NJAC Conference Presentation

HUDSON COUNTY OPEN SPACE, RECREATION & HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND

County Open Space Trust Funds Throughout the State Thursday, May 4, 2023

ABRAHAM ANTUN County Administrator Hudson County

SAMUEL SCHROEDER, PP, AICP

Supervising Planner

Hudson County Division of Planning

Hudson County has the smallest land area and is most densely populated county in the state of New Jersey.

The County is home to an estimated 713,264 residents.*

*according to 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate

The County has some of the oldest architecture in the state. Many of Hudson County’s parks were designed during the City Beautiful Movement, such as Columbus Park (below).

Average “Walk Score” of Hudson County municipalities is considered very walkable.

On November 3, 2003 the voters of Hudson County approved a public question referendum at the general election ballot authorizing the governing body of the County of Hudson to establish a dedicated tax for the purposes of land acquisition for open space, capital improvements to parks, and preservation of historic sites.

On May 13, 2004 the Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution establishing the Open Space Trust Fund Program Statement which governs the operation and management of the Trust Fund and its Advisory Board. TRUST

GOALS:

FUNDING

• The Trust Fund is funded through a property tax assessment to be approved annually by the Board of County Commissioners. The rate cannot exceed one cent per $100.00 of the Total County equalized real property valuation.

• Since 2005, 201 projects have been awarded throughout the County, totaling over $82 million in funds:

• 35.2 Acres of open space have been preserved,

• 138 park improvement projects have been awarded,

• and 30 historic preservation projects have been awarded.

Image source: The Jersey Journal

SUCCESS STORIES

WATERFRONT PARKS AND GREENWAYS

Skyway Park, Jersey City

Awarded $2.2 million for acquisition will be city’s largest municipal park at 32 acres. City is building park and portion of Hackensack River Greenway.

Cape May Street Park, Harrison

Awarded $900,000 for acquisition and $654,000 for park development.

Town has incorporated the Passaic River Greenway.

REVITALIZING NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Peru Park (24th Street Park), Union City

Awarded $500,000 to redevelop a neighborhood park with playground and splash pad.

Also known as “sprayparks” or “spraygrounds,” these features are increasingly popular. They provide a place for children to cool off and are significantly less expensive to build and maintain than community pools.

SUPPORTING THE COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM

In addition to supporting municipal and non-profit projects, the County utilizes the Trust Fund to support its park system of 12 parks across 744 acres.

Washington Park, Hudson County Parks

Awarded $500,000 to restore the playground and improve ADA accessibility.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Apple Tree House, Jersey City was awarded

$700,000 in historic preservation funds.

According to legend, a meeting between General George Washington and Major General Marquis de Lafayette took place under an apple tree during the American Revolutionary War at the very site the house was built on.

MUNICIPAL AND NON-PROFIT PARTNERSHIPS

• The County and Municipalities meet regularly to create high-quality projects.

• The County encourages leveraging Trust Fund awards with State and Federal grants, such as Green Acres.

• 501(c)3’s are required to partner with the local municipality where the project is located.

Pictured: Hoboken Northwest Resiliency Park (above). Neil DeSena Park in Bayonne (right).

LOOKING FORWARD

The County anticipates awarding $3 million in 2023 for projects that include: park development, acquisition of new parkland, and historic exterior rehabilitation.

ABRAHAM ANTUN County Administrator Hudson County

SAMUEL SCHROEDER, PP, AICP Supervising Planner Hudson County Division of Planning