The City of Hackensack is moving forward with an inspired plan to transform its downtown landscape with the assistance of a grant through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Green Acres Program. This state initiative provides financial aid to help local governments preserve open space and develop land for public outdoor recreation.
The City intends to acquire the 7,501-square-foot lot at 155 Main Street—located between The Woolworth Residences and Iconic Coffee—to create a permanent municipal pocket park at no local taxpayer expense. The site was previously home to a furniture store that was demolished following a four-alarm fire in 2018 and has remained vacant for years.
While the downtown has experienced a surge in residential redevelopment in recent years, the current City Council is emphasizing a more balanced approach that includes accessible green spaces and public amenities. This shift ensures that Hackensack’s progress reflects the needs of the entire community and preserves the City’s unique local character.
Central to this vision is a commitment to ensuring residents and stakeholders have a direct hand in the park’s design. This feedback will help the City understand community needs, prioritize features, and ensure the final space reflects the vision of the people who live and work in Hackensack.
To participate in this community-led process, a brief survey is currently available on the City’s website. Residents are strongly encouraged to share their thoughts by January 19. The City will also host a public hearing for additional resident input during the City Council Meeting on February 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 65 Central Avenue in Hackensack.
“We are committed to a balanced Hackensack where progress is measured by the quality of our public spaces, not just two-way streets and new luxury apartments,” Mayor Caseen Gaines said. “Turning a vacant lot into a park is a vital step toward realizing a Downtown where our residents can work, play, relax, and enjoy the outdoors—and where local businesses can thrive.”
This project builds on a landmark year for Hackensack’s local greenery. Since 2020, the Shade Tree Advisory Committee has worked with the City to secure $260,000 in grant funding for tree-planting efforts and environmental projects.
Notably, over 85% of that total—$225,000—has been awarded since the current City Council administration assumed office on July 1, 2025.
Recent milestones include:
- $200,000 Trees for Schools Grant: This partnership with Sustainable New Jersey and Hackensack Public Schools will allow over 200 trees to be planted this spring at City schools, nearby streets, and in Pulaski, Baldwin, and Polifly parks.
- $20,000 Arbor Day Foundation Grant: This investment funded 107 new street trees in neighborhoods that historically lacked natural shade, specifically focusing on the area near Carver Park and throughout Foschini Park.
- $5,000 Green Communities Grant: Awarded by the NJ Urban & Community Forestry Program (NJUCF), this supports a new 10-year plan to guide the city’s goals for a greener, more equitable community.
“Thanks to collaboration and coordination between the schools, the City, and the Department of Public Works, residents will benefit from more trees and a greener, more resilient community,” explained Josh Cohen, Chair of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee. “We look forward to continuing to pursue more grant opportunities to expand the impact of our work.”
The City Council encourages all residents to stay engaged and help shape the future of our downtown. Your voice is the most important tool we have to build a better, greener Hackensack
