One of Jersey City’s longest-running development battles is finally nearing resolution — and what’s coming next could dramatically reshape Downtown’s landscape. Plans are now moving forward to turn the historic Sixth Street Embankment, a relic of early 20th-century rail history, into a sprawling elevated park, a modern high-rise, and a mixed-use community that blends public space with affordable living.

Originally constructed in 1902 as part of the Harsimus Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the elevated stone structure once carried freight trains across six city blocks between Marin Boulevard and Brunswick Street. The line was operational for nearly a century before falling into disuse in the late 1990s. What followed was a decades-long legal dispute over ownership, land use, and the city’s right to reclaim the property for public benefit.

That saga, which spanned more than 20 years, may finally reach a conclusion. In late October, the Jersey City Council unanimously advanced an ordinance to settle the long-standing litigation. The deal sets the stage for a groundbreaking redevelopment that will merge historic preservation, urban design, and community revitalization into a single visionary project.

At the heart of the proposal is a plan by The Albanese Organization, which would gain ownership of the easternmost block of the embankment to construct a 40-story residential tower. The concept includes 604 rental units, with 30 reserved as affordable housing, as well as 172 parking spaces and a 30-foot public right-of-way that connects the high-rise to the surrounding neighborhood. Early renderings by MHS Architecture show an emphasis on accessibility, featuring a grand public staircase, elevators, and restrooms that open directly onto the elevated park.

The rest of the embankment — stretching across six western blocks — would be transformed into an expansive public park. Designed to echo the success of New York City’s High Line, this new green corridor would connect with the proposed Bergen Arches park, creating one of the most significant additions to Jersey City’s open space in decades. Plans also include upgrades to nearby recreational areas such as Roberto Clemente Baseball Field, ensuring the project benefits both residents and the broader community.

The Embankment Preservation Coalition, a community organization that has championed the park vision for years, played a pivotal role in negotiating this settlement. Their persistence ensured that the project remains focused not just on development, but on preserving the site’s unique historical and cultural identity. The Coalition’s efforts have kept alive the idea that the embankment can serve as both a tribute to Jersey City’s industrial past and a foundation for its sustainable future.

Under the agreement, the city will gain ownership of the park portion in exchange for dropping its legal objections before the federal Surface Transportation Board, which previously questioned the legality of the property’s original sale by Conrail to private developers. The settlement effectively closes one of the city’s longest and most complicated real estate disputes, unlocking the potential of a site that has stood frozen in time for more than two decades.

Local leaders see this as a turning point for urban revitalization in Jersey City. Ward E Councilman James Solomon, whose district includes the embankment, described the project as “truly transformative,” comparing its impact to the creation of Liberty State Park. “When the vision for the embankment is realized,” he said, “it will stand as one of Jersey City’s great public achievements.”

The City Council has also introduced a companion ordinance that would grant a 30-year tax abatement for the high-rise portion of the project. That measure, along with the settlement agreement, is expected to return for a second reading and final vote in mid-November.

If approved, the transformation of the Sixth Street Embankment would symbolize much more than new development — it would represent the reclaiming of public space, the preservation of history, and a model for how cities can balance growth with community needs.

The future of Jersey City’s skyline, green space, and livability continues to evolve, and projects like this one demonstrate how smart development can shape the city for generations to come. As urban renewal spreads across Hudson County, new opportunities in design, real estate, and community investment continue to emerge across New Jersey. Explore more updates and stories on development trends, housing, and investment opportunities throughout the Garden State at Explore New Jersey’s Real Estate section.

With the Sixth Street Embankment project on the horizon, Jersey City stands poised to blend history, design, and innovation into one of the most exciting urban transformations in the Northeast — a project that honors the past while paving the way for the city’s next great chapter.