The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) invites the public to attend the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance’s (HEJA) next community meeting. Hear green infrastructure guru Dr. Christopher Obropta discuss strategies to reduce flooding in the City of Hackensack. The meeting takes place in person and also virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at The Second Reformed Church of Hackensack, located at 436 Union Street in Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. The HEJA, a community group, focuses on helping people hit the hardest by environmental issues, while also providing resources for residents and people, who work in the City of Hackensack, to learn about strategies they can use to reduce future flooding in the area and make neighborhoods greener and healthier.
Green Infrastructure Guru
Green infrastructure guru Dr. Christopher Obropta
The meeting features a presentation by New Jersey’s green infrastructure guru Dr. Christopher Obropta. He serves as Professor, Extension Specialist and Director of the New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers State University. This past summer, Dr. Obropta and his team from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resource Program examined the extent of flooding issues in the City of Hackensack. The research team also looked at the use of green infrastructure strategies to address flooding. Dr. Obropta and the team will present their findings and provide recommendations at the meeting. In addition, the HEJA will also discuss a proposed river walk event, the group’s new mission statement, and plans for listening sessions and policy conversations with Hackensack residents.
The NNJCF invites anyone living or working in Hackensack to attend. Light refreshments of snacks and soft drinks will be served. People may pre-register for the event online. For information, contact Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, Executive Director of the NNJCF, at leo@nnjcf.org or call 201-568-5608 extension 2.
Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice
This community meeting is part of the NNJCF’s Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project. The program seeks to reduce flooding, while also improve environmental conditions for residents in central Hackensack and other parts of the city affected by flooding.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation produces the meeting. The Foundation accomplishes this with the City of Hackensack and also Greater Bergen Community Action. Furthermore, Hackensack residents and representatives from several organizations assist with the production of the meeting. Supporters of the project include The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank Foundation, and M&T Bank Foundation. In addition, PSEG Foundation, The Rotary Club of Hackensack, TD Charitable Foundation, and other donors contribute to the project.
Donations Appreciated
The NNJCF seeks donations to support the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice Project. Donations of any size are welcome. All the donations received help to create a community rain garden or other environmental projects benefiting the community. Donations may be made online. Contributions may also be sent by check made out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’ and enter ‘Hackensack Green’ in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 102, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. For further information about the NNJCF, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail to nnjcf@nnjcf.org.
