Governor Phil Murphy announced Tuesday that nine service areas on the Garden State Parkway will be renamed for iconic New Jerseyans. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to rename the nine service areas in honor of the notable people from the Garden State. The governor posted the news on social media, saying that we’ll be putting NJ’s greatness on “full display” through this new project.
“This is about putting New Jersey greatness on full display,” Murphy said in a statement. “This is the first part of an extended statewide exhibition of New Jersey heroes throughout our state. From military heroes on the Battleship New Jersey to historical figures on the New Jersey Turnpike to science and technology trailblazers at Newark Penn Station, New Jerseyans will find pride in our contributions to society and the world.”
And while there are so many great people that came out of New Jersey, it’s interesting to see the one who will be immortalized with their own rest stops. The list includes:
- Montvale: James Gandolfini Service Area
- Brookdale North: Larry Doby Service Area
- Brookdale South: Connie Chung Service Area
- Vauxhall: Whitney Houston Service Area
- Cheesequake: Jon Bon Jovi Service Area
- Monmouth: Judy Blume Service Area
- Forked River: Celia Cruz Service Area
- Atlantic: Frank Sinatra Service Area
- Ocean View: Toni Morrison Service Area
While some people on social media questioned the move, stating that it’s a “waste of taxpayer’s money,” others thought it was a “nice tribute.” Still, some people couldn’t help but point out the glaring omissions of some of our most famous New Jerseyans including Danny Devito and Bruce Springsteen. Could it be that the Boss was not deemed a good rest stop representative since he was fined for drinking on a public beach at Sandy Hook last November and charged with drunken and reckless driving (those last two charges were ultimately dropped).
The NJ icons being honored include five women and five people of color. Who would you have added to the list?