Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - August 2, 2023

The Newark Municipal Council held a regular meeting on August 2, 2023, beginning at 5:45 PM. The meeting included public hearings on multiple ordinances, adoption of numerous resolutions, and a public hearing on the 2023 municipal budget. Extensive public comment was heard on issues including tax abatements, rent control, affordable housing, inclusionary zoning, and the proposed zoning overhaul.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tax Abatements and Affordable Housing: Multiple speakers, including Lisa Parker, Deborah Salters, and Munirah El-Bomani, opposed the 30-year tax abatement for 289-301 Washington Street (HALO Phase III), arguing it provides no municipal or school tax revenue and lacks project labor agreements. They demanded an independent investigation of the tax abatement program and expressed frustration over the lack of affordable housing for Newark residents.
• Rent Control and Unconscionable Rent Increases: Several residents, including Shivani Hurry, Milagro Blanco, and Maria Dassuls, supported the 5% cap on rent increases and objected to revising the ordinance to remove it. They noted that many tenants lack legal representation and cannot navigate the court system. Small landlord Natalia Villanueva and others argued that small property owners need to raise rents to cover rising costs. Donna Jackson and Nelson Cross highlighted the burden on tenants and the backlog of eviction cases.
• Inclusionary Zoning: Kim Gaddy and Asada Rashidi from the South Ward Environmental Alliance presented a detailed analysis of proposed zoning changes, warning that the draft would weaken environmental protections, reduce open space, and increase density without ensuring affordable housing. They called for more community input and a slower process.
• Other Issues: Colleen Fields reported police misconduct, Debra Salters criticized the fire department’s training and staffing, and multiple speakers voiced concerns about code enforcement, rodent infestations, and unsafe street conditions.

Discussion Items

• Ordinances on First Reading (6F-a, 6F-b): Both passed unanimously. 6F-a adds Bloomfield Avenue to the residential parking permit program. 6F-b authorizes acceptance of quitclaim deeds for reverted properties.
• Public Hearings – Second Reading Ordinances:
  • 6PSF-a (Revaluation): Authorizes $4 million for a citywide property revaluation, the first in 13 years. Business Administrator Pennington explained it will ensure equitable tax distribution. Passed unanimously.
  • 6PSF-b (Blanchard Street Redevelopment): Amends prior agreement to change from a biogas facility to warehouse and solar energy. Deputy Mayor Ladd noted $5.45 million in remediation costs justify the reduced sale price. Passed unanimously.
  • 6PSF-c (Tree Removal Permits): Requires permits and replacement trees for private property removals. Councilman Quintana sponsored. Passed unanimously.
  • 6PSF-d (Taxi Fare Increase): Adjusts taxi rates for the first time since 2007. Passed unanimously.
  • 6PSF-e (Tax Abatement – Washington Street): Grants 30-year tax abatement to 289-301 Washington Street for a residential tower with 234 market-rate and 58 affordable units. The city will receive $739,494 annually. Passed 6-1 (Council member abstained, Scott-Rountree absent).
  • 6PSF-f (Shared Dockless Vehicles): Updates regulations for scooters and bikes. Director Martinez-Wood clarified they are not allowed on sidewalks. Passed unanimously.
  • 6PSF-g (Inclusionary Zoning): Amends zoning to give the city a 90-day exclusive right to fill affordable units, creates an administrative agent and lottery process. Deputy Mayor Ladd emphasized it aims to prevent discrimination and ensure Newark residents get units. Passed unanimously.
  • 6PSF-h (Unconscionable Rent Increase): Removes the 5% cap and shifts determination to courts. Corporate counsel explained the process. Passed 6-1 (one abstention).
  • 6PSF-i (Rent Control Definitions): Expands rent control to cover owner-occupied 1-4 unit properties. Councilman Ramos opposed, arguing it penalizes small landlords while exempting luxury buildings. Passed on a split vote (5-3, with one absent).
  • 6PSF-j (Window Guards): Requires landlords to install window guards for units with children under 10. Passed unanimously.
  • 6PSF-k (Pequannock Aqueduct): $22 million bond for rehabilitation. Deferred by consent.
• Resolutions (7R1-7R9): Over 40 resolutions were adopted, including:
  • Temporary emergency appropriation of $59.3 million (7R1-a).
  • Various bid contracts for maintenance, artificial turf, playground, traffic signals, etc.
  • Private sale/redevelopment agreements for affordable housing and commercial properties.
  • HIV/AIDS service contracts with multiple organizations.
  • Professional services for the Newark Bike Plan and pedestrian program.
  • Settlement of workers’ compensation and civil litigation.
  • Appointments to the African Commission and Municipal Court (Judge Elias confirmed).
• Communications: Two traffic ordinances (stop signs) adopted on first reading; a 20-year tax abatement for 14 Merchant Street also advanced.
• Budget Hearing (7R8G): The 2023 Municipal Budget was presented with an average tax increase of $109 per household. After public comment, the budget was adopted (8-0).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances Adopted on Second Reading: 6PSF-a through 6PSF-f, 6PSF-g, 6PSF-h, 6PSF-i, 6PSF-j passed; 6PSF-k deferred.
• Resolutions: All resolutions except those mentioned as deferred or returned were adopted. 7R2-a (Yes Newark 616) was returned to administration; 7R2-c (Madison Investors) deferred; 8-a (appointment to African Commission) deferred.
• Appointments: Derwin Beckles, Innocent Okems Okemenzie, Anthony Afolo, and Temitope Kudirat Adeshina (pending) to the African Commission; Sybil M. Elias as Municipal Court Judge confirmed.
• Budget: The 2023 municipal budget was approved with a minimal tax increase, funding city operations through August and beyond.
• Next Steps: The council will hold a special meeting on August 8, 2023. The public hearing on the budget concluded the regular meeting.