Port Authority: Open the Jersey City Holland Tunnel Pier to the Public!
Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of NY/NJ. Hanson Lee, Director of Operations, Port Authority of NY/NJ
Imagine standing by the water’s edge — benches ready for you to rest, views of the Hudson River — yet a locked gate keeps you out. How frustrating it would also be that this is happening even though everyday people have the right to access the waterfront walkway.
While New York has transformed its Holland Tunnel piers into beautiful public parks, New Jersey residents are still being kept behind barriers. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey rebuilt the piers on both sides — but only New York’s piers are open for people to enjoy.
In New Jersey, these piers sit fenced off, despite being fully equipped with benches, trash bins, and walkways. These spaces are ready — they just need to be opened.
We, the undersigned, call on the Port Authority of NY and NJ to open the Holland Tunnel piers on the New Jersey side to the public immediately.
Our waterfront should be for everyone — for families, seniors, walkers, joggers, and neighbors who deserve more open space to enjoy along the Hudson.
✅ The work is already done.
✅ The infrastructure is already there.
✅ The community is ready.
It’s time to open the gates.
Add your name and show your support for a better, more accessible Hudson River Waterfront.
Sign the petition today!
The Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy
HRWC is a non-profit organization that monitors the construction and maintenance of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. Since 1988, the all-volunteer board has implemented The Public Trust Doctrine by seeking the protection and enforcement of the public’s right to free, unobstructed access to the Waterfront Walkway. The Conservancy provides a voice of support for public access to the waterfront before governmental entities, legislative, regulatory and commercial bodies whose actions impact the development of the Waterfront.
Petition by
To:
Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of NY/NJ. Hanson Lee, Director of Operations, Port Authority of NY/NJ
From:
[Your Name]
While the New York side of the Holland Tunnel piers has been transformed into vibrant public parks, the New Jersey side — right here in Jersey City — remains fenced off and closed to the community.
The Port Authority of NY/NJ rebuilt both piers with public access in mind, installing benches, walkways, and trash receptacles. But despite the work being done, the Jersey City piers are still locked away from the neighbors who should be able to enjoy them.
We, the undersigned, urge the Port Authority of NY/NJ to immediately open the Holland Tunnel Pier in Jersey City to the public.
Our waterfront should not be closed behind fences. It should be a place where families, walkers, joggers, seniors, and all members of our community can come together to enjoy the beauty of the Hudson River.
We are proud to join the Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy in this petition, a nonprofit organization that has monitored the construction and maintenance of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway since 1988. Through their work, the Conservancy works to uphold the Public Trust Doctrine by seeking the protection and enforcement of the public’s right to free, unobstructed access to the waterfront.
The infrastructure is ready. The community is ready. It’s time to open the gates.
Please open the Jersey City Holland Tunnel Pier to the public without delay.