PATERSON, NJ — The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners introduced an ordinance at its June 9th meeting approving a lease agreement with the Passaic County Improvement Authority in connection with the financing of a major redevelopment of the former Passaic County Jail site located at 11 Marshall Street in the City of Paterson. In 2022, the County of Passaic entered into one of the largest shared services agreement with the County of Bergen whereby Bergen would provide correctional services to Passaic County.
Thereafter, the Passaic County Jail was demolished, creating cost savings for Passaic County taxpayers and providing flexibility for the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office to deploy more public safety personnel in our communities to protect Passaic County families. The multi-purpose County facility will bring together several County departments under one roof, including the Passaic County Board of Social Services, County Clerk, Superintendent of Elections, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and Passaic County Probation Department.
“This project is about meeting people where they are and delivering County services in a way that is more efficient, more accessible and more cost-effective,” said Commissioner Director Sandi Lazzara. “By consolidating key operations at 11 Marshall Street, we are improving how residents interact with their government, strengthening public safety in the heart of Paterson and making responsible financial decisions that benefit taxpayers countywide.”
A central component of the development is the consolidation of multiple elections-related offices into one accessible location. By housing voter registration, election administration and related services together, the County aims to make it easier for residents to register, vote and receive accurate information, particularly during peak election periods.
“This consolidation removes barriers for voters,” said Danielle Ireland-Imhof, Passaic County Clerk. “Having elections services in one centralized, accessible location helps residents navigate the process more easily, ask questions in person and continue to participate confidently in our democratic process.”
The facility will also include a new Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division HUB, enhancing law enforcement presence in downtown Paterson while providing space to process inmates more efficiently. County officials say the HUB will improve operational effectiveness while contributing to a safer and more active downtown corridor.
“The new Correction Division HUB is a significant investment in helping to improve public safety for Paterson and adjacent communities,” said Sheriff Thomas Adamo. “Having a renewed law enforcement presence at 11 Marshall Street allows the agency and local Police Departments to deploy resources in a more timely and strategic manner. Investments like this certainly helps make Passaic County a safe place to live and work.”
The project will allow the County to construct a new Probation Office, enabling officials to exit an existing leased space and generate long-term cost savings. Additional space will house Board of Social Services operations, creating a more welcoming and functional environment for residents seeking assistance.
By bringing these services together, the County expects improved coordination, reduced overhead costs and better outcomes for residents, particularly those who rely on critical social services.
“This development is a win for residents and a win for Paterson’s business community,” said Deputy-Director Commissioner Orlando Cruz. “More County employees and visitors downtown means increased foot traffic for local shops and restaurants, while modern, centralized services help residents get what they need more efficiently. This is how smart government investment can support economic vitality.”
County leaders emphasized that locating this facility in downtown Paterson reflects a broader strategy to anchor government services in walkable, transit-accessible areas, supporting local businesses and reinforcing the city’s role as a civic and economic center.
Construction of the new development at 11 Marshall Street is expected to begin later this year.
Media Contact:
Lindsay Reed
Public Information Officer, Passaic County
Lindsayr@passaiccountynj.org
