I  strongly oppose the construction of the Wendell Place Boat Ramp & Parking Lot portion of the Clark Reservoir Dredging and Aeration Project proposed by Union County.

New Jersey Turnpike Authority has informed Union County that if they proceed with this project, they will assume liability for every aspect of the Garden State Parkway structure, including above and below the bridge. This unlimited liability imposes a severe unknown and unpredictable financial risk on Union County taxpayers.

This project also impacts a small community in Clark, NJ consisting of Wendell Place, Lefferts Lane, Terhune Road, Shetland Drive, and Whitley Terrace, a sanctuary filled with families and young children. There are no sidewalks and the narrow streets have become a playground for our children and grandchildren; an increase in traffic can greatly compromise their safety. The proposed development is not merely an infringement on our land; it threatens our safety and way of life. In summary, this part of the project:

• threatens the safety of neighborhood children,
• destroys valuable green space,
• destroys the largest old growth tree canopy along the Clark Reservoir,
• threatens the sanctity of the Clark Wildlife Preserve; erases generations of silent watchers who have protected our community,
• significantly increases noise pollution,
• will raise taxes on Union County residents  for maintenance of Garden State Parkway Bridge,
• imposes unlimited liability and unknown/unpredictable severe financial risk to Union County taxpayers,
• Increases liability for the Township of Clark.

Additionally, the Union County proposal already includes a boat ramp & boathouse located a mere 500 yards from the proposed Wendell Place Boat Ramp & Parking Lot. Therefore, the latter is an unnecessary waste of taxpayer money.

We call on the concerned authorities to consider these grave implications and discard the plans for boat ramp and parking lot construction at Wendell Place Forest. Do not inflict such irreversible harm to our homes, our children, and our community.

Sign this petition today to protect the quality of life in our peaceful neighborhood.