“It’s really one of the greatest developments I’ve ever seen since I’ve been in office: we’re talking about millions of dollars, tax dollars, to the Township of North Bergen and the surrounding areas,” state Senator (D-32)/North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco told Hudson County View.
“But, also it means at least a thousand union jobs as the plant is being built over the three years of construction … and helps the tax base in North Bergen.”
The 15-acre site of vacant land is located at 25-31 94th St., near existing energy and utility infrastructure.
The plant, deemed North Bergen Liberty Generating, would rely on clean-burning natural gas and combustion turbine technology that is estimated to have the strength to power 1.2 million New York City homes, according to Brian Hague, a spokesman for NBLG.
Hague added that the project will cost about $1.8 billion, all of which will come from private equity, and that if all goes as planned, the project will be completed by the end of 2022.
Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council President Pat Kelleher was succinct in his remarks at a press conference this afternoon, stating “we need to move this project forward,” due to the benefits it would have from all laborers ranging from electricians to pipe fitters to roofers.
However, not everyone was thrilled at the prospect of the electrical plant.
NJ Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel said the land was technically still part of the Meadowlands and that New Jersey was not going to reap any of the benefits once the plant is up and running.
“The Meadowlands has been getting cleaned up and getting better and putting a massive power plant here will have a big impact on the Meadowlands. We’re also concerned that New Jersey needs to be moving towards 100 percent renewable energy: Gov. Murphy made that a cornerstone of his administration and if we build this massive plant, we’re never gonna reach those goals,” Tittel argued.
“So we see this as the wrong project, in the wrong place, but more importantly, we’re gonna end up with the pollution, while New York City gets the electricity.”
Sacco, made aware of the alleged environmental concerns prior to Tittel’s interview, was far from convinced there is a cause for concern.
“They call this the pristine Meadowlands? Are they kidding, we’re in an asphalt dump,” exclaimed Sacco.
Source: YouTube
