recreational asset for the public. Yet private interests still inhibit access to the Waterfront in many areas by fences, gates, security staff, absence of parking, and signage that violate the public trust doctrine. The Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy works daily to break down access barriers and prevent new ones from being established along the Hudson River Waterfront.

This bill is a result of an extensive consultative process, and is supported by a wide range of stakeholders with the common objective of open access to the State’s waterfronts.  These range from the Chamber of Commerce to the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, including the state’s major coastal environmental organizations such as the NY/NJ Baykeeper and the Surfrider Foundation, and the largest recreational fishing organizations including the Recreational Fishing Alliance, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, the Outdoor Alliance and the NJ Beach Buggy Association.

The Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy joins these groups to ask that you vote yes in support of Senate Bill 1074.

This yes vote will provide the legislative tool necessary to give the citizens of New Jersey open access to the Hudson River Waterfront and all tidal waters in the State. The bill will allow the citizens of New Jersey at large to freely enjoy the transportation and recreational benefits provided by the river waterfronts and the beaches throughout New Jersey.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions.

Best regards
Don Stitzenberg
President
Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy