Green Seam project will transform former Somerville Landfill into a scaled down version of New York City's Central Park, says mayor.
Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and other dignitaries were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Green Seam project. (Borough of Somerville)SOMERVILLE -- One of the largest rehabilitation projects in Central Jersey began in earnest on Saturday when borough Mayor Brian Gallagher and other dignitaries broke ground on the Green Seam project.
The ambitious remediation project, which was launched in 2007, is centered on the "green seam," a water course that runs through the former Somerville Landfill, a 110-acre site located on property south of the railroad track and between Route 206 and South Bridge Street.
The environmentally sensitive site, which operated as a landfill for 28 years before closing in 1982, will be redeveloped into a preserved property that will feature leisurely recreation activities that will include walking and bike paths, according to a news release.
New trees will be planted, along with salt grass and other natural vegetation, and a re-engineered stream bed will be created, it was stated in the release.
The mayor predicted that in just a few years the borough will have its own scaled down version of New York City's Central Park. The pathways will connect with the remaining portion of the 110-acre landfill site, which will be developed commercially, with residential and retail components, including a transit village adjacent to the NJ Transit tracks, according to the release.
Landfill project awaiting loan approval
"This phase of the landfill restoration has been made possible through working with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to obtain grants totaling $12.2 million and a very low interest loan from the NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust," said Gallagher.
The borough will contribute 25 percent of the cost, secured by a low interest loan combined with grants from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the total cost of the project is $16.1 million, according to the release.
Frank Scangarella, Assistant Executive Director of the state Environmental Infrastructure Trust, the financial branch of the DEP, worked closely with Colin Driver, Somerville's director of economic development, and borough officials to secure the necessary financing to guarantee the project, it was stated in the release.
The site includes 47 acres of environmentally-sensitive wetlands, none of which can be developed, according to the release.
State Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman, Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, the mayor and members of the Somerville Borough Council were on hand to perform a dig in with a ceremonial shovel and throw spades of dirt.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.