Sam Pesin's Still Fighting: Son Of Liberty State Park Founder Protests Lease Extension

JERSEY CITY, NJ — On New Year's Day, Sam Pesin — whose later father Morris was known as the "Father of Liberty State Park" — found himself thrusting flyers into hikers' hands at the park in Jersey City, just like he did last New Year's Day.

Sam's dad, Morris Pesin, worked from 1958 to 1976 to save the park from private development, and now his son acts as a watchdog through his group Friends of Liberty State Park.

Pesin was at the park both to take part in the "First Day Hikes" held at state parks on Jan. 1 each year — which draw dozens of adults and children — and to raise awareness about an upcoming public meeting.

Pesin is urging park supporters to attend a State House Commission hearing on Jan. 15 to keep future privatization plans at bay.

While a company called Suntex is already renting the marina at the park, with 20 years left on their 50-year lease, the NJDEP has proposed extending their lease for another 40 years, Pesin noted (a link to the lease is below).

Surrounded by hiking adults and children last week — and tables set up at the park for art and hot cocoa — Pesin said he and the Friends are concerned about the lease extension.

"[We] urge park supporters to ... strongly oppose the DEP's new 60 year marina lease allowing the gargantuan boat storage warehouse for 500 boats," he said. He called it "scandalous and shameful" for the state to consider approving the extended lease five days before the inauguration of new governor Mikie Sherrill.

"[The DEP] is undemocratically ignoring 49 years of overwhelming opposition to LSP privatization," Pesin said.

The virtual hearing will take place at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, using this link. Pesin noted that while the announcement mentions Microsoft Teams, people can use the "chat" option to speak.

The state's Proposed New Lease for Liberty Landing Marina is here.

The Friends of Liberty State Park have posted information on privatization plans and their other concerns here.

Liberty State Park opened during the bicentennial year 1976. Over the years, activist groups have attempted to steer the park away from potential overdevelopment and commercialization.

See previous reporting here: New Battle Brewing Over Liberty State Park In Jersey City

What's In The Park?

Liberty State Park has nature trails, two playgrounds, picnic areas, a nature center, the historic CRRNJ Terminal, Caven Point Beach, and wildlife preserves.

Ferries offer service from the park to the Statue of Liberty. (Find out more about that here.)