Bergen Arches Preservation Coalition

The Bergen Arches Preservation Coalition is a Jersey City–based nonprofit dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the historic Bergen Arches corridor. Born from a profound respect for the Erie Railroad’s century-old “Bergen Arches” — a mile-long railroad cut through the lower Palisades that once pulsed with industrial might — the Coalition advocates for transforming the former Erie Railroad cut through the Palisades into a publicly accessible greenway that connects neighborhoods, honors the site’s industrial heritage, and expands equitable access to open space and active transportation.

Through thoughtful stewardship, education, and coalition-building, the organization highlights conversations about green space, cultural heritage, and inclusive mobility — striving not only to conserve the Arches’ architectural and environmental character but also to weave this hidden gem into the broader network of regional trails and greenways.

To deepen public understanding of this largely inaccessible space, BAPC also organizes a community mini-museum featuring historic maps, archival photographs, conceptual models, and artwork created by NJIT students and residents who have contributed their time and expertise. This educational initiative invites the public to engage with the Arches’ past, present, and future—making visible a hidden landscape and fostering informed dialogue about its preservation and potential.