Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting – May 20, 2026

The Newark Municipal Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard, Newark, New Jersey. The meeting was called to order and included the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, and statement on the Open Public Meetings Act. Roll call initially showed six present (Council Members Gonzalez, Kelly, Quintana, Scott-Rountree, Silva, and President Crump); Council Members Bey, Council, and Ramos arrived later (Bey and Ramos at 6:36 PM, Council at 6:40 PM), bringing the total to nine. The meeting adjourned at 10:02 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Ordinances – Public Hearing, Second Reading, Final Passage:
  • 6PSF-a (26-0288): Granted a 25-year long-term tax abatement to 1080 Bergen Developer Urban Renewal LLC for construction of a five-story mixed-use building at 1072–1078 Bergen Street (South Ward) with 66 residential units (53 market-rate, 13 affordable at 40%/60%/80% AMI), 5,570 sq. ft. commercial space, 29 parking spaces, amenity space, and a gym. Adopted 9-0.
  • 6PSF-b (26-0532): Amended the Rent Control ordinance to consolidate landlord registration under the Rent Control Office and eliminate duplicate registrations. Adopted 9-0.
  • 6PSF-c (26-0515): Amended the definition of “income-eligible individual” for legal services in eviction proceedings, increasing the income threshold from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Adopted 9-0.
  • 6PSF-d (26-0379): Amended the Solid Waste Management ordinance to reduce the bulk waste removal waiting period from 10 days to 2 days, limit bulk set-out to 10 pieces, and impose penalties for excess waste. Adopted 9-0.
  • 6PSF-e (26-0619): Authorized the City to acquire two Lock Street properties (Block 2836, Lots 20 & 21) from the Newark Housing Authority for a new Water and Sewer Utilities complex. Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Administration: Temporary emergency appropriations (7R1-a through 7R1-h) totaling $66,330,611 (operating budget), $67,000 (Highway Safety), $727,424 (Community Crisis Response), $37,800 (Immunization), $500,000 (Firefighters Memorial Park), $7,000 (Distracted Driving), $65,000 (Youth Boxing), and $492,000 (Water Monitoring). All adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Purchasing Contracts (7R1-i through 7R1-q): Authorized cooperative, state, and bid contracts for a bucket truck, emergency vehicle, firehouse repairs, vehicle maintenance, firefighter protective gear, tire disposal, medical gases, ammunition, and locksmith services. All adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Business Administrator (7R1-r through 7R1-z): Contract with Newark Community Street Team ($250,000), consulting services for HUD programs ($78,675), OMNIA Partners software subscription ($48,877.50), grant acceptances for Safe Gateway Pedestrianization ($4,031,000), Firefighters Park ($500,000), EPA Water Monitoring ($492,000), MOU for Lionsgate Studios ($1,000,000), and resolutions of support for two cannabis retail businesses (Friendly Uncle Bob LLC and Unity Rd. Cannabis Shop LLC). All adopted 9-0 except Y and Z which were adopted 8-0-1 (President Crump abstained).
• Resolutions – Economic & Housing Development (7R2-a through 7R2-f): Private sale of 34 Commerce Street for $700,000 (Central Ward); sale of multiple properties (Doremus, Meeker, Riverside avenues) for $4,000,000; grant acceptance from APA-NJ ($50,000); redevelopment agreement with Essex Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC ($1.00); site access for Army Corps flood mitigation in Ironbound; and subordination agreement for 142-144 Elizabeth Avenue ($55,300). 7R2-a and 7R2-b adopted 8-0-1 (Gonzalez abstained on both). Others adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Engineering (7R3-a through 7R3-c): Change order for pavement markings ($298,708), professional services for Ironbound Little League turf field remediation (Change Order #2, $173,770), and award of Newark Morris Canal Bikeway project ($819,071.09). All adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Finance (7R4-a, 7R4-b): Applications for UEZ Citywide Beautification ($4,338,746) and UEZ FY26 Public Safety Project ($2,028,943). Adopted 9-0. Resolution 7R4-c (foreclosure of 38 properties) was deferred 9-0.
• Resolutions – Health & Community Wellness (7R5-a through 7R5-s): Immunization grant amendment ($37,800, total $425,800), HIV/AIDS service contracts with multiple providers (totaling over $4.2 million), emergency housing contracts with several agencies (totaling over $5.6 million), and acceptance of the Community Crisis Response grant ($727,424). All adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Law (7R6-a through 7R6-m): Settlements of civil litigation (Jennifer Loobie $85,000; Hellane Freeman $110,000; Zarifa Wilson $85,000; Marcellus T. Allen $179,214.97), settlements with law firms (White and Co. $115,500; L’Abbate, Balkan $59,506.47; Jalloh & Jalloh $73,630.19; Woolridge Law $147,988.31), pre-litigation settlement ($2,279,574.09), and professional service contracts for legal services (Yvette Gibbons $75,000; Rainone Coughlin $150,000; Carmagnola & Ritardi $100,000; Lite DePalma $300,000). All adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Municipal Council & City Clerk (7R8-a, 7R8-b): Attestation of 2024 City Audit and acceptance of a gift from NJPAC (license fee waiver $29,500) for the 2026 Inauguration. Adopted 9-0.
• Resolutions – Public Safety (7R9-a through 7R9-c): Grant for youth boxing program ($65,000), psychological services contract ($200,000), and software maintenance for photo management system ($61,018.79). All adopted 9-0.
• Communications (8-a through 8-f): Ordinance extending tax abatement for Claremont Newark Urban Renewal LLC (10-year extension; adopted 8-0-1, Council abstained); ordinance authorizing sale of 324-346 South Orange Avenue to Essex Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC for $1.00 (adopted as 6F-a); ordinance increasing administrative fee for special improvement districts from 1% to 2% (advanced to first reading); ordinance amending lease at former Miller Street School to reflect Catholic Charities as landlord (adopted as 6F-b); two ordinances amending Housing Code regarding certificates of habitability and alternative security compliance (adopted as 6F-c and 6F-d). Public hearings for first-reading ordinances set for June 17, 2026.
• Miscellaneous (10-a): Raffle licenses approved for four organizations: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Lucy's Catholic Church, Philip's Academy Charter School PTA, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Adopted 9-0.
• Added Starters: Reports and Recommendations (item 5-a(as)): Corrective Action Plan for 2024 Audit (accepted 9-0). Economic & Housing Development added starter (7R2-g(as)): Professional services contract for Mulberry Pedestrian Bridge architectural/engineering services with Pennoni Associates Inc. ($11,842,430.00); adopted 8-0-1 (Gonzalez abstained). Added starter (7R2-h(as)): Private sale of 34-48 Jersey Street to 34 Jersey U R LLC for $2,600,000 (appraised at $3,700,000, offset by proposed boardwalk construction); adopted 8-0-1 (Gonzalez abstained).

Public Comments & Testimony

Approximately 25 speakers were listed for the hearing of citizens. Key comments included:

• Marilyn Sowell described cyberstalking and AI-based harassment affecting her and her sister, alleging lack of police response.
• Robert Pennell (St. Mary’s Villa resident) reported new management failures: broken elevator, non-functioning fire doors, unsanitary conditions, removal of benches and gardens, extermination service cuts, rent overcharges, and package theft. He requested Councilman Kelly intervene.
• Maryam Bey spoke against slumlords and urged balanced responsibility between landlords and tenants; she also introduced a young woman needing housing and employment.
• Deborah Simmons described homelessness despite employment, stating she was denied a rental voucher because she was not disabled or on drugs.
• Hellane Freeman highlighted catastrophic consequences of code enforcement failures, citing a May 17 fire at an illegally converted home, and demanded emergency inspections, public disclosure, and a moratorium on high-density development.
• Reginald Turner (1060 Graw Street) reported harassment by maintenance staff, retaliation for complaints, and health hazards from trash on elevators.
• Deborah Sanders testified about systematic intimidation by Best Management at 380–384 South 6th Street, including daily calls to vacate, blocked rent payments, dark hallways, rodent damage, and inconsistent rent increases.
• Donna Jackson (council member-elect) criticized the city for complicity in slumlords, budget failures, and lack of crisis management; she demanded enforcement and questioned the qualifications of the new code enforcement director.
• Joscelyn Moore urged support for Mayor Baraka’s vision and asked the city to invest in existing buildings rather than separate families.
• Ché Colter congratulated Donna Jackson’s election, called for collaboration across parties, urged the mayor to engage with President Trump to save funding, and asked the council not to treat the public safety budget as a “stepchild.”
• Munirah El-Bomani questioned whether the 1080 Bergen project was originally Cabo Tucker’s development and criticized the council for not requiring developers to appear before the public.
• Deborah Salters scolded Newark residents for low voter turnout, saying they “failed themselves,” and praised Councilman Gonzalez for tough questions to administration.
• George Tillman Jr. spoke on the war on poverty, tax abatements, and loss of jobs; he supported Asia Norton in the South Ward runoff.
• Lamont Vaughn argued the affordable housing process excludes many because of credit scores and background checks; he called for low-income housing and equity.
• Cassandra Dock discussed the NPVIC law and urged voter engagement; she also criticized management companies and pledged to hold them accountable.

Discussion Items

• Tax Abatement 6PSF-a (1080 Bergen): Councilwoman Scott-Rountree noted that AMI is based on federal guidelines and that tax abatement committee meetings are public; she requested that future agendas include a chart showing actual income limits for each project. Councilman Council clarified the project is on the former C&N Bank site, not Cabo Tucker’s, and emphasized community input and job fairs.
• Rent Control Amendments (6PSF-b,c): Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd explained that 6PSF-c increases the income eligibility for legal services to 300% of federal poverty guidelines (e.g., $47,880 for one person, $99,000 for four). She noted the Office of Tenant Legal Services currently has 206 active cases, referred 17, and denied 27 due to income limits.
• Solid Waste Ordinance (6PSF-d): Interim Director Kareem Adeem explained the ordinance limits bulk set-out to 10 pieces, reduces the city’s removal timeline to 2 days, and allows same-day abatement for hazards. Councilman Ramos supported enforcement but urged reinvestment in weekend/evening enforcement.
• Moody’s Rating Update: Acting Finance Director Benjamin Guzman reported Moody’s maintained the city’s BAA1 rating but changed the outlook from stable to negative due to inflation and healthcare costs. The city’s net debt is $260 million after deducting school and utility debt. Councilman Ramos questioned late audited financial statements; Guzman said the 2024 ACFR is filed and the 2025 audit is underway with a due date of August 31.
• Revaluation: Business Administrator Eric Pennington stated the revaluation is a zero-sum rebalancing; he expects non-residential properties to absorb most of the increase, limiting impact on homeowners.
• Code Enforcement: Pennington defended the new code enforcement manager, stating she has 25 years of experience as a tire police officer and that UCC certifications are not required for the manager role. He vowed aggressive enforcement of business compliance and residential code violations.
• Mulberry Pedestrian Bridge Contract: Acting Engineering Director James Adams explained the original design had to be scrapped because Amtrak, NJ Transit, and PATH refused to allow extended track outages; the new design reuses the existing structure. Councilman Ramos questioned why these concerns were not raised earlier and requested cost breakdowns for prior design contracts.
• Motions: The council adopted several motions: (1) request to include state officials in Conrail/Amtrak discussions regarding Mulberry Commons Bridge (5-0-4, with Gonzalez, Quintana, Ramos, Silva absent); (2) request Essex County to trim trees and study a traffic signal at Parkview Terrace and Chancellor Avenue (5-0-4); (3) request the Department of Public Works to initiate a citywide tree trimming program (5-0-4); (4) request installation of stop signs at Park Avenue and Sixth Street (5-0-4).

Key Outcomes

• All five ordinances (6PSF-a through 6PSF-e) passed final reading unanimously (9-0).
• All resolutions (7R1 through 7R9, including added starters) were adopted, most with 9-0 votes, except:
  • 7R1-y and 7R1-z (cannabis support) adopted 8-0-1 (Crump abstained).
  • 7R2-a and 7R2-b (private sales) adopted 8-0-1 (Gonzalez abstained).
  • 7R2-g(as) (Mulberry Bridge contract) adopted 8-0-1 (Gonzalez abstained).
  • 7R2-h(as) (Jersey Street sale) adopted 8-0-1 (Gonzalez abstained).
  • 7R4-c (foreclosures) was deferred (9-0).
  • 8-a (tax abatement extension for FBI building) adopted as amended (8-0-1, Council abstained).
• Four ordinances were introduced on first reading (6F-a through 6F-d): sale to Essex Reservoir, Miller Street School lease amendment, certificate of habitability requirements, and alternative security compliance. Public hearings set for June 17, 2026.
• Four raffle licenses were approved.
• The 2024 Corrective Action Plan was accepted.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:02 PM on a 5-0-4 vote (Gonzalez, Quintana, Ramos, Silva absent).