Jersey City Municipal Council Meeting – February 26, 2026

The Jersey City Municipal Council met on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (recorded as February 26 per official notice) at 6:08 p.m. All nine council members were present, achieving a quorum. The meeting included the addition of late agenda items, introduction and adoption of ordinances, public hearings, extensive public comment, and votes on resolutions. Key topics included a transitional aid application, a payroll tax administrative fee, a Franklin Street safety project, kindergarten relocation at PS16, bird-friendly design standards, and a cannabis dispensary proposal.

Late Items & Procedural Motions

• Agenda items 3.5, 3.6, and 10.26 were added by a 9-0 vote.
• Items 3.1 and 3.4 were withdrawn by the administration.
• Agenda item 10.3 (Chinese New Year resolution) was deferred and unanimously adopted after public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• PS16 Kindergarten Relocation to Danforth: Numerous parents and children spoke against moving kindergarten from the PS16 annex to the Danforth building, citing long bus rides (20–30+ minutes), safety concerns (asbestos, gun shop nearby), disruption to community, and lack of planning. Several speakers noted 9,000+ residential units added downtown without corresponding school capacity. Parents demanded a permanent neighborhood school and transparency.
• Franklin Street One-Way & Protected Bike Lane: Over a dozen residents, including representatives from Bike JC and Hudson County Complete Streets, urged support for ordinance 3.2. They cited 800+ petition signatures, a $680,000 state grant, safety data (Franklin Street is on the city's High Injury Network), and that traffic deaths in 2025 (6 fatalities, 45 serious injuries) far exceeded fire deaths. Concerns from the fire department were addressed through design modifications.
• Payroll Tax 3% Administrative Fee (Ordinance 26-006): Several speakers (Ivan Bolson, Noemi Velasquez, Matt Schneider, Jim Nelson, Taylor, David Putnins) offered perspectives. Some opposed the full 3% as a loss to schools; others supported it as necessary to improve tax compliance. Matt Schneider, a BOE trustee, requested an MOU for transparency. Taylor, a finance analyst, recommended automation. The council discussed the percentage cap and reporting.
• Bird-Friendly Glass Ordinance: Speakers Jonathan Schwedell and Lauren Morse debated the ordinance's costs and benefits. Schwedell supported the concept but urged exceptions for affordable housing and alternative methods. Morse emphasized that costs are typically under 1% and the ordinance is urgently needed to prevent bird collisions.
• Cannabis Dispensary at 415 Monmouth Street (Resolution 10.18): Residents and church leaders (Alex Paez, Amir Ismael) opposed the dispensary, citing proximity to a daycare (180 feet away), existing density of dispensaries (7 within 10 blocks), and building insurance concerns. Jamie Moran, owner of Warrior Weed, supported it, emphasizing veteran benefits and community support.
• Portside Towers Tenant Issues: Multiple tenants (Kevin Weller, Erica Blanco, Barbara Goldberg, Tara Smythe, Mark, Danilo Kirshner, others) addressed ongoing building safety, billing fraud (RUBS), rent control violations, and the council president's request to reduce their speaker numbers. They cited First Amendment concerns and noted 300+ days of daily reports. The council president responded, stating the request was not a limitation but a suggestion.
• Youth Engagement: Paveet Takar, a 12-year-old, proposed a youth liaison position to help kids implement environmental projects. The council expressed support.
• Other Topics: Laverne Washington requested space for furniture donation; Gina Davidson opposed a bollard ordinance; Catherine Moore raised environmental concerns about 95 Morgan Street; various speakers supported Franklin Street bike lane, opposed the dispensary, or called for school capacity planning.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 26-006 (Payroll Tax Administration): Council debated the 3% cap. The administration argued it is needed to fund compliance efforts (an RFP for software is out) and noted payroll tax revenues fluctuated from $66.8M (2021) to $103.7M (2024). After discussion, council voted to adopt, with some members signaling intent to revisit the percentage via future amendments.
• Ordinance 26-007 (Bollard at 1075 West Side Ave): A lit bollard requested by Avenir West Side Square LLC. Councilmember Zupa confirmed the developer pays for electricity and that the design was coordinated with infrastructure. Adopted 9-0.
• Ordinance 26-008 (Bird-Friendly Design): Replaced by newly introduced 3.6; council voted 9-0 to defeat it. A public hearing on 3.6 will occur March 11.
• Resolution 10.26 (Transitional Aid Application): The administration requested authority to apply for state transitional aid, potentially over $100 million, due to a structural deficit. Council expressed concerns about state oversight (a monitor with veto power over hiring, procurement, etc.) and the late submission. Ultimately approved 9-0 after some members voiced reservations.
• Resolution 10.18 (Cannabis Dispensary): After public opposition and concerns about density and proximity to a daycare, the resolution was defeated 0-9.
• Resolution 10.25 (EV Charging): Withdrawn after councilmember Griffin requested more information on revenue and costs. The RFP committee recommended a vendor; some members wanted to explore higher-revenue options.
• Resolution 10.17 (Journal Square Redevelopment Plan): Approved unanimously, with councilmember Zupa highlighting it as a step toward affordable housing.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Unanimously: Resolutions 10.1-10.10, 10.12-10.16, 10.17, 10.20-10.24, 10.26; Ordinances 26-004 (95 Morgan St), 26-006 (payroll tax), 26-007 (bollard).
• Defeated Unanimously: Ordinance 26-008 (bird-friendly glass) and Resolution 10.18 (cannabis dispensary).
• Withdrawn: Resolution 10.25 (EV charging) on a 7-2 vote; will be resubmitted.
• Abstentions: Councilmember Brooks abstained on 10.19; Councilmember Singh abstained on 10.11.
• Next Steps: The public hearing on ordinance 3.6 (bird-friendly design) will be held March 11, 2026. The transitional aid application will be filed by February 27. The council will continue discussions on PS16 school capacity, Franklin Street safety, and rent-leveling board appointments.
• First Amendment Clarification: Corporation counsel affirmed the council's actions were lawful and will provide a legal memo on public comment rules.