Phillipsburg and Greenwich Submitted for 2025 Appropriations for Community Project Funding

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – In a press release today , Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced fifteen projects submitted for community Project funding. One of the largest is a proposed park revitalization to Delaware River Park in downtown Phillipsburg.

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Dating back to 2012, the last improvements were when dog parks were installed as a community policing effort to give lift back to the park after youth teams were no longer utilizing the fields.

This 2.5-acre tract is in recreational/heritage District 3, which was established in 2013 to focus on recreation, railroad/canal heritage uses, and the historical piece of the Heritage Trail Systems according to the Riverfront Redevelopment Plan.

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The design standards at the time were for parking lots, as well as a “recreational package designed to serve the needs of the new residents of the district, which should include such facilities as tot lots, playing fields, and passive recreation areas. These facilities may be provided either on-site or as additions to the existing facilities in Delaware River Park or both, and include access to passive recreation facilities at the riverfront.”

To date, the only part of what has been completed from those plans dating back to 2005, which included the Riverwalk and/or Riverfront Promenade, walking access to the anticipated expanded Railroad Excursions and tourism, as well as improved parking and roads to keep traffic off Main Street and from the neighborhood streets.

Next to the park, is a planned warehouse, which has been the subject of debate after a hearing on the use change, which was originally multi-family housing.

On August 2. 2024 Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) toured the Delaware River Park with Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza, Warren County Commissioner Director James Kern, and town staff ahead of the FY25 appropriations discussion to gain insight into the potential impact and benefits of the proposed park revitalization.

As a result, Congressman Kean requested $2,400,000 for the Town of Phillipsburg in this year’s FY25 appropriation process. This funding would be used for “revitalizing the existing Delaware River Park to be reused for recreational purposes. The project would focus on building recreation fields and resume services for the youth of the community”.

Originally, the park served the youth of Phillipsburg until recreation program participation decreased, and field use saw signs of the original landfill resurfacing. The parks, entrance, and trespassing, despite signage, have been frequent spots for vandalism, fireworks, and trash dumping.

“Local leaders in Phillipsburg have a fantastic vision for revitalizing the existing Delaware River Park,” said Congressman Kean. “This project would create several new spaces for the entire community to come together and I will continue to fight in Congress to get this funding across the finish line.”

"On behalf of the entire town of Phillipsburg, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Kean for taking the time to visit and tour the site where his support in this year's appropriation process is making a real difference," said Randy Piazza, Mayor of Phillipsburg. "Congressman Kean's dedication and commitment to our community are truly appreciated, and we are grateful for your ongoing efforts to help Phillipsburg thrive. Thank you for always being a champion for our town and for the invaluable role you play in our community's progress."

“I’m grateful Congressman Kean was able to visit Phillipsburg last week to view and hear about the potential of Delaware River Park,” said James Kern, Warren County Commissioner Director. “This site has the opportunity to be a major attraction for not only residents of Phillipsburg but the surrounding communities as well.”

“We in Phillipsburg are extremely grateful to Congressman Kean for his vision and commitment to the well-being and development of our community,” said Patrick Kays, Director of Municipal Services. “The revitalization of this park will enhance the lives of our residents in clear and meaningful ways. This project, along with Rails to Trails and other initiatives here along the Delaware, represent the next major step in our community working together with local, state and federal leaders to reclaim our future—built upon our storied past.”

Also among the list locally are a School Resource Officer Vehicle and Equipment for Greenwich Township.

To view the full list of projects proposed by the Congressman, click HERE.

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