The New Jersey state has recently secured the rights of an old rail line property to develop into a greenway.

Father Timothy Graff of the Archdiocese of Newark believed that the project would benefit the less fortunate. He is the current Parish Mission secretary. He also serves as the Archdiocese's vitality director of the Social Concerns Office.

Project Helps Poor, Vulnerable

According to Jersey Catholic, the initiative is tagged as Essex-Hudson Greenway Project.

Father Timothy reiterated that the Gateway Project would assist the poor. He emphasized that the Catholic church promotes support for the less fortunate people. 

The Archdiocesan vitality director claimed that the project would give many benefits. It would reportedly aid "many poorer and more vulnerable people across the region."

Father Graff emphasized that this is what Pope Francis campaigned for. The Holy Father reportedly urges the Catholic faithful to be stewards of God's creations.

The report said that Pope Francis encourages people to address the planet's challenges.

Newark Faithful Supports Greenway Project

As per the report, Newark parishioners also showed their support to the Greenway Project.

At the same time, the Archdiocesan Environmental Justice Task Force hoped for the project to become the start of an environmental effort.

Meanwhile, the St. Lucy's Church The National Shrine of Saint Gerard then expressed support to the project. The church is located in Newark, New Jersey.

Essex-Hudson Greenway Project

The Catholic news outlet further reported that the property encompasses about nine miles of an old railway. The Greenway Project will cover two counties and eight towns in northern New Jersey.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, meanwhile, also released a framework for the 135-acre property. The Essex-Hudson Greenway (EHG) Coalition provided the information about the purchase.

As mentioned, it consists of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and the Open Space Institute. The EHG Coalition also includes the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.

The Coalition reportedly leads in advocating for the Greenway Project in New Jersey.

The environmental project intends to start a green space solution for the residents. The project will create a linear park and multi-use trail for walkers, runners, bikers, and hikers.

Aside from that, itl will also connect Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Montclair, Secaucus, and Kearny. It will then give a faster way to Belleville, Jersey City, and Newark.

Meanwhile, Open Space Institute CEO Kim Elliman lauded Murphy for purchasing the property. Elliman said that "it completes the first major step in making this Greenway a reality."

About Archdiocese of Newark

Based on its website, the Archdiocese can be found at 171 Clifton Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.

The Archdiocese consists of Catholic Christians who follow the life and ministry of Jesus. The faith community also celebrates "God's great love for humanity," the website noted.

At the same time, the church spearheads activities that strive to listen, serve, and love people. Aside from that, it also leads Newark parishioners in worship services.

The congregation reportedly seeks to help Catholics become living witnesses of God's Word. It aspires to carry its mission of evangelization to the world.

The website added that the Archdiocese desires to build communities of Catholic believers.

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