Great Falls Neighborhood Summit Showcases Revitalization Projects

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This past Saturday, NJCDC held its annual Great Falls Neighborhood Summit. The event brought together local residents, leaders, and stakeholders to showcase an impressive lineup of revitalization projects aimed at breathing new life into Paterson’s Great Falls Historic District. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear directly from those spearheading these developments and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of their community.

NJCDC Founder and CEO Bob Guarasci set the tone for the morning with an optimistic welcome, emphasizing the power of collaboration in making Paterson’s transformation a reality. Following his remarks, Mayor Andre Sayegh took the stage to echo this sentiment, celebrating the incredible potential these projects hold for the city’s future. "The Great Falls is not just a landmark," Mayor Sayegh said, "it symbolizes our city’s bright future. Together, we’re building a vibrant Paterson filled with great food and endless possibilities."

John Bartlett, Director of the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, led the presentation on the Passaic County Jail/Spruce Street Corridor Project. His engaging discussion detailed the $3.4 million demolition of the nearly 200-year-old jail, a monumental step in making way for new government offices and modernized public services. This project, combined with crucial pedestrian safety improvements along Spruce Street, aims to better connect residents to the heart of the Great Falls National Historical Park.

Next, Darren Boch of the National Park Service captivated the audience with his update on the Alexander Hamilton Visitor Center and the accompanying Falls Footbridge Project. Slated for completion by 2026, these developments will offer enhanced access to the park and stunning views of the falls. His presentation, filled with a sense of historical pride, was followed by Martin Vergara and Stephanie Cullins of the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson. They highlighted their ongoing community engagement programs, including the Great Falls Youth Corps, an innovative program that offers young people the chance to gain skills ranging from public speaking to historic preservation.

Bob then returned to the mic to share his vision for the Expansion of the Great Falls Youth Center, a project that will soon break ground. The expanded facility will offer an indoor gymnasium and more spaces for youth programming, serving as a vital resource for local teens. He then teamed up with NJCDC’s Chief Real Estate Development Officer Michael De Blasio to discuss plans for the Great Falls Youth Arts Center, which will transform the historic First Presbyterian Church on Main Street into a vibrant venue for youth performing arts.

John Oostdyk of Servant’s Heart Ministry, alongside Matt Wolfe of Lan Associates, then provided updates on the Great Falls Center (formerly the Glenro Building), which will become a 20,000-square-foot community hub. This center will be home to trade skills programs, a food hall, and educational spaces, poised to meet the needs of Paterson’s residents.

Next, Gianfranco Archimede from the City of Paterson presented on the Vistas Park Project, designed to create green recreational spaces while preserving the historic character of the neighborhood. Following those detailed remarks, Michael De Blasio presented NJCDC’s plans for a New Mixed-Use Development at the former Dr.'s Cave site on Spruce and Grand Streets, which will provide both retail space and affordable housing for local residents.

The event concluded with a presentation by NJCDC’s Special Assistant to the CEO/Director of Community Outreach Eddie Gonzalez on the Westside Park Renovation project, an exciting effort to transform the park into a safe and accessible space with modern amenities such as upgraded sports fields, a riverwalk, and picnic areas.  NJCDC has been working with the City and others to ensure local residents’ perspectives are part of the park’s redesign.

Throughout the summit, the energy in the room was palpable as project leaders shared their vision for a brighter, more inclusive Paterson. Residents had the opportunity to engage with speakers, ask questions, and contribute to the dialogue. It was clear that the revitalization of the Great Falls Neighborhood is not a top-down initiative — instead, it’s a collective effort shaped by the community.

As Bob closed the event, he reflected on the momentum building in Paterson, stating, “There are so many kernels ready to pop. The work we’re doing now will result in a city that’s more vibrant, inclusive, and showcases its rich history.”