The Issue

Preserve Our History, Protect Our Open Space

In New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the nation, it is important to preserve our open space, expand our opportunities to enjoy parkland and wilderness, and preserve the architectural treasures that make New Jersey unique.

Such a situation occurs today in Morris County, NJ on the former grounds of the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, also referred to as Greystone Park. At issue is how to save the historic Kirkbride Building, the former main hospital, and the open space that surrounds it.

In 2007, when a new hospital opened, the fate of the Kirkbride Building and adjacent open space was left in the hands of the state. State law requires that the Treasury Department dispose of or sell any land that is no longer needed. When the new hospital opened, 130 acres, including the Kirkbride Building, were declared as surplus and the state began assessing the property for possible sale to commercial developers. This is in spite of the fact that New Jersey state law P.L. 2001, Chapter 345 prevents the state from selling the land for commercial development.

The Impact on Local Residents

A large development project would be a tremendous burden on area infrastructure including schools, roads, utilities, sewer systems, etc.
Major Morris County thoroughfares including Routes 10, 53, 46, 202 and Hanover and Sussex Avenues are already beyond congested.
Greystone Park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, wild turkey, and birds of prey. These indigenous species would be displaced.
Higher taxes and decreased property values.

NJ State Senate President Richard Codey Backs Effort to Preserve Greystone

On Monday, June 22, 2010 a bill sponsorded by NJ Senator Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, that would establish an 11-member task force was approved by the Senate by a vote of 38-0. This task force is charged with developing a plan to ensure preservation of the original Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital main building, or Kirkbride building, and would be required to report its preservation plan for Greystone Park to the Governor and the Legislature no later than six months after the group's initial meeting.

Preserve Greystone continues to unify the effort and work with our public officials to preserve the historic Kirkbride Building and the priceless open space around it.