Meadowlands Uncertain Future

28 Jul Meadowlands Uncertain Future

  MEADOWLAND’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE

The economic sinkhole formerly known as Xanadu is causing many problems for environmentalists and the taxpayers of New Jersey. The hideous orange and blue behemoth like structure will cost up to two billion dollars. Three different developers have left the project. The new foreign developers, the Triple Five Group, that took over has received $200 million in tax breaks so far. Most of the jobs created will be minimum wage. Triple Five Group is even trying to do image control by altering the color of paint and the name of the mall from Xanadu to American Dream. It should actually be called the American Nightmare for it will be the “largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.”  For a state that is already known for its population density, terrible roads, and bad traffic, one can only imagine how hectic the area around this entertainment complex will be.

The Meadowlands are important to our local eco-system and contain the largest wetlands in the northeast. The wetlands are home to many different species of birds, fishes, and animals. The marshland protects us from floods by decreasing the amount of floodwater by spreading it out over a larger area. Even though the mall will have massive effects on the ecosystem; the state is not requiring them to have solar energy.

The newest current issue being debated now is that an additional five acres will be destroyed so the mega mall can also build a water park. Executive director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, Jeff Tittel, stated “It’s ironic that you’re putting a water park in the wetlands”. In the end, what is to stop them from wanting even more land? New Jersey should not waste this precious land. It should be protected.

An op-ed piece by Alison Wynn, President of the Green Muse             Environmental  Club.   She is also a history major at BCC, Meadowlands