BATTERY PARK, Manhattan (WABC) — Tourists come from all over the world to see the Statue of Liberty in Lower Manhattan, but right now, one of the best views from Battery Park comes with a catch: a large security fence.
U.S. Park Police installed a wire barrier in Battery Park last month for security screening purposes. The fence stretches along the waterfront and its walkways, including the ferry dock for the Statue of Liberty.
It is meant to separate the general public from those who have been screened through airport-type security to go on boats to the statue.
The federal government says it is a necessary security measure, but people who live downtown call it excessive and say it blocks park-goers’ ability to enjoy all the Battery has to offer.
“Nearly 500 feet of the water promenade are lined with fencing,” said Paula Recart, president of The Battery Conservancy. “What people want is simple, they want to reach the water, they want to stand by the railing and they want to see the Statue of Liberty without obstruction.”
Congressman Dan Goldman held a press conference on Monday to call for modifications to the fence.
Goldman is calling for federal authorities to consider an alternative solution that maintains clear views of the harbor and clear pedestrian walkways while also ensuring security.
“The Statue of Liberty has welcomed the world to our shores for generations, and the view of Lady Liberty from Battery Park is one of the most iconic in the country,” said Rep. Goldman. “While ensuring that all visitors are safe and secure, they deserve to enjoy that view as much as possible, which requires an alternative security arrangement than currently in effect. I have been in communication with the National Park Service and US Park Police and urge them to implement an alternative proposed by the NYC Department of Parks.”
Construction in the area is expected to be complete next year and much of the fence should come down. But in the meantime, officials continue their push to open it up.
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