N.J. Stat. tit. 32, ch. 16

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 32:16-1 Parkway authorized; location; aid from federal government; acquisition of lands by gift, purchase or condemnation

In addition to the powers conferred by this subtitle, Palisades Interstate Park Commission is authorized to construct, maintain and operate a parkway on top of the Palisades, extending from the southerly line of the park already established to the New York State line and within one thousand feet westerly from the top or steep edge of the Palisades or the crest of the slope in places where the steep Palisades rocks are absent, and, for such purpose and the acquisition of the necessary lands therefor, may apply for and accept grants or other aid from the Federal emergency administration of public works, or other boards, officers or departments of the United States. For the purpose of laying out and establishing the parkway mentioned in this section, the commission may acquire by gift, purchase or condemnation any lands or rights in lands necessary for such objects and lying within the area described in this section; but, after a copy of the map required to be made by section 32:16-2 of this Title has been filed in the office of the county clerk of Bergen county pursuant to section 32:16-3 of this Title, the right to condemn lands shall not extend west of the westerly boundary line of the parkway as shown on the map. Amended by L.1939, c. 191, p. 565, s. 34.

N.J. Stat. § 32:16-2 Location of parkway; survey and map

Palisades Interstate Park Commission, before proceeding to condemn lands under authority of section 32:16-1 of this Title, shall determine upon the location of the parkway and the quantity of land to be included therein, and cause a survey thereof to be made, and a map showing the location of the parkway and the lands to be included therein, which map shall be kept in the office of the commission; provided, however, that so far as any such determination, survey or map shall heretofore have been made or caused to be made by the Board of Commissioners of Palisades Interstate Park the commission may adopt the action of said board in this respect in lieu of making or causing to be made a separate determination, survey or map. The map required by this section shall show the termini of the parkway, including the courses and distances, the names of the several owners or reputed owners, so far as the same can be ascertained, of the lands through which the parkway will pass, and the westerly boundary line of the parkway, and the streets or roads which may be included therein. For the purpose of making the necessary surveys the commission may enter upon the land or water of any person, doing no unnecessary damage to private or other property, and subject to responsibility for all damages which shall be done thereto. The commission shall not be obliged to disclose the location of the parkway, survey or maps to public inspection until it has taken proceedings to condemn the lands or rights therein necessary therefor. Amended by L.1939, c. 191, p. 565, s. 35.

N.J. Stat. § 32:16-3 Copy of map filed with county clerk of Bergen county

After the parkway has been completely constructed, a properly authenticated copy of the map on file in the office of Palisades Interstate Park Commission shall be filed in the office of the county clerk of Bergen county. Amended by L.1939, c. 191, p. 566, s. 36.

N.J. Stat. § 32:16-4 Alteration in location or boundary lines of parkway; changes shown on original map

Before the completion of the parkway Palisades Interstate Park Commission may, from time to time, make such alterations in the location or boundary lines of the parkway as may be found expedient and necessary. The map on file in the office of the commission shall record all such changes and alterations. Amended by L.1939, c. 191, p. 566, s. 37.

N.J. Stat. § 32:16-5 Procedure on condemnation

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission may take by condemnation, within the limits specified in section 32:16-1 of this Title, a fee simple or lesser estate or right in all the necessary lands and rights in lands, upon ascertainment and payment of compensation as prescribed by law. The proceedings for such condemnation shall be under chapter one of Title 20, Eminent Domain, (s. 20:1-1 et seq). Amended by L.1939, c. 191, p. 567, s. 38; L.1953, c. 31, p. 569, s. 17.

N.J. Stat. § 32:16-6 Entry upon lands in advance of condemnation; interest on award from date of entry

When the lands or rights in lands which the Palisades Interstate Park Commission seeks to obtain for the parkway cannot be acquired by agreement with the owner thereof, because of a disagreement as to the price to be paid, the legal incapacity or absence of the owner, or his inability to convey valid title thereto, or for any other cause, the commission may enter upon and take any of such property in advance of making compensation therefor. In any such case, the commission, upon exercising this right and entering upon and taking lands shall proceed without undue delay to condemn the lands so entered upon in the manner prescribed by section 32:16-5 of this Title; and, in any such case the amount of the judgment in the action shall bear interest from the date of the entry by the commission to the date of the payment of the award to the owner or into the court, as the case may be. Amended by L.1939, c. 191, p. 567, s. 39; L.1953, c. 31, p. 569, s. 18.

N.J. Stat. § 32:16-7 Conveyance of lands to United States

In addition to the powers conferred by this subtitle, Palisades Interstate Park Commission may grant and convey for a nominal consideration to the United States Government or any appropriate agency thereof, such parcels of any land or rights therein in this State, now owned by the commission or hereafter acquired by them on top of the Palisades, as may in its opinion be proper and necessary for the purpose of laying out and constructing a parkway on top of the Palisades. Amended by L.1939, c. 191, p. 568, s. 40.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026