Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 12:32 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall, adjourning at 4:16 PM. Council President C. Lawrence Crump presided. Eight members were present (Amina Bey arrived at 1:01 PM, Michael J. Silva absent). The meeting included public hearings on several ordinances, adoption of numerous resolutions, and extensive public comments on housing, public safety, and community concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Reports and recommendations of city officers, boards, and commissions (items 5-a through 5-d) were accepted unanimously (7-0, with Bey and Silva absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Debra Salters questioned the sale of city property to Essex Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC for $1.00 and the amended lease for the Miller Street homeless shelter, seeking clarity on conditions and oversight.
• Alif Muhammad criticized the lack of financial details in the shelter lease and expressed support for the 10 Park Place affordable housing project, while also challenging Councilman Council on past security ordinance stances.
• Jeffrey Fell raised legal concerns about the validity of the HMFA long-term tax exemption for the 10 Park Place project, arguing that no monies flow to the Board of Education or county.
• Lisa Mitchelson-Parker accused council members of prioritizing developers over residents, citing campaign contributions and voting against community opposition to the KS Group project.
• Jennifer Mazawey (attorney for 10 Park Place) highlighted the project's 196 units, with 10% set-asides for seniors and artists, and affordability averaging 50.1% AMI.
• Miles Berger (developer) stated the project is 100% affordable, a first for Newark’s downtown, and includes discounted retail space as a community benefit.
• Donna Jackson criticized the living conditions at city shelters and the lack of enforcement against landlords, and demanded that Newark residents get priority for new affordable housing.
• Many other residents (e.g., Opal Wright, Shirley Branch, Marilyn Sowell, Francis Nunez, LaToya Jackson-Tucker, Sheila Montague, Yolanda Johnson, Humberto Garcia, Rodney Davis, Maryam Bey, Reginald Turner) spoke on issues including tenant-landlord disputes, cyberstalking, representation, police reporting, housing authority transparency, and conditions at the Essex County Correctional Facility ("Green Monster").

Discussion Items

• 6PSF-d: Alternative Security Compliance Ordinance – Councilman Council explained the ordinance requires buildings over 100 units to have security, with a $1,000/day fine for non-compliance, and allows the Business Administrator to approve alternative methods after consulting the Public Safety Director. Councilman Ramos advocated for clearer standards and a broader conversation. The ordinance was adopted 6-0-1 (Ramos abstained).
• 6PSF-e: 35-Year Tax Abatement for 10 Park Place – Extensive public comment. Councilwoman Bey sought guarantees on 10% senior set-aside and Newark resident preference. The ordinance was adopted 8-0.
• 7R3-a: Extension for Street Resurfacing Contract – Approved 8-0, with Councilman Ramos requesting a schedule from the Engineering Department.
• 7R4-a: Tax Foreclosure of 38 Properties – Returned to administration; Councilman Ramos requested information on problematic properties.
• 7R5-u: Animal Impoundment and Sheltering Contract – Approved 7-0-1 (Ramos abstained), with Ramos requesting a tour of the facility and noting the contract cost of $460,000 for only three months.
• 7R8-b: Re-Appointment of City Clerk Kecia Daniels – Approved 8-0, granting tenure.
• 7R8-c: Resolution Urging Governor to Close Delaney Hall – Approved 8-0.
• 8-f: Accessory Dwelling Unit Assistance Program – Adopted on first reading 7-0-1 (Ramos abstained). Ramos requested a briefing on illegal ADUs.
• Added Starters: Support for University Hospital project (7R2-s), private sale redevelopment on Sherman Avenue (7R2-t), need for housing on Badger Avenue (7R2-u), support for Aspire tax credits for SWPN Development (7R2-v), settlement of civil litigation for Raheem Bryant ($800,000) (7R6-j), and hold harmless for Dominican Pride Day (7R8-f) all approved.
• Councilman Gonzalez Retirement – Several council members spoke in tribute to Councilman Carlos M. Gonzalez for his 20 years of service. A motion expressing congratulations was adopted 5-0 (four absent).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances Adopted on Final Reading:
  • 6PSF-a: Sale of 324-346 S. Orange Ave to Essex Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC for $1.00 (7-0).
  • 6PSF-b: Amended lease for Miller Street homeless shelter, changing landlord to Catholic Charities (7-0).
  • 6PSF-c: Additional requirements for certificates of habitability (7-0).
  • 6PSF-d: Alternative security compliance (6-0-1, Ramos abstained).
  • 6PSF-e: 35-year tax abatement for 10 Park Place (8-0).
• Ordinances on First Reading:
  • 6F-a: 10-year tax abatement extension for FBI Building (6-0-1, Council abstained).
  • 6F-b: Increase administrative fee for Special Improvement Districts from 1% to 2% (7-0).
  • 8-a through 8-e and 8-f: Advanced to first reading; public hearings set for July 15, 2026.
• Resolutions: Over 50 resolutions adopted, mostly unanimously. Notable abstentions: Councilman Gonzalez abstained on all legal settlements and on the LGBTQ+ ordinance (8-e).
• Motions: Approved motions for four-way stop at Madison & 17th St, additional weigh station, no-dumping signage, and expressions of sorrow/regret for several individuals.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 15, 2026, for public hearings on first-reading ordinances.