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Name of Project:

Harsimus Branch Embankment Acquisition and Park/Greenway Development
Geographic Fund:
 North Jersey Metro
Location of Project:
 Jersey City, Hudson County
Watershed Management Area:
 WMA # 5, Hudson River
Type of Project:
 Historic Land Preservation
Size:
 6.2 acres
Nonprofit Organization:

Pennsylvania Railroad Harsimus Stem Embankment Preservation Coalition
Status:
 The structure is a Municipal Landmark, is listed on the State Register of Historic Places, and is eligible for the National Register.  The Coalition secured these and the following recognitions: NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program Habitat Workgroup priority acquisition; Hudson County Open Space Plan priority acquisition; Preservation NJ’s “10 Most Endangered Sites” list, 2006; Jersey City draft Parks Plan priority acquisition.
Total Project Cost:
 $5 million to $7 million
Funds Raised:
 $3.7 million
Funds Needed:
 $1.3 million to $3.3 million
Leverage:
 Not yet available
PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE

The Harsimus Branch Embankment is a half-mile-long segmented stone structure that is an out-of-use rail right-of-way. A monarch flyway, its surface has seeded naturally and provides habitat for many bird and animal species in an otherwise built out urban area.

Initially facing City opposition, the Pennsylvania Railroad Harsimus Stem Embankment Preservation Coalition spent several years developing its arguments for preservation and educating the public and elected officials about the structure’s importance to preserving open space, and towards flooding and CSO control. The Coalition applied for and received historic protections for the structure at the municipal, state, and national level, as well as other recognitions.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Embankment Preservation Coalition is working with the City of Jersey City to acquire the Embankment for open space, trail, and potential future light rail.  The City and Coalition petitioned the Surface Transportation Board challenging its sale by Conrail to a private developer in July 2005.  In August 2007 the STB ruled in favor of the petitioners.  If ample funds can be raised, the City is expected to acquire the land through negotiation or eminent domain when Conrail goes through the required federal abandonment process.

FUNDS NEEDED

The Coalition has cooperative relationships with public and private partners throughout the region. It is seeking $1.3 to $3.3 million to fund acquisition and open space/trail development.

 
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