The Essex-Hudson Greenway (The Greenway) is a project to convert a 135-acre, nine-mile-long, unused railway into a greenway for walking, biking, and other recreational activities. There will be spaces for picnics, family barbecues, school field trips, and outdoor exercises, among many other activities. The Greenway, once completed, will connect eight municipalities from Jersey City to Montclair, emphasizing accessibility and community engagement, aiming to address historical disparities in access to open space across these communities. This project began taking shape in the early 2000s after the old Boonton Line was discontinued, with advocacy efforts paying off in August 2022 when the state officially acquired the property from Norfolk Southern for $65 million; construction officially began in July 2025.
Earlier this year, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shared its Vision + Action Plan for The Greenway, serving as a strategic blueprint for the designs, plans, and investments needed to develop the remaining eight miles of the project. The Greenway would connect over 100,000 residents to walkable park spaces within its boundaries, providing an abundance of space for different recreational activities, potentially increasing economic activity along its path, and becoming a space for community engagement. “This linear park is more than just a path; it is a generational opportunity to weave nature back into our urban fabric,” said John Cecil, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. By serving some of the most densely populated municipalities in New Jersey, The Greenway has the potential to redefine how nearby residents interact with public space, spend their free time, and interact with one another.
Work is already underway in Newark, where three new, ADA-compliant features and public spaces are being built, including the Newark Central Activity Center, the largest gathering center in the Newark segment of the Greenway, and an observation platform at the Branch Brook Park Overlook. A significant underground stormwater management system is also being installed along the Newark segment, designed to mitigate flooding and reduce strain on the city’s combined sewer system.
As work progresses in Newark, officials are simultaneously focused on the broader vision. Developing a comprehensive master plan for the remaining eight miles will require continued community engagement, environmental assessment, and coordination among eight municipalities. Securing sustainable funding sources will be critical to ensuring both completion and ongoing maintenance. The development of operational protocols must address safety, landscaping, and equitable access, particularly to prevent unintended consequences such as displacement in adjacent neighborhoods. When fully constructed, the Greenway will represent a commitment to expand opportunities, connect communities, and provide a lasting public space with access to all.
