Christie Lauded for Work on Newark Riverfront Park

Democratic officials in Essex County are praising their Republican governor for his efforts to build a new riverfront park in Newark.

Gov. Chris Christie and other officials cut the ribbon on the new park Wednesday.

The 12-acre park features a Little League baseball field, full-size soccer field and other amenities. Its along the Passaic River in Newarks Ironbound section, on a former industrial site.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo says Christie committed money from the states Green Acres fund and helped get the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to acquire the land for about $9 million. The project cost about $16 million.

DiVincenzo says thats noteworthy considering Christie received just 27 percent of the vote in Essex County when he ran for governor in 2009.