New Jersey to create park to benefit eight cities – NBC New York (47)

NEW JERSEY – Garden State has acquired an old nine-mile railroad and will convert it into a new state park connecting eight communities in Essex and Hudson counties, Governor Phil Murphy announced Thursday.

Las ocho comunidades son of Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and Montclair.

As a result of this one generation project, these communities will benefit from greater access to green and open spaces; greater opportunities for transportation and recreation; and improved air filtration and stormwater management.

Governor Murphy was joined by elected state and local officials, environmental advocates and critical project partners who helped bring the acquisition to fruition.

For too long, many of New Jersey’s most diverse communities have not enjoyed equal access to our state’s open spaces and the health benefits that come with it, Governor Murphy said. While connecting these communities to our natural environment and economic opportunities, the Greenway will also strengthen resilience in one of the most densely populated regions in the state. Its acquisition is a testament to the dedicated work of my administration and the shared vision of the partners who are making this new destination a reality. “

Budget agreement for fiscal year 2023 includes $ 20 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan to begin the structural and repair work needed to transform the abandoned railroad into a usable transportation corridor and recreation space. .

The entire line will be closed to the public for an initial period of 6-12 months, after which the line will be open to the public section by section as work on the individual sections is completed in the coming years.

The sequence of development and opening of the Greenway, as well as the design of services, transportation options and links to local community resources, will be informed by a strategic plan for the Greenway. DEP is currently hiring a consultant to support the development of the master plan and is leading an inter-agency working group and engagement with local elected officials, community members and other stakeholders.

“In this old abandoned railway, the Murphy administration sees an opportunity to improve the quality of life, the environment and the economy of the region and we are taking advantage of it,” said Environmental Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. Together with Governor Murphy and our many partners, DEP is pleased to continue work to provide a transformative green way that better connects our communities, provides innovative leisure and transit options, and contributes to the liveliness of towns and cities across the country. country. . “

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