Local environmental group presents green‑infrastructure and riverwalk plan to Hackensack council

Representatives of the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance (HEJA) presented a Green Infrastructure Plan and an initial concept for a Hackensack River Walk to the City Council on June 16, asking the council to review the plan and consider modest, non‑capital support such as signage, vegetation clearing and incorporation of the plan into the city's master plan and stormwater management plan.

Pedro Delveio, identified as co‑chair of HEJA, described the plan as “environmentally sound and fiscally feasible,” saying it recommends nature‑based measures to reduce flooding and pollution while improving river access. HEJA said the plan’s recommendations include stormwater‑management features such as rain gardens and rain barrels and advocated for integrating green infrastructure into the city’s existing stormwater program.

Ted Melon, who described a recent public walk and a phase‑one focus area, asked the council to support an initial FDU–Johnson Park loop as a start to a continuous riverwalk and to consider wayfinding signage and site‑appropriate artwork. Melon said HEJA’s public sessions in fall 2025 drew strong community interest and that the group’s immediate asks are modest: endorsement, wayfinding marks, signage and clearing shrubbery blocking river access.

No formal vote or ordinance resulted from the presentation; HEJA requested further staff engagement and offered to meet with city officials to discuss details and potential inclusion of elements into the master plan and stormwater plan. Council members thanked presenters and noted interest in reviewing the plan.