Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting – May 22, 2024

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on May 22, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting covered a wide range of public concerns, including police responsiveness, housing conditions at the Riviera Hotel, the library budget, AI cameras in schools, and tax abatements for development projects. The council voted on numerous resolutions and ordinances, deferred several items, and heard extensive public testimony.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Salters criticized police non-response to peeping incidents and loitering by delivery workers, urged council members to be more responsive, and raised concerns about electioneering in schools and parking authority issues.
• Linda McDonald-Carter questioned the city’s emergency preparedness plan, citing recent earthquakes, train derailments, and fires. She urged the city to issue survival kits and mandate fire escapes and basements in new construction.
• Maryam Bey described inhumane conditions at the Riviera Hotel shelter, including overcrowding, lack of programs, theft of belongings, and mistreatment of residents with mental health issues. She called for a monitor and accountability.
• Nadirah Brown highlighted housing instability, lack of communication from the council, and the need for town halls. She thanked Councilwoman Scott-Rountree for responsiveness.
• Lisa Mitchelson-Parker accused the administration and council of corruption, self-service, and ignoring residents. She criticized the electoral process, tax abatements, and the banning of Muslims at meetings.
• Myles Zhang presented data showing the Newark Public Library’s budget declined 50% adjusted for inflation since 2007. He urged a $5–10 million increase, noting the city’s overall tax revenue grew 80%.
• Evelyn Fabian (library social worker) advocated for increased library funding, citing the library’s role as a refuge for vulnerable populations and the mental health toll on staff.
• Deborah Mapson refuted claims by the director of homeless services about the Riviera Hotel, alleging lies and lack of accountability. She demanded that property owners be held responsible.
• Latoya Jackson-Tucker shared her husband’s police abuse and called for reform of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, highlighting the need for re-entry support and community oversight.
• Tanisha Garner opposed the planned $12 million AI camera system in schools, citing racial bias in facial recognition and lack of community input. She requested a public meeting.
• Fahkeira Bradley spoke about being evicted from L&M management after being attacked by security. She asked the city for help finding a unit and recovering her voucher.
• Opal R. Wright referenced the Dodd-Frank Act and consumer protection, though her time expired.
• Rodney Davis complained about missing street signs and incompetence in the Traffic and Signals Department, urging the council to stop taking blame.
• Joscelyn Moore urged the council to work with the community and suggested a flea market for entrepreneurs.
• Alif Muhammad alleged corruption at the Newark Housing Authority, including hiring of the mayor’s sister and improper deals with developers.
• Donna Jackson criticized Council President McIver for not appearing in court, accused the council of doing nothing, and demanded accountability for sexual harassment cases and police presence.
• Cassandra Dock accused Council President McIver of being bought and lying, and predicted her downfall. She also questioned the tax abatement for the Indigo hotel, alleging it was already renovated.
• Felicia Alston-Singleton defended her relative and accused the council of corruption, demanding an investigation into missing $8 million at the housing authority.
• Nelson Croft asked for clarification on rent increase limits under the city’s ordinance and thanked Councilman Council for addressing building issues.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 6PSF-a (Intermodal Container Lot License) was deferred by the council at the administration’s request, pending coordination with the state. Councilman Silva and Ramos expressed concerns about impacts on businesses and jobs, and requested a meeting with stakeholders.
• Ordinance 6PSF-b (30-year tax abatement for Broad Street Ventures) – The former Indigo hotel at 810-812 Broad Street. Deputy Mayor Ladd clarified that the property was sold to new owners (Winchester Equities) and that 20% of the 99 units will be affordable. The tax abatement is a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) starting at 7.5% and rising to 15%. Councilman Ramos noted previous incentives had been resolved. The ordinance passed 7-0.
• Ordinance 6PSF-c (Water meter replacement project, $22.5 million bonds) was deferred.
• Resolution 7R1-i (Weequahic Park Association youth violence prevention) was deferred.
• Resolutions 7R2-d through 7R2-g – Annual budgets for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) were adopted after public hearings. Speakers supported the BIDs but urged more community engagement and tourism linkages.
• Resolution 7R2-l (Support for NJ Aspire tax credit application for South Ward Alliance) was adopted.
• Resolution 7R6-a (Waiving 20-day period for container lot ordinance) was deferred.
• Resolution 7R8-d (Urging support for state disparity study findings) was adopted. Councilman Crump emphasized the need to address the wealth gap in state procurement.
• Resolutions 7R8-a through 7R8-f – Various event permits, recognitions, and condolences were adopted.
• Resolution 7R9-b (Sale of fire trucks to Kumasi, Ghana) was adopted.
• Ordinance 8-m (20-year tax abatement for SPG 2013 McCarter Highway warehouse) was advanced to first reading and adopted.
• Communication 8-h (Right of reverter for 204 Peshine Avenue) was advanced to first reading.
• Ordinance 8-i (Multi-way stop sign at Orange & North 5th Streets) was advanced and adopted.
• Ordinance 8-k (Parking fines for trucks and commercial vehicles) was advanced and adopted, with Councilman Crump abstaining. Councilman Ramos and Gonzalez requested clarity on enforcement.
• Ordinance 8-l (Fines for stopping/standing violations) was advanced to first reading.

Key Outcomes

• Votes on Consent Agenda: All items under Reports and Recommendations (5-a through 5-c), First Reading Ordinances (6F-a), and numerous resolutions (7R1-a through 7R1-h, 7R1-j,k, 7R2-a through 7R2-c, 7R2-h through 7R2-l, 7R3-a,b, 7R4-a,b, 7R5-a,b, 7R6-b through 7R6-e, 7R8-a through 7R8-f, 7R9-a through 7R9-d, 7R12-a,b, 8-a through 8-g, 10-a, and added starters 7R2-m, 7R12-c,d, 8-m, and the subordination agreement) were adopted unanimously.
• Deferred Items: Ordinance 6PSF-a, Ordinance 6PSF-c, Resolution 7R1-i, Resolution 7R6-a, and request for information on legal contracts with Dakotas firm were deferred.
• Motions:
  • Councilman Gonzalez moved to have JMV (a towing company) appear before the council to explain excessive fees. Seconded and passed.
  • Councilman Silva requested a list of acceptable items for dumpsters and a list of vendor permits in the East Ward, and announced a street dedication for Captain Augusto Accabo on June 1.
  • Councilwoman Scott-Rountree requested a list of developer contributions mentioned by Deputy Mayor Mohammed, and announced several events.
  • Councilman Kelly requested a meeting with the health department regarding rodent issues in the West Ward.
  • Council President McIver requested an update on the city’s garbage can distribution program.
• Next Steps: The council will hold a special meeting on June 5, 2024, for public hearings on ordinances adopted on first reading. Several administrative follow-ups were directed to the city clerk and departments.