Jersey City Municipal Council Regular Meeting - June 11, 2026

(Note: The official meeting date provided is June 11, 2026, though the transcript references Wednesday, June 10, 2026. This summary adheres to the provided date.)

The Jersey City Municipal Council held a regular meeting on June 11, 2026, at 6:07 PM with all nine council members present. The meeting included a special welcome for international artists from the 2026 Voices International Festival, recognitions for a national spelling bee runner-up and a historic church, introduction and adoption of ordinances, extensive public comments, and votes on resolutions including a divestment from Citizens Bank.

Special Presentations

• Mayor James Solomon and Council welcomed 35 artists from Korea, Armenia, South Africa, Poland, Argentina, Spain, and England participating in the 2026 Voices International Festival, hosted by the Jersey City Theater Center. Executive Producer Olga Levina (spelled O L G A L E V I N A) and a representative from Sihung Art Center in Korea, Son Yung Jong, addressed the council about cultural exchange.
• The council unanimously approved Resolution 26-319 honoring Ishaan Gupta, a seventh grader at Frank R. Conwell Middle School 4, for placing as runner-up at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Gupta also co-authored a book and received praise from council members and the mayor.
• The council unanimously approved Resolution 26-320 recognizing Holy Rosary Church (oldest Italian parish in New Jersey) upon concluding its 140th anniversary year. Michael Toto, vice president of the parish council, accepted the resolution.

Consent Calendar

• Claims (items 9.1 through 9.x) were approved unanimously 9-0.
• Items 10.1 through 10.14 (with exceptions 10.5 and 10.6 deferred earlier and 10.12 withdrawn) were approved: 10.1 unanimous; 10.2 approved 8-0-1 (Councilperson Lavaro abstained); 10.3–10.11 and 10.13–10.14 unanimous 9-0.
• Items 10.15 through 10.24 approved unanimously 9-0.
• Items 10.25–10.28 and 10.32–10.35 approved unanimously 9-0.
• Items 10.29–10.31 approved 8-0 (Councilperson Little recused).
• Items 10.37–10.48 approved unanimously 9-0, including late items.

Public Comments & Testimony

Numerous residents addressed the council on a wide range of topics. Key positions included:

• Garfield Phase 1A/1B (Canal Crossing) Pilot: Multiple speakers expressed support or opposition. Esther argued the pilot would cost the city $55 million over 30 years versus conventional taxes and questioned voting on it given a $255 million deficit. Charlene echoed concerns and asked for comparisons to Bayfront, emphasizing homeownership over rentals. Jonathan and Ivan spoke in favor, noting the project would generate $1.85 million annually (vs. $62,000 currently) and provide 102 affordable units (20% at 50% AMI). Dante from the Waterfront Project supported the pilot, stating it enables deeply affordable units. Sam Conway and others urged support for union labor and local hiring. Council members noted support for the project's affordability but asked for more scrutiny.
• Monticello Avenue Safety and Quality of Life: Megan, Lynn, Jason, Adina, Kelly, and others described public drinking, drug activity, assault, and lack of enforcement. They requested a comprehensive safety plan and better communication from Councilman Gilmore. Councilman Gilmore responded, acknowledging concerns and emphasizing collaborative efforts with police and administration.
• Automated Parking Enforcement (Item 10.47): Some speakers, like Kevin Davis, raised concerns about privacy and the cost of tickets. Stephanie suggested alternatives like meter maids. Councilwoman Little urged inclusion of PII protection in the RFP. The administration introduced a replacement resolution for an RFP after discovering an undisclosed donation from an Automotus executive to the mayor and council members.
• Rent Control and Tenant Rights: Mark proposed closing loopholes in rent control that allow corporate landlords to evade coverage by using multiple LLCs. Kevin and Michelle criticized the rent leveling bureau’s enforcement, alleging violations at their buildings and questioning the city’s failure to freeze rents or impose fines.
• Port Liberte Ferry Subsidy: Jessica urged the council to maintain the ferry subsidy, stating residents pay $20-30 million in taxes but lack public transportation. Council President Ridley noted ongoing negotiations to preserve the service.
• Resident Physicians’ Contract: Alexa, an OB resident at Jersey City Medical Center, supported Resolution 10.4 urging fair wages for residents and fellows, citing 80-hour weeks and low pay. Councilman Efros sponsored the resolution.
• Citizens Bank Divestment: Many speakers, including council members, supported the late resolution (10.48) to divest city funds from Citizens Bank due to its financing of private prisons and detention centers (e.g., Delaney Hall). The administration confirmed the process had begun.
• Other topics: Laverne discussed affordable housing renewal burdens and enforcement of grilling ordinances. Yvonne criticized rent control laws as reducing rental housing. Gidget Terry (Lady G’s restaurant) requested an entertainment license, alleging harassment. Danielle and others called for stronger enforcement against blighted properties. Several speakers urged safer streets, bike lanes, and traffic enforcement. Hope Smart requested timely reimbursement from the opioid settlement fund; the administration committed to a resolution at the next meeting.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of Ordinances (3.1–3.16): All 16 ordinances were introduced unanimously 9-0. Notable discussions included:
  • 3.5 and 3.15: Amendments to temporarily extend alcohol and sidewalk café hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Councilman Zupa noted a pledge to reduce the daily fee from $100 to a one-time administrative fee; corporation counsel confirmed a reduction would not be a material change.
  • 3.11: Establishing a legislative council for the municipal council. The administration expressed constitutional concerns and proposed a working group with Council President Ridley, Councilman Zupa, and another member to explore alternative legislation.
  • 3.13 and 3.14: 30-year tax exemptions for Garfield Phase 1A and 1B (Canal Crossing) providing 59 and 45 affordable units (at 50% AMI). Council members expressed support for affordability but requested more financial details; Councilman Lavaro noted the schools would receive 10% via a companion ordinance.
  • 3.12: Ordinance establishing transparency standards for ward redistricting, praised by speakers.
• Adoption of Second Reading Ordinances:
  • 4.1 (Bright Street franchise) adopted 9-0.
  • 4.2 (easement for park at 95 Morgan) adopted 9-0 after clarification that the easement is permanent.
  • 4.3 (ordinance 26-031) was defeated 0-9 because it was superseded by introduced ordinance 3.7.
  • 4.4 (World Cup permit hours) adopted 9-0.
• Late Items (10.46–10.48):
  • 10.46: Emergency resolution waiving 20-day enactment period for a second-reading ordinance (requires 6 votes).
  • 10.47: Replacement resolution calling for an RFP for camera-assisted parking enforcement, after undisclosed donation issue.
  • 10.48: Resolution to begin divestment from Citizens Bank, introduced by Councilman Brooks and Efros.
• Contract Approvals: Council members raised concerns about backdated IT contracts (e.g., 10.16, 10.19 starting in January 2026). The administration acknowledged the problem and is working to prevent future occurrences.
• Withdrawals: Items 10.12 and 10.36 were withdrawn.

Key Outcomes

• All first-reading ordinances (3.1–3.16) introduced unanimously (9-0).
• Second-reading ordinances adopted: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4 approved 9-0; 4.3 defeated 0-9.
• Claims approved 9-0.
• Resolutions: 10.1–10.14 (with exceptions) approved; 10.15–10.24 approved 9-0; 10.25–10.28 and 10.32–10.35 approved 9-0; 10.29–10.31 approved 8-0; 10.37–10.48 approved 9-0.
• Late items 10.46–10.48 added to agenda and approved 9-0.
• Items 10.5 and 10.6 deferred earlier, approved separately.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:57 PM by acclamation.