Jersey City Municipal Council Regular Meeting - May 21, 2026

The Jersey City Municipal Council convened a regular meeting on May 21, 2026 at 6:04 p.m., with all nine council members present after Councilperson Gilmore arrived at 6:05 p.m. The meeting, which lasted until 9:19 p.m., saw the passage of two landmark tenant-protection ordinances addressing ratio utility billing systems (RUBS), a unanimous resolution honoring a local robotics team, and the defeat of a proposed cannabis consumption lounge license. Numerous residents spoke on topics including public safety, housing, parks, and municipal services.

Consent Calendar

• Ordenances 3.1–3.4 were introduced on first reading unanimously (9-0). Ordinance 3.3 was amended to set agenda deadlines: items due 12 days before each meeting, with an agenda meeting the next business day.
• Claims and addendum one were approved initially 8-0 (Gilmore absent) and later 9-0 after Gilmore's return.
• Resolutions 10.1–10.7, 10.10–10.12, 10.13–10.16, 10.18–10.20, 10.23, 10.24–10.26, 10.28–10.31 were all approved unanimously. 10.27 was withdrawn by the administration as it was under the bid threshold.

Public Comments & Testimony

• RUBS transparency ordinances (4.1 and 4.2): More than a dozen tenants and residents spoke in support, describing "black box" utility bills, inability to verify charges, and fear of hidden fees. Michelle Hirsch, a tenant association president, detailed landlord non-disclosure and a 15% common-area allocation change. One homeowner, Yvonne, opposed the ordinances, calling rent-controlled tenants "privileged" and urging council to address her own PSE&G bill comprising mostly fees.
• Public safety and fireworks: Laverne reported 30–40 kids with fireworks on MLK/Ocean Avenue, and no police presence. Councilperson Brooks acknowledged meeting with Director Ambrose; foot patrols were promised.
• Goya Foods/World Cup: Augusto asked council to request a public LGBTQ+ statement from Goya Foods, sponsor of the Flag Cities event. Councilperson Little offered to send a letter.
• Franklin Street bike lane: Yvonne claimed the city withheld a fire union study, and threatened legal action if information wasn't provided.
• 417 Communipaw redevelopment: Two residents urged reintroduction of a resolution to revise the redevelopment plan, arguing for more housing and tax revenue.
• Parks and fields: Eric Fleming, president of Jersey Lacrosse, reported fireworks and e-bike dangers at Barry Lane Park, and requested funding for park staff and restroom maintenance.
• Team Wilderness: Students and a parent advocated for expanding outdoor youth programs.
• Via service: Robert urged council to avoid eliminating the Via microtransit service, suggesting fare increases or service reductions instead.
• Animal shelter: Councilperson Zupa expressed regret over settling with Liberty Humane, speaking on the shelter's poor conditions.
• Miscellaneous: Speakers also addressed spray parks, density/ADU issues, budget suggestions, and the Liberty Science Center.

Discussion Items

• RUBS Ordinances: The council deliberated on ordinances 26-027 and 26-028. Councilperson Efros noted a full ban on RUBS was preempted by state law, so the council passed transparency and rent-control inclusion measures instead. All members spoke in favor, citing tenant rights and common-sense accountability.
• Cannabis Consumption Lounge (Resolution 26-300): The council defeated the license for "Other Side" dispensary on a 1-8 vote, with Councilperson Efros the sole yes. Members cited tax delinquency, the business being non-operational, and equity concerns for other dispensaries.
• Franklin Street Bike Lane Extension (10.21): Approved 8-0-1 (Lavaro abstained), with assurances the extension would not cause a full six-month delay.
• Other resolutions: Councilperson Lavaro voted no on 10.8 and 10.9 (related to a camera system and another contract) and on 10.22 (open-end contract with large increase), and abstained on 10.21.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 26-027 adopted unanimously (9-0): Requires landlords using RUBS to provide itemized utility billing details, allocation formulas, and contact information.
• Ordinance 26-028 adopted unanimously (9-0): Classifies RUBS charges as rent for rent-controlled units, preventing them from circumventing rent control caps.
• Robotics Team Resolution (10.3) passed unanimously: Honored Team 10997 from St. George and St. Shinuda Coptic Orthodox Church for earning Rookie All-Star and finalist awards at the FIRST robotics competition.
• Cannabis lounge license defeated (1-8): Resolution 26-300 failed; only Councilperson Efros voted in favor.
• Claims and addendum approved (8-0 initially, then 9-0).
• Resolutions 10.1–10.12 (excluding 10.3): 10.1–10.7, 10.10–10.12 passed 9-0; 10.8 and 10.9 passed 8-1 (Lavaro no).
• Resolutions 10.13–10.23: 10.13–10.16, 10.18–10.20, 10.23 passed 9-0; 10.21 passed 8-0-1; 10.22 passed 8-1; 10.17 defeated.
• Resolutions 10.24–10.31: 10.27 withdrawn; all others passed 9-0.
• Adjourned at 9:19 p.m.

Note: The transcript records the meeting date as May 20, 2026, but the official timestamp indicates May 21, 2026; this summary uses the official date.