Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting – September 18, 2024

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting was presided over by newly elected Council President Larry Crump. The agenda included public hearings on several ordinances, resolutions, and extensive public comments from residents. The council voted on tax abatements, zoning changes, appointments, and deferred the 2024 municipal budget adoption.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Arrasheed Coles spoke about revitalization for homelessness, re-entry programs, and proposed a nonprofit to employ ex-offenders. He also mentioned his TV series "Black Wall Street" and called for improved shelter conditions, citing his experience at the Riviera shelter.
• Lisa Parker moved that the council allow the voters to decide the vacant Central Ward seat in a special election, criticizing the council’s process and the mayor’s administration.
• Felicia Alston-Singleton criticized the low number of affordable units in tax abatement projects (e.g., 11 market-rate units with only 1 affordable), the city's budget, and working conditions for sanitation workers. She called for better enforcement of inclusionary zoning.
• Linda McDonald Carter opposed tax abatements and subsidies to corporations, advocated for disaster preparedness, and urged the council to treat legacy residents with the same respect as wealthy communities.
• George Tillman Jr. repeatedly asked about the enforcement of the Newark Resident Employment Policy and the Newark Employment Commission, noting that 15 tax abatements were approved in the past month without compliance. He called for a summit to address the issue.
• Theo Reick proposed floating solar on Newark's reservoirs for clean energy, with no capital cost to the city.
• Nadirah Brown criticized lack of communication about construction detours, lack of follow-up from council members, and the need for accountability. She also noted tax abatements and the disconnect between city events and real community concerns.
• Darnella Lee described mold issues at 516 Bergen Street, alleged a cover-up of senior deaths, and called for a congressional investigation.
• Alif Muhammad criticized the selection of the council president, questioned the parking authority’s hiring practices, and asked why the council president position was not offered to another candidate.
• Munirah El-Bomani stated she had filed a civil complaint against then-Council President LaMonica McIver, criticized the mayor’s tax abatement policy, and called for a moratorium on luxury housing until affordable units are built for Newarkers.
• Lyndon Brown praised recreation but called for limiting charter school expansion downtown, better quality of life (sanitation, rats, trees), and reform of the crossing guard application process.
• Cynthia De Souza (via write-in) requested the city transfer properties at 450-452 Springfield Avenue to her for development, asked for barriers to protect her home from car crashes, and sought an $80,000 grant check for her nonprofit.
• Donna Jackson accused the council of disrespecting seniors, criticized the city's handling of violence, and alleged sexual harassment settlements.
• Maryam Bey demanded tax abatements for homeowners like those given to LLCs, condemned conditions at the Hotel Riviera shelter, and called for monitors in shelters.
• Cassandra Dock urged Council President Crump to step down, accusing him of breaking his word.
• Deborah Salters criticized the council’s tax abatement practices, the lack of affordable housing, and the city's failure to hold developers accountable.
• Yusuf Shabazz requested a street dedication for Mary Baraka, noting a 16-month delay in the committee’s response.
• Lavita Johnson presented a letter to the mayor about flooding in the Upper Bellsburg area, blaming construction at Seton Hall University, and asked for a DEP investigation.
• Quadeer Porter (BBABN) requested $165,000 for renovation of a community center at 7th Avenue, detailing his organization’s progress and need for support.
• Dr. Jamillah Davis reported on the success of the “Boss Up” teen entrepreneurship program funded by the Office of Violence Prevention, serving over 200 students.

Discussion Items

• 6PSF-a (Façade Improvement Program): Director Allison Ladd explained the amendment extends the loan forgiveness period from 5 to 10 years to comply with HUD. Councilman Ramos asked for a breakdown of past awards. $1 million budgeted annually. Public speakers requested more transparency and better marketing.
• 6PSF-b (Closing Costs Program): Similar amendment extending the forgiveness term. Deputy Mayor Ladd clarified it is a grant for first-time homebuyers. Public speakers questioned the need for the change and asked for clearer explanations.
• 6PSF-c (20-year tax abatement for 369-378 18th Ave): 11 market-rate units, 1 affordable at 60% AMI. George Tillman and others objected that the city is not enforcing the Newark Resident Employment Policy, and that the abatement should be withheld until compliance. Councilman Gonzalez noted the affordable unit count is 1. Passed unanimously.
• 6PSF-d (25-year tax abatement for Riverfront Quarters, 64 units): 51 market-rate, 13 affordable (3 at 40% AMI, 3 at 60%, 7 at 80%). Public comments repeated concerns about non-compliance and lack of workforce development. Passed unanimously.
• 6PSF-e & f (Parking restrictions on Beecher Street): Passed with Council President Crump abstaining.
• 6PSF-g (Cannabis ordinance amendment): Creates legacy applicant licenses for those impacted by the war on drugs. Jocelyn Wingfield (Cannabis Newark) explained the task force to combat illegal smoke shops. Passed.
• 6PSF-h (Sale of city-owned lots to ByGomes LLC for $4,077,777.77): Public speakers objected that the land could have been used for affordable housing for Hope Village. Councilman Silva clarified this is a different Gomes entity. Passed.
• 6PSF-i (Rent control amendments): Increased registration fees ($50 + $10/unit), allowed temporary CO for new construction exemption, and required annual registration. Director Ladd committed to better outreach in multiple languages. Public speakers urged enforcement and hard-copy materials. Passed.
• 7R1-a (Temporary emergency appropriation for transportation planning): Passed.
• 7R1-b (Return of Mother Cabrini statue to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church): Councilman Silva and Ramos thanked the community. Passed.
• 7R2-a,b,c (Private sale redevelopment): All deferred.
• 7R2-d (HUD grant of $8M for affordable housing): Passed.
• 7R2-e (HUD grant of $4M for removing barriers to affordable housing): Passed.
• 7R2-f (Community benefits agreement): Deferred.
• 7R3-a (Engineering contract for Ironbound roundabout safety): Passed.
• 7R8-a (2024 municipal budget): Public hearing held September 5; adoption postponed to a special meeting next week. Deferred.
• 7R8-b (Recognitions): Adopted.
• 7R8-c (Sorrow and regret): Amended to add Avril Somerville and Frederick Washington. Adopted.
• 8-a (Appointment of Samantha Mendenhall as part-time municipal court judge): Passed.
• 8-b (Appointment of Vanessa Davis to Newark Parking Authority): Passed with Council President Crump abstaining.
• 8-c (Lease amendment with El Sid Properties): Advanced to first reading.
• 8-d (Permit parking on Adams Street): Passed with Council President Crump abstaining.

Key Outcomes

• Approved six ordinances (6PSF-a through 6PSF-i) with only abstentions on parking items.
• Approved all resolutions except deferred items.
• Deferred the 2024 municipal budget adoption to a special meeting the following week.
• Deferred three private sale redevelopment agreements (7R2-a,b,c) and the community benefits agreement (7R2-f).
• Appointed Samantha Mendenhall as municipal court judge and Vanessa Davis to the Newark Parking Authority.
• Council President Crump abstained on parking ordinances and the parking authority appointment.
• Council members made motions for various studies, street sweeping improvements, and community events.
• Condolences were expressed for several individuals, including Avril Somerville and Frederick Washington.
• Councilwoman Scott-Rountree announced a clergy employment campaign on September 24 and a mental health luncheon on September 26.
• Councilman Kelly announced an e-waste recycling event on September 21 and a small landlord education program on September 27.
• Councilman Ramos requested better enforcement of street sweeping and commercial vehicle parking.
• Councilman Council congratulated LaMonica McIver on her election to Congress and announced a community meeting on September 23.