Edison, NJ – The Middlesex Greenway Coalition will host a crucial meeting on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 7 pm at the Clara Barton First Aid Squad, 1070 Amboy Ave. Edison. The meeting will focus on the Environmental Assessment for the proposed Athletic Complex at Thomas A. Edison County Park. Environmentalist Walter Stochel and others will present key findings from the Environmental Assessment, followed by an in-depth discussion and Q&A session.
Middlesex County has requested a change in the Program of Utilization (POU) for Edison Park, requiring approval from the National Park Service (NPS), which originally deeded the land to the county in 1964. The NPS has released an Environmental Assessment outlining the potential environmental impacts of the proposed change. The final decision rests with the NPS, based on the consistency of the proposal with the original park’s purpose and the deed’s terms.
The public is encouraged to review the 63-page Environmental Assessment document and submit comments by September 3, 2024. This valuable input will help inform the NPS’s decision to approve or deny the amendment to the POU.
- Review the Environmental Assessment:
- Submit Comments by September 3, 2024:
The Environmental Assessment, prepared by AECOM for Middlesex County, outlines two alternatives:
- A – No Action Alternative: Edison Park remains as is.
- B – Action Alternative: The existing park is demolished, 11 acres of trees are cleared, and a $66 million Destination Sports Complex is built, featuring 14 artificial turf soccer fields, a field house, a grass cricket pitch, and a 1300-car parking lot.
After reviewing the Environmental Assessment, Middlesex County environmentalist Walter Stochel commented that the alternative that would have the least environmental impact is A. The no action alternative. The Environmental Assessment details the potential adverse effects of the proposed complex, including:
- Loss of wildlife habitat: 11.4 acres of forested habitat would be destroyed, impacting various species, including insects, pollinators, birds, and small mammals.
- Artificial turf concerns: The use of artificial turf could negatively affect surface water quality and release contaminants. The turf also contributes to a loss of ecosystem services and potential health concerns due to the presence of heavy metals, microplastics, and other chemicals.
- Management challenges: Middlesex County would need to subcontract with a third party to manage the complex, potentially affecting accessibility and affordability for local users.
Get Informed and Make Your Voice Heard
This is a critical moment for the future of Edison Park. Attend the Middlesex Greenway Coalition meeting on August 29th to learn more about the EA’s findings and how you can participate in the public comment process. Visit www.edisonopenspaceandparks.com for further information about the project.
