Bayonne, NJ – Springtime is here and as the weather gets warmer and trees and plants start to bloom, familiar bird species return to the Waterfront Greenway at the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor. Residents and visitors to the area are invited to come to the Greenway and take in the fantastic views this area has to offer.

Located along the south shore of the Peninsula, The Waterfront Greenway features scenic views of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and the New York Harbor. The first mile of the Greenway is already complete and offers walkers, joggers, bikers and bird watchers a chance to enjoy a natural setting all within view of the New York City skyline.

“Site preparation is such an important aspect to the project at the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor,” said Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Nancy Kist, Esq. “Not only are we taking this huge piece of land and turning it into tax ratables, but we are also giving residents open space to enjoy for passive recreation.”

Birds commonly spotted along the walkway include Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Heron, Double-Crested Cormorants, Black Skimmers and shorebirds including Sandpipers and Plovers. Osprey have been seen hunting at the Peninsula, and there have been Bald Eagle sightings in recent years.

Anyone wishing to know more about the birds found in Hudson County can download of “Wild Birds In the Parks of Hudson County,” a handy guide written by Patricia Hilliard and Marvin Silber, for free from the BLRA’s web site, www.bayonnelra.com.

“Open space is at such a premium in New Jersey, especially in Hudson County,” said Bayonne Mayor Joseph V. Doria, Jr. “I hope the people of Bayonne, including walkers, joggers, birders and more come out to the Waterfront Greenway and enjoy the outstanding views. This will also allow people to see that the work on the former Military Ocean Terminal is moving forward.”

The Waterfront Greenway is open to the public seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Free parking is available on site. Visitors can also stop at Harbor View Park, located at the northeast corner of The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, which is the home the monument entitled, “To the Struggle Against World Terrorism,” by renowned sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. The park was build by the BLRA and funded in part by the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund and a contribution by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The South Cove Commons, which features shopping and eating establishments as well as benches, is located directly across from the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor.

About The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor

Since the U.S. Army transferred complete ownership of the former military base in 2002, the BLRA has raised more than $50 million in government grants and interim lease payments to make infrastructure improvements needed to attract development. These improvements include new bulkheads along the south side and environmental remediation that was completed in 2005, ahead of schedule. Other projects include the installation of a new sewer system, a new electrical grid and new roads.

Redevelopment of The Peninsula is organized around the creation of six different, yet integrated districts. In 2004, Cape Liberty Cruise Port opened, marking the first tangible step in the transformation of the 430-acre site. It resulted in 51 cruise ship calls in its first season and created 300 jobs.

In 2006, the BLRA approved plans for development of another district, Harbor Station North, which will consist of mid-rise housing, retail space, and park space adjacent to the 45th Street light rail station. The approval of redeveloper agreements for portions of Bayonne Bay begins the transformation of the third district into a vibrant mixed-use waterfront community. Conditional agreements with other developers for portions of the Landing and Loft Districts signify progress in other districts as well. The Landing will have a water transit docking facility surrounded by a commercial and entertainment area and mid-rise housing, while the Loft District will be converted to hip loft-style housing units adjacent to the ferry landing with spectacular views of New York.

For more information about The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor or The Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority, visit www.bayonnenj.org/blra.




 

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