Hackensack’s Main Street to add a “Pocket Park”

thje staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Hackensack is taking a major step toward a more walkable, vibrant downtown. City officials have announced plans to transform a long-vacant lot in the heart of Main Street into a lush pocket park, signaling a shift in the city’s development strategy toward community-focused green spaces.

From Fire Scars to Urban Sanctuary

The proposed site at 155 Main St. consists of a 7,500-square-foot lot that has sat empty for over seven years. Formerly the home of a furniture store destroyed by fire in 2018, the space is currently nestled between the Woolworth Residences and Iconic Coffee.

Mayor Caseen Gaines noted that while luxury apartments have defined much of Hackensack’s recent growth, the city is now prioritizing “utility” and quality of life for its residents.

“It probably has more utility as a place where someone can get a cup of coffee, or sit there and read a book… instead of just sitting there vacant indefinitely,” said Mayor Gaines.

How the New Hackensack Park Will Be Funded

The city is actively pursuing a grant through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Acres program to acquire the land. If grant funding falls short, Hackensack has a backup plan: leveraging the Open Space Trust Fund, a resident-approved tax dedicated specifically to preserving and creating public land.

Why Green Space Matters for Main Street

The initiative addresses a common concern among locals: the lack of “breathing room” in the downtown area. Currently, the only significant green space on Main Street is the lawn at the Johnson Public Library.

The goals for the new pocket park include:

• Increased Foot Traffic: Encouraging shoppers and commuters to linger longer on Main Street.

• Environmental Benefits: Adding trees and permeable green space to an urban corridor.

• Community Connection: Providing a dedicated spot for residents to work, relax, or socialize outdoors.

What’s Next?

The city is currently in the application phase. Once submitted, the DEP will conduct appraisals and environmental reviews before the city makes the final decision to move forward with the land acquisition.

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