Battle Brewing In Fort Lee Over Proposed Multi-Purpose Athletic Field And More Inside Palisades Interstate Park – CBS New York

FORT LEE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Some residents in Fort Lee are pushing again on a proposed plan that might take away bushes from a park and exchange them with fields and asphalt.

“They need to stage it to make a parking zone and an Astroturf facility,” Anastasio Zaharikutis advised CBS2’s Meg Baker on Thursday.

READ MORE: Experts Urge Parents To Check In With Kids In Excessive Heat, Keep An Eye Out For Heat Exhaustion

Residents who use Palisades Interstate Park off of North Central Highway say they need to defend Mom Nature. An indication reads “Save this park.”

Preliminary plans would reduce down a whole bunch of bushes to make manner for a multi-purpose athletic subject, 100 parking areas, restrooms, a playground and a canine park.

“Fort Lee could be very, very a lot a metropolis and it’s changing into extra congested each day and each hour and that’s why we selected right here and we wish this to stay our quiet little oasis,” realtor and resident Linda Barba stated.

Individuals who reside in a close-by constructing stated they might not think about shedding this gem.

READ MORE: New Jersey Congressman Says New York Is Trying To ‘Mooch Off’ Of Jersey With Congestion Pricing Plan

“It’s one of many final wild areas in our city. Look, at it. It’s so stunning, and these bushes, while you see them, they’ve been rising for many years,” resident Natalie Arellano stated.

Officers weren’t out there to go on digicam, however stated they’re exploring all choices as a result of the borough is brief so many fields. There’s restricted open house for youths’ recreation. Ladies softball, for instance, doesn’t actually have a subject.

“I perceive that there are different individuals in the neighborhood that would love fields, however we’re additionally a part of Fort Lee neighborhood, who wish to preserve the park and protect the park the best way it’s,” Jane Ruggiero stated.

Officers careworn that the plan is at first phases and public enter is welcomed.

Residents who oppose the concept plan to attend a council assembly Thursday night time to voice considerations.

MORE NEWS: Credible Messengers Program Connects Jersey City Youth With Mentors To Combat Violence

CBS2’s Meg Baker contributed to this report.