The Hackensack River Greenway is a peaceful, green oasis for humans and wildlife alike.  For more than a decade the 3.5 mile Greenway (now a National Recreation Trail) has attracted countless visitors to quiet, natural open space within densely populated Bergen County.

Since our inception, the Friends of the Greenway have maintained the trail and educated others as to its natural and historical significance through guided walks and informative programming.  A goal we have pursued from the beginning is to connect all sections of the trail, such that visitors may walk the Greenway for its full length without ever leaving the river bank.

This goal was furthered recently through our township's purchase (with county & municipal MOST funds) of riverside property adjacent to Terhune Park.  We supported that acquisition and we thank Teaneck's town council for its efforts.  Unfortunately, shortly afterward new property owners prohibited access to a significant portion of the trail farther to the north.  Whether their decision was prompted by the township's missed opportunity to purchase an easement as the property was changing hands, or to the owners' interpretation of their property line, or to another unknown factor, the consequence of their action is clear.  This sectional closure alters the integrity and fundamental character of the Greenway, as it served as an important connection to the trail situated on Fairleigh Dickinson University grounds. 

Therefore, we the undersigned petition Teaneck Town Council to engage the property owners noted above in substantive negotiation leading to reopening of this critical trail section.  Additionally we petition Council to establish a plan of reasonable riverside property purchase throughout the township, whereby the goal of a contiguous and navigable Greenway is realized for all of Teaneck's citizens.