Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - January 21, 2026

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, starting at 6:32 PM and adjourning at 9:44 PM. Eight members were present (Council Members Bey, Council, Gonzalez, Quintana, Ramos, Scott-Rountree, Silva, and President Crump); Council Member Kelly was absent. The meeting featured a lengthy public comment period, adoption of two fossil fuel ordinances on first reading, deferral of a $30.1 million refunding bond ordinance, and unanimous approval of numerous resolutions and motions.

Consent Calendar

• Temporary Emergency Appropriations (7R1-a, 7R1-b): Authorized $1,600,000 for 2026 operating expenses and $110,000 (grant-funded) for health insurance enrollment via Get Covered NJ. (Adopted 8-0)
• Private Sale/Redevelopment (7R2-a): Sale of 106 Watson Avenue to Legacy Builders. The Future LLC for $30,380.35 for a 3-family home with two affordable units. (Adopted 8-0)
• Professional Services Contracts (7R2-d through 7R2-k): Approved contracts for planning, surveyor, environmental consulting, and real estate appraisal services, totaling up to $605,000. (Adopted 8-0)
• Investigation for Redevelopment (7R2-l): Authorized the Central Planning Board to investigate properties on Madison and Jefferson Streets in the East Ward. (Adopted 8-0)
• Engineering Grants (7R3-a, 7R3-b, 7R3-c): Amended Broad Street Phase II pedestrian safety grant increasing funding by $2,833,551.41 (total $7,689,808.92); authorized extension requests for the Newark Downtown Connector Bikeway and Morris Canal Bikeway projects. (Adopted 8-0)
• Health Grant (7R5-a): Accepted $110,000 from NJ Department of Banking and Insurance for health insurance enrollment. (Adopted 8-0)
• Settlement (7R6-a): Authorized $75,000 settlement in civil litigation (Ibrahim Ahmad v. City). (Adopted 8-0)
• Law Department Contracts (7R6-b, 7R6-c): Approved amended restated agreement ($300,000) and special tax litigation counsel ($350,000) with DeCotiis Doyle, LLP. (Adopted 8-0)
• Reappointment (7R7-a): Reappointed Benjamin Guzman as Interim Chief Financial Officer through January 31, 2027. (Adopted 8-0)
• Hold Harmless (7R8-a): Authorized hold harmless agreement for the Annual Day of Love Senior Brunch on February 13, 2026. (Adopted 8-0)
• Recognitions and Commendations (7R8-b): Adopted 24 commendations. (Adopted 8-0)
• Expressions of Sorrow (7R8-c): Adopted as amended, adding Marco Cristobal Rodriguez, expressing sorrow for 15 individuals. (Adopted 8-0)
• 911 System Upgrade (7R9-a): Accepted $284,717.03 grant for PSAP upgrades. (Adopted 8-0)
• Communications (8-a, 8-b): Advanced an ordinance extending tax abatement for Cathedral Park Associates (affordable housing) to first reading; advanced and adopted on first reading an ordinance amending parking regulations for vehicles on yard frontage (6F-c). (Both 8-0)
• Added Starter (7R2-m(as)): Approved a $800,000 amendment with DeCotiis Doyle, LLP for legal services on redevelopment/land use matters. (Adopted 8-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Leah Owens (South Ward Environmental Alliance) and Kim Gaddy (founder, SWEA): Expressed strong support for the two fossil fuel ordinances (6F-a, 6F-b), arguing they would prohibit new/expanded major fossil fuel facilities and public investments, reducing air pollution linked to asthma, cancer, and other health issues. They urged the council to act for clean air and community health.
• Alif Muhammad: Alleged corruption and cover-ups by city officials, claimed he will release video evidence in March, and discussed his efforts to bring services in-house at the housing authority.
• Lisa Mitchelson-Parker: Criticized the council for tax increases, crime reporting, the $30.1 million bond, and lack of warming centers for the homeless. Accused officials of lying and neglecting residents.
• Felicia Alston-Singleton: Praised the honoring of Central Ward Cougars, but criticized the council for inaction on mold in public housing, police violence, and the $30.1 million loan repayment. Called for public apologies to Didi Lee.
• Debra Salters: Challenged the Business Administrator's denial of a $255 million deficit, citing a TapInto article. Called for ending corruption and holding developers accountable.
• Lamont Vaughn: Demanded that Newark police stop wearing plain clothes and masks, and that body cameras be required when working with outside agencies. Expressed condolences for Wali Bey and called for justice.
• Shakir McDougald: Called for a community oversight committee on development, job training for residents, and release of body-worn camera footage within 48 hours in serious incidents. Urged mental health resources after police shootings.
• Queen Dannisha Clyburn: Demanded accountability for the death of Wali Bey, criticized police reporting of crime, and called for council members to meet with the family. Led chants of "Say his name."
• Maryam Bey: Described poor conditions in senior buildings (lack of heat, mold, mice), called for stricter penalties on slumlords, and raised sanitation issues (parking, staffing, overtime pay).
• Nadirah Brown: Shared her struggle with mold and code enforcement runaround, called for changes in the city's approach to inspections and tenant complaints.
• Donna Jackson: Criticized the city's handling of water infrastructure, homeless issues, and police conduct. Announced her candidacy for mayor at-large.
• Richard Fox (President, Northern Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey): Requested that all upgraded intersections in Newark include accessible pedestrian signals (APS) for blind and visually impaired residents, and that future upgrades include them.
• George Tillman, Jr.: Requested a special conference to discuss the status of the Affirmative Action Review Council and Newark Works compliance, noting that the council has not been formed or properly tasked.
• Other speakers: Included comments on federal policies, reparations, and the need for community unity.

Discussion Items

• Business Administrator Eric Pennington: Clarified that the city's $255 million debt is not a deficit, and that the $30.1 million refunding bond is a routine debt management action. He also addressed the need for hiring in critical positions (elevator inspectors, etc.) and promised to review a handicapped parking case.
• Corporation Counsel Kenyatta Stewart: Explained the state-mandated independent investigation and grand jury process for police-involved deaths, noting that the city cannot release body camera footage while the Attorney General's office controls the investigation. She also defended the police department's progress under the consent decree.
• Council members: Expressed support for the fossil fuel ordinances, concern for the Wali Bey family, and commitment to improving accessibility for blind residents. Councilman Gonzalez and others noted the need for timely notification of engineering director changes. Councilwoman Scott-Rountree announced upcoming community events, including mammogram screenings and an expungement clinic.

Key Outcomes

• Fossil Fuel Ordinances (6F-a, 6F-b): Adopted on first reading (8-0). A public hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2026.
• Refunding Bond Ordinance (6PSF-a): Deferred (8-0).
• Private Sale 7R2-b (IAMYCO Investments): Returned to administration (8-0) after council wanted to interview the buyer.
• Private Sale 7R2-c (Level 6ix Group): Deferred (8-0).
• Motions:
  • 7Ma: Expressed profound sorrow for the death of Wali Bey (adopted 6-0, with three absent).
  • 7Mb: Requested the Department of Public Works provide a status report on snow plow numbers, real-time tracking, and contact numbers (adopted 7-0, with two absent).
  • 7Mc: Expressed profound sorrow for the passing of Malcolm D. Pennington, father of Business Administrator Eric Pennington (adopted 7-0, with two absent).
• Adjournment: 9:44 PM (7-0).