Case Study: Elizabeth City and CSX Transportation Rails-to-Trail

Elizabeth City, Union County

OPPORTUNITY/CHALLENGES
Launched in early 2024, the State Land Urban Acquisition Partnership (SLUAP) was created to support urban communities facing financial challenges in transforming underutilized properties into valuable public green spaces. Recognizing the critical need for recreational opportunities in urban areas, SLUAP aims to enhance community well-being, improve environmental quality, and contribute to more vibrant, livable cities.

One of the key tools supporting SLUAP’s mission is CoStar, a commercial real estate information platform that provides real-time property listings. Through this platform, the Urban Acquisition team identified a unique opportunity, an abandoned rail corridor at 224-228 and 227-231 Jefferson Street in the City of Elizabeth. The City of Elizabeth had long envisioned repurposing this site into a rails-to-trails project, converting the former rail line into a public greenway for pedestrians and cyclists. However, due to financial constraints, the City has been unable to acquire the property from its owner, CSX Transportation. With SLUAP’s support, this vision is now within reach, as the partnership provides the means to secure the site and bring the project to life.

PARTNERS
This initiative is made possible through collaboration among key stakeholders:

• State of New Jersey, NJDEP Green Acres – Providing acquisition funding and co-ownership of the property
• City of Elizabeth – Leading remediation and site development activities and will manage and maintain the property
• CSX Transportation – The property owner, facilitating the transition of the site

ACTION & NEXT STEPS
Property Acquisition & Rail Line Abandonment 
Prior to closing, CSX Transportation will apply to the U. S. Surface Transportation Board to formally abandon the rail line.

Co-ownership & Environmental Remediation
Green Acres and the City of Elizabeth will jointly own the property, allowing the City to apply for NJDEP Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation funds that will support environmental assessments and necessary remediation to ensure safe redevelopment.

Property Management  
Following cleanup, the city will oversee the development of the greenway, manage ongoing maintenance, and ensure long-term community access.

FUNDING/RESOURCES
A multi-source funding strategy will support the successful completion of the project:

1. Green Acres Corporate Business Tax Funds – Supporting the acquisition of the property from CSX Transportation.
2. NJDEP Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Funds – Financing environmental investigation and remediation.
3. City of Elizabeth Mass Transit Tax Funds – Covering site development and long-term property management.

RESULTS & BENEFITS
Although the project is still in development, it is expected to have a transformative impact on the community. Located adjacent to the Elizabeth City Train Station, the site will be repurposed into a rails-to-trails greenway, featuring a pedestrian and cycling path that enhances urban mobility and green space accessibility. By turning an abandoned rail corridor into a thriving public greenway, this initiative will provide a lasting environmental, social and economic benefit for Elizabeth and its residents for future generations.