the rix mix

Led by chief sponsor Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-Paterson [NJ-8th], and a united front from the New Jersey delegation, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Monday evening designating the 109 acres surrounding the Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson as a national park. The vote was an overwhelming 256-122 in favor.

Earlier in the day the bill had been debated and faced opposition from some Republicans. Pascrell, who has expended much energy on this needed legislation, and in coalescing bipartisan support for it, spent much of Monday afternoon lobbying for still more votes, and in the end gained 50 votes from across the aisle. That number included all six GOP members of the New Jersey delegation. Republicans cast all 122 "no" votes.

A similar bill, supported strongly by state Sen. Frank Lautenberg and state Sen. Robert Menendez, is pending before a Senate committee. To become the Great Falls National Park the proposal must also pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Bush.

The president has put a hold on creating any new national parks. However advocates believe he may sign the bill since New Jersey has already pledged $10 million toward the project.

"The Great Falls could be transformed into an attraction for visitors," Pascrell said during the afternoon debate. "Federal resources could be leveraged to revitalize the Great Falls and the entire city."

Sounds worthy, although I don't know what happens if it's approved. Two or three Park Service Rangers with training in urban police work for a start, not a plum assignment. Bringing the Great Falls into the National Park system won't revitalize the entire city of Paterson, or even do much for the neighborhoods beyond the historical warehouse district. You don't want to wander far in that area if you're not familiar with it. The Great Falls themselves are a lot more impressive after a soaking rain, so much water is diverted upstream. My impression of the Great Falls from the first time I saw them was, "Except for those waterfalls, this place is damned ugly." It will always be ugly. Alexander Hamilton's America isn't pretty. I watched Philippe Petit cross the chasm on a high wire in 1974. Also enjoyed seeing pigeons in a natural cliff-dwelling habitat.

"Paterson NJ: America's Silk City"

Labels: New Jersey