February 15, 1999

Ms. Roseanne Koberle
Information Officer
One Newark Center
17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102

Dear Ms. Koberle:

I am a member of HART and Friendly Neighbors but I am basically writing to you as a citizen and resident of downtown historic area of Jersey City in close proximity to Jersey Avenue. I'm deeply concerned and disillusioned by the possibility of another highway (more noise, traffic and pollution) being built to gain access to the Holland Tunnel. I am totally astounded by the amount of cars that enter and exit the Holland Tunnel. Frankly, I totally amazed all the time by the amount of cars that I encounter in Jersey City

The $1 million earmarked for the Bergen Arches study must be an objective study and include alternative uses for the corridor like freight rail and passenger light rail, not just highways. The $1.2 Billion Hudson-Bergen Transit Light Rail system was sold to us as the most efficient and less polluting option to get workers to the waterfront developments. Why a new road to compete with it? Let's give HB LRT a chance to succeed.

One of the great challenges of the 21st century will be to preserve and protect the environment. Support and development of alternative means of public transportation is one of the ways to prepare for this challenge. The challenge exists already. There is no need to compound it in Hudson County. We don't need or want more freeways.

Sincerely,

Monica Abels Stabin
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302