Bloomfield Awarded $1M For Lion Gate Park Project

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield will get $1 million in state grant funding to purchase a 12.7-acre parcel of land located along the Third River, part of an effort to preserve 18 acres of parkland and create a flood storage area and wildlife habitat, state officials have announced.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection stated that the $1 million Green Acres matching grant to Bloomfield will help the town purchase the property, which is accessed by Lion's Gate Drive and located adjacent to a 5.6-acre property previously acquired by the township.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Bloomfield Facebook page here.

“The site is situated in a highly developed area and was used historically for manufacturing,” according to the NJDEP. “[Bloomfield Township] plans to restore the flood plain and associated wetlands, creating a flood storage area and wildlife habitat. The resulting 18 acres of preserved parkland will provide unique opportunities for passive and active recreation facilities, as well as environmental education, in an urban setting.”

Bloomfield town officials recently posted a slideshow discussion about the Lion’s Gate Park project on the municipal website, which can be seen here.

Funding for all Green Acres projects are contingent upon the New Jersey Legislature's passage of an appropriation bill, state officials said.

• See related article: N.J. Court Strikes Down $10M Bloomfield Bond Ordinance
• See related article: Residents Concerned About Overcrowding, Flooding Re: Lion Gate Development

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Image: Bloomfield Township