Bravo, Pascrell ; Congressman Pushed for Great Falls Park

FINALLY. If President Obama signs the legislation this week, Paterson's Great Falls will be named a National Historic Park, a designation the city has yearned for since the 1970s.

Many have backed the idea and thought about what the park should include. But one person has worked hard to push the legislation through: Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-Paterson.

In the Great Falls lies the history of America's industrial revolution. Alexander Hamilton saw in that 77--foot drop of the Passaic River the energy that could power the nation's industries. The Colt Gun mill, Rogers Locomotive and a plethora of silk mills were some of the factories that harnessed the river's force to move the belts and pulleys that drove the machinery that made the goods that turned America into an economic contender with Europe.

From the river came America's transformation from an agrarian to an industrial society, and while the legacy of industry has been mixed, the Great Falls should be recognized for its contribution.

Pascrell has worked hard for firefighters, first responders, military veterans and those suffering from traumatic brain injury. But the 35-acre national park will be his most widely recognized legacy by the residents of the Silk City.

A federal historic designation does not create blue collar jobs. It does not reduce crime, or control the proliferation of gangs. But it does say "Paterson matters." That will give residents a tremendous boost, and, it is hoped, spur commercial interest.