Rahway Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates SO

South Orange is livable, sustainable, and beautiful, according to dignitaries who gathered at the Rahway to formally open Phase 1b of the Greenway project. Monday's ribbon cutting took place against a backdrop of Recreation Department campers in Meadowland Park, and with the sound of tennis balls echoing from the Baird courts.

Those gathered to celebrate the completion improvements from Meadowbrook Place to Mead Street included elected leaders Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, Assemblyman John McKeon, Village President Douglas Newman, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Congressman Donald Payne, Trustees Janine Bauer, Nancy Gould, and Howard Levison, and County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo. In addition, the Village of South Orange was represented by Chief of Police James Chelel, Village Administrator John Gross, Village Engineer Sal Resta, and Laura Harris. Committed volunteers who appeared included Neil Jasey, Kirk Barrett, and Rob Fisch. Brad Garner of Rhodeside & Harwell, who participated in the project's design, was also a part of the ceremony.

Newman opened the ceremony by saying that the Rahway River Greenway Project was "conceived entirely by volunteers who saw the promise of what it could be." He welcomed Pascrell, who described the project as "a protocol for what towns should do," citing South Orange for "getting people out of their cars and walking or biking."  Pascrell secured significant funding for the work, from the 2010 federal Transportation and Housing and Urban development appropriations bill, and $1.2 million from a previous transportation reauthorization bill.

Payne drew audience attention to the public already using the park, and credited the County Executive for his support. "He's a park man," said Payne, citing DiVincenzo's support of county parks.

Jasey followed, noting that the Floods Hill concerts have been an effective way to showcase improvements. In addition, she noted that her mother and friends, all in their 80s, now come to river to sit and "watch the people go by. Our seniors appreciate the beauty of this place."

"It's a great day for South Orange and for Essex County," said DiVincenzo. He lauded the volunteers who took the Rahway project from idea to reality.

The Village President paid special tribute to the Essex County Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board, including Debbie Partesi and Ann Turlaski, as well as to other dedicated residents who volunteered time for the project.

Before becoming a trustee, Bauer was one such volunteer. She was commended by Jasey for her "extraordinary vision" for the Rahway. As Bauer spoke, she asked Neil Jasey, Barrett, Fisch, and Garner to join her. She cited Fisch for helping her and the other volunteers to see that both structures and spaces are important in planning.

"I am personally very pleased," said Bauer. "We are meeting the transportation challenges of the village in a meaningful way. We respect nature, we respect our history."

Minutes later, the ribbon was cut, and Phase 1b was officially open for bikes and walkers alike.