The Courthouse Park project in Journal Square, Jersey City, announced in 2019, is now at risk of a three-year delay. The park is planned for the site of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Avenue. The site cannot be cleared until the building is vacated and demolished. The Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex, located across the street, is scheduled to open in September 2025, allowing the move-out.
On June 3, 2025, the Courthouse Park Advocacy Group, led by Laura Moss, held a public meeting at St. Joseph’s Church, 511 Pavonia Avenue, to update residents. The meeting focused on the lack of progress and the increasing possibility of a multi-year delay.
The 2060 Journal Square Redevelopment Plan, adopted in 2010, designated the land at 595 Newark Avenue, including the surface and underground parking lots, as green space. The plan identifies the Journal Square area as lacking public open space.
- Courthouse Park has faced delays since its promise in 2019 and could now be pushed back another three years.
- The $17–$25 million demolition and construction cost must be paid by Jersey City before the park can move forward.
- Community leaders and elected officials are urging the public to speak out and pressure local government to meet its commitments.
Demolition Cost Must Be Covered by Jersey City
The estimated cost to abate and demolish the building is between $17 million and $25 million, according to Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. The City of Jersey City is responsible for these costs. Until the city appropriates the required funds, the demolition cannot begin.
The county maintains that it will not delay the project. In a public statement, Executive Guy said the project requires a defined sequence of actions involving zoning, architecture, and engineering, all under the city’s control. The county will maintain the park once built, but the city is responsible for funding the demolition and construction.
Previously, a deal was made between former County Executive Tom DeGise and Mayor Steve Fulop, under which the city would pay for demolition and park construction. Both the city and county passed ordinances to formalize this agreement.
Timeline Unclear, Advocates Raise Concerns
Construction was originally expected to begin in 2023, but it has not started. Moss reported that a joint committee including the county, city, and community does not exist. She said that requests for information have not yielded specific answers, and there is no confirmed date for the start of demolition.
At a March 2024 meeting, the cost of building the park was estimated at $14 million, but no current estimate has been confirmed by the city. Moss also mentioned the underground parking garage, which could complicate demolition. She said that she had asked Executive Guy whether the garage would cause delays, and he responded that it would not. No updated statement has been provided since then.
There is a power station building on the site, considered part of the Brennan Courthouse complex. It may be repurposed as a public restroom or café, but those plans are not finalized.
Moss stated that 18 months would be needed to demolish the building and complete park construction. She said that starting before the end of 2025 is the goal. However, if funds are not allocated soon, work may not begin until 2028.
Elected Officials Join Residents in Demanding Action
Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, a mayoral candidate, and Tom Zuppa, running for Ward C council, have publicly supported the park, stating delays will reduce the quality of life for residents. Zuppa, a former Journal Square Community Association president, said Journal Square has experienced rapid development without a proportional increase in public open space.
O’Dea and Zuppa spoke at the June 3 meeting. They previously issued statements urging the Hudson County government to deliver the open space promised in 2019. They criticized the potential delay as harmful to the neighborhood and called for the county to meet its commitments. However, the county maintains the delay is due to the city’s inaction.
Advocates say further delays could affect project funding and increase total costs. Without appropriation of funds by the city, construction cannot proceed. The community is being urged to contact elected officials and demand updates on the project status.
The Courthouse Park Advocacy Group continues to press for full public use of the 595 Newark Avenue site. The group’s mission is to ensure that the park is completed according to the 2060 plan and that the entire site is used for green space. As of June 2025, the project has no confirmed demolition date and no approved city funding.
