Newark City Council Regular Meeting - March 18, 2026

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:31 PM in the Council Chamber, City Hall. The meeting was called to order by President C. Lawrence Crump, with all nine council members eventually present after late arrivals. The agenda included a public hearing, numerous resolutions, communications, and motions covering grants, contracts, settlements, and community recognitions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Felicia Alston-Singleton accused city housing officials of corruption and quid pro quo, alleging negligence in housing conditions.
• Alif Muhammad claimed he possessed a video tape involving the mayor's brother, which he said he submitted to the FBI and other agencies.
• Shakeal Moore delivered a passionate speech urging the council to build a better Newark, referencing homelessness, historical injustices, and environmental issues.
• Nadirah Brown criticized the council for inaction on housing complaints and called for accountability.
• Maryam Bey thanked Mayor Baraka for employment but expressed frustration with re-entry program implementation.
• Sheila Montague discussed educational failures, political immaturity, and the need for civics education.
• Shakir McDougall presented the "Public Trust Act" to enhance transparency and accountability after police incidents, calling for timely communication and evidence preservation.
• Trenton Jones requested public records regarding salaries, expenditures, and zoning board meetings, alleging transparency issues.
• Jhamar Youngblood accused the council of supporting the mayor without independent oversight and urged residents to vote against incumbents.
• Queen Dannisha Clyburn highlighted housing problems in the South Ward and urged the council to respond to residents.
• Lisa Mitchelson-Parker criticized the city for poor conditions and urged voting out the current administration.
• Ché Colter spoke on education, infrastructure, and fiscal management, advocating for gifted programs and better use of city resources.
• Debra Salters criticized budget practices, Kawaida Towers sale, and called for accountability.
• Opal R. Wright raised concerns about federal governance and consumer protection.
• LaToya Jackson-Tucker advocated for public safety reform and criticized the school board.
• Lamont Vaughn called for justice for Wally Bay and criticized systemic issues in policing and government.
• Darnella Lee pleaded for help relocating a family with mold issues, urging immediate action.
• Rodney Davis complained about incompetence in city services, including snow removal and traffic enforcement.
• Donna Jackson alleged financial mismanagement, questioned appropriations, and criticized settlements.
• Cassandra Dock raised concerns about illegal immigration, crime, and the need for stronger law enforcement.

Consent Calendar

• Roll Call and Reports and Recommendations: Accepted minutes from North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (Jan 21, 2026) and Zoning Board of Adjustment (Jul-Dec 2025) by a 9-0 vote.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 6PSF-a: Multi-way stop intersection at 18th Avenue and South 13th Street (South Ward). Public speakers supported the measure but requested flashing lights and police presence. Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Administration):
  • 7R1-a to -c: Temporary emergency appropriations for body armor ($89,548), tree canopy ($671,000), and Sustainable Jersey grant ($25,000). Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R1-d: External transfer of $1,000,000 within Sewer Utility. Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R1-e to -g: Use of state contracts for furniture (up to $600,000), radio equipment (amended to $7.2M), and police equipment (up to $1.4M). Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R1-h: Restaurant concession at Military Park (Burger Walla, LLC). Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R1-i: Extension of emergency contract for Fire Engine 5 bay floor reconstruction (to March 31, 2026). Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R1-j and -k: Contracts for youth violence intervention with Iroundbound Community Corp and Leaders for Life, Inc. ($75,000 each). Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R1-l: Application for historic preservation grant ($75,000) for City Hall interior. Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Economic and Housing Development):
  • 7R2-a: New construction of affordable housing at 62-66 Lincoln Ave (Pichardo Development, $73,625) – Deferred 9-0.
  • 7R2-b: Rehabilitation into tailoring shop at 567 Bergen St (COOLKID 49 Corp, $46,080) – Adopted 8-0-1 (Gonzalez abstained).
  • 7R2-c: Rehabilitation of single-family home at 121 Lehigh Ave (Patrice McKinney, $56,000) – Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R2-d to -f: Various new construction/rehabilitation projects – Deferred 9-0.
  • 7R2-g: Assignment agreement for affordable housing project (Cottage Place to Cottage Place Apartments) – Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Engineering): 7R3-a: Award of Broad Street Phase II Pedestrian Safety Improvements (J.A. Alexander, Inc., $7,436,740) – Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Health): 7R5-a and -b: Amending Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant ($43,787) and contract with YMCA for HIV/AIDS housing ($500,000) – Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Law):
  • 7R6-a to -e: Settlements for civil litigation and workers' compensation: Deborah Wood ($575,000), Estate of Malcolm Wiley ($80,000), David Burgos ($900,000), Dennis O’Neill II ($162,639), City of Elizabeth/ELRAC ($1,867,807) – Adopted with abstentions (Gonzalez, Ramos, Crump abstained on first four; 6-0-3).
  • 7R6-f: Professional services for bond counsel (Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, $200,000) – Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Municipal Council):
  • 7R8-a: Re-appointment of Councilwoman Scott-Rountree to Central Planning Board – Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R8-b: Ceremonial street designation for Marshall E. Cooper (July 24, 2026) – Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R8-c: Recognizing and commending various individuals and groups – Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R8-d: Expressing profound sorrow and regret for 11 deceased individuals – Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Public Safety): 7R9-a: Appointment of 1 Special Police Officer – Adopted 9-0. 7R9-b and -c: Grant acceptance for drunk driving enforcement ($91,222) and body armor ($89,548) – Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions (Water Sewer): 7R12-a to -c: Temporary construction easements for NJDOT Route 23 project – Adopted 9-0.
• Communications:
  • 8-a to -e: Five appointments to Affirmative Action Review Council – Confirmed 9-0.
  • 8-f: Ordinance amending Tourism Improvement District license fee – Advanced and adopted on first reading as 6F-a (9-0). Discussion on admin fee increase and impact on improvement districts; council requested data.
  • 8-g: Ordinance amending wrecker regulations (tow fees and notice) – Advanced as 6F-b (9-0). Council requested police review.
  • 8-h: Ordinance amending solid waste management (time to abate waste) – Advanced as 6F-c (9-0). Language changes noted.
• Added Starters:
  • 7R1-m(as): Acceptance of gift from NJPAC for State of the City address (license fee $24,000; city pays $60,000 ancillary fee) – Adopted 8-0 (Silva absent).
  • 7R2-h(as): Redevelopment agreement for Kawaida Towers (17-21 Halsey St) – Adopted 8-0 (Silva absent).
  • 7R2-i(as): Resolution of support for Aspire tax credits for Christie Riverfront, LLC project ($24.6M total) – Adopted 8-0 (Silva absent).
  • 7R8-e(as): Waiving special event fees for Juan Pablo Duarte birthday (March 20, 2026) – Adopted 9-0.
  • 7R8-f(as): Hold harmless agreement for Women’s History Month luncheon – Adopted 9-0.
  • 8-i(as): Ordinance authorizing sale of Block 20, Lot 1 to Kawaida Towers JV Partners for $500,000 – Advanced as 6F-d (9-0).
• Motions:
  • Recognizing Eid al-Fitr – Adopted 9-0.
  • Congratulating Arts High Girls Basketball and Malcolm X Shabazz Boys Basketball for state championships – Adopted 9-0.
  • Expressions of sorrow for Marvin Walker, Ana Suarez, Rev. Pollard, Donna Phillips Alston, Thaddeus Cooper – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting suspension of street cleaning tickets where sweepers not operating – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting NJ Transit respond to damage from bus at Mt. Vernon School – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting city-wide traffic study – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting revisit of bus lane agreement and bus shelter maintenance – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting increased street lighting luminosity and meeting with PSEG – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting code enforcement at 879 Broadway near Greenway – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting sanitation ordinance enforcement on bulk items – Adopted 9-0.
  • Requesting investigation/demolition of property at 13 Hecker Street – Adopted 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• Multi-way stop ordinance adopted (9-0) for 18th Ave and South 13th St.
• Several property sales deferred: 7R2-a, -d, -e, -f (Pichardo, Maiseo, Leveluxe, T&L Homeworks) held for further review.
• Affirmative action appointments confirmed (Mamie Osei-Bonsu, Rocco Lepore, Aissatou Bey Bara, Amarilys Olivo Mockabee, Dosso Kassimou).
• Three ordinances advanced to first reading: Tourism Improvement District fee amendments, wrecker regulations, solid waste management amendments, and property sale for redevelopment (Kawaida Towers).
• Gift from NJPAC accepted for State of the City address (March 31, 2026).
• Council requested data on special police officer class, paving schedules by ward, and improvement district administrative fees.
• Public Trust Act proposed by resident Shakir McDougall referred for further discussion.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:04 PM.