NEW JERSEY – The state of New Jersey will pay $ 65 million to acquire nine miles of abandoned railroad tracks, allowing for the eventual creation of the project Greenway long envisioned and will be the state’s response, similar to the High Line elevated park in New York City.
“I think when we look back 30, 40 years from now, this will be one of the top five accomplishments,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at a news conference Friday to announce the agreement with the owner of the rail platform. , Norfolk Southern.
“It will allow us to rethink mobility throughout the region,” Murphy added of the 100-foot right-of-way offered by the trail. “This is our High Line moment and we intend to make the most of it.”
Defenders of what was known as Essex-Hudson Greenway they have campaigned for years to acquire the land and create the park, which would stretch from Montclair to Jersey City.
The Open Space Institute, which spearheaded the project, struck a deal with Norfolk Southern in July 2020 to acquire the land, but it wasn’t until Friday that funding was made available to make it happen.
However, given that the rail platform has been abandoned for nearly 20 years and will require environmental mediation, it is unclear when part or all of the park would be opened.
