The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has teamed up with the City of Union City to turn a vacant building acquired for $4,075,000 into a soccer field, officials said Monday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This Earth Week, the Sherrill Administration is delivering on its mission to revitalize communities and provide equitable access to open space,” NJDEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said in a statement.
“Green Acres has time and time again proven to be a transformative force for communities and families across the state – and this project is a testament to how local vision and state leadership bring to life the first park in one of the most densely populated communities in 15 years. This is what delivering for New Jerseyans looks like, and that’s what the NJDEP will continue to do.”
Earlier this year, the Green Acres State Land Acquisition Bureau and the Green Acres Local and Nonprofit Assistance Program partnered with Union City to acquire 4100 Palisade Ave. for $4,075,000.
Through a joint ownership structure of 95 percent state and percent city, the state’s substantial investment in the acquisition frees up municipal resources to demolish the long-vacant, 17,000-square-foot building at the site and develop the new soccer field.
“Community revitalization happens one block at a time, one neighborhood at a time. This project reminds us that Earth Week is a time to not only value the protection of open space and natural resources, but that green spaces come in all shapes and sizes and projects like this make our communities like Union City healthier and more livable,” added Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D).
“I commend Senator Brian Stack and Union City for partnering with the DEP to make this project possible, and for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of youth in our local communities.”
This project is part of the DEP’s State Land Acquisition Bureau’s Expansion and Creation of Urban Parks initiative, which focuses on increasing close-to-home open space and neighborhood parks throughout New Jersey.
The DEP collaborates with local governments to meet community needs that align with local planning priorities, with emphasis on addressing recreation deficits in densely populated urban areas.
“This partnership exemplifies how state and local collaboration can transform communities,” noted state Senator (D-33) and Union City Mayor Brian Stack.
“In one of the most densely populated sections of our city, this soccer field will provide our young people with a safe, accessible place to play and grow.”
