Paterson seeking $250,000 in county open space funds for ‘Vistas Park’
By Jayed Rahman
Published: March 22, 2017
The city is seeking $250,000 in grant money from the Passaic County Open Space program for the former Paterson Vistas site on Jasper Street.
Funds will pay for startup expenses and for the development of a master plan for the 8.5-acre piece of land being called the “Paterson Vistas Park.” Funds will also cover planning and design for a trail network and development of construction documents.
Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres earlier in the year proposed building a concession stand, comfort station, an additional welcome center, a scenic viewing area atop the cliff overlooking the Great Falls, and a pathway running from Jasper Street to Ryle Avenue.
City officials at the time did not have an estimated cost for the proposed improvements at the site. He unveiled his plan to council members just days before the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchased the land from Paterson Renewal Associates, LLC for $5.7 million.
A developer proposed to construct 13 buildings containing 156 housing units at the site. The project came under heavy criticism resulting in the developer dropping his plans for the site.
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