Over Two Acres Along Hudson River Protected (NJ)

January 30, 2006, Hoboken, NJ: Hoboken Mayor David Roberts and The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit land conservation group, announced today the purchase of over two acres at 1600 Park Avenue to become part of a growing assemblage of parkland along the Hudson River. The $7.1 million purchase was funded by the City of Hoboken, Hudson County, and the State of New Jersey.

The property, which is a stone’s throw from the Hudson River and adjacent to a portion of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, is located in a former industrial area that is quickly transitioning into high-rise, residential developments and has been eyed by developers for more than a decade.

“What people really wanted here was to establish a beachhead that will enhance access to the waterfront and we are proud to be able to deliver that today,” said Terrence Nolan, director of TPL’s New Jersey Field Office. “This land will provide better access to a portion of the Hudson River Walkway and additional planned recreational amenities as well as unparalleled views of midtown Manhattan in one of the most densely populated areas of the state.”

“I have long been an advocate of the creation of open space, which has been underscored in our city’s recent Master Plan. The acquisition of 1600 Park Avenue is a key element in the fruition of this administration’s plan of creating 17 acres of active and passive public space. I would like to thank all parties, from municipal, county and state, who have worked with us in meeting our goal,” said Mayor Roberts.

Several sources of public funding were used for the purchase, including $2.5 million in grants from the New Jersey Green Acres Program, $1.25 million in stateside federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, a $2 million award from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund, and $1.35 million from the City of Hoboken.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program is providing a total of $3.75 million in matching grants, including a portion from the U.S. Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“This exciting purchase of open space in Hoboken City was made possible by a tremendous conservation partnership that starts at the grassroots level and extends up to the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.” said John S. Watson, Jr., Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Environmental Protection. “This shows that every level of government, along with the nonprofit land trust community, is committed to providing opportunities for urban conservation and recreation.”

“It is a pleasure to see this next crucial step toward creating a park on the 1600 Park Avenue site completed,” said Hudson County Executive Thomas A, DeGise. “I want to congratulate The Trust for Public Land, Mayor David Roberts and our staff at the County Division of Planning who worked so effectively together to help bring a new slice of open space to the people of Hoboken.”

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. With its state office in Morristown, The Trust for Public Land has helped protect more than 23,000 acres in New Jersey.