Jersey City Municipal Council Regular Meeting - December 11, 2025

Note: The transcript of this meeting states the date as Wednesday, December 10, 2025, but the provided metadata indicates December 11, 2025. This summary uses the provided date.

The Jersey City Municipal Council held a regular meeting on December 11, 2025, beginning at 6:09 p.m. All nine council members were present. The meeting included recognition of two individuals/organizations, public hearings on several ordinances, extensive public comment on various issues, and votes on multiple resolutions and ordinances.

Recognition Items

• Resolution 25-820 (Item 10.51): Recognized Councilman Richard Boggiano's 50 years of public service with the city and designated the corner of Magnolia and Baldwin Avenue as "Richard Boggiano Junction." All council members spoke in praise, and the resolution was adopted unanimously (9-0).
• Resolution 25-821 (Item 10.52): Honored HUD Post on its 10th anniversary for its contributions to community journalism. The resolution was adopted unanimously (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christ Hospital/Ordinance 25-124: Over 20 residents, union representatives (HPAE, 1199J), and community advocates spoke in strong support of the ordinance to restrict medical zone uses to medical services. Many shared personal stories of care received at Christ Hospital, warned of the crisis from Hudson Regional Health's closure of inpatient services, and urged the council to protect the site. Several speakers also criticized the outgoing mayor’s administration and called for a full investigation.
• Council Rules/Ordinance 25-127: Multiple speakers, including Gina Davison, Erica Walker, and Catherine Moore, supported the ordinance but requested hybrid meeting access and accommodations for seniors. The city clerk clarified that remote voting would be electronic while physical attendance remains required.
• Parking Ordinance 25-128: Catherine Moore asked for immediate removal of no-parking signs on Steuben Street and relief for those ticketed due to a clerical error.
• Zoning Map Amendment 25-129: Attorneys for two property owners (Adam Lazarus, Charles Harrington) requested a deferral, stating they were not notified of a community meeting and that the planning board had not reviewed the amendment. They argued the vote was premature.
• Lease Ordinance 25-130: Catherine Moore requested that the Historic Preservation Commission be included in design reviews for the building at 335 Washington Street.
• Accessibility Committee 25-131: Speakers (Catherine Moore, Danielle, Sherry Singh) praised the ordinance but called for transparent appointment processes and representation from people with disabilities.
• Public Comment Period (Items 5.1–5.91): About 40 individuals addressed the council on a wide range of topics:
  • Tenant rights and enforcement: Multiple Portside Towers tenants and members of the Jersey City Tenants Union detailed years of alleged landlord noncompliance with rent control, security, and maintenance laws. They expressed frustration with the council’s inaction, though some acknowledged recent legislative steps. Many thanked outgoing members and called on Mayor-elect Solomon and the new council to enforce tenant protections.
  • Bird-friendly ordinance: Several speakers (Carol, Kim, Kevin, others) urged the council to override the mayor’s veto of Ordinance 25-123 on bird-friendly building standards. They cited data from the American Bird Conservancy showing no evidence of increased costs or housing delays in other cities.
  • Appointments and lame-duck actions: Speakers (Esther, Danielle, Joel, others) asked the council to vote no on resolutions 25-822 through 25-825 (reappointments to boards and authorities), arguing that the incoming administration should make those selections.
  • Other topics: Parking at light rail lots (David Clements), World Cup planning (Augusto), Hamilton Park restroom (Elna), community gardens (Karen), e-bike safety (Kevin), mental health crisis response (Bill Lillis), and concerns about the 50-story tower proposal at 156 Bay Street (Catherine Moore, Joseph Daniel, Bridget Siegel).

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 25-124 (Medical Zone Amendment): Introduced by Councilman Boggiano and Councilman Solomon. The ordinance removes senior housing and assisted living as permitted uses in the medical zone, intending to preserve the site for acute care after Christ Hospital’s inpatient services were shut down. The planning board had found the amendment inconsistent with the master plan, but council sponsors argued the medical district’s original purpose must take priority. Public hearing was held, and the council voted 8-0-1 (Councilman Soleil abstained) to adopt the ordinance. Councilman Soleil abstained due to his volunteer role on the Christ Hospital Board.
• Ordinance 25-127 (Council Rules): Public hearing held. Questions about hybrid meetings and senior sign-up were addressed. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (9-0).
• Ordinance 25-128 (Parking on Steuben Street): Public hearing. Catherine Moore explained the need to restore parking removed by a clerical error. The ordinance was adopted 8-1 (Councilman Boggiano voted no).
• Ordinance 25-129 (Zoning Map Amendment): Public hearing. Attorneys for property owners requested a deferral due to lack of notice. The council voted to defeat the ordinance (1-6-2) with only Councilman Rivera voting yes, Councilmen Hewlings and Boggiano abstaining.
• Ordinance 25-130 (Lease Agreement): Public hearing. Questions about historic preservation were raised. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (9-0).
• Ordinance 25-131 (Accessibility Advisory Committee): Public hearing. Councilman Soleil, the sponsor, noted this was his last act on the council. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (9-0).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 25-124 adopted (8-0-1) – medical zone restricted to medical uses.
• Ordinance 25-127 adopted (9-0) – council rules amended.
• Ordinance 25-128 adopted (8-1) – parking restored on Steuben Street.
• Ordinance 25-129 defeated (1-6-2) – zoning map amendment not passed.
• Ordinance 25-130 adopted (9-0) – lease agreement authorized.
• Ordinance 25-131 adopted (9-0) – Accessibility Advisory Committee established.
• Resolution 10.4 (parking at Liberty State Park light rail lot) – defeated (1-8).
• Resolution 10.16 (Powerhouse Arts District development plan) – defeated (0-9).
• Resolution 10.56 (MUA appointments) – defeated (0-8-1).
• All other resolutions (10.1-10.60 except as noted) were approved, mostly unanimously.
• The council adjourned at 11:09 p.m. with a motion by acclamation.