19-04-2025
Paterson to spend $2.5M to upgrade 6th Ward parks, streetscape
PATERSON — Along Main Street in the thriving South Paterson business district are two small, triangular parcels of land with a few benches and a few trees.
Designated as city parks, Paterson officials acknowledged in a recent memo that the sites 'are in poor condition, with patchy grass, litter, and limited seating.'
'The lack of amenities like tables and shaded areas makes them underused and uninviting,' said the city memo. 'These issues create a missed opportunity for community gathering and business support.'
With hopes of reviving the two triangle parks, the City Council this week approved the use of $972,000 in Urban Enterprise Zone money for improvements at the two locations at Pacific and Eagle streets, including playground equipment, landscaping, and council this week also voted to spend $1.6 million in Urban Enterprise Zone funds for streetscape improvements in another section of the 6th Ward, along 21st Avenue from Madison Avenue to Straight Street. That project will include adding 22 trees and 22 planters to the commercial strip, as well as wider sidewalks, new bike racks, and improved crosswalks.
In discussing the projects, council members noted that Paterson's other five wards have more parks than does the 6th.
'It's only right that these pocket parks get their fair share,' said Councilman Ibrahim 'Ibby' Omar, who represents the 6th Ward.
'Children need a place to play,' said Councilwoman Mimms.
New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone program is designed to stimulate commerce in business corridors in struggling cities. The state allows businesses in those zones to charge a reduced sales tax. A portion of the sales tax collected in those zones gets returned to the cities for improvements to promote business.
This article originally appeared on Paterson to spend $2.5M to upgrade 6th Ward parks, streetscape
