Trenton, N.J. – The City of Trenton remains committed to preserving and enhancing our public green spaces, including Stacy Park, a beloved 32-acre riverside park that has long served as a vital recreational space for our residents.

Recently, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Notice of Violation related to vegetation clearing at Stacy Park. The City’s intent was solely to restore the park to its former beauty by removing hazardous dead trees and overgrown invasive plant species, which have encroached upon the parkland over the years.

Following the notice issued by NJDEP on February 19, 2025, City officials met with NJDEP representatives on-site on February 24 to review the work performed. During this tour, the City explained that:

• The vegetation removed consisted primarily of invasive, non-native species, including Asian bittersweet, English ivy, Japanese knotweed, honeysuckle vine, and wild rose.
• Only dead or declining trees that posed a public safety risk were removed.
• The effort was part of a broader restoration plan aimed at revitalizing the park and making it safer and more accessible for the community.

The City acknowledges that no permit was obtained for this work, consistent with past practices regarding riverfront maintenance. However, NJDEP has not issued a monetary fine but instead requested a corrective action plan, which the City has already submitted for approval.

The City is dedicated to restoring Stacy Park and complying with NJDEP requirements, to ensure that residents can enjoy a safe, sustainable, and revitalized space for years to come.

The City's restoration plan includes:

• Professional removal and control of invasive plant species.
• Limited grading and initial debris removal.
• Hydroseeding for native plant regrowth.
• Continued maintenance focusing on watering, erosion control, and invasive species management.

"We are committed to bringing Stacy Park back to life," said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. "Our plans focus on not just restoring the park, but also to protecting the environment, making sure that it's a space where everyone can enjoy and feel safe. We will continue to work alongside NJDEP to ensure the long-term success of this restoration."

Throughout this process, the City will worked closely with NJDEP to ensure compliance and transparency. While we respect NJDEP’s oversight, we are confident that our actions were in the best interest of the park and the public.

“Our priority is to restore Stacy Park as a thriving, accessible, and safe natural space for the residents of Trenton,” said Paul Harris, Director of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture. “We remain committed to working with NJDEP to meet their requirements while preserving the park’s integrity and usability.”

Stacy Park has been a cherished part of Trenton’s community. Historical photos from before the 1970s show a vibrant, well-maintained park, but in recent decades, the area has become overgrown. The City’s restoration efforts were initiated in response to community concerns about aesthetics and safety and reflect a long-term commitment to revitalizing the park for future generations.

The City of Trenton looks forward to resolving this matter with NJDEP while ensuring Stacy Park remains an environmental and recreational asset for all residents.

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