Debra Kagan from the Open Space Institute speaks about the proposed Essex–Hudson Greenway project on April 14.
NEWARK, NJ — The Newark City Council, the governing body for New Jersey’s largest city, approved a resolution of support for the Essex–Hudson Greenway Project on July 9. This resolution of support recognizes the value of the greenway and encourages the state of New Jersey to set aside sufficient funds to secure the property and advance construction.
“The Essex–Hudson Greenway Project presents the city of Newark with a unique opportunity to provide our residents with a safe place to walk, bike and experience nature. We encourage Gov. Phil Murphy and other leaders at the state level to support our efforts to make this project a reality,” said North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr., who co-sponsored the resolution with Council Vice President Luis A. Quintana.
Quintana said, “For majority minority communities like Newark, outdoor recreational spaces, like the Essex–Hudson Greenway, can be a game changer for the health, equity and vitality of our constituents. We truly appreciate the positive impact that the greenway would bring to the citizens of Newark and to surrounding communities and the region.”
Other proponents of the project cite the expansive economic, public health, environmental and a range of other benefits, including expanded opportunities for broadband and addressing severe sewer overflow issues, which have long plagued homeowners in Newark and communities along the route of the proposed linear park. The project will also address equity issues for minority and overburdened communities both adjacent to and near the greenway’s route.
In January 2020, OSI secured a time-limited purchase agreement with Norfolk Southern for the purchase of the former Boonton Line, which traverses eight municipalities in Essex and Hudson counties. Having already secured one extension to finalize the deal, time is running out to complete the purchase of the property. Under terms of the $65 million purchase agreement, the transfer deadline of the end of this year is quickly approaching.
For walkers, runners, cyclists, hikers and others, the proposed Essex–Hudson Greenway would create nearly 9 miles of linear park, connecting Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City. Driven by the Open Space Institute and its partners — the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance — work has already begun on the project in terms of planning, surveying, environmental assessments and more.
The project has already garnered support from a wide range of elected officials, including New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, state Sen. Teresa Ruiz, and Mayors Michael Gonnelli of Secaucus, Michael Melham of Belleville, Michael Venezia of Bloomfield, Stuart Patrick of Glen Ridge, Sean Spiller of Montclair and Steven Fulop of Jersey City.
The project is also supported by more than 100 local advocacy groups, representing business, environmental, religious, transportation, public health and civic causes.
For more information on the Essex–Hudson Greenway Project, visit www.essexhudsongreenway.org.
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