Preservation
Coalition
EMBANKMENT PRESERVATION COALITION?
BACKGROUND
The Pennsylvania Railroad Harsimus Stem Embankment Preservation Coalition formed in 1998 as a working group that evolved from meetings of more than a hundred neighbors concerned about plans to demolish the Embankment and develop the site, which is located in Downtown Jersey City between two National Historic Districts. The Coalition spent months researching the historic, environmental, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of this structure. Our findings led to a consensus that the Embankment is an important and irreplaceable historic and environmental resource that must be preserved.
OUR MISSION
To preserve the historic Pennsylvania Railroad Harsimus Stem Embankment, develop its top as passive open space, and integrate the site into a network of local and regional pedestrian and biking trails, including the Hudson Waterfront Walkway and the East Coast Greenway.
OUR VISION
The Embankment will be owned by a public entity, either City, County or State, or a land or historic preservation trust.
The top of the Embankment will be passive open space, a serene oasis in the densely populated Downtown. Public access, with safeguards for habitat and the adjoining communities, will be provided.
The streetscape on the northern side of the Embankment will be improved with sidewalks, trees, and other plants, historically appropriate lighting and amenities for pedestrians—part of a promenade that will extend beyond the Embankment to the Hudson Waterfront Walkway.
The Embankment and streetscape will be a linchpin in a network of walkable, bikeable greenways within the City of Jersey City, and beyond. From north to south along Jersey Avenue, a main boulevard, the Embankment will serve as a midpoint in a series of parks, including Hamilton Park, Van Vorst Park, and Liberty State Park. From east to west, the Embankment will join the Hudson Waterfront Walkway with the Hackensack Meadowlands, via the Bergen Arches. The East Coast Greenway Alliance views this latter route as the main East Coast Greenway route through Hudson County.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Withdrawal of a City redevelopment plan to demolish the historic structure
Documentation of the history and present contribution of the structure to the integrity of two National Historic Districts
Nomination of the site for historic status at the state, federal, and city levels. This nomination was reviewed and approved by the State Review Board for Historic Places, the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission, the Jersey City Planning Board, the Jersey City Council, and Mayor Glenn L. Cunningham. The Embankment was listed on the State Register of Historic Places in 1999, is eligible for listing on the National Register, and was declared a Municipal Landmark in January 2003.
Endorsements from community, citywide, regional, and national organizations and elected officials at all levels of government
Site cleanups, tree plantings, tours, and talks, with the participation of hundreds of adults and students
Draft designs for a street-level promenade along the base of the Embankment on Sixth Street to link up with the Hudson Waterfront Walkway.
Coordination with Newport Associates and Avalon Cove developers on design for public access to the Hudson Walterfront Walkway at the eastern end of Sixth Street
Embankment designation by the East Coast Greenway Alliance as part of the envisioned East Coast Greenway main route through Hudson County. The East Coast Greenway is a 2600-mile National Millenium Trail extending from Florida to Maine; it is 20 percent complete in New Jersey.
Identification of historic site, open space, and transportation funds available from the state or federal governments or from private sources for acquisition, improvement, and maintenance of the site
Advocacy that resulted in a $1.6 million earmark, sponsored by Congressman Robert Menendez, in the SAFETEA bill that passed Congress in July 2005
Identification of development costs for 6-acre park and greenway, including ADA-compliant access, fencing, bridges re-connecting blocks that can hold emergency vehicles, landscaping, lighting, and amenities.
Work with City-hired T&M Associates to refine development costs
Preparation to promote wide and deep public input into park design, once property is acquired
HOW CAN YOU HELP!? BECOME A MEMBER
PLEASE JOIN US NOW
Together we can make the Embankment Park a Reality
