A new study by Mercer County in New Jersey is assessing two proposals to transform a section of Route 29 in Trenton into an urban boulevard to promote economic development and add green spaces, according to project supporters, writes Octavia Feliciano for the Delaware Currents.
Since the 1950s, Route 29 in Trenton offered very limited public access to the Delaware River riverfront.
The Local Concept Development Study focuses on proposals to transform the car-centered riverfront into a district welcoming to cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
Community supporters of the initiative to reconnect Trenton with its riverfront include New Jersey Future, a nonprofit that supports equitable, sustainable redevelopment and infrastructure, the Trenton Downtown Association, Trenton NAACP, and NJ Conservation Foundation.
“When the U.S. shifted to an auto-centric lifestyle, Route 29 was built, and it disconnected neighborhoods, destroyed paths for pedestrian and cycling traffic, and cut off access to a valuable natural community space,” said Sabrina Rodriguez, campaign manager for New Jersey Future’s Reconnecting Trenton’s Riverfront initiative.
The proposed boulevard would remain a vehicular route but would also add pedestrian crossings and have a lower speed limit. Both proposed designs also include riverfront parks for community recreation.
To explore the full scope of the proposals—and what’s really at stake for Trenton’s future—read Octavia Feliciano’s in-depth reporting now on Delaware Currents.
