NJ budget could allow private development on public land

A stopgap budget passed by New Jersey lawmakers last week could lead to private developers building on public parks, according to the New York Times.

A provision inserted into the budget legislation requires the state to solicit bids from for-profit and non-profit entities for maintenance, environmental remediation, and capital investments, including through leaseholds.

Jersey City’s Liberty State Park could be a candidate. The private Liberty National Golf Club has been trying for years to develop three new holes on 22 acres of the park. Governor Phil Murphy’s office said in a statement that the governor did “not intend” to solicit bids for Liberty State Park.

Some lawmakers criticized the provision, saying it was put into the budget at the last minute without the knowledge of many legislators who voted to approve it. [NYT] — Dennis Lynch