Jersey City Municipal Council Meeting – September 24, 2026

The Jersey City Municipal Council held its regular meeting on September 24, 2026, commencing at 6:04 p.m. on September 23 and adjourning at 12:42 a.m. on September 24. All nine council members were present. The agenda included first reading of two ordinances, second reading of several ordinances, numerous resolutions, and a public speaking portion. Key discussions centered on tax abatement policies, a major redevelopment project at Canal Crossing, and the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a pocket park acquisition.

Consent Calendar

• Nepal Heritage Month (Resolution 26-584): Unanimously adopted (9-0) to recognize September as Nepal Heritage Month in Jersey City, honoring the contributions of the Nepali community and standing in solidarity with those affected by flooding in Nepal.
• Recognition of Prancho Prajapati (Resolution 26-586): Unanimously adopted (9-0) to honor a 17-month-old resident who completed the Jersey City Free Public Library's "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program on May 18, 2026.
• Second Reading Ordinances (4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.11): Adopted unanimously (9-0) – including amendments to billboard regulations, fees, parking restrictions on Bergen Avenue and Academy Street, extension of residential parking zone 8, disabled parking spaces, and creation of parking zone 12 on Clifton Place.
• Resolutions 10.1–10.13 and 10.15–10.36: Approved unanimously (9-0) – covering various administrative matters, including acceptance of 2025–2026 CDBG funds and a resolution supporting better light rail service.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Yvonne Bolson (multiple appearances) opposed tax abatements, arguing they shift tax burdens to homeowners and citing a state report stating Jersey City could have collected $68 million more in revenue without abatements. She also criticized CDBG fund usage for the Glenwood Avenue park purchase and expressed concerns about immigration's impact on housing costs.
• Union members and apprentices (Local 24 Plumbers, Local 253 Carpenters, and others) spoke in strong support of the Canal Crossing project, highlighting the need for union jobs, affordable housing, and local hiring. Several described how union careers transformed their lives.
• Community advocates for the Glenwood Avenue pocket park (McGinley Square Community Board members, St. Aidan's parishioners, and residents) urged the council to purchase the lot at 128 Glenwood Avenue to restore a community garden and green space, emphasizing its value for food security, mental health, and neighborhood cohesion. They noted the site had been a garden for over a decade.
• Opponents of the park purchase (Kevin Davis, Ivan Obade, Akshay Varma, and others) argued the $1.2 million price was inflated, the lot was too small, and the funds could be better used for other CDBG-eligible projects like street improvements or mental health facilities. Some alleged the purchase would block housing development and set a bad precedent.
• Tenant advocates (Michelle Harsh, Sonia Kirchner, and others) called for repeal of the Chapter 218 exemption that allows large buildings to substitute security cameras for uniformed guards, citing safety concerns. They also requested full rent history disclosure for tenants.
• Residents of Ward F (Leslie Bailey, Quinn) expressed frustration with overcrowded schools (PS 16) and urged the council to consider school capacity when approving new developments like the Powerhouse Arts District amendment.
• Councilman Joel Brooks addressed a public accusation about unpaid parking tickets and a license suspension, stating he had paid the fees and would not drive until receiving written confirmation.

Discussion Items

• First Reading – Ordinance 3.1 (Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan Amendment): Introduced and passed (9-0). The amendment allows the developer of 127 Morgan Street to choose between two options: 20 stories with 15% affordable housing and community benefits (including nonprofit arts space and street safety improvements), or 27 stories with 20% affordable housing. Council members highlighted the inclusion of deeply affordable units, union labor, and community benefits.
• First Reading – Ordinance 3.2 (Tax Abatement Modifications): Defeated on introduction (3-6). The ordinance would have amended the five-year tax exemption program. Council members expressed concerns about insufficient information, potential transfers of abatements to new owners, and a tight timeline tied to a sunset provision. The administration noted the ordinance was needed to continue granting abatements in 2026.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 4.1 (Education Infrastructure Capital Fund): Adopted unanimously (9-0). The ordinance dedicates 10% of future PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) revenues to capital improvements for Jersey City public schools. Councilman Lavaro noted the gap between projected school costs from new development and the 10% contribution.
• Second Reading – Ordinances 4.2 and 4.3 (Canal Crossing Tax Exemptions – Phases 1A and 1B): Both adopted 7-0-2 (Councilmembers Gilmore and Council President Ridley abstained). The project at 850–902 Garfield Avenue will transform a contaminated brownfield into 530 units (20% affordable, including units at 30% AMI), with a 33,000 sq ft public park, local commercial space, and 100% union labor. Supporters cited the need for affordable housing and jobs; opponents criticized tax abatements as burdensome.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 4.9 (Bond Reappropriation): Adopted 8-1 (Councilperson Little abstained). The ordinance reappropriates $2,622,000 in excess bond proceeds for capital improvements, including parkland and fire equipment. Councilman Lavaro requested future reallocation ordinances include the source of original funds.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 4.10 (Acquisition of 128 Glenwood Avenue): Public hearing held; ordinance tabled and accompanying resolution (26-593) withdrawn after the developer agreed to a two-week extension. The council debated whether to use $1 million in CDBG funds plus $230,000 in city bonds to buy the lot for a pocket park/community garden. Proponents cited community benefits and urgent need to spend expiring CDBG funds to avoid penalties; opponents argued the price was inflated and the funds could be used for other urgent needs. Councilman Zupa noted the administration had not provided clear information about CDBG deadlines, leading to a decision to defer for two weeks.
• Late Items – Resolutions 10.35 and 10.36: Added to the agenda and approved. 10.35 reappointed Daryl G. Laval to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; 10.36 adopted reasons for an amendment to the Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan (127 Morgan Street) inconsistent with the planning board recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 3.2 (Tax Abatement Modifications) defeated on introduction (3-6), meaning the current five-year tax exemption program will expire unless a new ordinance is passed before the October deadline.
• Canal Crossing pilot ordinances (4.2, 4.3) adopted (7-0-2) – a landmark project with 20% affordable housing, union labor, and a 10% PILOT contribution to schools.
• Glenwood Avenue park acquisition deferred for two weeks after the developer agreed to extend the deadline. The council will revisit the matter at its October 7 meeting, with the administration expected to provide a complete list of CDBG-eligible projects and clarification on spending deadlines.
• Council committed to seeking independent investigation of Councilman Brooks' driving record after public allegations.
• Multiple directives issued to the administration: provide detailed CDBG spending timelines, improve communication on grant applications, and ensure enforcement of Chapter 218 security guard requirements in large residential buildings.
• Next steps: The council will consider the Glenwood Avenue ordinance and resolution on October 7, 2026. The rent protection special investigation committee will meet on October 10, 2026.