Linden council approves resolution to seek Green Acres funding for James Dobson Park improvements

The Linden City Council voted to approve Resolution 20-26-146 authorizing an application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental ProtectionGreen Acres program for improvements to James Dobson Park.

Keith Prese, the city's director of parks and recreation, told the council the city is seeking a Green Acres grant request of $1,100,000 and that the concept-plan preliminary cost estimate for the overall project is roughly $2.2—2.3 million. "We are applying for a 50% match that Green Acres will allow," Prese said, adding that the city has some capital on hand and would phase the work if full funds are not available.

The project scope described by Prese includes reconstruction of athletic courts; two playgrounds (for ages 2—5 and 5—12); new outdoor fitness equipment; an accessible walking path; a prefabricated storage building; a pavilion and picnic areas; updated site furnishings and improved lighting and gateway features. Prese said an environmental assessment was completed by the engineering department and that the city held community meetings and posted a public survey on the city website to gather resident input.

Residents at the hearing applauded the plan but pressed for clarity on cost and long-term implications. "I'm a 100% in favor of park improvements," said John Kaeser, a Linden resident, but he criticized the timing and public posting of the resolution and asked whether accepting Green Acres funding would restrict future use of the land. Prese and another official explained that parcels accepted into Green Acres are placed on the recreation and open-space inventory (RASI) and are subject to Green Acres restrictions unless the state approves a change.

Carlos Rivas, another resident, said he welcomed the improvements but warned about cost overruns and urged better project planning. "We need project managers," Rivas said, arguing that better planning would prevent repeated contract extensions and added expense. The municipal attorney responded that department heads and the engineering department (he singled out engineer Joe Croback) oversee competitive contracts and cautioned that adding a dedicated project manager could raise contract costs.

After public comment the council moved to close the Green Acres hearing and then voted to approve Resolution 20-26-146 by recorded vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from members present; three members had been listed as excused earlier in the roll call. The resolution authorizes the application but does not itself appropriate funds; Prese said the city will phase work or pursue additional grants if the full requested funding is not awarded.

The council also reminded residents that project detailsincluding the concept plan, preliminary estimates and the environmental assessmentare available in packets and via a QR code on the Linden website. Council members said staff will follow up on written public concerns, including complaint-driven issues such as snow and ice removal raised by residents during the city-business comment period.