Community Vision Plan for the Palisades Nature Preserve

COMMUNITY VISION PLAN
PALISADES NATURE PRESERVE
at James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park
North Bergen, New Jersey
Prepared for
The Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs, Inc.
Prepared by
American Planning Association
New Jersey Chapter
Community Planning Assistance Program
June 2014

The American Planning Association, New Jersey Chapter sponsors a Community Planning Assistance Program (CPAP) which con-nects
communities in need of planning assistance with professionals willing to volunteer their time and talent.
The Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs, Inc. submitted an application to CPAP requesting the development of a community
vision plan for a 6.55 acre site owned by Hudson County that has been closed for many years. The intent of this community vision
plan is to set in motion the planning process which will hopefully result in Hudson County’s reopening of this site as a nature pre-serve
with hiking trails.
Through the CPAP, several volunteers were identified. These planners, engineers, and landscape architects were teamed together
for creation of this community vision plan. The project team included the following:
Colette Santasieri, PhD, Project Manager
Fiona Akins, AICP
John Duda, ASLA, MKW + Associates, LLC
Chelsea Gleis
Lois Goldman, PP, AICP
Michael Kolber
Ryan Kovac, LLA, ASLA, Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, PC.
Kim Mathews, RLA, ASLA, Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, PC.
Michael Viscardi, LLA, PP, AICP

CONTENTS
Introduction to the Project 1
Overview of the Study Area 2
The Site 3
Site Description 3
Site Assets, Concerns and Challenges 4
The Community Visioning Process 7
The Vision 8
Vision Statement 9
Conceptual Designs and Recommendations 10
Realizing the Vision 18
Project Phasing and Cost Estimates 18
Estimated Project Timeline 20
Funding the Proposed Palisades Nature Preserve 20
Appendix A: The “Serrao Report”
Appendix B: Steering Committee Meeting Summary
Appendix C: Community Meeting Summary
Page

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT
The purpose of this project was to develop a community vi-sion
plan for a 6.55 acre site that lies on the Palisades Cliffs,
a line of steep cliffs formed about 200 million years ago. Part
of the James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, the
site is owned by Hudson County, but is currently closed to
visitors.
The Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs, Inc., an orga-nization
of local citizens, is concerned that development will
destroy the Palisades. While this site remains in a natural
form, development has occurred on other portions of the Pal-isades,
and on properties near this site. The Coalition has
begun a grass roots effort to have the site redesigned and
reopened for the dual purposes of creating a nature preserve
and protecting the site from development. The first step in
this crusade was the creation of this community vision plan.
The intent of this community vision plan is to set in motion
the planning process which will hopefully result in Hudson
County’s reopening of this site as a nature preserve. (It is im-portant
to note that Hudson County does not currently have
plans for or funding in place to reopen this site, although they
have participated on the site’s Steering Committee which is
discussed in the Community Visioning Process section of
this plan.)
The American Planning Association, New Jersey Chapter
Community Planning Assistance Program (CPAP) project
team’s approach to creating this community vision plan in-volved
three phases of work. The first involved acquiring
knowledge of the site through review of current and historic
maps and photos, and other documentation, and through a
site visit. The second phase involved engaging the commu-nity
through a series of visioning exercises to determine their
thoughts, concerns, and ideas for the site. Using the com-munity
input as a framework for this vision, the third phase
involved the CPAP project team’s application of their profes-sional
skills and experience in creating a conceptual plan for
the site. This community vision plan is the culmination of
those efforts.
The Community Vision Plan for the Palisades Nature Pre-serve
at the James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park
contains an overview of the study area, and discussion of the
site. It details the community visioning process and presents
the community’s vision for the site. Finally, this community
vision plan provides a roadmap for realizing this vision that
includes necessary phases of work and estimated timeline,
estimated costs, and potential funding sources.
COMMUNITY VISION PLAN PALISADES NATURE PRESERVE 1

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY AREA
The proposed Palisades Nature Preserve at the James J.
Braddock North Hudson County Park is located in the Town-ship
of North Bergen, Hudson County, New Jersey (see Fig-ure
1). The Township of North Bergen is shaped like an in-verted
boot, with its northern section bordered on the north
by Bergen County, on the east by the Hudson River, and
on the west by the Hackensack River and Cromakill Creek.
The remainder of township is bordered on the west by the
Town of Secaucus; on the east by the towns of Guttenberg
and West New York, and the City of Union City; and at a sin-gle
point at its southern end by the City of Jersey City. The
proposed Palisades Nature Preserve is located in the north
eastern section of the township.
The Township of North Bergen occupies a total area of 5.575
square miles. According to the United States Census, its
2010 population was 60,773, with 22,062 households, and
14,539 families. The population density was 11,838 people
per square mile making it one of the most densely populated
municipalities in the country. The 2010 racial makeup of the
township was 66.98% White, 6.55% Asian, 4.04% African
American, 16.63% other races, and 4.84% from two or more
races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race constituted 68.40%
of the population.
Hudson County’s park system includes 616 total acres of ac-tive
and passive recreation space. James J. Braddock North
Hudson County Park is one of the largest in that system and
the only county park in North Bergen. Occupying an area of
167 acres, the park, originally known as North Hudson Park,
was established in 1910. It was renamed to honor James J.
Braddock who was the World Heavyweight Boxing Cham-pion
from 1935 to 1937. The park contains a 16-acre lake,
and 45 athletic facilities that include tennis courts, basketball
courts, bocce courts, handball courts, football fields, volley-ball
courts, a little league field, and an exercise/cross country
course.
Legend
Township of North Bergen boundary
James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park
Proposed Palisades Nature Preserve
Figure 1 Site Location

THE SITE
Site Description
The proposed Palisades Nature Preserve site is bordered
on the west by John F. Kennedy Boulevard East (commonly
referred to as Boulevard East), on the north by Bulls Ferry
Road and a property that then is bordered by Bulls Ferry
Road, and on the south by the imaginary extension of 79th
Street down the Palisades. The southern corner of the site
is bordered on the east by River Road. The remainder of
the eastern border is just west of River Road, separated by
a strip of privately owned, undeveloped land (Block 437 Lot
2.01, a half-acre linear lot paralleling River Road) (see Figure
2). Surrounding land uses include: James J. Braddock North
Hudson County Park to the west, apartment buildings to the
north, undeveloped cliffs and parkland to the south, and res-idential
and commercial uses across River Road to the east.
Block 437.01, Lot 1 contains the proposed Palisades Nature
Preserve site. Hudson County owns the site, and it is legally
part of the James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park.
The site is comprised of 6.55 acres of gently sloping to steep
terrain, with the highest elevation on its western side (along
Boulevard East) and its lowest elevation on its eastern side
(near River Road). Along the northern property line the ele-vation
change is approximately 100 feet (140+/- high point to
40 low point), and along the southern property line the eleva-tion
change is 160 feet (from 170 high point to 10 low point).
While this site was once opened to the public, it is currently
closed.
Figure 2 Proposed Palisades Nature Preserve Site
In 1983, Naturalist John Serrao described this and an adja-cent
site as a place notable for its “two huge American elms,
picturesque cascading stream, and steep Palisades cliffs.”
(See Appendix A: The “Serrao Report”). However, the site
is currently overgrown with various types of vegetation (see
Figure 3). The tree cover is concentrated along the west-ern
and northern sections; while the southeastern portion
is characterized by low-lying shrubs and vegetation. A pipe
at the northwest corner of the site carries overflow from the
lake in James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, which
then forms a stream that cascades southeast to a culvert that
carries the water under River Road to its discharge in the
Hudson River (see Figure 4).
Figure 4 Lake Overflow into the Site
Figure 3 Overgrown Vegetation

Site Assets, Concerns and Challenges
Assets
The proposed Palisades Nature Preserve site is a rare, natu-ral
open space in an otherwise densely developed and pop-ulated
urban area. It is an undeveloped approximately 200
million year old geological formation that reportedly is home
to over 40 species of birds and assorted wildlife, as well as
an assortment of vegetation. The site has been described as
one of great beauty and potential to serve as a bird sanctu-ary
and nature preserve for the area. The site’s abundance of
plant species as reported by Naturalist John Serrao in 1983
included blackberry, wild grape, and Japanese honeysuckle.
The younger tree species included black locust, gray cherry,
and sassafras, while the older trees included bitternut hicko-ry,
red oak, white ash, and as Serrao wrote, “the two largest
American elms this writer has ever seen on the Palisades.” In
1983, the elms approached 10 feet in circumference, 90 feet
in height, and were “certainly over a century (and perhaps
even 200 years) in age.”
In addition to the trees, Serrao found the abundance of birds
particularly impressive, especially for such a small area. He
identified 17 different bird species in mid-winter and theo-rized
that 50 or more species could be observed in May. The
species he observed included mourning doves, white-throat-ed
sparrows, house finches, blue jays, cardinals and chicka-dees.
“The reason for the surprising abundance of birds (and
rabbits) here is,” Serrao wrote, “first of all, the dense cover
created by the extensive vine tangles and bramble thickets,
and, secondly, the high diversity of trees and shrubs which
bear fruits consumed by birds…These two features can be
expected to attract a great variety of birds at all seasons.”
The site’s vegetation also presents seasonal interests with
budding plants in the Spring, dense green foliage in the Sum-mer,
and a variety of color in the Fall. Its lack of foliage in the
Winter allows for several views of the Hudson River and New
York skyline (see Figure 5).
Although the site has been closed since 2008, it contains
artifacts from the days when it was open to the public and
people traveled through the site to and from Bull’s Ferry (see
Figure 6). Another site asset is a stream and waterfall (to be
enhanced) that has been created by the overflow from the
lake in James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park (see
Figures 7 and 8). This water enhances the habitat for birds
and wildlife, as well as adds to the scenic atmosphere.
Figure 5 View from the Site to the Hudson River and New York City
Figure 6 Site’s Archway and Stairs
Figure 7 Site’s Stream
Figure 8 Site’s Waterfall to be Enhanced

Concerns
Despite the site’s many assets, the current site conditions
present a number of concerns to the community and Hud-son
County park officials. These conditions would need to
be addressed before the site can be reopened to the public.
The first is litter, which has been accumulating on the site for
years (see Figure 9).
Next is the overgrown state of vegetation, some of which in-cludes
invasive plant species such as poison ivy (see Figure
10). While trails still exist, the overgrown vegetation makes
much of them impassible.
Security is also a concern. Even though the site is closed, it
is easily accessible by scaling a low stone wall. Trespassing
and other illegal activities occur.
Although the stream is viewed as a site asset, it also pres-ents
a hazard as water currently overflows onto River Road
(see Figure 11).
Figure 9 Litter
Figure 10 Invasive Plant Species
Figure 11 Flooding from the Site onto River Road

Challenges
A number of challenges stand in the way of the reopening of
this site as a nature preserve. Some are briefly presented
below.
Development vs. Preservation:
Because of the site’s steep terrain and dense vegetation, an
important challenge is striking a balance between designing
to allow for passive use - both general and ADA accessible -
and preserving the future preserve’s natural integrity.
Litter:
While removing the garbage currently on the site is vital, es-tablishing
uses that will promote respect of the site’s natu-ral
conditions is also important. Additionally, a park mainte-nance
program will be necessary.
Safety and Security:
The site’s inherent steepness is a challenge to public safety.
Access to the site after hours presents a security issue. The
proposed nature preserve’s design, as well as any securi-ty
measures implemented by the County need to consider
safety and security balanced with preserving the vegetation,
habitat, and public’s enjoyment of the site.
Education:
The site offers many educational opportunities regarding the
geologic history of the Palisades, as well as the vegetation
and wildlife. The challenge will be to maximize visitors’ ed-ucational
experience while keeping the natural elements in-tact.
Stormwater Management:
While the lake’s overflow has created a stream that contrib-utes
to the scenic and habitat values of the site, a challenge
will be to ensure that this overflow does not continue to cause
flooding conditions at the base of the site.
Steep Terrain:
The site’s steep terrain, and reported unstable slopes pres-ent
a challenge for trail design as well as soil erosion.
Funding:
At present, Hudson County has no funding dedicated to the
design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the pro-posed
nature preserve. The challenge will be to identify and
secure funding from multiple sources.

THE COMMUNITY VISIONING PROCESS
The Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs, Inc. effort to
encourage Hudson County to reopen the site is driven by the
community’s desire to not only preserve this geological for-mation,
but also to preserve the natural setting in this dense-ly
developed and populated environment. A community vi-sioning
process was created and implemented in an effort
to determine the community’s thoughts, concerns, and ideas
for the site, and use the community’s voice as the foundation
of this vision plan.
Two community meetings were conducted by the CPAP
team. The first meeting involved the Palisades Cliff Passive
Park Steering Committee, a group of residents, and repre-sentatives
of the Hudson County Division of Parks and Hud-son
County Division of Planning that was assembled by the
Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs, Inc. The purpose
of the meeting was to extract the Steering Committee mem-ber’s
thoughts, concerns, ideas and visions for the site. This
was done through the use of various CPAP facilitated exer-cises.
All of the information generated at this meeting helped
to frame the community visioning meeting and informed this
vision plan. The two major decisions made by the Steering
Committee were that this site should be reopened as a na-ture
preserve, and the working name of this preserve would
be the Palisades Nature Preserve at the James J. Braddock
North Hudson County Park. (The meeting summary is con-tained
in Appendix B.)
The second meeting was open to the general public (see Fig-ure
12). Approximately 50 people attended this community
visioning meeting. Most participants were residents of North
Bergen, Guttenberg and West New York who live within ten
blocks of James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park.
The participants were placed in groups that worked together
in facilitated visioning exercises (see Figure 13). The exer-cises
involved generating ideas for the site’s future uses and
amenities (see Figure 14). Overwhelmingly, the participants
expressed the desire for: a natural oasis of vegetation and
wildlife; a place for people to safely enjoy nature; and an
opportunity for environmental education. (The meeting sum-mary
is contained in Appendix C.) As with the results of the
Steering Committee meeting, all of the information generat-ed
at this meeting helped inform this community vision plan.
ATTENTION
James J. Braddock
N o r t h H u d s o n C o u n t y P a r k
Community
As a resident of the communities surrounding Braddock Park—
you are invited to attend and participate in a
Visioning Workshop for the new
Palisades Nature Preserve
@ J. J.Braddock Park
The 11 acre parcel of park is located between Boulevard East and
River Road alongside Bulls Ferry Road and south to 79th Street.
This part of J. J. Braddock Park has been padlocked from public use
for far too long. Please join us to share your vision and hopes for
this small gem along the Palisades Cliffs.
North Bergen Free Public Library (8411 Bergenline Avenue; lower level conference room)
Monday, March 31, 6:30 PM Seating is limited so please RSVP no later than Friday, March 28 to
PNP. JJBraddock@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
The Vision Workshop is hosted by the Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs in conjunction with the NJ Chapter of the American Planning
Association, Hudson County Department of Parks and Community Service, and the North Bergen Parks Department.
Figure 12 Community Visioning Meeting Announcement
Figure 13 Group of Meeting Participants
Figure 14 Results of a Visioning Exercise

THE VISION
Figure 15 Illustrative Eye-Level Perspective Rendering from River Road (Perspective 2 in Figure 17)

A natural retreat to learn from…
The Palisades Nature Preserve will be an unparalleled edu-cational
opportunity for students of all ages to learn in action
about our natural environment, and for community stewards
to engage in the protection of a valued resource.
• Interpretive signage will highlight natural processes
and historical features.
• School groups will learn about the water cycle and
ecological restoration.
• Guided tours will identify local flora and fauna
through the seasons.
Vision Statement
Visioning is the process of developing consensus about what
future a community wants and then deciding what is neces-sary
to achieve it. The community generated vision of the
proposed Palisades Nature Preserve is:
The Palisades Nature Preserve will be a natural retreat to
protect, enjoy and learn from.
A natural retreat to protect…
The Palisades Nature Preserve will be a natural oasis within
our urban community for the native ecosystem to flourish,
where a freshwater stream and native plants provide habitat
for wildlife, and a unique and ancient geological formation is
accessible for all to view.
• Native habitats will be protected and invasive
species will be managed
• The stream channel will be restored and protected.
• Access to the 200 million year geological history of
the Palisades will be provided.
A natural retreat to enjoy…
The Palisades Nature Preserve will be a place for people to
safely enjoy nature: a sanctuary within our urban communi-ty
where visitors can hike through the woods, listen to bird
song, smell native plants in bloom, and watch a meandering
stream weave through the forest floor.
• Walking trails will weave sensitively throughout the
site.
• Quiet seating spots will allow visitors to enjoy the
peace and beauty of natural areas.
• Trails, terraces and ramps will extend access to
select portions of the site to allow everyone access
to the natural character of the Preserve.

Conceptual Designs and Recommendations
From above, the proposed Palisades Nature Preserve site
can be seen as one of the widest swaths of uninterrupted
vegetation in the ribbon of green that makes its way through
Hudson County along the spine of the Palisades. The steep-ly
sloped natural area is stabilized in part by the plant roots,
and the tree canopies, and dense thickets provide habitat
to a myriad of animals including numerous bird species that
follow the lower Hudson migratory route.
When completed, the Palisades Nature Preserve will offer
a variety of opportunities for the quiet enjoyment of nature:
a unique natural area nestled along the Palisades ridgeline
where urbanites can simply take a walk and watch the birds.
In order to achieve the aforementioned vision, a series of
site recommendations are provided below that collectively
will lead to the establishment of:
• A restored natural stream corridor that effectively
conveys stormwater runoff;
• Enhanced natural features; and
• A trail system that will provide a variety of experien-ces
and expand access to a large portion of the site
(including a limited ADA accessible portion).
Figure 16 (above) shows an example of interpretive signage
that could be added to the site to enhance the education-al
experience. Figure 17 is an illustrative site plan of pro-posed
entrances, trails, and seating nodes. Figure 18 is a
site plan with a phasing diagram overlay. Figure 19 shows
two cross-sections of the proposed site. Figures 20 and 21
are plans for an ADA Accessible metal ramp and tree top
walkway, respectively. Lastly, Figure 22 is an illustrative ren-dering
of the upper stream and trails after improvements.
Figure 16 Interpretive Signage

Figure 17 Annotated Illustrative Site Plan (Symbols 1 & 2 correspond to eye-level perspectives shown in Figure 22
on page 14 and Figure 15 on page 8, respectively)

1a
LEGEND
PROPERTY LINE
0 ft 80 160 320
N
2a 2b
3d
1b
PROPERTY LINE
3a
3b
3c
3c
3a
SIGNATURE PLANTING AT TRAIL
NODES & ENTRY LOCATIONS
RIPARIAN IMPROVEMENTS &
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
IMPROVEMENTS
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT &
NATIVE SPECIES PLANTING
IMPROVEMENTS
NEW OR RESTORED TRAILS
NEW TREE OR SHRUB PLANTING
PROPERTY LINE
Figure 18 Site Plan with Phasing Diagram Overlay

Figure 19 Annotated Sections

Figure 21 ADA Accessible Tree Top Walkway Plan and Section
Figure 20 ADA Accessible Metal Ramp at Southern Boulevard East
Entrance

Figure 22 Illustrative Eye-Level Perspective Rendering of Upper Stream & Trails (Perspective 1 in Figure 17)

Stream Channel and Riparian Improvements
A stream enters the property near the northwest corner and
flows southeast for almost 400 linear feet, across the full
width of the site, before entering a culvert adjacent to the
eastern property line. Together, this stream and its adjacent
riparian corridor comprise one of the primary natural features
of the site to be restored and celebrated.
Summary of Recommendations:
Improve the controlled overland conveyance of stormwater
runoff by means of a restored open stream channel and al-low
for the restoration and ecological enhancement of the
riparian corridor that traverses the site. Specific strategies to
implement and phase these open space improvements are
to be further developed as funding becomes available. A key
goal of the plan is to protect existing habitat in the dense ur-ban
area.
The recommendations allow for the design and implementa-tion
of controlled runoff with the ultimate restoration objective
to create a stream course that has reached a state of urban
equilibrium, and in doing so improve ecological health and
water quality.
Channel stabilization and energy dissipation meth-ods
such as a series of weirs and check dams
throughout the length of the stream to control ero-sion
and deposition and promote the creation of a
naturalized stream course that includes a step/pool/
run longitudinal profile with expanded bankfull areas
for increased runoff storage.
Figure 23 provides more detailed recommendations regard-ing
the stream channel and riparian improvements.
OUTFALL STRUCTURE
Ripping out the walls here to rebuilt outfall structure is an
expensive solution. Propose to clean out outfall pipe, stabilize
area with stone riprap as shown. Need to further assess if tree
is beneficial as a natural velocity reducer, or if it is
compromised and a hazard to leave in place.
Anticipate flood hazard permit requirement of New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) (subject to
total watershed). Need to assess maximum flow of water in
extreme storm conditions.
SITE PLAN
LOWER RIPARIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Construct a lower visual of a waterfall
either through a manmade (sculptures)
style waterfall or because of its proximity
to River Road, import large river rocks.
The water should fall into a reinforced
intake area that stores water, drains via a
weir or large inlet grate over a storm well
structure tying into the existing inlets,
protects pedestrians from the pooled
area but maintains a visual of the water
feature.
Riparian improvements on lower end should include small
vegetated swales and pools cutting across slope to retain
and improve water quality, and provide possible wetland
mitigation if required and additional bird/wildlife habitat.
STREAM THROUGH SITE
Requires a more detailed topographic map of stream and
elevations, but riparian improvements as shown on the site
plan are a series of small dams/gabion/rock to terrace and
slow down water flow to enhance area and eliminate
erosion.
Anticipate local soil conservation (SCS) approval, flood
hazard permit (subject to total watershed), possible general
permit #7, #17 (Trails), #20, #26 Requirement of NJDEP.
Need to assess maximum flow of water in extreme storm
conditions.
LOWER RIPARIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Require a more detailed topographic map of
stream and elevations, but riparian improvements
on lower end should include small vegetated
swales and pools cutting across slope to retain
and improve water quality, and provide possible
wetland mitigation if required and additional
bird/wildlife habitat.
Anticipate local SCS approval, flood hazard permit
(subject to total watershed), possible general
permit #7, #20, #26 requirement of NJDEP. Need to
assess maximum flow of water in extreme storm
conditions.
INTAKE STRUCTURE
Requires a more detailed topographic map
of stream and elevations, but riparian
improvements at the lower end of River
Road are very critical and possibly the
most costly part of the project. However,
there is a tremendous opportunity to take
advantage of the water feature and
construct a lower visual of a waterfall
either through a manmade (sculpture)
style waterfall or because of its proximity
to River Road, import large river rocks.
The water should fall into a reinforced
intake area that stores water, drains via a
weird or large inlet grate over a storm well
structure tying into the existing inlets,
protects pedestrians from the pooled area
but maintains a visual of the water feature.
Anticipate local SCS approval, flood
hazard permit (subject to total water shed),
possible general permit #7, #11, #20, #26
requirement of NJDEP, possible Army
Corp of Engineers Permit. Need to assess
maximum flow of water in extreme storm
conditions.
4.
Figure 23 Stream Channel and Riprian Improvements Presentation
1.
2.
3.
Stabilization and energy dissipation improvements,
including but not limited to, a stone apron reinforce-ment
area at the upper culvert outfall where the
stream enters the site;
Stabilization and energy dissipation improvements,
including but not limited to, the maintenance, re-pair
and/or replacement of the intake structure where
runoff leaves the site;
Additional structural (sub-surface) storage that may
be necessary as part of intake improvements; and

Vegetation Improvements Circulation Improvements
Aside from the stream, it is the geology and associated vege-tation
that serve as the defining element of this natural area.
The site can most simply be split into three dominant vege-tation
typologies: woodland areas, a shrub land area, and a
riparian corridor that is comprised of both forested and shrub
land vegetation. All of the above are in relative states of eco-logical
health and contain invasive species. Vegetation man-agement
strategies include both removals and cutting back
of existing vegetation and newly proposed planting in sup-port
of ecological and visual enhancements.
1.
Incorporating the two existing points of entry along Boulevard
East, a looping series of trails is proposed to allow for greater
pedestrian access to the relatively flatter upper portion of the
site. An additional elevated walkway or ramp system will be
necessary to allow for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
compliant access from the eastern sidewalk at Boulevard
East to a zone nearest the existing southern entrance. These
loop trails will connect to the reopened Bulls Ferry Road en-trance
the upper portion of the restored stream via a proposed pe-destrian
will be rebuilt to extend access to a new eastern connection
to River Road. From the base of these stairs a new single
track trail will traverse the steep slopes of the densely vege-tated
This meandering trail alignment will help to establish a less
severe average 10% slope along the foot path and contribute
to a more gradual and elongated experience leading to a one
newly created entry at River Road. Seating will be provided
at the two switchback points and at the base of the stairs to
allow for people to sit and bird watch or simply rest along a
fairly strenuous uphill walk. The proposed alignment of the
overall trail network will create two separate areas that allow
visual access to the stream.
1.
2.
2.
3.
Plant a row of small flowering trees along the River
Road frontage to help visually define the extent of
the nature preserve.
Selectively prune lower tree limbs and remove and/
or thin existing dense understory vegetation to open
sightlines both within the upper trail zone, as well
as, views down into the site from the raised eastern
sidewalk at JFK Boulevard East. Pending further
assessment, additional deciduous shade trees may
need to be cut down to create a safe environment
for the portions of the site with trails. Supplement
vegetation removal with new plantings of grouped
native trees, shrubs and groundcovers to control
erosion and improve overall forest ecology.
Plant clusters of native flowering trees and shrubs
at select locations that will:
• increase native vegetation and expand the for-ested
portion of the site along the edges of the
existing woodland areas (into adjacent Bramble
Area)
• provide visually distinct subareas of vegetation
that will act as beacons (associated with entranc-es
and interstitial resting stops with seating along
steep sections of the Bramble Trail) and contrib-ute
to the overall visual enhancement of the site
on a restored section of degraded trail and will cross
bridge. Similarly, a series of degraded stone stairs
“Bramble” in a series of three switchbacks.
Reopen existing and establish new points of entry
• Reopen the north and south JFK Boulevard East en-trances
• Reopen the Bulls Ferry Road entrance
• Establish a new entrance at southeast corner of the
site along River Road
Trail development
• Create upper woodland Connection Path and loop-trail
network
• Build pedestrian bridge over upper stream
• Create ADA accessible entrance options and acces-sible
trail zone
• Rebuild stairs
• Create Bramble Trail to traverse slope with seating
areas

REALIZING THE VISION
Project Phasing and Cost Estimates
As funding for the entire project is unlikely to be available
in one lump sum, the following phasing is recommended.
These phases are illustrated on Figure 18.
Phase One A: Upper Riparian Zone Improvements
Phase One B: Lower Riparian Zone Improvements
Phase Two A: ADA Improvements to Blvd. East Entry and
ADA Zone Trail Work
Phase Two B: Manage Understory Vegetation (Clearing
and Native Species Planting) and Upper Trail Connection
As mentioned in the aforementioned Circulation Improve-ments
section, an additional elevated walkway or ramp sys-tem
will be necessary to allow for Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) compliant access from the eastern sidewalk at
Boulevard East to a zone nearest the existing southern en-trance.
Phase 2 offers two estimates: an option with a raised
path, and a ramp.
PALISADES NATURE RESERVE PHASE I A B
JFK BLVD EAST
HUDSON COUNTY, NJ
CONCEPTUAL COST ESTIMATE
EXTENDED
ITEMS UNIT QUANTITY UNIT PRICE AMOUNT
SITEWORK
1 CLEARING SITE FOR RIPARIAN IMPROVEMENTS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $20,000.00 $20,000.00
2 SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROLS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $15,000.00 $15,000.00
3 OPEN SOUTH TRAIL BLVD EAST LUMP SUM 0 $0.00 $0.00
4 STAIR STRUCTURE (REBUILT) LUMP SUM 0 $0.00 $0.00
5 BRAMBLE TRAIL & CONNECTION PATH (INC. BULLS FERRY ROAD, RIVER ROAD ENTRANCE LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
6 OPEN NORTH TRAIL BLVD EAST LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
7 4'-6' HIGH BARRIER FENCE L.F. 50 $40.00 $2,000.00
8 PREFABRICATED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $25,000.00 $25,000.00
9 MISCELLANEOUS DRAINAGE WORK-ROCK,RIP RAP, OUTFALL LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $500,000.00 $500,000.00
10 SEATING @THREE NODES LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
11 ADA ACCESSIBLE RAISED WALK L.F. 100 $0.00 $0.00
12 PERMANENT SIGNS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
13 LANDSCAPING / SITE RESTORATION LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $10,000.00 $10,000.00
14 SITE LIGHTING LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
15 MISCELLANEOUS SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $5,000.00 $5,000.00
SITEWORK SUBTOTAL $577,000.00
16 OPTIONAL RAMP L.F. 0 $0.00 $0.00
RAMP SUBTOTAL $0.00
CONSTRUCTION COST TOTAL $577,000.00
COST FACTORS (% of Construction Cost )
ENVIRONMENTAL (10%) $57,700.00
PLANNING (4%): $23,080.00
DESIGN (12%): $69,240.00
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION (2%): $11,540.00
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (10%): $57,700.00
Subtotal, all costs: $796,260.00
Contingency @ 55% of all costs*: $437,943.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $1,234,198.00
*MOBILIZATIION, GENERAL, OVERHEAD, CONSTRUCTION, ESCALATION-PLANS ARE CONCEPT ONLY AND SUBJECT TO VARIABLES TO BE ENCOUNTERED AT ADVANCED DESIGN
PALISADES NATURE RESERVE PHASE 2A 2B RAMP OPTION
HUDSON COUNTY, NJ
May-14
1 CLEARING SITE LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $15,000.00 $15,000.00
2 SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROLS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
3 OPEN SOUTH TRAIL BLVD EAST LUMP SUM 1 $3,000.00 $3,000.00
6 OPEN NORTH TRAIL BLVD EAST LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $3,000.00 $2,000.00
8 PREFABRICATED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
9 MISCELLANEOUS DRAINAGE WORK-ROCK,RIP RAP, OUTFALL LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
12 PERMANENT SIGNS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $2,500.00 $2,500.00
14 SITE LIGHTING LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $5,000.00 $5,000.00
16 OPTIONAL RAMP L.F. 200 $500.00 $100,000.00
PLANNING (4%): $8,220.00
DESIGN (12%): $24,660.00
Phase 1A and 1B Cost Estimates Phase 2A and 2B Ramp Cost Estimates
JFK BLVD EAST
EXTENDED
SITEWORK
RAMP SUBTOTAL $100,000.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $423,633.25

Phase Three A: Establish River Road Entry/ River Road
Signature Species Tree Planting
Phase Three B: Long Path Connection to Second Node/
Signature Species Planting at Node
Phase Three C: Long Path Connection between Second,
Third & Forth Nodes/ Signature Species Planting at Node
Phase Three D: Rebuild Stairs
PALISADES NATURE RESERVE PHASE 2A 2B RAISED WALK OPTION
JFK BLVD EAST
HUDSON COUNTY, NJ
May-14
EXTENDED
SITEWORK
2 SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROLS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $0.00 $0.00
3 OPEN SOUTH TRAIL BLVD EAST LUMP SUM 1 $3,000.00 $3,000.00
11 ADA ACCESSIBLE RAISED WALK L.F. 100 $200.00 $20,000.00
14 SITE LIGHTING LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $5,000.00 $5,000.00
16 OPTIONAL RAMP L.F. 0 $500.00 $0.00
RAMP SUBTOTAL $0.00
PLANNING (4%): $5,020.00
DESIGN (12%): $15,060.00
PALISADES NATURE RESERVE PHASE 3 A-D
HUDSON COUNTY, NJ
May-14
2 SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROLS LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $10,000.00 $10,000.00
3 OPEN SOUTH TRAIL BLVD EAST LUMP SUM 0 $0.00 $0.00
4 STAIR STRUCTURE (REBUILT) LUMP SUM 1 $25,000.00 $25,000.00
5 BRAMBLE TRAIL & CONNECTION PATH (INC. BULLS FERRY ROAD, RIVER ROAD ENTRANCE LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $50,000.00 $50,000.00
10 SEATING @THREE NODES LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $3,000.00 $3,000.00
14 SITE LIGHTING FOR STAFF USE AND SAFETY PURPOSES LUMP SUM LUMP SUM $1,000.00 $1,000.00
16 OPTIONAL RAMP L.F. 0 $600.00 $0.00
PLANNING (4%): $7,420.00
DESIGN (12%): $22,260.00
Phase 2A and 2B Raised Walk Cost Estimates Phase 3A-3D Cost Estimates
JFK BLVD EAST
EXTENDED
SITEWORK
RAMP SUBTOTAL $0.00

Estimated Project Timeline
A timeline with estimated durations for each task needed to
ultimately construct the project is provided below. This time-line
is presented in phases to correspond to the aforemen-tioned
Project Phasing. Each phase is then divided by three
types of work: Predesign, Design and Permitting, and Bidding
Period and Construction. The first phase will set the stage for
the rest of the phases from a permitting and logistics point of
view. While there is flexibility in combing phases or re-order-ing
the phases shown, the CPAP team felt it was important
to begin the stream restoration work immediately for the dual
purposes of improving habitat and resolving the flooding is-sues
on site and on River Road. Each phase of work builds
upon the previous phase(s).
Phase One
Phase One A & B Predesign – Informa-tion
gathering, survey
and consultant pro-curement
3-4 months
Phase One A & B Design and Permit-ting
8-12 months
Phase One A Bidding Period and
Construction
6-8 months
Phase One B Bidding Period and
Construction
4-6 months
Total for Phase One 20-30 months
Phase Two
Phase Two A & B Predesign – Informa-tion
gathering, survey
and consultant pro-curement
3 - 4 months
Phase Two A & B Design and Permitting 2 - 3 months
Phase Two A Bidding Period and
Construction
3 - 4 months
Phase Two B Bidding Period and
Construction
2 - 3 months
Total for Phase Two 10 - 12 months
Phase Three
Phase Three A - D Predesign – Information
gathering, survey and con-sultant
procurement
3 - 4 months
Phase Three A - D Design and Permitting 4 - 6 months
Phase Three A Bidding Period and Con-struction
2 - 3 months
Phase Three B Bidding Period and Con-struction
1 - 2 months
Phase Three C Bidding Period and Con-struction
1 - 2 months
Phase Three D Bidding Period and Con-struction
4 - 6 months
Total for Phase Three 14 – 22
months
Funding the Proposed Palisades Nature Pre-serve
Previous Funding
In 1992 the New Jersey Green Acres Program provided
funding for the now proposed Palisades Nature Preserve
site which at that time was referred to as the Boulevard East
Bird Sanctuary. The Project Agreement is Green Acres Proj-ect
#0908-89-055, with a contract date of February 5, 1992.
The funding was awarded directly to North Bergen Township.
A total of $440,000 was provided through a $220,000 grant
and a $220,000 loan, paid back over twenty years by North
Bergen Township at a 2% annual interest rate. The funds
were used for the following project elements:
1992 Green Acres Grant and Loans
Site Work $18,000
Walkways $65,000
Footbridges, Ramps, Stairway $91,000
Bollards and Fencing $52,000
Bluestone and Masonry Wall Work $63,000
Archway/Entryways $43,000
Landscaping $11,000
Benches and Signage $52,000
Design and Engineering Consultants $45,000
Total $440,000
Possible Future Funding
As funding the creation of the proposed Palisades Nature
Preserve is unlikely to be secured from one source, a sug-gested
strategy is to divide the work to be done in various
categories and seek multiple funding sources. Example cate-gories
include: site cleanup (trash and overgrowth removal),
trail construction, stream remediation, educational compo-nents,
security measures, and maintenance. Separate strat-egies
for funding each component could be developed, with
different agencies and foundations approached to address
the elements that are of greatest interest to them. Another
benefit of this approach is that work could begin on individual
components, allowing for the development of momentum to-ward
the completion of the entire project.
Public Funds
The primary public funding available for New Jersey parks
is the Green Acres Program. Green Acres funding awards
cover the costs of construction, engineering, equipment, as-sessments,
testing, and planning for public parks.

Public Funds
Green Acres provides low interest (2%) loans and grants to
municipal and county governments, and matching grants to
nonprofit organizations. More information on Green Acres
funding can be obtained at http://www.nj.gov/dep/greena-cres/.
As a separate part of the Green Acres Program, the New
Jersey Trails Council administers funds from the Feder-al
Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program.
Grants of up to $24,000 are available from the Council for
“Maintenance and restoration of existing trails; development
and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail
linkages for trails (e.g., parking, signage, shelters, sanitary
facilities); purchase and lease of trail construction and main-tenance
equipment; construction of new trails in existing
parks.” More information on the New Jersey Trails Coun-cil
funds can be obtained at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/park-sandforests/
natural/njtrails.html.
A source for funding litter removal may be the New Jersey
Clean Communities Program. This funding comes from the
State of New Jersey, but is administered by the New Jersey
Clean Communities Council, a 501c3 nonprofit. More infor-mation
on the New Jersey Clean Communities Program can
be obtained at http://njclean.org/.
At the county level, funds for parks are provided through the
Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund. However, the most
recent funding cycle was for 2013; it is currently unclear what
opportunities will be available for future funding through the
Open Space Trust. More information on the Hudson County
Open Space Trust Fund can be obtained at http://www.hud-soncountynj.
org/open-space-recreation-and-historic-preser-vation-
advisory-board/.
Private and Nonprofit Funds and Resources
A number of private foundations offer grants for the devel-opment
and maintenance of parks and their components.
Working with foundations offers a number of advantages be-yond
just the funding. First, demonstrating the commitment
of private funding is often important in trying to subsequently
access public funding. Government grants frequently require
private funds be leveraged before public funds are commit-ted,
both as a way to maximize resources and to demonstrate
public support for a project. Second, a private foundation
may choose to stay involved with the proposed project after
the initial project is finished, adding to the sustainability of the
project. Finally, several of the foundations listed below have
a demonstrated expertise in urban park development. That
expertise would be helpful as the project moves forward.
Private foundations often do not have a straightforward,
competitive application process as with public funding sourc-es.
There are not always published guidelines about exactly
what they are willing to fund or how much funding they may
provide. Instead, they work collaboratively with applicants
to develop a project that meets the foundation’s own vision.
Each foundation needs to be contacted individually to begin
a discussion regarding its interest and its funding process.
The Wallace Foundation works to address the problems of
disadvantaged youth in underserved neighborhoods. Im-proving
the quality of parks in urban neighborhoods is a
significant part of its strategy. The Foundation likes to tie its
investments to corresponding research initiatives, and has
already produced significant research on the value of urban
parks to youth development. An initiative tying the proposed
Palisades Nature Preserve to youth environmental education
efforts might be a strong strategy in approaching the Wallace
Foundation. More information on the Wallace Foundation
can be obtained at http://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowl-edge-
center/urban-parks/Pages/default.aspx.
The MetLife Foundation works in partnership with the Local
Initiatives Support Corporation to support partnerships be-tween
community groups and police to promote neighbor-hood
safety and revitalization, including aesthetics and green
space improvement. Grants range from $15,000 - $25,000.
This partnership places an emphasis on public safety in its
descriptions, so they may be a good funding option for the
site’s security measures. More information on the Local Ini-tiatives
Support Corporation can be obtained at http://www.
lisc.org/section/ourwork/sc.
The Tiffany and Co. Foundation has a specific focus on ur-ban
parks, awarding grants for “Supporting infrastructure
and strategic design improvements, rehabilitation and beau-tification
efforts in existing parks.” The foundation prioritizes
major cities for funding. The Foundation may not consider
North Bergen as a major city; however its proximity to New
York City may help make a strong case for funding. More in-formation
on the Tiffany and Co. Foundation can be obtained
at http://www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org/guidelines/parks.
aspx.
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation offers grants for envi-ronmental
projects in New Jersey. The proposed Palisades
Nature Preserve activities would actually meet two different
objectives for Dodge Foundation funding. First, stream res-toration
may meet the Dodge Foundation’s goal to “Increase
the quality, function and public accessibility of watersheds
through land preservation, resource management, and stew-ardship.”
Second, the community-driven process that the
Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs, Inc. has under-taken
may meet the Dodge Foundation’s, “Focus on urban
greening, particularly through community-led design and de-cision
making.” More information on the Geraldine R. Dodge
Foundation can be obtained at http://www.grdodge.org/what-we-
fund/environment/.
Another potential funding source for stream restoration is
American Water. This organization funds community-based
environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the
watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies in
communities located within their service area. Streamside
buffer restoration is specifically listed among the types of ac-

tivities it supports. American Water is headquartered in New
Jersey, and New Jersey is on the list of states served by its
grants. Maximum grants are for $10,000. More information
on American Water can be obtained at http://www.amwa-ter.
com/corporate-responsibility/environmental-sustainabil-ity/
environmental-stewardship-and-innovation/environmen-tal-
grant-program.html.
The PSE&G Foundation’s funding for sustainable neighbor-hoods
includes funding for sustaining parks. There is sepa-rate
funding available for science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM) programs, so the educational cur-riculum
tied to the proposed Palisades Nature Preserve may
be a possible target of funding. PSE&G will not serve as the
sole funder for a project, so it will be important to have oth-er
funding sources identified before contacting them. More
information on the PSE&G Foundation can be obtained at
http://www.pseg.com/info/community/nonprofit/foundation.
jsp.
The American Hiking Society awards grants in the amount of
$500 to $5000 to build and maintain hiking trails. The Society
looks for projects that improve access and safety, prevent
environmental damage, and utilize volunteer labor. Mem-bership
in the Alliance of Hiking Organizations is required to
apply for grants, so the Coalition to Preserve the Palisades
Cliffs, Inc. would have to decide if paying membership fees is
a worthwhile investment. More information on the American
Hiking Society can be obtained at http://www.americanhik-ing.
org/gear-resources/grant-opportunities/.
For maintenance of trails, support is available from the New
York New Jersey Trails Conference. This organization does
not appear to provide direct funding; however, it does provide
free training on trail maintenance for volunteers, and will link
potential volunteers to the proposed Palisades Nature Pre-serve.
Partnership with the New York New Jersey Trails Con-ference
would help to demonstrate to other potential funding
sources that the revitalization of the site is a sustainable long
term project. More information on the New York New Jersey
Trails Conference can be obtained at http://www.nynjtc.org/
panel/getinvolved.
The corporate headquarters for the Vitamin Shoppe is locat-ed
in North Bergen. The Vitamin Shoppe Foundation is pri-marily
focused on nutrition and multiple sclerosis; parks are
not on their agenda. At the same time, their location means
that it may be worthwhile to try to pitch the project to the
Vitamin Shoppe on the basis of the proposed Palisades Na-ture
Preserve’s connection to living a healthy lifestyle. More
information on the Vitamin Shoppe Foundation can be ob-tained
at http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/content/en/support/
help/charitable_giving.jsp.
If there is a need to publicize the proposed Palisades Nature
Preserve and the efforts to revitalize it, Greener New Jersey
Productions is a nonprofit specifically dedicated to producing
media on parks and other open spaces in New Jersey for
television, web, radio and educational organizations. The
production of a short video could help with community mo-bilization,
which could then turn into political support for the
revitalization effort. More information on Greener New Jer-sey
Productions can be obtained at http://www.greenernew-jersey.
org/.
The City Parks Alliance does not provide its own grants, but
it maintains an excellent listing of ongoing grant opportuni-ties
for the funding of urban parks. More information on the
City Parks Alliance can be obtained at http://www.citypark-salliance.
org/news-a-events/funding-opportunities.

APPENDIX A: THE “SERRAO REPORT”
COMMUNITY VISION PLAN PALISADES NATURE PRESERVE

APPENDIX A (CONTINUED)

APPENDIX B: STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY
On March 13, 2014, a meeting of the Palisades Cliff Passive Park Steering
Committee was held for the purpose of beginning the vision planning process
being conducted by the NJ American Planning Association’s Community
Planning Assistance Program’s (CPAP) volunteer team. The meeting program is
provided at the end of this summary, along with a list of attendees.
Peggy Wong, President of the Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs opened
the meeting with a welcome and introductions. The Coalition is concerned that
development will destroy the Palisades, a line of steep cliffs formed about 200
million years ago. The site, which is the subject of this study remains in a natural
form. Proposed development in the vicinity includes a 12 story building with 293
residential units, commercial/retail uses, and possibly a 4 or 5 story private
antique car club with roof top restaurant.
An overview of the study was provided. The Coalition to Preserve the Palisades
Cliffs requested planning assistance from the NJ American Planning
Association’s Community Planning Assistance Program for the creation of a
vision plan for a site in North Bergen on the Palisades. The site is currently
closed to visitors and is owned by Hudson County. The site is part of the James
J. Braddock North Hudson County Park. It is bordered on the west by (Kennedy)
Boulevard East, on north by a property that then borders Bulls Ferry Road, and
on the south by the imaginary extension of 79th street down the Palisades. The
southern corner of the site is bordered on the east by River Road. The
remainder of the eastern border is just west of River Road. Maps indicating the
site’s location were available during the meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to extract the Steering Committee member’s
thoughts, concerns, ideas and visions for the site. This was done through the use
of various CPAP facilitated exercises. All of the information generated at this
meeting will help to frame the community visioning meeting and will help to
inform the vision plan being prepared by the CPAP team.
The CPAP team members conducted several visioning exercises.
After completion of the visioning exercises, next steps were discussed. As this is
to be a community led vision, the CPAP team will conduct a community visioning
meeting on the evening of March 31, 2014. The Coalition to Preserve the
Palisades will be responsible for securing a venue and advertising the event.
1
NJ APA Community Planning Assistance Program
Palisades Nature Preserve at James J. Braddock County Park
Steering Committee Meeting Summary
March 13, 2014
Meeting Summary
After the community visioning meeting, the CPAP team will prepare a vision plan
(with text and conceptual plans) and present that plan to the Steering Committee
for comment. A final plan will then be prepared.
Provided below are the Steering Committee member’s input as a result of the
various exercises performed.
Words that Describe the Current Site
bird sanctuary
nature preserve
palisade cliffs
200 million years
water
wildlife
nice trees
beauty
garbage
overgrown
poorly lit
drugs
2
dirty
jungle
unkempt
great potential
potential gem
tangled
undervalued
inaccessible
locked up/out
always locked
trails
great views
natural
obscure
underutilized
in danger
security
unsafe
invasive plants
steep slope
extremely hilly
stream
unstable land
historic
Words that Describe the Site in the Future
protected
water
overlooks
family oriented
birds
maintained
animals
beautiful
nature
majestic
park
inspiring
urban oasis
desirable
hiking paths/trails
trend setting
relaxation
trees
a place to meditate
painting
green
art
safe
photography
educational
passive recreation
well used
serene
appreciated
retreat
improvement
value
urban planning model
access to River Road
flora
children’s workshops
Key Assets of the Current Site
 Rare open space in a dense urban area (serene, quiet space)
 Non-vehicular connection from top to bottom of Palisades, and from there to
the Hudson River
 Clean air
 Surface stream
 Cultural historical artifacts from days of traveling to/from Bull’s Ferry
(remnants of stairs & trail)
 Change of color through the seasons
 Vistas/view sheds
 Potential connection to Hudson River Walkway
 Great passive park potential
Challenges of the Current Site
 Closed since 2008
 No discernable trail
 poison ivy
 overgrown
 slope is unstable
 illegal dumping
 downed trees
 managing surface and storm water (flooding on River Road, avoiding
erosion)
 crime, violence in blind spots
 drug activity
 steepness of site exacerbates blind-spot concerns
 invasive species
 managing vegetation on cliff face
 maintaining visibility of cliff face
 public perception
 safe pedestrian access to site
 difficulty of access for the large machinery to clean up site
 lack of funding to make the site usable and open it to the public
Challenges for the County (owner of the site)
 liability & security problem will be major challenge in convincing the
County to reinstate this site as a public facility
 The County will need to consider the following:
o lighting
o cameras
o closure at night
o balancing nature preservation with avoiding blind spots
o the inherent steepness of the site as a challenge to safety
o police presence on foot or bicycle: car-based patrols won’t be
adequate to secure site
 Undeveloped 200 million year old geological formation
 Home to over 40 species of birds and assorted wildlife
 American Elms 3

4
10 Years From Today- Describe the future park
Who’s Using the Park?
joggers
artists
hikers
meditators
naturalists
destination seekers
educators
students
What do you hear?
“ooooh” & “ahhh”
quiet
pounding footsteps
trickling water
falling leaves
What do you smell?
lovely
earthy
soil after a rain
lilacs
What do you see?
a meditator by the stream
birds
trails
big people talking to little people
interpretive signage describing trees & birds
a donation box
benches, maybe made from natural stone
the contrast of the City view with the Palisades view
What else about the future site?
crisp air
sunrise
shady
a destination for the County
huckleberries, blueberries
the pleasure of the challenge of hiking up the hill
a model for other communities – how to “re-start”
a nature preserve right here in North Bergen
classes on geology
no picnic tables (generates too much garbage)
no swing-sets
no prescribed activity elements
How do people get to the site?
 Public transportation
 An inviting access for pedestrians: no longer an intimidating highway
 Bike racks and a bike-share station (provide access to the site, not on the site)
 Part of a larger loop trail from the Hudson River to the top of the Palisades
 There are some ADA accessible places within the site
5
Developing a Working Name for the Site (which has been referred to as the
‘Bird Sanctuary’ and the ‘Passive Park’)
Words We Like
Palisades**
habitat
preserve
river
refuge
Words We Don’t Like
passive
recreation
New Jersey
North Bergen
slope
From Hudson County’s perspective, this site is an officially part of the James J.
Braddock County Park. The site is not a new park, it already exists within the
County park system. James J. Braddock needs to be park of the park’s name.
The Steering Committee’s consensus for a working name is:
Nickname: ‘Palisades Preserve’ or ‘the Preserve’
6
PALISADES CLIFF PASSIVE PARK
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
March 13, 2014
Meeting Program
7:00 – 7:10pm Welcome & Introductions Peggy Wong
7:10 – 7:20pm Ice Breaker Colette Santasieri
Overview of the Study/Purpose of the Meeting
Colette Santasieri
7:20 – 7:35pm Key Assets Fiona Akins
7:35 – 7:50pm Current Challenges & Concerns Chelsea Gleis
7:50 – 8:05pm The Future Park Michael Kolber
8:05 – 8:20pm Developing a Working Name Fiona Akins
8:20 – 8:30pm Next Steps Colette Santasieri
APPENDIX B (CONTINUED)

7
APPENDIX B (CONTINUED)
Steering Committee Meeting Attendees
March 13, 2014
Name Affiliation
Joe Rotondi Twsp. of North Bergen
Peggy Wong Coalition to Preserve
the Palisades/resident
Ninetta Nappi resident of
Stonehenge
Jon Miller resident of Watermark
Bob Rossi resident of Parker
Imperial
Dave Kronick Coalition to Preserve
of Parker Imperial
Kathy Friedman Resident of Woodcliff
Gardens
Michael Ascolese Hudson County Parks
Massiel Ferrara Hudson County
Planning
Megan Massey Hudson County
Planning
Jodi Jamieson Coalition to Preserve
Erika Aiese CPAP Team
Michael Kolber CPAP Team
Fiona Akins CPAP Team
Colette Santasieri CPAP Team
John Duda CPAP Team
Chelsea Gleis CPAP Team
Tom Schulz CPAP Team
Lois Fineman CPAP Team
APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY MEETING SUMMARY
1
Community Visioning Meeting
North Bergen Library
8411 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen, New Jersey
March 31, 2014 (6:30 to 8:00 PM)
Meeting Summary
A community visioning meeting was held on March 31, 2014 for the purposes of
providing the community an opportunity to express their thoughts, concerns, ideas and
visions for a currently closed portion of the James J. Braddock North Hudson County
Park. This was done through the use of various facilitated exercises. All of the
information generated at this meeting will help inform a community vision plan being
prepared by New Jersey American Planning Association’s Community Planning
Assistance Program (CPAP) team of volunteers.
Approximately 40 people attended the community visioning meeting. When people
arrived, they were asked “Where are you from?” and placed sticky dots on a map
indicating where attendees live (if residents - approximate location). Most participants
lived within ten blocks of James J. Braddock Park, and lived between Broadway and
Boulevard East. There were several residents of the large apartment buildings at
Boulevard East and Bull’s Ferry Road at 79th Street and Boulevard East.
Attendees were seated at tables of 6 to 8 people.
Project Overview/Purpose of the Meeting
Peggy Wong, President of the Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs opened the
meeting with a welcome and introductions. She explained that a community vision plan
will be prepared by a team consisting of planners, engineers and landscape architects
that are volunteering their time through the NJ American Planning Association’s
Community Planning Assistance Program (CPAP). She then introduced Dr. Colette
Santasieri, the team leader.
Dr. Santasieri provided an overview of the study. The Coalition to Preserve the
Palisades Cliffs requested planning assistance from CPAP for the creation of a vision
plan for a site in North Bergen on the Palisades. The site is currently closed to visitors
and is owned by Hudson County. The site is part of the James J. Braddock North
Hudson County Park. She stated that, although the County is supportive of the vision
plan effort, there is currently no funding nor plans for reopening this site as a nature
preserve.
The site of the proposed Palisades Nature Preserve is bordered on the west by
(Kennedy) Boulevard East, on north by a property that then borders Bulls Ferry Road,
and on the south by the imaginary extension of 79th Street down the Palisades. The
southern corner of the site is bordered on the east by River Road. The remainder of the
eastern border is just west of River Road. Maps indicating the site’s location were
available during the meeting.
She concluded her comments by telling participants that the purpose of the community
visioning meeting was to get their thoughts on what they would like to see in this new
nature preserve, and that would be accomplished through a series of exercises. A
description of the visioning exercises and the input garnered from the participants in
these exercises are provided below. Each table of participants worked as a team for
these visioning exercises.
Visioning Exercises
Exercise 1: Imagine
Mike Kolber from the CPAP team led this first visioning exercise. Meeting attendees
were asked to “imagine a park that…” They were asked not to think too hard about it,
but to simply call out what came to mind. Participants stated what they would like in the
proposed park. Below are their comments and major themes:
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The natural environment in the park
 Express the waterfall, and use the storm water flow in the park;
 Have a repertory of native plant species specific to the palisades;
 Have flowers;
 Attract wildlife; the site belongs to the animals that still live there;
 Offer vistas, and benches and trails that let visitors gaze at and enjoy the views;
 Promote and enhance the ecological integrity.
The built environment in the park
 Clean, litter free, and free of overgrowth (vines and ground cover);
 Safe;
 Full of people;
 Contains art work;
 Have a band shell, gazebo, and benches;
 Have a small café and toilets

APPENDIX C (CONTINUED)
Exercise 2: Suitable Uses
Fiona Akins led this exercise. Participants were asked to: prioritize pre-printed word
cards describing different possible uses in the park, come up with some of their own
possible uses, and exclude some uses they felt would be unsuitable. Overwhelmingly,
the preferred uses focused on passive recreation, being able to enjoy wildlife, and
taking in views, although all agreed that cutting down trees to make more views was not
desirable. Participants wanted to “breathe in nature”, to relax with family, to have a quiet
zone to meditate and to relax, to have a connection from the top to the bottom of the
site, and to have learning opportunities there, such as a place where an outdoor class
could be held. Participants also wanted to have an opportunity to enjoy the water (the
stream and the waterfall). As far as amenities, some people wanted a small vendor and
a water fountain, but by and large no one wanted to see the natural environment
disrupted.
Uses that the participants deemed unsuitable included: picnicking, mountain biking,
jogging, and leaving the site as is (doing nothing with it).
Exercise 3: Sketch and Label
Kim Matthews and John Duda led this final exercise. Participants were given aerial
photographic maps with transparent paper on top and asked to sketch what this park
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 Maintained by community organized volunteers that works with the Hudson
County Parks Department;
 Provide a green belt connection between the top of the Palisades and Braddock
Park and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway;
 Have hiking trails that meander as well as offer connectivity;
 Facilitate learning through interpretive signage, displays of the history of the
area; and accessibility for schools;
 Well lighted for evening use (and also heard that the park should be for daylight
hours only);
 Have lights along the nature path, as well as safety barriers;
 Have dog restrictions, yet also be pet friendly (also heard have a dog park);
 Host concerts and other events;
 Have a presence via facebook or other social media;
 Smoke free;
 Handicapped accessible to the extent possible;
 Contain a small children’s zoo;
 Have rock climbing;
 Have a wishing well;
might contain. Emphasis was on broad ideas, not accurate drawings. Participants were
also asked to label each element of the park.
Participants sketched and noted the following:
Trails: easy walking area, trails that fit with the contours, trails that follow the stream,
handicapped accessible, steps built into slope with natural rock, provide an alternative
challenge trail
Vistas: viewing areas with line of sight to the river
Flora and Fauna: native plants, remove vines and groundcover where thick, keep it
natural, provide wildflowers, reflecting/flat pool or pool
Built Environment: keep public out at night, reflecting/flat pool or pool, archway entrance
with concession stand, provide trash receptacles and benches,
Other: Quiet zones
Wrap-up/Next Steps
The main themes of the meeting were that people wanted this park to be a natural place
amid the built up environment that surrounds the area of Hudson County. While James
J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, which is across the street from the proposed
nature preserve is quite large, it has ball fields, play grounds, and a lake, but virtually no
wooded natural areas. People saw this proposed nature preserve as an opportunity to
get closer to nature, as well as a potential safe and relaxing connection between the
waterfront and the “uplands”.
Dr. Santasieri explained that the CPAP team would be creating a vision plan which will
be submitted to the Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs. This vision plan would
reflect what was heard at the meeting and could be used by the Coalition and the
County should they start to seek funding and support for making the park a reality. She
explained that the vision plan should be completed by the end of May.
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Community Visioning Meeting
March 31, 2014
Meeting Program
6:30 - 6:45 Registration Mike Kolber, Fiona Akins
Where are you from? Exercise Lois Goldman
6:45 – 7:00 Welcome Peggy Wong
Project Overview/Purpose of the Meeting Colette Santasieri
7:00 – 7:50 Visioning Exercises
 Exercise: I Imagine A Park That Is… Mike Kolber
 Exercise: Suitable Uses Fiona Akins
 Exercise: Sketch and Label Kim Mathews, John Duda
7:50 – 8:00 Wrap-up Colette Santasieri

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Meeting Attendees
CPAP Team of Volunteers
Colette Santasieri
Fiona Akins
John Duda
Chelsea Gleis
Lois Goldman
Michael Kolber
Ryan Kovac
Kim Mathews
Michael Viscardi
Tom Schultz, NJ APA Community Planning Assistance Program Director
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Community Vision Plan for the Palisades Nature Preserve

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