Jersey City gives up on F1 plans

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T Healy has put a stop to plans for a Grand Prix in Libery State Park, just a day after they became public.

The Jersey Journal reported today that Healey had in effect responded to pressure from interests who wanted to protect the park, which is regarded as an important natural asset.

Healey commented: “After a review of the draft proposal prepared by the City’s Tourism Office, I have come to the same conclusion that this type of event is not suited for Liberty State Park.

“While we work to attract national and international events to our city, we must ensure that they are appropriate and will have the least impact upon the quality of life of our residents and our community.”

Plans for the race had been pursued by Destination Jersey City, a non profit operated by the city’s Economic Development Corporation. The race was to be held from 2012.

Project opponent Sam Pesin, president of Friends of Liberty State Park, said: “Mayor Healy did reach out to me yesterday and we had a very constructive conversation. Instead of a negative wasteful controversy, we can all focus on working together on positive efforts to benefit Jersey City and Liberty State Park.”

It’s not yet clear how seriously Bernie Ecclestone took the Jersey City project, or whether he has other credible candidates in the US to pursue.