Operation Grow, Inc. is dedicated to service, awareness, advocacy, and philanthropy to create sustainability, as a pipeline to Progress, Productivity, and Prosperity.
As Melon Moguls, we sell whole watermelons, watermelon juice, watermelon cups, as well as other produce and baked goods! Catch us on Tuesdays during the 2026 growing season at the East Orange Farmers Market. We are also featuring other Urban Agriculturalists every week!
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Support our work by providing your opinion!
Hurry! We only have until August 13, 2026!
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are excited to offer you a meaningful way to support Operation Grow Inc while finding the perfect gift for your friends and loved ones!
We’re partnered with Shades of Color for our holiday and everyday fundraiser, featuring beautiful calendars, planners, and stationery that celebrate diversity and culture. Every purchase you make helps fund our mission and programs throughout the coming year.
Why Shop with Us?
Click on the images or buttons to access our online Operation Grow + Shades of Color Shop! Browse the full collection and place your order. A portion of every sale comes directly to Operation Grow Inc., helping us to continue our important work in the community.
This is the perfect opportunity to check off your holiday gift list while making a difference. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or yourself, you’ll find something special that also supports a great Cause!
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of our Operation Grow Inc. family!
Yours in Sustainability,
Sharonda Allen, MPA
Founder and Executive Director, Operation Grow Inc.
We are excited to offer you a meaningful way to support Operation Grow Inc while finding the perfect gift for your friends and loved ones!
We’re partnered with Shades of Color for our holiday and everyday fundraiser, featuring beautiful calendars, planners, and stationery that celebrate diversity and culture. Every purchase you make helps fund our mission and programs throughout the coming year.
Why Shop with Us?
- Give gifts that inspire and uplift
- Support Operation Grow Inc.’s community initiatives
- Enjoy high-quality products featuring stunning artwork
- Purchase easy stocking stuffers
- Make your shopping count for something greater.
Click on the images or buttons to access our online Operation Grow + Shades of Color Shop! Browse the full collection and place your order. A portion of every sale comes directly to Operation Grow Inc., helping us to continue our important work in the community.
This is the perfect opportunity to check off your holiday gift list while making a difference. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or yourself, you’ll find something special that also supports a great Cause!
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of our Operation Grow Inc. family!
Yours in Sustainability,
Sharonda Allen, MPA
Founder and Executive Director, Operation Grow Inc.
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Thank you for joining us for Our Operation Grow Inc. Third Annual Awards Gala!
Our newest partnership is Powered by Mentor Newark for our “Operation Grow Mentoring”
Project MLK January 2025
Join Operation Grow Inc. in Commemorating the Life and Legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
During this pivotal moment of history, we must never forget the we are all created equal, and we must respect our fellow citizens. This project is our kickoff to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America!
There are a variety of ways to participate:
-Earning High School Community Service Hours
-Supporting our projects with financial and in-kind support
-Sharing your story of how MLK has inspired you
-Caring for your family, neighbors, and humanity
-Pledge to be a partner for Operation Grow inc.’s Project MLK
”Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others’?” (MLK Jr.)
Attention High School Students! Please sign up to be part of an amazing group of youth who will be solutions in their community! Our Big projects include MLK Day of Service in January 2025, and Global Youth Service Days/Month of Action in April!
The East Orange program location begins on Monday, December 2, 2024,
and our Newark location begins soon!
Please complete your sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13urvNH4zAqWre3zdl1NVzoWl1e2ouWlq1bEcPbKEevk/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1
The East Orange program location begins on Monday, December 2, 2024,
and our Newark location begins soon!
Please complete your sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13urvNH4zAqWre3zdl1NVzoWl1e2ouWlq1bEcPbKEevk/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1
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Shop with Operation Grow for the Holidays by clicking the image below!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
Contact: Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
MURPHY ADMINISTRATION PRESENTS PLANS FOR THE NEWARK SECTION OF THE GREENWAY AT OPEN HOUSE, CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN 2025
(24/P55) TRENTON – Marking a milestone in its efforts to expand and improve urban green spaces, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NJ TRANSIT held an open house on Wednesday to share plans for the first portion of the Greenway’s development in Newark. The Greenway is New Jersey’s newest state park that will transform a nine-mile stretch of former rail line in Essex and Hudson counties into a linear recreational and transit corridor.
DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced Newark as the first section to be constructed with an expected groundbreaking in 2025. This inaugural section of the Greenway will stretch nearly one mile from Branch Brook Park to Broadway in Newark. Once constructed, the Greenway will expand access to open space and deliver impactful transportation and recreation opportunities in one of the most densely populated areas of the state. The park will connect residents to parks, schools and businesses, in addition to offering commuters a way to bypass some of the state’s most congested roadways. A video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enojsJBO1wg) was created to provide a brief update on the project from Commissioner LaTourette.
Governor Murphy announced the acquisition of the Greenway in September 2022. It will be funded through a combination of state and federal appropriations, with Governor Murphy and the state legislature providing $35 million through the FY2025 budget agreement to aid the development of the Greenway.
“The Murphy Administration is thrilled to announce Newark as the first section to be constructed and thank all those who attended the open house and shared their feedback,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Together, we are writing an exciting new chapter in the state’s history. It’s been decades since New Jersey gained a new state park and the unique qualities of the Greenway offer a tremendous opportunity to improve the quality of life for millions of our residents. Whether you’re playing a sport, attending a community event or taking the dog on a walk, urban green spaces such as the Greenway are proven to enrich residents’ physical and mental health.”
“It is monumental that Newark will be the first area where the historic Greenway project comes to life, bringing a new state park to an urban community that will serve generations to come,”said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “This exemplifies how a commitment to environmental justice can inspire innovative solutions, turning a long-standing public nuisance into a valuable resource for recreation, transportation access, and enhanced public health.”
The multimillion-dollar project will include tree planting and the construction of green infrastructure, mitigating local flooding issues and improving air quality within several overburdened communities.
Open House Details
Commissioner LaTourette provided opening remarks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4g2MjTMWs0) in the cafeteria of Park Elementary School, which is a five-minute walk from the Greenway. Attendees interacted with DEP and NJ TRANSIT staff along with design consultants at multiple stations that illustrated design concepts for three gathering spaces in the Newark section of the park – the Branch Brook Park Overlook, the Tiffany Manor Hub and Newark Central Hub. The new state park will connect these three gathering spaces with a meandering, multi-purpose path. Conceptual plans for recreational amenities in Newark include the addition of a playground with a water feature, sports courts and an outdoor event space.
Additionally, artistic images shown at the open house featured a concept for an NJ TRANSIT-operated transitway – a dedicated lane on the Greenway for a bus or other mass transit option. Those in attendance had the opportunity to give feedback, ask questions and voice concerns about the project.
“The Greenway is creating an amazing outdoor recreation and transportation corridor that showcases the potential for the creation of green space in urban areas across the Garden State,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “By breaking ground in Newark, we are not just creating new green space but also fostering stronger community connections and providing residents with greater access to recreation and sustainable transportation.”
“Finalizing plans and advancing construction of the Newark section of the Greenway is a major milestone in this once-in-a-generation parks project,” said Maggie McCann, Administrator for Urban State Parks & Initiatives.“Newark is the first step in realizing a complete Greenway: a safe passageway avoiding most vehicular traffic, while providing recreation opportunities in some of New Jersey’s most densely populated areas.”
Ongoing Community Engagement
Since 2023, public engagement sessions – from showcases at farmer’s markets and block parties to formal listening sessions at public libraries and parks – have occurred in each municipality the Greenway will pass through. Feedback received from community members helped shape the plans presented at the open house.
Additionally, the DEP partnered with Operation Grow Inc. (https://www.operationgrowinc.org/) over the past several months on a pop-up community garden near the future Tiffany Manor Hub to showcase one of the many amenities the Greenway will provide to the community. From July to October, Operation Grow hosted 28 events at the community garden to support local engagement in art, urban agriculture, culinary skills, climate action, connecting with nature and community building.
Greenway Background
When complete, the Greenway will connect eight Essex and Hudson County communities – Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and Montclair. The Greenway is an opportunity to create a linear, multi-purpose recreational and transit corridor enabling seamless walking, biking and transit opportunities between Montclair and Jersey City, while providing opportunities for community connection and regional environmental improvements.
The DEP, along with its interagency partners at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJ TRANSIT and New Jersey Department of Transportation, will continue to utilize a strong public engagement process to guide decisions about the park’s development.
More information about the project can be found on the Greenway’s webpage at
https://dep.nj.gov/greenway/ (https://dep.nj.gov/greenway/)
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November 15, 2024
Contact: Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
MURPHY ADMINISTRATION PRESENTS PLANS FOR THE NEWARK SECTION OF THE GREENWAY AT OPEN HOUSE, CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN 2025
(24/P55) TRENTON – Marking a milestone in its efforts to expand and improve urban green spaces, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NJ TRANSIT held an open house on Wednesday to share plans for the first portion of the Greenway’s development in Newark. The Greenway is New Jersey’s newest state park that will transform a nine-mile stretch of former rail line in Essex and Hudson counties into a linear recreational and transit corridor.
DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced Newark as the first section to be constructed with an expected groundbreaking in 2025. This inaugural section of the Greenway will stretch nearly one mile from Branch Brook Park to Broadway in Newark. Once constructed, the Greenway will expand access to open space and deliver impactful transportation and recreation opportunities in one of the most densely populated areas of the state. The park will connect residents to parks, schools and businesses, in addition to offering commuters a way to bypass some of the state’s most congested roadways. A video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enojsJBO1wg) was created to provide a brief update on the project from Commissioner LaTourette.
Governor Murphy announced the acquisition of the Greenway in September 2022. It will be funded through a combination of state and federal appropriations, with Governor Murphy and the state legislature providing $35 million through the FY2025 budget agreement to aid the development of the Greenway.
“The Murphy Administration is thrilled to announce Newark as the first section to be constructed and thank all those who attended the open house and shared their feedback,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Together, we are writing an exciting new chapter in the state’s history. It’s been decades since New Jersey gained a new state park and the unique qualities of the Greenway offer a tremendous opportunity to improve the quality of life for millions of our residents. Whether you’re playing a sport, attending a community event or taking the dog on a walk, urban green spaces such as the Greenway are proven to enrich residents’ physical and mental health.”
“It is monumental that Newark will be the first area where the historic Greenway project comes to life, bringing a new state park to an urban community that will serve generations to come,”said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “This exemplifies how a commitment to environmental justice can inspire innovative solutions, turning a long-standing public nuisance into a valuable resource for recreation, transportation access, and enhanced public health.”
The multimillion-dollar project will include tree planting and the construction of green infrastructure, mitigating local flooding issues and improving air quality within several overburdened communities.
Open House Details
Commissioner LaTourette provided opening remarks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4g2MjTMWs0) in the cafeteria of Park Elementary School, which is a five-minute walk from the Greenway. Attendees interacted with DEP and NJ TRANSIT staff along with design consultants at multiple stations that illustrated design concepts for three gathering spaces in the Newark section of the park – the Branch Brook Park Overlook, the Tiffany Manor Hub and Newark Central Hub. The new state park will connect these three gathering spaces with a meandering, multi-purpose path. Conceptual plans for recreational amenities in Newark include the addition of a playground with a water feature, sports courts and an outdoor event space.
Additionally, artistic images shown at the open house featured a concept for an NJ TRANSIT-operated transitway – a dedicated lane on the Greenway for a bus or other mass transit option. Those in attendance had the opportunity to give feedback, ask questions and voice concerns about the project.
“The Greenway is creating an amazing outdoor recreation and transportation corridor that showcases the potential for the creation of green space in urban areas across the Garden State,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “By breaking ground in Newark, we are not just creating new green space but also fostering stronger community connections and providing residents with greater access to recreation and sustainable transportation.”
“Finalizing plans and advancing construction of the Newark section of the Greenway is a major milestone in this once-in-a-generation parks project,” said Maggie McCann, Administrator for Urban State Parks & Initiatives.“Newark is the first step in realizing a complete Greenway: a safe passageway avoiding most vehicular traffic, while providing recreation opportunities in some of New Jersey’s most densely populated areas.”
Ongoing Community Engagement
Since 2023, public engagement sessions – from showcases at farmer’s markets and block parties to formal listening sessions at public libraries and parks – have occurred in each municipality the Greenway will pass through. Feedback received from community members helped shape the plans presented at the open house.
Additionally, the DEP partnered with Operation Grow Inc. (https://www.operationgrowinc.org/) over the past several months on a pop-up community garden near the future Tiffany Manor Hub to showcase one of the many amenities the Greenway will provide to the community. From July to October, Operation Grow hosted 28 events at the community garden to support local engagement in art, urban agriculture, culinary skills, climate action, connecting with nature and community building.
Greenway Background
When complete, the Greenway will connect eight Essex and Hudson County communities – Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and Montclair. The Greenway is an opportunity to create a linear, multi-purpose recreational and transit corridor enabling seamless walking, biking and transit opportunities between Montclair and Jersey City, while providing opportunities for community connection and regional environmental improvements.
The DEP, along with its interagency partners at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJ TRANSIT and New Jersey Department of Transportation, will continue to utilize a strong public engagement process to guide decisions about the park’s development.
More information about the project can be found on the Greenway’s webpage at
https://dep.nj.gov/greenway/ (https://dep.nj.gov/greenway/)
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Thank you to everyone who participated, and contributed to the success of our Operation Grow Halloween Garden Farewell Party! The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
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Thank you to everyone who donated to, and supported our School Supply Giveaway at our Operation Grow Inc. Greenway Garden Pop Up on August 29th
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Scan the QR Code for access to 24/7 Virtual Healthcare
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The Operation Grow Youth Students in Action Team earned a 2024 Silver Leadership honor
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Earth Day 2024 Operation Grow Youth Podcast Episode
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Nature Journaling on August 20, 2024
Thank you to all the attendees who enjoyed Garden Tea on August 15, 2024!
Operation Grow +NJDEP Greenway Garden Pop Up!
We are so elated that we are the first and only organization with a summer of 2024 space in the Essex-Hudson Greenway with our educational garden space! See the official Press Release below!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2023
Contact: Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
Vincent Grassi (609) 292-2994
MURPHY ADMINISTRATION ADVANCES GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Two-Mile Segment of Former Rail Line in Newark and Kearny to be First Phase of the Greenway, a future Nine-Mile Linear State Park(23/P063) TRENTON – A nine-mile former rail line through parts of Hudson and Essex counties is one step closer to becoming a new state park, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. Following an extensive months-long public engagement process, the Murphy Administration is sharing the initial development and construction plans for the Greenway. The first phase of the multimillion-dollar project will be focused on a nearly two-mile span through Newark, Essex County, and Kearny, Hudson County.
As part of a phased development approach for the Greenway, the Newark-Kearny segment will directly serve the 350,000 residents of the two municipalities, and more in the surrounding area. The project is a catalyst for environmental improvements and economic development, expanding access to green, open space, increasing transportation and recreation opportunities, and improving stormwater management and air quality. The DEP expects to break ground in early 2024, with the first segment anticipated to open to the public in late 2025.
“Connecting communities in one of the most densely populated regions in the nation, the Greenway will serve as nothing short of a game-changer for cities across Essex and Hudson Counties,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Upon completion, this monumental project will increase recreation, transportation, and economic development opportunities for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents and visitors. Just as importantly, it will considerably expand access to green, open space – and its associated environmental and public health benefits – for environmental justice communities across North Jersey.”
“Today’s announcement to begin the Greenway’s construction in Newark and Kearny brings us one step closer to making this new state park a reality,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Converting this abandoned rail line into a thriving recreation and transportation corridor will bring people and communities together to enjoy the environment we share. Such a significant undertaking is only possible with the support and collaboration of the host communities, and we thank the residents and leaders of Newark and Kearny for their partnership.”
The Newark-Kearny segment is composed of three project areas. The western section will span from Branch Brook Park to Broadway in Newark. The central section, in Kearny, will begin at Passaic Avenue and go through Forest Street. The eastern section, also in Kearny, will start at Forest Street and run east to the Meadowlands’ edge.
The DEP plans to develop the Newark-Kearny segment through a series of connected experiences, focusing on a combination of active and passive recreation opportunities. This stretch has the potential for both scenic overlooks and community hubs that leverage existing vistas and space availability to create a one-of-a-kind amenity for both the surrounding community and visitors.
One of the overlooks would provide visitors with a glimpse into the natural environment of the Meadowlands and views of the Manhattan skyline. In Newark, DEP could develop an active urban community hub for recreation and games, a vibrant playground, and amenities to support playing all day.
The DEP and its consultants evaluated each segment based on a number of factors that included environmental, public access and economic development needs, as well as the capability to begin work quickly. The Newark and Kearny segments scored high in this evaluation. The next steps include preliminary design work, securing necessary state permits and continuing to gather public feedback.
“It has been my goal to see this innovative and inspired land-use project become a reality. Every phase should be celebrated so we do not lose sight of the long-term economic development, conservation, environmental justice, recreation and transportation benefits the Greenway project holds for residents of Essex County,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.
“I want to thank Governor Murphy for putting the state’s resources behind the initiative to create the Essex-Hudson Greenway and preserve this nine-mile ribbon as open space. Making the abandoned railway accessible for public use and recreation will be a tremendous benefit for our residents.” said Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Essex County Executive.
“As one of the earliest and most ardent supporters of the Greenway, I could not be more excited to see it moving forward,” said Essex County Commissioner At-Large Brendan Gill. “This project represents a historic investment in conservation infrastructure and will provide needed outdoor recreation and open space in one of our most densely populated and developed areas, but it is about much more than that. New Jersey is one of the most segregated states in the country. By connecting these diverse communities, the Greenway will connect people who might not otherwise come together. When someone bicycles from Newark to Montclair in an afternoon, or strolls from Jersey City into Secaucus, they get to be part of a community larger than the single town in which they live. That's what this project is about.”
“Connectivity has historically been at the center of Newark’s success as a transportation hub and as a thriving city. The Greenway is about connections. It will ultimately tie together eight Hudson and Essex County communities formerly connected by rail and about to be connected once more through recreation, relaxation, and natural beauty,” said City of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “For Newark residents, the Hudson-Essex Greenway will be an exciting new recreational opportunity as we build a more sustainable city.”
Greenway Background
When completed, the Greenway will connect eight Essex and Hudson county communities – Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Montclair. It represents an opportunity to create a linear multi-modal recreational and transit corridor enabling seamless walking, biking and transit opportunities between Montclair and Jersey City, while providing opportunities for community connection and regional environmental improvements.
Governor Phil Murphy announced the acquisition of the Greenway in September 2022. Since then, the DEP – along with its interagency partners at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJ TRANSIT, and New Jersey Department of Transportation – has been working to bring this once-in-a-generation project to life. The initial development and construction of the Greenway will be funded through a combination of state and federal appropriations.
“It is thrilling to share the initial development plans for the first almost two-mile span of the Greenway,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Once complete, residents living in the two most densely populated counties in New Jersey will have access to green space that will not only allow them to experience nature, but also provide an alternate transportation route through their communities.”
Design Element Themes: Relax, Gather, Play, Connect
Through the initial planning process, DEP and its consultants engaged with community stakeholders through a variety of public engagement sessions at locations including a roller rink in Branch Brook Park, a farmer’s market in Bloomfield, and on the Greenway itself in Newark. These public engagement sessions were centered around four themes: relax, gather, play and connect.
Community members used three-dimensional models of the Greenway to design and build their vision for the future state park, offered their opinions on elements to include and exclude from the Greenway, and had opportunities to ask questions and voice concerns about the project to DEP staff and consultants.
“What was once seen as impossible is becoming a reality,” said Dene Lee, Vice President of Land for the Open Space Institute. “After decades of community efforts to create much needed greenspace in this densely populated region, it is tremendously gratifying to see the seeds of the Greenway starting to take shape in tangible ways. We congratulate Governor Murphy, the entire team at NJ DEP, and the legions of dedicated Greenway supporters who never gave up who today are building something wonderful and transformative for the people of northern New Jersey.”
“The construction of these initial segments of the Greenway is a truly exciting milestone in a project that has been eagerly awaited by our communities,” said Debra Kagan, Executive Director of New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition. “They will give us working examples of the many benefits that the completed Greenway will offer. They are the first steps in a project that will connect communities and offer countless New Jerseyans access to green spaces, alternative forms of transportation, and new economic opportunities.”
“The Greenway is that rare project that has the promise to weave together economic and community development, alongside unparalleled opportunities for recreation and the enjoyment of our environment,” said Evan Weiss, President and CEO of the Newark Alliance. “We thank Newark’s champions, including those at the state level, for getting this done.”
“The opening of the Greenway is more than just a walk or a bike-ride, it's a journey through the heart of New Jersey's natural beauty and urban vitality. The Greenway creates much needed open space access in the most densely populated area of the mostly densely populated state in the nation. The Essex-Hudson Greenway connects our communities and our environment to one another, offering a path towards a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future for all,” said Jennifer M. Coffey, Executive Director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions.
To learn more about the project or submit a comment on any of the four themes, visit dep.nj.gov/greenway. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 17, 2023. To sign up for email updates about the Greenway, go to dep.nj.gov/greenway/#signup.
More Praise for Greenway Project (12/4/23)
“This amazing project serves as a powerful driver for uniting communities and providing positive changes in the environment and economy. It aims to enhance people's access to eco-friendly spaces while also providing more transportation options and recreational activities. Additionally, it seeks to address issues with air quality, which ensures a healthier and cleaner environment for all,” said Senator-elect Angela McKnight.
“I am thrilled to see the Greenway project moving forward. I am even more excited to learn that some of the initial phases of the Greenway will begin in the 31st Legislative District in Kearny. This innovative nine-mile project will connect communities and add much welcomed green space to both Hudson and Essex County. I look forward to seeing the progress and working with all of the stakeholders to see this project through to completion,” said Assemblywoman-elect Barbara McCann Stamato.
“Today I applaud Governor Phil Murphy for sharing the Greenway project kickoff plans. Running through parts of Essex and Hudson counties, this nine-mile linear park project will provide outdoor recreation space, transportation alternatives, and long-term economic development opportunities. With highly skilled workers using their expertise, the Greenway project will develop into an incredible reality. The Greenway will bring communities together so New Jerseyans can connect, relax, play, and gather in this one-of-a-kind outdoor state park,” said Assemblyman William B. Sampson IV.
“Governor Murphy’s advancement of the Greenway project paves the way for access to recreational opportunities, improved environmental conditions, ancillary economic development, and enhanced quality of life for thousands of New Jerseyans,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Greenway project exemplifies the NJEDA’s vision of thoughtfully repurposing outdated assets and infrastructure, especially in distressed areas, in ways that will benefit our communities long into the future.”
“The continued expansion of public green space is critical to building a healthier and more vibrant community,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “That is why the shared vision for this new greenway, driven by the Governor’s welcome leadership, is so exciting. Provided we can address the concerns of the localities through which it will run, I believe this project will be a wonderful addition to both Hudson and Essex counties.”
“The Hudson Essex Greenway highlights key policy initiatives that will be priorities for my administration - the expansion of open space, the growth of recreational opportunities, and an increase in safe connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Thank you to the Murphy Administration, NJDEP, and Essex County for their continued leadership and continued discussion with the Town of Kearny and Hudson County to ensure that this project is a gem treasured by all,” said Hudson County Executive-elect Craig Guy.
“In line with the mission of Operation Grow in working toward human, economic, social, and environmental sustainability, the Greenway will pave the way for environmental justice by facilitating green spaces and remediation of land for creative, sustainable activities. We at Operation Grow will continue to engage youth from Essex County in the western section of the Greenway with a community hub for environmental learning, art, climate action, urban agriculture, and connections with nature. We look forward to more opportunities to plan and coordinate activities for the new Greenway,” said Sharonda Allen, Founder and Executive Director of Operation Grow Inc.
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November 29, 2023
Contact: Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
Vincent Grassi (609) 292-2994
MURPHY ADMINISTRATION ADVANCES GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Two-Mile Segment of Former Rail Line in Newark and Kearny to be First Phase of the Greenway, a future Nine-Mile Linear State Park(23/P063) TRENTON – A nine-mile former rail line through parts of Hudson and Essex counties is one step closer to becoming a new state park, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. Following an extensive months-long public engagement process, the Murphy Administration is sharing the initial development and construction plans for the Greenway. The first phase of the multimillion-dollar project will be focused on a nearly two-mile span through Newark, Essex County, and Kearny, Hudson County.
As part of a phased development approach for the Greenway, the Newark-Kearny segment will directly serve the 350,000 residents of the two municipalities, and more in the surrounding area. The project is a catalyst for environmental improvements and economic development, expanding access to green, open space, increasing transportation and recreation opportunities, and improving stormwater management and air quality. The DEP expects to break ground in early 2024, with the first segment anticipated to open to the public in late 2025.
“Connecting communities in one of the most densely populated regions in the nation, the Greenway will serve as nothing short of a game-changer for cities across Essex and Hudson Counties,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Upon completion, this monumental project will increase recreation, transportation, and economic development opportunities for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents and visitors. Just as importantly, it will considerably expand access to green, open space – and its associated environmental and public health benefits – for environmental justice communities across North Jersey.”
“Today’s announcement to begin the Greenway’s construction in Newark and Kearny brings us one step closer to making this new state park a reality,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Converting this abandoned rail line into a thriving recreation and transportation corridor will bring people and communities together to enjoy the environment we share. Such a significant undertaking is only possible with the support and collaboration of the host communities, and we thank the residents and leaders of Newark and Kearny for their partnership.”
The Newark-Kearny segment is composed of three project areas. The western section will span from Branch Brook Park to Broadway in Newark. The central section, in Kearny, will begin at Passaic Avenue and go through Forest Street. The eastern section, also in Kearny, will start at Forest Street and run east to the Meadowlands’ edge.
The DEP plans to develop the Newark-Kearny segment through a series of connected experiences, focusing on a combination of active and passive recreation opportunities. This stretch has the potential for both scenic overlooks and community hubs that leverage existing vistas and space availability to create a one-of-a-kind amenity for both the surrounding community and visitors.
One of the overlooks would provide visitors with a glimpse into the natural environment of the Meadowlands and views of the Manhattan skyline. In Newark, DEP could develop an active urban community hub for recreation and games, a vibrant playground, and amenities to support playing all day.
The DEP and its consultants evaluated each segment based on a number of factors that included environmental, public access and economic development needs, as well as the capability to begin work quickly. The Newark and Kearny segments scored high in this evaluation. The next steps include preliminary design work, securing necessary state permits and continuing to gather public feedback.
“It has been my goal to see this innovative and inspired land-use project become a reality. Every phase should be celebrated so we do not lose sight of the long-term economic development, conservation, environmental justice, recreation and transportation benefits the Greenway project holds for residents of Essex County,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.
“I want to thank Governor Murphy for putting the state’s resources behind the initiative to create the Essex-Hudson Greenway and preserve this nine-mile ribbon as open space. Making the abandoned railway accessible for public use and recreation will be a tremendous benefit for our residents.” said Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Essex County Executive.
“As one of the earliest and most ardent supporters of the Greenway, I could not be more excited to see it moving forward,” said Essex County Commissioner At-Large Brendan Gill. “This project represents a historic investment in conservation infrastructure and will provide needed outdoor recreation and open space in one of our most densely populated and developed areas, but it is about much more than that. New Jersey is one of the most segregated states in the country. By connecting these diverse communities, the Greenway will connect people who might not otherwise come together. When someone bicycles from Newark to Montclair in an afternoon, or strolls from Jersey City into Secaucus, they get to be part of a community larger than the single town in which they live. That's what this project is about.”
“Connectivity has historically been at the center of Newark’s success as a transportation hub and as a thriving city. The Greenway is about connections. It will ultimately tie together eight Hudson and Essex County communities formerly connected by rail and about to be connected once more through recreation, relaxation, and natural beauty,” said City of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “For Newark residents, the Hudson-Essex Greenway will be an exciting new recreational opportunity as we build a more sustainable city.”
Greenway Background
When completed, the Greenway will connect eight Essex and Hudson county communities – Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Montclair. It represents an opportunity to create a linear multi-modal recreational and transit corridor enabling seamless walking, biking and transit opportunities between Montclair and Jersey City, while providing opportunities for community connection and regional environmental improvements.
Governor Phil Murphy announced the acquisition of the Greenway in September 2022. Since then, the DEP – along with its interagency partners at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJ TRANSIT, and New Jersey Department of Transportation – has been working to bring this once-in-a-generation project to life. The initial development and construction of the Greenway will be funded through a combination of state and federal appropriations.
“It is thrilling to share the initial development plans for the first almost two-mile span of the Greenway,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Once complete, residents living in the two most densely populated counties in New Jersey will have access to green space that will not only allow them to experience nature, but also provide an alternate transportation route through their communities.”
Design Element Themes: Relax, Gather, Play, Connect
Through the initial planning process, DEP and its consultants engaged with community stakeholders through a variety of public engagement sessions at locations including a roller rink in Branch Brook Park, a farmer’s market in Bloomfield, and on the Greenway itself in Newark. These public engagement sessions were centered around four themes: relax, gather, play and connect.
Community members used three-dimensional models of the Greenway to design and build their vision for the future state park, offered their opinions on elements to include and exclude from the Greenway, and had opportunities to ask questions and voice concerns about the project to DEP staff and consultants.
“What was once seen as impossible is becoming a reality,” said Dene Lee, Vice President of Land for the Open Space Institute. “After decades of community efforts to create much needed greenspace in this densely populated region, it is tremendously gratifying to see the seeds of the Greenway starting to take shape in tangible ways. We congratulate Governor Murphy, the entire team at NJ DEP, and the legions of dedicated Greenway supporters who never gave up who today are building something wonderful and transformative for the people of northern New Jersey.”
“The construction of these initial segments of the Greenway is a truly exciting milestone in a project that has been eagerly awaited by our communities,” said Debra Kagan, Executive Director of New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition. “They will give us working examples of the many benefits that the completed Greenway will offer. They are the first steps in a project that will connect communities and offer countless New Jerseyans access to green spaces, alternative forms of transportation, and new economic opportunities.”
“The Greenway is that rare project that has the promise to weave together economic and community development, alongside unparalleled opportunities for recreation and the enjoyment of our environment,” said Evan Weiss, President and CEO of the Newark Alliance. “We thank Newark’s champions, including those at the state level, for getting this done.”
“The opening of the Greenway is more than just a walk or a bike-ride, it's a journey through the heart of New Jersey's natural beauty and urban vitality. The Greenway creates much needed open space access in the most densely populated area of the mostly densely populated state in the nation. The Essex-Hudson Greenway connects our communities and our environment to one another, offering a path towards a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future for all,” said Jennifer M. Coffey, Executive Director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions.
To learn more about the project or submit a comment on any of the four themes, visit dep.nj.gov/greenway. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 17, 2023. To sign up for email updates about the Greenway, go to dep.nj.gov/greenway/#signup.
More Praise for Greenway Project (12/4/23)
“This amazing project serves as a powerful driver for uniting communities and providing positive changes in the environment and economy. It aims to enhance people's access to eco-friendly spaces while also providing more transportation options and recreational activities. Additionally, it seeks to address issues with air quality, which ensures a healthier and cleaner environment for all,” said Senator-elect Angela McKnight.
“I am thrilled to see the Greenway project moving forward. I am even more excited to learn that some of the initial phases of the Greenway will begin in the 31st Legislative District in Kearny. This innovative nine-mile project will connect communities and add much welcomed green space to both Hudson and Essex County. I look forward to seeing the progress and working with all of the stakeholders to see this project through to completion,” said Assemblywoman-elect Barbara McCann Stamato.
“Today I applaud Governor Phil Murphy for sharing the Greenway project kickoff plans. Running through parts of Essex and Hudson counties, this nine-mile linear park project will provide outdoor recreation space, transportation alternatives, and long-term economic development opportunities. With highly skilled workers using their expertise, the Greenway project will develop into an incredible reality. The Greenway will bring communities together so New Jerseyans can connect, relax, play, and gather in this one-of-a-kind outdoor state park,” said Assemblyman William B. Sampson IV.
“Governor Murphy’s advancement of the Greenway project paves the way for access to recreational opportunities, improved environmental conditions, ancillary economic development, and enhanced quality of life for thousands of New Jerseyans,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Greenway project exemplifies the NJEDA’s vision of thoughtfully repurposing outdated assets and infrastructure, especially in distressed areas, in ways that will benefit our communities long into the future.”
“The continued expansion of public green space is critical to building a healthier and more vibrant community,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “That is why the shared vision for this new greenway, driven by the Governor’s welcome leadership, is so exciting. Provided we can address the concerns of the localities through which it will run, I believe this project will be a wonderful addition to both Hudson and Essex counties.”
“The Hudson Essex Greenway highlights key policy initiatives that will be priorities for my administration - the expansion of open space, the growth of recreational opportunities, and an increase in safe connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Thank you to the Murphy Administration, NJDEP, and Essex County for their continued leadership and continued discussion with the Town of Kearny and Hudson County to ensure that this project is a gem treasured by all,” said Hudson County Executive-elect Craig Guy.
“In line with the mission of Operation Grow in working toward human, economic, social, and environmental sustainability, the Greenway will pave the way for environmental justice by facilitating green spaces and remediation of land for creative, sustainable activities. We at Operation Grow will continue to engage youth from Essex County in the western section of the Greenway with a community hub for environmental learning, art, climate action, urban agriculture, and connections with nature. We look forward to more opportunities to plan and coordinate activities for the new Greenway,” said Sharonda Allen, Founder and Executive Director of Operation Grow Inc.
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Thank you to all of our guests, sponsors, and supporters of our Operation Grow Inc. Second Annual Awards Gala
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If you weren’t there, you missed an excellent event!
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2024 Earth Day Community Clean Up in East Orange, NJ
Event Photo Gallery
Thank you to those who joined us on Saturday, September 9, 2023
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