Support Swells For Essex-Hudson Greenway As Clock Ticks Down

NEW JERSEY — Time is running out to turn an abandoned railroad line into a huge hike/bike path in North Jersey, advocates say. But support for the plan isn’t waning – it’s gaining.

Recently, Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller and members of the Newark City Council became the latest officials to endorse the Essex-Hudson Greenway (read their statements below).

If it ever comes to fruition, the greenway would convert 8.6 miles of unused railroad tracks on the old Boonton Line into a 100-foot-wide biking/hiking path that crosses through eight towns: Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City.

Proponents say the greenway would give residents and visitors in one of the most densely populated areas of the state a place to ride a bike or take a leisurely walk outdoors. It would also give North Jersey commuters another way to travel to New York City, helping to relieve traffic congestion in the area.

Supporters also say it would 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.

• See related article: Plan To Build Hike, Bike Path Through 8 NJ Towns Picks Up Steam
• See related article: Bike, Hike From Montclair To Jersey City? Plan Leaps Forward

But last month, supporters of the plan began to sound the call that time is running out to make the greenway a reality.

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

In addition to the above groups – and more than 100 others – the project has garnered support from a wide range of elected officials including New Jersey Lieutenant 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 (Secaucus), Michael Melham (Belleville), Michael Venezia (Bloomfield), Stuart Patrick (Glen Ridge) and Steven Fulop (Jersey City).

• See related article: Essex-Hudson Greenway Plan In Jeopardy, NJ Groups Warn

MONTCLAIR MAYOR: ‘ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY’

In Montclair, Mayor Sean Spiller is one of several officials pushing for the greenway.

“Forward thinking investments in transportation infrastructure, green space preservation, and small business economic supports, have been pivotal in establishing Montclair as one of the premier cosmopolitan suburbs in New Jersey and in the nation,” Spiller said.

“Keeping Montclair in the vanguard will require new ideas, creative solutions, and strategic investments,” he continued. “The proposed Essex-Hudson Greenway is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our area landscape and benefit our community for generations to come.”

Spiller added:

“As we see discussions at the federal and state level for record investments in infrastructure and in redefining our infrastructure priorities, we cannot let this opportunity to slip by. As such, I urge those at the county and state level to recommit to this project. As mayor, I stand ready to work with residents, stakeholders, activists and governing partners to make this project a reality.”

NEWARK COUNCIL: ‘A GAME-CHANGER’

Meanwhile, 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.

The resolution “recognizes the value of the greenway,” especially the portion that falls within the city, 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,” said North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr., who co-sponsored the resolution with Vice President Luis Quintana.

“We encourage Gov. Murphy and other leaders at the state level to support our efforts to make this project a reality,” Ramos said.

Quintana agreed.

“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,” Quintana said.

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