WASHINGTON BOROUGH, N.J. (Warren County) — After nearly three years of applications and approvals, a community-led effort to paint a mural on the Railroad Avenue train trestle has received final approval from Norfolk Southern, organizers said.
Kristy Romanowski, who began pursuing the project in 2023, said the mural is expected to begin in May 2026 following approval from the railroad company.
The effort required multiple applications and revisions before organizers identified the correct approval process. Romanowski said the project also received letters of support from state Sen. Doug Steinhardt’s office and U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr.
Romanowski said she had reached out for assistance in reducing the railroad’s $1,600 application fee and that Norfolk Southern ultimately agreed to waive the cost.
In 2023, organizers issued a call to artists with guidelines for the mural, which were developed after discussions with the Washington Borough Council and the passage of a municipal resolution supporting the project. The mural is intended to reflect themes of nature and the borough’s history, including its connection to the Cornish Organ Factory.
Artist Sitki Dogan submitted a design in 2024 that has since been approved for the project.
Organizers are currently fundraising to support the mural and other community art initiatives. A tricky tray fundraiser is scheduled for March 28, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Belvidere Manor. Proceeds will go toward the mural project and additional community-based art programs.
More information is available at cccnj1.org.
