Council authorizes McGinley Square group to apply for county open‑space grant to restore Glenwood community garden

The Jersey City Municipal Council voted to allow a community group to apply for county open‑space grant funding to support the Glenwood Community Garden, while stopping short of directing any acquisition of privately owned land.

Resolution 25‑326, read into the record as a late agenda item and described as authorizing support for the McGinley Square Community Board’s 2025 Hudson County Open Space Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust grant application for the Glenwood Community Garden at 128 Glenwood Avenue, was added to the agenda and later approved by the council. The council vote to authorize the application passed 6‑2; two council members voted no and Council President Waterman was absent.

Supporters told the council the garden has existed for roughly 24 years and serves nearby schools, students and neighbors. Nathan McCormick, a McGinley Square resident and board member, said the resolution simply “allows our group to even apply for a grant, to even attempt to have a conversation” and framed it as a time‑sensitive, administrative step to pursue funding.

Multiple neighbors and community leaders described the garden’s role in the neighborhood’s quality of life and urged the city’s backing. Sandra Edwards Busing Riley, who said her family has lived on Glenwood since 1957 and whose work includes experiential education at Saint Peter’s University, said the green space provides “nourishing food for St Peter’s students, neighbors, and the greater community.” Charlene Burke and other neighbors also testified in favor of supporting the application.

At the same time, some council members raised legal and procedural concerns because the garden sits on private property. Councilmember Salih questioned whether the city or the applicant had first reached out to the property owner; the law department and staff confirmed the city had not completed any acquisition negotiations and that authorizing the grant application would not itself acquire the land. Councilmembers cautioned that applying for acquisition funds while ownership is contested could lead to dispute and potential legal defense by the owner.

The sponsor’s office and city law staff said the resolution simply authorizes the community group to apply for county funds; if a grant were awarded, acquisition or use of the site would require subsequent legal steps, including city outreach to the owner and any required agreements or purchases.

The council’s approval preserves the community board’s ability to pursue a time‑sensitive grant application while the underlying property ownership and possible acquisition remain unresolved. Community members said they hope the allocation of grant funding could restore and expand the garden as a neighborhood green space regardless of future negotiations.