Newark Municipal Council Special Meeting – April 29, 2025

The Newark Municipal Council held a special meeting on April 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting began with an executive session from 10:02 AM to 10:50 AM to discuss attorney-client privileged matters. Following the executive session, the council unanimously adopted several resolutions related to housing and development, authorized a ceremonial street designation, and waived permit fees for a Mother's Day Festival. The council also introduced an ordinance for a 30-year tax abatement for a market-rate residential project. Public comments were heard, and the meeting adjourned at 11:07 AM.

Consent Calendar

All resolutions under 7R2 (Economic and Housing Development) and 7R8 (Municipal Council and City Clerk) were adopted unanimously (8-0). Key items include:

• 7R2-a (25-0511): First Amendment to the Agreement for the Sale and Redevelopment of Land for the Sheila Y. Oliver Senior Housing Community, LLC. The project changed from 67 affordable units to 48 newly constructed 100% affordable senior housing units (42 units at 60% AMI, 5 units at 20% AMI for special needs, 1 superintendent unit). Sale amount: $185,580. Location: 117-303 Aldine Street/Lyons Avenue, South Ward.
• 7R2-b (25-0559): Subordination of the City's reverter rights to permit financing for redevelopment of rental or for-sale housing by Ascension Capital Partners I, LLC. Sale amount: $116,099.20. Multiple properties on Springfield Avenue, 18th Avenue, Brenner Street, and South 10th Street, South Ward.
• 7R2-c (25-0537): First Amendment to the redevelopment agreement with 760 Clinton Ave Shoho, LLC, reinstating the agreement after default and extending the timeline. Location: 760-766 Clinton Avenue, South Ward.
• 7R2-d (25-0534): Need for Housing Project determination for the Sheila Y. Oliver Senior Housing Community, LLC. Total project cost: $17,785,352, with no city contribution, funded by Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
• 7R2-e (25-0550): Resolution supporting the Department of Economic and Housing Development's final Green Acres application for a major diversion of a portion of Minish Park (932-964 McCarter Highway, Central Ward).
• 7R8-a (25-0555): Ceremonial street designation of Howard Street and Court Street as “Gloria Gaynor Way,” sponsored by Council Member Scott-Rountree. Ceremony date to be determined.
• 7R8-b (25-0557): Waiving special event application permit fees for the Mother’s Day Festival and Street Fair, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at North 5th Street between Abington Street and Bloomfield Avenue, sponsored by Council Member Quintana.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Tillman, Jr. addressed the council, expressing concern that the Affirmative Action Review Council is not meeting regularly or issuing annual reports, despite its role in monitoring and enforcing the Newark Resident Employment Policy. He stated that Council Member Silva is boycotting the meetings and called for a special conference to address the issue. He also requested an injunction on tax abatements until the matter is resolved.

Discussion Items

• Brandi Daniel, Legislative Administrator for the Department of Economic and Housing Development, provided explanations for two resolutions:
  • For 7R2-a, she noted that the senior housing project's scope changed due to zoning restrictions and HMFA funding requirements, resulting in a reduction from 67 to 48 units but maintaining 100% affordability for seniors.
  • For 7R2-c, she explained that the amendment reinstates the agreement with 760 Clinton Ave Shoho, LLC after it went into default due to COVID-19 and funding issues, and provides an extension.
• Council Member Michael J. Silva responded to Mr. Tillman's comments, stating that he is boycotting the Affirmative Action Review Council because the person in charge is not adhering to established guidelines, and that necessary reports and representation from unions are not being provided. He said he would not participate until those issues are resolved.
• Council Member Carlos M. Gonzalez noted that the 30-year tax abatement ordinance (8-a) is part of a group of five projects that together provide 35% affordable housing, exceeding the 20% threshold. He moved to advance the ordinance on first reading.

Key Outcomes

• All seven resolutions (7R2-a through e, 7R8-a, b) were adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Ordinance 8-a (24-0471): A 30-year tax abatement for 317 Mulberry Street Urban Renewal Co., LLC, for a project to construct 24 market-rate residential rental units, 770 square feet of commercial space, and 15 ground-floor parking spaces at 317-323 Mulberry Street (Block 881, Lot 28, East Ward), was introduced and adopted on first reading as 6F-a(s). A public hearing is scheduled for the special meeting on May 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:07 AM.