Residents Speak Up about Morris-Essex Train Line

Residents, business owners, private developers, nonprofit representatives, government officials and stakeholders want to changes made in Orange, especially the Orange and Highland train stations and NJ Transit service. Orange's Highland Station, in the heart of the ValleyArts district, is the station closest to South Orange's Mountain Station. 

Locals gathered Tuesday at a forum, convened by Together North Jersey. Through a federal grant, the group seeks community input about the inner Morris and Essex Line NJ Transit train stations; specifically the Highland Avenue, Orange, Brick Church, East Orange and Newark Broad Street stations. Tuesday's group, facilitated by HANDS, Inc. gathered at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County on Cleveland Street.

Concerns discussed included Mid-Town Direct train service, train station amenities and transit connections, beautifying public space, safety, equitable development and residential displacement, attracting businesses and jobs and enhancing the growing Valley Arts District. 

This input, say representatives from Together North Jersey, will inform the recommendations of the planning study and be used to seek further funding to implement priority projects. Collaborating organizations in Together North Jersey include Rutgers University and New Jersey Transit.