In an effort to create a new entrance to the Great Falls National Historical Park from West Broadway, the city is seeking $2.5 million in green acres funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Funds will be used to acquire and demolish a total of 15 properties on Ryle Avenue and its vicinity, according to city records. The city is acquiring all the parcels on both sides of Ryle Avenue from Ryle Road to Presidential Boulevard. In all, the city is acquiring 3 acres of land, according to city records.
The avenue is dotted with blighted properties on both sides. There’s an old industrial building on the corner of Ryle Avenue and Ryle Road that’s on the list for acquisition. The city will also acquire the flood damaged fast food joint site next to the Passaic River on West Broadway across the street from the Advance Auto Parts.
Paterson has taken ownership of the site where an old industrial building collapsed in mid-2013.
Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres has told the Great Falls Advisory Commission he intends to increase the flow of people into the Great Falls by creating a second entrance from West Broadway. He reckons as many as 40,000 cars pass through West Broadway everyday.
The city council has to approve submission of the grant application to the state.
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