A decision by Trenton officials to cut down trees and remove vegetation to allow residents access to the Delaware River represents poor judgement and an attack on nature. Men with cutting devices have moved like locusts along the banks of the Delaware River in an area of Stacy Park. Their actions have destroyed an ecosystem, obliterated a network of life, all for an initiative that, according to Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, will add benches, tables, grills and other props to lure people to the shoreline. Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Show Caption1 of 14Workers clear trees and brush from along the banks of the Delaware River at Stacy Park in Trenton. (L.A. Parker/The Trentonian)Expand Several visits over a similar amount of weeks showed workers involved in this assault on Mother Nature. Gusciora, who has developed a reputation for demolition of houses along wide swaths of blocks then wait for potential redevelopment initiatives rather than entertain preservation, now oversees a rip-out of trees, exile of birds, and insects, plus, eventual soil erosion, all done in the name of truth, justice and a person’s right to barbecue chicken and spare ribs near the Delaware River. It’s a disaster from an environmental point of view and unjustifiable financially considering that Trenton lacks monies and employees to take on this initiative. City workers struggle already with upkeep of current parks. We know the developing plot lines for this effort. First, people will toss plastic bottles, trash and add to an already polluted waterway. Issues regarding alcohol will occur which will mean a dispatch of security officers to this area. Add portable toilets and the cost of maintenance. A recent discussion with City Council President Crystal Feliciano underscored the city’s inability and unwillingness to maintain George Page Park. If the city, in this case the project receives oversight from the Recreation Department, lacks employees to maintain this popular park which needs an inspection of trees and a cutback of potentially dangerous falling limbs, then creation of another recreation area seems foolish. Paul Harris, interim director for Recreation, Culture & Natural Resources, said the Administration adheres to request from citizens who requested better access to the Delaware River. Many questions and insights exist about this project. Here’s several. • Which state agencies offered insights about the scope of this project? • Cost? • Which company performs the work? A cause for concern arrives when company trucks show no identification. • Who’s doing the work? Do all employees hold proper designation to work, especially if they receive pay directly connected to money from taxpayers? Do workers receive fair wages? • While appreciation exists for groups such as the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, an organization that champions the rights of communities to a Delaware River and tributary streams that are free-flowing, clean, healthy and accessible to diverse guests, it’s difficult to imagine its support for this project. •How will removal of trees and vegetation impact soil erosion and water turbidity? Flooding? L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].