CNBNews

  I for one am thrilled to see the development of Freedom Pier.  Unfortunately, people have  already vandalized it by breaking lanterns along the walking path and ripping the trash disposals doors off.  Also, the red-brick walking path that was designed for people to enjoy has now become a chalkboard for little ones.  Now, with summer upon us, people are fishing from the pier leaving their gear and bait everywhere.  It has been reported that people have actually been using the tops of the trash receptacles as bait cutting boards. Gloucester City has supplied a sufficient fishing pier on the river for those who wish to fish, “Freedom Pier” was never intended for this purpose.

 Although it should be each citizen’s individual responsibility to show some pride for their home town, there are obviously those who do not respect the efforts put forth to make improvements to the community.  Therefore, if people can’t exhibit common decency or concern for their own surroundings, I ask the Mayor and Council to please post signs and enforce fines for those who vandalize or simply trash Freedom Pier.  Why would a restaurant or any other potential business ever consider investing in our waterfront if we, as a community, can’t be responsible for its upkeep?

JANET BEVAN, GLOUCESTER CITY NJ