Elberon Train Station Parking Lot May Be Resurfaced; New Park Next To Elberon Library Proposed

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. secured $250,000 in federal funding, to be spent on the redesign and resurfacing of the Elberon train station public parking lot, along with the creation of a small public park adjacent to the library there.

However, the federal funding bill is awaiting the Senate's and President Donald Trump's approval, and is not secured yet.

The park will have grass, trees, seating areas with benches and wooden swings, bike racks and upgraded lighting. As part of the project, the historic Garfield Tea House will be relocated to the new library park.

The project also includes improvements along Lincoln Avenue, following a historically significant route that connects the Elberon train station to the Church of the Seven Presidents. The corridor traces the path President James Garfield traveled in 1881 after being shot in Washington, D.C., when local residents constructed a temporary railroad spur to transport him to Elberon to recover. The Garfield Tea House was built using railroad ties from the emergency rail line.

The city of Long Branch is also coordinating with NJ Transit to create a small exhibit inside the Elberon train station highlighting the area’s history and Garfield’s time in Long Branch.

“This funding will help Long Branch improve safety and accessibility around the Elberon train station and library while creating new public space for the community,” said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone.

“By upgrading public space near the train station and library, this project strengthens the Elberon neighborhood and makes the area more usable for residents, commuters and visitors," said Pallone.