URGENT: Protect Braddock Park Now or Risk Losing More Green Spaces to Government Overreach

North Bergen, NJ.– The protection of Braddock Park, a Green Acres-designated space for recreation and open space, is vital for Hudson County and all New Jersey residents. We urge you to attend a public hearing to oppose the proposed 2-story preschool in Braddock Park, North Bergen. The hearing will be held in person (no Zoom) on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at North Bergen High School, 7417 Kennedy Blvd.

All New Jersey residents are encouraged to speak at the hearing, as this issue affects all Green Acres-protected parks statewide. The proposed “diversion” of parkland for a school could lead to increased traffic, accidents, pollution, noise, artificial surfaces, and flooding in Braddock Park, undermining its role as a protected recreational space under NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations.

North Bergen claims no suitable preschool site has been found in 24 years, yet alternatives exist. The North Bergen Board of Education owns nearly 5 acres on 64th Street suitable for a preschool. Other options include building on land planned for redevelopment or adding classrooms to existing library and community centers. Previously, North Bergen voters approved $65 million to integrate preschoolers into elementary schools, a plan the township later abandoned.

Take Action:
Attend the hearing to voice your opposition.

Email the following contacts to oppose the use of Braddock Park for a school:
Nancy.Lawrence@dep.nj.gov buildingsandgrounds@northbergen.org

In your email, express your opposition to the diversion of parkland and reference the NJ DEP regulation:

“The Department presumes there is a feasible, reasonable, and available alternative not involving parkland for such projects. The use of parkland for purposes other than recreation and conservation should be a last resort.” (N.J.A.C. 7:36-26.1)

Your participation is essential to safeguarding our parks for future generations.