Cunningham, who sits as vice chairman of the state Economic Growth Committee, said he will work with New Jersey Transit officials to emphasize the importance of expanding the Light Rail in Hudson County market and neighborhood areas before extending it to yet-to-be built Xanadu mall in East Rutherford.

“I will fight the link to Xanadu because that link has nothing to do with the intent of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail,” Cunningham said. “The intent of the Light Rail was to ease commuter traffic on our overburdened roadways and provide a vital connection to our regional transportation network.”

Cunningham’s said that the Hudson County Freeholders’ recent vote to hire a consultant to lobby NJ Transit to building the inter-county extension is also a slap in the face to local businesses and residents.

“What are the freeholders elected to do? They are elected to represent the residents of Hudson County and their interests, not the interests of Xanadu and its shopping mall based land of make believe,” Cunningham said. “NJ Transit has already stipulated that it had no interest in making the link to the Meadowlands Sports Complex where Xanadu is expected to be built. But, the Hudson County Freeholders have decided to pay a lobbyist $60,000 to sway NJ Transit’s decision to the contrary. That’s preposterous and a disservice to county residents.”

Cunningham said that he will use his office to lobby NJ Transit to expand Light Rail service in Hudson County, particularly developing stops that connect the existing stations with stops in west Hudson County.

“We have a number of shopping districts in Hudson County that would only benefit if a Light Rail station were built in close proximity. It would also be a tremendous benefit for residents to be able to navigate better throughout the entire county if the line is expanded here. By sending the line to Xanadu, it will only have a negative impact,” Cunningham said. “The link to Xanadu is solely catering to special interests and represents a serious threat to small businesses in Hudson County.///

Follow Ups:

• Glenn Is Right Xanadu = Menendez Money Maker 19:24:12 02/27/04 (10)
  • Glenn is a knave Kubla Khan 22:29:02 02/27/04 (9)
    • Re: Glenn is a knave LMAO 14:07:51 02/28/04 (8)
      • Haven't you read ... Kubla Khan 17:52:32 02/28/04 (7)
        • Re: Haven't you read ... Olivia Newton John 17:59:54 02/28/04 (6)
          • Re: Haven't you read ... Let's get physical 22:17:49 02/28/04 (5)
            • Between The Lines Come Back Little Sheebah 13:15:57 02/29/04 (4)
              • Re: Between The Lines ?????????????????? 20:34:29 02/29/04 (3)
                • Re: Between The Lines BlindJustice 10:04:53 03/01/04 (2)
                  • Re: Between The Lines Gimmeabreak 18:00:26 03/01/04 (1)
                    • Re: Between The Lines No child left behind 18:58:11 03/01/04 (0)