NEWARK, NJ – Local, county and state elected leaders from the city of Newark and Essex County came together recently to voice their endorsement of a massive, dual-county greenway project aimed to benefit both residents and local business owners.

Offering their full support and endorsement of the project were state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. and City Council President Luis Quintana. The project also received a nod of approval from Essex County Commissioners Brendan Gill and Robert Mercado.

The path’s construction would be a welcome addition to the Newark area, which has garnered support from prominent business and community leaders over the past several months. The proposed path would enter Newark along the northern end of Branch Brook Park, run parallel to Verona Avenue and intersect with Mt. Prospect Avenue, Broadway, and McCarter Highway.

SIGNUPSCRIPT

“The greenway will be a true asset to the State of New Jersey. When we think of an area such as Essex County, an urban county for all intents and purposes, our ability to restore and create new open spaces is limited,” said Sen. Ruiz. “Since I first took office, this (project) has been an ideal dream, something which I thought would be very easy. Fast forward, nearly a decade later, alongside some very strong advocates, the dream that I thought about has become a real magnet for what I know will be a true asset for the Garden State.”

For walkers, runners, cyclists, hikers and others, the proposed Essex-Hudson Greenway would create nearly nine miles of linear park, connecting Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus, and Jersey City. Earlier this year, a time-limited purchase agreement was secured for the purchase of the former Boonton Line.

The abandoned rail line traverses eight municipalities in Essex and Hudson counties. Having already secured one extension to finalize the deal, time is now running out to complete the purchase of the property. Under terms of the $65 million purchase agreement, the transfer deadline is quickly approaching. **BULLSEYE

“I consider myself a proud supporter of this project. Along with Councilman Quintana, I sponsored a City Council resolution in support of this," said Ramos. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not only for the North Ward, but for the corridor that connects Montclair and Jersey City, and has a big chunk of the City of Newark involved. On the municipal side, we are definitely all on board in supporting this and doing whatever we can to advocate (for the project)."

The project will also improve transportation options for residents, and allow for improved infrastructure connectivity for things like broadband and emergency response. Work has already begun on project in terms of planning, surveying, environmental assessments, and more.

Earlier this year, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop voiced their support for the project as well in an op-ed, saying, "The support is there. The economic, recreational, and environmental benefits are real, and the time is now." **STANDARD

For decades, local community leaders have been calling for the creation of a linear park on the former rail line property to create a safe, off-road trail to ride a bike and walk; ease traffic and offer active transportation options; create alternate commuting options; provide close-to-home, easy access to the outdoors; and bring much needed green space to urban communities.

“This project is larger and bigger than any one individual or any one group," said Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill. "The project was brought to my attention over a decade ago, but its goal remains the same – to bring communities together in our County and to help promote a healthy and sustainable way of life. I truly believe this is a transformational project that will affect our County and our region in a positive way for generations to come.”

For more information on the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project, visit www.essexhudsongreenway.org.