New Jersey Will Transform Old Railway Into Huge 'Greenway' For Hiking, Biking

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey will be creating its first new state park in 15 years, and it’s good news for fans of the long-awaited Essex-Hudson Greenway.

On Friday, officials announced that the state will be purchasing nearly 135 acres of property in North Jersey for $65 million. The plan? Turn an old, defunct nine-mile railroad line into a 100-foot-wide biking and hiking path.

The ambitious project will cross above the Passaic and Hackensack rivers and pass through eight towns: Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City.

Supporters say the greenway will give residents and visitors in one of the most densely populated areas of the state a place to ride a bicycle or take a leisurely walk outdoors. It would also give New Jersey commuters another way to hop aboard mass transit headed to New York City, helping to relieve traffic congestion in the area and reduce pollution.

Other proponents of the plan say it will also create "expansive" economic, public health and environmental benefits, such as addressing severe sewer overflow issues that have long plagued homeowners and communities along the proposed route.

The greenway will follow the right-of-way of the eastern portion of NJ Transit’s former Boonton Line. Passenger service was discontinued on this portion of the line in 2002. Following termination of NJ Transit’s commuter service, limited freight service continued until the last rail customer ceased operations in 2015.

The oft-discussed project took a big leap forward in 2020, when the Open Space Institute (OSI) announced it reached a tentative agreement to buy the property from the Georgia-based Norfolk Southern Railway Company, which owns the land. But earlier this year, advocates from across North Jersey began sounding the call that the project was in danger, and that more funding was desperately needed to seal the deal.

Leaders in the effort to create the Essex-Hudson Greenway, including the OSI, the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, said that without immediate action from state officials such as Gov. Phil Murphy, the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" would evaporate.

• See related article: Essex-Hudson Greenway Plan In Jeopardy, NJ Groups Warn
• See related article: Support Swells For Essex-Hudson Greenway As Clock Ticks Down

That call for a financial rescue was answered Friday.

“This project has been years in the making, and I am proud to be the governor to advance this dream to being a reality,” Murphy said during a news conference at the Bloomfield Public Library.

According to Murphy, residents of the state’s two largest cities – and the suburbs that surround them – will soon have access to a multi-use trail that shows off the natural beauty of the Meadowlands.

“This new park will be a crown jewel of our state park system, providing much-needed recreational space to New Jerseyans and out-of-state visitors, while revitalizing and protecting environmentally-sensitive areas,” Murphy said.

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According to a statement from the governor’s office, funding for the park will be provided through “a collaborative effort by the Murphy administration,” including the support of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NJ Transit, the state Legislature and New Jersey’s congressional delegation, utilizing American Rescue Plan funding.

• See related article: Here’s What Each NJ Town Is Getting From The ‘American Rescue Plan’

In a joint statement, state Assembly members Nicholas Chiaravalloti and Eliana Pintor-Marin said it is their “sincere hope” that the [Joint Budget Oversight Committee] approves the funding for the greenway.

“After years of effort, this vitally important project has reached a historical moment,” Chiaravalloti and Pintor-Marin said.

Friday’s announcement comes after years of advocacy from local groups, government officials and municipal boards across Essex and Hudson County.

It remains to be seen how a separate plan to run permanent bus service between Secaucus Junction train station and the Meadowlands train stop – which serves American Dream mega mall and MetLife stadium – will affect the Essex-Hudson Greenway.

• See related article: NJT Wants To Launch Bus Service From Secaucus To American Dream

But in September, the Essex-Hudson Greenway Coalition offered Patch a statement about the NJ Transit proposal that suggested there could be a common solution:

"The Essex-Hudson Greenway Coalition, comprised of the Open Space Institute, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, and the September 11th National Memorial Trail, is completely supportive of NJ Transit's recent award for the Innovation Challenge to find creative transportation solutions for the Meadowlands. This alternative transportation system could be integrated within a portion of the proposed Essex-Hudson Greenway and is compatible with the long-desired goal of the greenway to create urban transportation solutions and reduce carbon emissions."

NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett said the agency and the OSI have been working together for more than a year to ensure the Boonton Line will become a wonderful outdoor experience for walkers, runners and bicyclists – while also preserving the potential for “environmentally-friendly public transit” in the future.

“Greenways and smart, clean public transit are vital to the quality of life in New Jersey, and I’m proud that our continued partnership will assure that these critical needs, for green space and green transportation, will have the opportunity to be fulfilled together,” Corbett said.

Shawn LaTourette, the New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn LaTourette, said the department supports the funding, acquisition and development of the greenway.

“This is a historic investment that will enrich communities in Essex and Hudson counties, the state and the region — serving as a hub for ecotourism and unlocking the potential for even greater transit and environmental infrastructure improvements,” LaTourette said. “It is exactly the kind of transformative project that New Jersey residents deserve.”

When it’s done, visitors to the park will be able to enjoy a diverse landscape of existing parks and wetlands, passing by a mix of urban, suburban and industrial areas.

Recently, urban explorer, Weird NJ correspondent and photojournalist Wheeler Antabanez documented a journey to the old Boonton Line where the greenway will be located, which is still technically off-limits to the public. Check out the photos here.

A chorus of local officials and advocates cheered Friday’s news. They included:

Open Space Institute president and CEO Kim Elliman – “Without question, this deal underscores all the merits of public-private partnerships and strategic land protection in one package. The Greenway project will make it easier for millions of people to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, completely transform the way communities connect with nature and connect with each other, linking people to parks, waterways, and their neighbors – all while creating alternative transportation options, improving water quality, and spurring economic activity. Thanks to Governor Murphy, this once-in-a-generation opportunity will soon become reality and OSI could not be prouder of the role we played to negotiate the deal, bring stakeholders together, and generate public and private support for the initiative.”

Debra Kagan, executive director of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition – “On behalf of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and all our members we want to express how thrilled we are at the announcement today and express our gratitude to the Governor and his staff, for this major step that will lead to the creation of the Greenway. This is the culmination of over a decade of advocacy and we thank our dedicated coalition partners, the community groups, local leaders, and thousands of grassroots supporters who persevered to get us to this great day. We want to thank you Governor Murphy, for your commitment to what will truly be a transformational project that will enhance the quality-of-life for all our residents throughout the region.”

Thomas Baxter, president of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance – “We are happy that the State of New Jersey has stepped forward to do their part to make sure that we can bring this valuable Greenway and recreational space to the people. In addition to its impact at the local level, this project has major national significance as a major New Jersey component of the recently designated 9/11 Memorial Trail. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Governor, representatives of the various state departments, and our own community and elected leaders who help us reach this pivotal point. We continue to appreciate the ongoing support of the community, as well, and the countless members of the public who have been advocates for the project over the years.”

US Sen. Bob Menendez – “I am happy to see this project moving forward and thank Governor Murphy for his commitment to creating new green space for New Jersey families. The Essex-Hudson Greenway will not only create vital recreational opportunities for many of our communities, but also provide transportation alternatives that go beyond the car and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Utilizing both state and federal funds, this project brings all levels of government together to improve the quality of life for area residents. This recreational space will connect suburban and urban communities and bring families of all backgrounds together, while reducing harmful emissions in the region.”

US Sen. Cory Booker – “The Essex Hudson Greenway project is another example of investing in our state’s infrastructure to revitalize old, unused sites for the benefit of our state’s residents and to advance environmental causes. The renovated corridor will help pave the way for future public transportation options between Essex and Hudson counties, lead to the construction of walkways and bike lanes, and crucially, assist with stormwater management. I am glad to see various state funding sources being leveraged to back this project and look forward to seeing the benefits it provides to New Jerseyans.”

US Rep. Albio Sires – “I’m thrilled that this abandoned rail line will become a new state park for the people of New Jersey to enjoy. I have long been an advocate for revitalizing old infrastructure and giving it new purpose as parks, trails, and eco-friendly travel routes. I applaud Governor Murphy’s commitment to making progress on this project and look forward to visiting our new state park with my fellow New Jerseyans.”

US Rep. Bill Pascrell – “The pandemic has proven the value of open space. Thanks to money passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden, the Greenway can be a stunning park for our North Jersey communities in one of the most densely populated areas in America. I am excited ARP funds are being used to improve, expand and contribute to public spaces. Governor Murphy’s commitment to open spaces will be life-changing for our state. I look forward to continued investments in our communities.”

US Rep. Mikie Sherrill – “I am so proud of the Essex-Hudson Greenway project and the broad coalition that’s come together to support it. In this densely populated area of our state, building a bike and hiking trail along out of use rail lines will link together communities, improve quality of life, expand our state park system and revitalize our towns. During COVID, we realized the value of our outdoor spaces. This greenway will allow communities to come together and provide business opportunities along the trail. I can’t wait until this is completed. I know my family and many others in the region will treasure it.”

US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. – “This is great news and I applaud Governor Murphy’s leadership in building this park. This new park will create walking trails and biking trails to allow my constituents to enjoy nature throughout the 10th Congressional District. As a strong supporter of the environment, I am proud that this park will protect miles of wetlands in northern New Jersey. It is a great project and I look forward to seeing it built.”

NJ Sen. Teresa Ruiz – “For far too long our families have had to deal with the negative impact of an abandoned rail line. From illegal dumping to being an inviting space for negative activities, the rail line has tainted homeownership, backyards, new developments, new elementary schools and the first countywide park system in the country. Today’s announcement shows that New Jersey will fight for environmental justice. I am grateful Governor Murphy sees the value in this project and I look forward to being a partner in this endeavor, which will be a game changer for open space.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. – “Preserving open space and creating recreation opportunities for our residents has been an ongoing initiative of my administration. We thank Governor Murphy for supporting the Greenway project and making this longtime vision become a reality. Essex County is one of the most densely populated and developed areas on the East Coast and opening this nine-mile stretch will be a tremendous benefit for our residents.”

Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise – “The Greenway represents another critical element of our three-decade-long effort to increase open space, bike and pedestrian pathways, and public waterfront access in the region. I am grateful to Governor Murphy for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to moving the Greenway forward.”

Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill – “Governor Murphy's announcement on the provision of funding for the Essex-Hudson Greenway was a monumental step for the future of Northeastern New Jersey. Upon its completion, the EHG will serve as a blue print for future environmentally friendly infrastructure projects nationwide, while helping our local communities rebound from the financial challenges we experienced due to the pandemic.”

Jesse Burns, executive director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey – “The League of Women Voters of New Jersey applauds Governor Murphy’s commitment to protecting, preserving, and investing in open space through funding the Greenway. This once-in-a-lifetime, transformational project enhances the social, economic, mental and physical welfare of New Jersey residents.”

Jay Watson, Senior Director for Statewide Land Protection & Community Relations at the New Jersey Conservation Foundation – “Preserving this important 9-mile corridor, and creating a green swath through these densely developed communities is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Keeping this corridor intact will provide enormous opportunities for public recreation and alternatives to automobile-dependent transportation. Once completed, this public asset will have immeasurable public health benefits for future generations and enhance real estate values along its route. We congratulate Governor Murphy and all of the partners and advocates for seizing on this remarkable opportunity.”

Eric Stiles, president and CEO of New Jersey Audubon – “We applaud Governor Murphy for today’s announcement creating a visionary park for the great people of New Jersey. For too long, access to nature has been a mark of privilege instead of a human right to be enjoyed by all. The Keep It Green Coalition, led by NJ Audubon, champions parks as an essential part of a vibrant urban community. This rails to trails project, a nine-mile transformational linear park from Montclair to Jersey City, represents a huge victory for northern NJ residents who enjoy walking, hiking, birding, cycling and just getting outdoors. Many studies have shown the physical and mental health benefits, economic gains and crime reduction in neighborhoods with parks. We thank the Governor and many partners who have made this vision a reality.”

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