Jersey City Municipal Council Meeting – September 11, 2026

The Jersey City Municipal Council met on September 11, 2026, at 6:14 p.m. in City Hall. Seven of nine council members were present (Councilpersons Little and Singh absent). The meeting included first and second reading ordinances, public hearings, a series of resolutions, and extensive public comment. Key topics included the acquisition of 128 Glenwood Avenue for a community garden, security staffing at Portside Towers, complaints against Veolia water billing practices, and honoring local residents and former Mayor Glendale Cunningham.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3.9 (parking zone amendment) and 10.43 (resolution honoring Jacqueline Jeter) were added to the agenda by a 7-0 vote.
• Items 3.1, 10.17, and 10.11 were withdrawn by the administration.
• Several ordinance introductions and resolutions were approved en bloc without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 128 Glenwood Avenue (Migrant Community Garden): Multiple speakers supported the city’s planned purchase of the property for a park. Nathan McCormick (McGinley Square Community Board) noted the garden has existed for 20 years and that CDBG funds from 2022 would otherwise expire. Kevin Weller (jokingly) opposed, arguing the $1.2 million price tag (appraised at $475,000) was too high for a garden and that housing or tax base would be better. Others (Natalie Limone, MG Riley, others) argued the garden serves food access, youth education, and community cohesion and that the CDBG money is specifically designated and time-limited.
• Portside Towers Security: Multiple tenants (Renetta, Sylvia, Daniel, Vanya, David, Jessica, Susanna, etc.) urged the council to eliminate the exemption in Chapter 218 that allows large buildings to opt out of requiring a licensed uniformed security guard. They described incidents of violence, broken locks, AI phone responses, and a lawsuit by the landlord against the city. Several asked the council to repeal Section 218-1D.
• Veolia (JCMUA) Billing Complaints: William Santiago and another resident reported being charged thousands of dollars in “compliance fees” and penalties for meters that were inaccessible or broken, even on properties with no water usage, leading to tax liens. They requested an independent investigation and suspension of enforcement until review. Councilperson Gilmore and others expressed frustration and pledged to look into the city’s ability to regulate the autonomous MUA.
• Other speakers: Laverne promoted a community back-to-school/church event. Tina Knowles criticized broken promises on affordable housing and called for honest leadership. Edward recalled 9/11 experiences and urged unity. Catherine discussed traffic striping and future development impacts on Ward E. Kevin Weller (on rent control) thanked the city for launching a rent control mapping tool. Sylvia and others reiterated security concerns. Adrian (32BJ) urged approval of a cleaning contract with Tux, noting it supports union jobs and family healthcare.
• Glendale Cunningham Day: Several speakers (Senator McKnight, Robert, Tony Cunningham) praised the resolution designating September 16th as Senator/Mayor Glendle D. Cunningham Day, recalling his leadership post-9/11 and his legacy.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 26-067 (Bond Reappropriation): A public hearing was held. Esther Whitner questioned whether the $3.4 million from a prior bond would zero out accounts that could have funded library repairs. Administration noted accounts were zeroed out. Another resident (Yvonne Balser) criticized overbonding and urged debt reduction.
• Ordinance 26-069 (Police Off-Duty Program): Councilperson Brooks asked about personnel impact and daily operations. The Business Administrator could not provide details, so questions were submitted for tracking.
• Resolution 10.1 (Fiscal MOU with State): Councilperson Lavaro explained that the loan terms require a five-year fiscal recovery plan approved by council, with state oversight of tax abatements, PILOTs, and workforce review. He noted the $60,000 annual cost for maintaining Route 139 parklets (item 10.18) and questioned taking on new expenses amid fiscal oversight.
• Resolution 10.21 (Cannabis Dispensary): The applicant, a former council member, employs 20 Jersey City residents and planned to hire 10 more. Community feedback was positive. Councilperson Lavaro noted the market is oversaturated citywide but the specific area (Ward D) had few dispensaries. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances Introduced (3.2–3.9): Approved 7-0 on first reading.
• Second Reading Ordinances (4.1–4.4): All adopted 7-0 (or 6-0 for 4.1 while Gilmore absent, then later recorded as 7-0).
• Public Hearings: Closed and approved for West Side Avenue SID and McGinley Square SID assessments.
• Resolutions:
  • 10.6: Designated September 16th as Senator/Mayor Glendle D. Cunningham Day (7-0).
  • 10.8: Honored Kira Barth (B-Girl Crazy) for representing the U.S. at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (7-0).
  • 10.43: Honored Jacqueline Jeter, Miss New Jersey Senior America 2026 (7-0).
  • 10.1 (Fiscal MOU): Approved 7-0 with council commitment to oversight.
  • 10.18 (Route 139 maintenance): Withdrawn for additional review.
  • Remaining resolutions (10.14-16, 10.19-20, 10.22-23, 10.24-35, 10.36-42) approved en bloc with noted discussion.
• Claims and Addendums: Approved 7-0.
• Adjournment: 9:34 p.m.