Paterson Launches Green Street Pilot to Cut Floods

Fair Street in Paterson will become the site of a new pilot program designed to manage stormwater using vegetation and landscape features. City leaders announced the Fair Street Green Street Project on Wednesday, joining representatives from The Nature Conservancy and Rutgers University to detail the initiative.

Mayor Andre Sayegh stated the goal is to use nature to mitigate environmental issues. The plan includes landscaped planters and other green infrastructure that will absorb rainwater before it enters the sewer system. Officials said this method captures and filters water on site, which should reduce flooding and lower the strain on Paterson's aging infrastructure.

Project partners noted that Paterson's combined sewer system often becomes overwhelmed during heavy rain. When this happens, excess water flows into the Passaic River. The new features are intended to contain water on site so it does not burden the sewer network.

Residents who have dealt with chronic flooding for years reacted to the announcement with optimism. One resident called the project the beginning of a new era. The resident said, "We need this all over Paterson. It will help keep flooding down because now we're getting flooded in areas that never used to flood."

City officials described the Fair Street project as a pilot that could lead to similar improvements across the city. Mayor Sayegh emphasized that many of the city's infrastructure components date back more than a century. He argued that additional federal funding is needed to address these aging systems.

Sayegh pointed out that many people have experienced vehicle damage or required rescues during past floods. "We don't want to replay any of that going forward," Sayegh said. "Make it a priority, give us the funding, and we'll get the job done."

Construction on the project is expected to begin this fall. The team anticipates completing the work by spring 2027.