04/05/2010
NEWS STORY
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It has been revealed that Liberty State Park in Jersey City is being targeted as the potential home for the United States Grand Prix, however, the move is already facing stiff opposition.
Reports in the local media suggest that serious discussions have been underway for the last couple of weeks, albeit behind closed doors. However, the Friends of Liberty State Park have now discovered that plans for a 3.6 mile track (above) within the park have already been filed.
"It is a marketing tool to bring people to Jersey City such as foot traffic and revenue to local businesses," said City spokesperson Jennifer Morrill, according to the Hudson Reporter. In addition to admitting that "preliminary discussions" have taken place she also revealed that a 3.6-mile track would be built within the park for the race in order to "provide the least impact to city functions."
A brief statement issued by Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, read: "This was a response to an overture made by Formula One, and Jersey City is one of several cities they are pursuing. There have been a few, preliminary conversations and this is very much in the exploratory phase. However, this may not be something that is in the best interest of Jersey City or Liberty State Park."
Responding to the news, Sam Pesin, president of The Friends Board of Trustees, told NJ.com: "Once you have a track there, and especially with the state's finances, there would be such pressure on the state to have regular car racing there. "You'd end up having the name changed from Liberty State Park to Liberty Race Track."