Hi everyone! I’m creating this petition in honor of my late nephew, CJ Spivey-Hunsberger, and in support of my wonderful sister, Ashley, and brother-in-law, Steve.

Ashley and Steve have been loyal residents of Battery Park City in Manhattan for over a decade now. They are dutiful citizens and strive to make their communities better. This past November, my sister was 7 months pregnant with their first child, when horrible circumstances ensued. CJ was born a stillbirth on November 26th, 2020. We miss him everyday and look for any opportunity to honor him.

As a result, my sister reached out to the New York City’s Parks System to honor CJ by placing a plaque on a bench close to her heart. The Parks System welcomed the request and replied that she could pick any bench. They proceeded to purchase a plaque for over $2000. Everyday, my sister and brother-in-law walk their beloved dog Jackson by the Lily Pond located in front of the Irish Famine Memorial in Battery Park. I was with my sister when she mournfully chose a bench to remember her son, as advised by the Parks System. This was four months ago.

Now, present day, they are telling us that the bench is actually under the Battery Park City Authority jurisdiction, and we are no longer able to dedicate the specific bench my sister has visited EVERY DAY for FOUR MONTHS to CJ anymore. This is a heartbreaking and extremely frustrating answer. I know what this bench means to my sister, Steve, my family, and hundreds of other people who have also created an emotional bond with this “memorial site.”

Please join me in signing this petition, and showing local lawmakers, and especially the Battery Park City Authority, how important it is to place a plaque in remembrance of CJ Spivey-Hunsberger on the Lily Pond bench. Why would a small plaque remembering a beautiful short life be such a detrimental addition to the community?