GOVERNOR SIGNS NEW BRIDGE LANDING LEGISLATION Unveils signage renaming train station

“This is a site we must preserve for future generations,” Governor Corzine said. “The bill I am signing grants oversight to a local organization best positioned to address the preservation needs of Historic New Bridge Landing State Park. Through this legislation, the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission will now have jurisdiction to manage the restoration of this historical site so critical to the birth of our nation.”

New Bridge Landing was the site of a pivotal bridge crossing the Hackensack River where General George Washington led his troops in retreat from British forces. Historic New Bridge Landing, located in portions of New Milford, River Edge and Teaneck in Bergen County, is one of many Revolutionary War sites located throughout New Jersey. 

“Today is a great day for the people of Bergen County and for New Jersey as a whole,” said Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen).  “This new law gives the Commission more authority over administering the funds that are allocated within the State budget for the Park.  Historic New Bridge Landing State Park is a piece of New Jersey’s history, and it’s good to have this funding where it belongs.”

“It is vitally important that we take all necessary steps to protect and preserve our historic sites,” said Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen). “George Washington’s escape from a British trap, with his army intact, at New Bridge landing in November of 1776 gave him the opportunity to defeat the Hessians and British at Trenton and Princeton only a month later.  These battles were essential to ultimate victory in the revolution and the founding of the United States.”

The Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission will now coordinate and implement all development policies and other activities relating to the historic preservation and recreational use of the property, including but not limited to the Steuben House. In addition, the new law creates a board of directors charged with preparing a master plan for the site, requiring an annual report and an audit.

“Local historic sites should be in the hands of the residents who best know their significance and importance,” said Assemblywoman Joan Voss (D-Bergen). “It’s essential to protecting the past so that future generations can learn from it and appreciate how our state grew.”

“Putting local landmarks under local control can ensure that timeless and invaluable treasures are properly taken care of when a natural disaster strikes,” said Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen). “New Jersey played a pivotal role in our state’s and nation’s fight for independence, and Steuben House is part of that grand history.”

The bill also reallocates any State funds appropriated to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the Division of Parks and Forestry in the DEP specifically for, or related to the administration of, the Steuben House or Historic New Bridge Landing State Park to the commission, following the commissioner's approval of the master plan adopted by the commission.

 “This bill will increase the commission’s authority over this local historic treasure, ensuring the people who know the site best are the ones protecting it,” said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Greater local oversight here is the right thing to do.”

“This place is noteworthy for many reasons, from George Washington having used it as a refuge to its Jersey Dutch and Native American heritage,” said Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen). “It is a local treasure and should be run by local people who know best how to protect the site and its artifacts.”

“The transfer of the administration of the Historic New Bridge Landing State Park from a department located in Trenton to the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission will be a plus for all Bergen County residents,” said Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk, (R-Bergen). “Our county is one that is rich in history and who better to administrate our historic sites than our local residents who have an intimate knowledge of the park and all issues related to the park.”

The bill was sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) and Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen) as well as Assemblywomen Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), Joan M. Voss (D-Bergen), Connie Wagner (D-Bergen), Charlotte Vandervalk (R-Bergen) and Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen).

Following the ceremonial bill signing, Governor Corzine unveiled new signage changing the name of the North Hackensack NJ Transit station to New Bridge Landing Train Station at River Edge.  The renaming pays tribute to the site that allowed General George Washington to make a strategic retreat from the British in 1776. A visitor center and museum also are projects in progress at a park commemorating the river crossing a block away from the train station. New Bridge Landing Station on the Pascack Valley Line serves 17 inbound trains as well as 17 outbound trains.

“Together both actions on the part of the Governor will help us to celebrate this historic site and to attract more visitors to the area,” said Senators Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) and Bob Gordon (D-Bergen).