Newark Municipal Council Regular Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Newark Municipal Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, beginning at 5:45 PM. The meeting included public hearings on several ordinances, adoption of numerous resolutions, and a lengthy public comment period. Key actions included approval of a 35-year tax abatement for a 100% affordable housing project, amendments to the housing code regarding security and certificates of habitability, and the transfer of city property for redevelopment. The meeting also featured farewell tributes to retiring Councilman Carlos Gonzalez.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of reports and recommendations of city officers, boards, and commissions (unanimous).
• First reading of ordinances: ratifying a 10-year tax abatement extension for Claremont Newark Urban Renewal LLC and amending the special improvement district administrative fee from 1% to 2% (unanimous).
• Adoption of multiple resolutions: temporary emergency appropriations (traffic calming, hypertensive quality project, summer food program), purchasing contracts (document management, fire equipment, lead inspection), acceptance of grant funds for Newark YMCA upgrades, settlements, professional services contracts, and council resolutions (waiving special event fees, reappointing the city clerk, urging the governor to close Delaney Hall, commendations, and expressions of sorrow). All were approved unanimously or with few abstentions.
• Adoption of private sale redevelopment agreements for residential construction in multiple wards, including deferred items and amendments (all passed with sponsors).
• Approval of engineering resolutions for street resurfacing, pavement markings, and paving projects (unanimous).
• Approval of contracts for emergency housing services (Circle of Life, J's House, Turning Point) and Ryan White HIV services (Apostle House, Rutgers Infectious Disease Program, etc.) (unanimous).
• Approval of health department resolutions for hypertensive quality project support, lead evaluation, animal impoundment, and psychiatric services for homeless residents (unanimous, with one abstention).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Salters questioned the lack of explanation for the sale of city property to Essex Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC for $1, and she later raised concerns about the amended lease for the Miller Street homeless shelter, asking who would ensure improved conditions.
• Alif Mohammed expressed strong support for the 100% affordable housing project at 10 Park Place, praising developer Miles Berger for a “brilliant” and “wonderful” initiative. He also criticized Councilman Council for opposing security measures at the housing authority in the past, referencing past transcripts and video.
• Jeffrey Feld raised legal concerns about the validity of the HMFA long-term tax exemption for the 10 Park Place project, noting it could affect payments to the Board of Education and county. He stated he had previously sued Newark over similar issues.
• Lisa Parker criticized the city’s tax abatement policies, arguing they primarily benefit developers at the expense of homeowners, and called for rescinding the abatement for the “Halo” building due to non-compliance. She also accused council members of selling out to developers like the KS Group, citing campaign contributions.
• Frances Nunez (Ironbound Community Corporation) urged the council to collaborate with community organizations and take responsibility for zoning decisions that enable developers to bypass community input. She stated that planning board attorneys blame the council for these outcomes.
• Latoya Jackson Tucker demanded to know what the council can do to address the mistreatment of incarcerated Black and Brown youth, especially in light of conditions at Delaney Hall and the Essex County Jail.
• Rodney Davis questioned the lack of city oversight of Delaney Hall (no taxes paid) and advocated for 100% affordable housing. He also raised concerns about the housing authority and the need for Black history in schools.
• Donna Jackson condemned housing conditions, alleged corruption in building permits, and urged the council to enforce security regulations for tenants. She noted that residents in the Essex County Jail are not receiving adequate services.
• Shirley Branch described a persistent sewer smell in her apartment that landlords failed to address, and noted that code enforcement had not resolved the issue despite multiple visits.
• Yolanda Johnson complained about being denied the right to file a police report for a missing person and called for investigation at the 5th precinct.
• Umberto Garcia questioned Councilman Quintana about his drop in votes (from ~17,000 to ~13,000) and criticized high rents and lack of action for poor residents.
• Sheila Montague presented a youth program proposal (Changing the Lens) and asked the council to consider local talent for city partnerships.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance D (Amended Lease for Homeless Shelter): Councilman Council clarified that the change in landlord name (from Urban Renewal LLC to Catholic Charities) does not alter the lease terms or incur cost. Several speakers, including Alif Mohammed, demanded to know the financial value of the lease.
• Ordinances C & D (Housing Code Amendments on Security): Councilman Ramos expressed the need for a comprehensive conversation on security standards, noting that the current ordinance allows the business administrator to approve alternative measures for redevelopment projects without spelling out details. Councilman Council added that the ordinance imposes a $1,000 per day fine for buildings over 100 units that lack mandated security. Corporation Council Michelle Nelson confirmed that the business administrator must consult the public safety director for alternative measures. The ordinances passed with Councilman Ramos abstaining on D.
• Ordinance E (10 Park Place Tax Abatement): The project sponsor, Miles Berger, and attorney Jennifer Mazaway presented the development: 196 units (100% affordable), with 10% set aside for seniors and 10% for artists. AMI ranges from 27% to 57.5% (average 50.1%). The ground-floor retail will be discounted for local businesses. Councilwoman Bay sought guarantees on the senior set-aside, but Mazaway stated it is subject to best faith efforts due to HMFA requirements. Public speakers expressed both strong support and concerns about affordability levels and Newark resident preference. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Parking Ordinance (8D): Councilman Ramos introduced an ordinance addressing parking violations by auto repair shops and dealerships, including residential parking petition rights in affected areas. He thanked the clerk and police division for their work.
• ADU Program Ordinance: Councilman Ramos requested a department briefing on the Accessory Dwelling Unit program, raising concerns about existing illegal ADUs. The ordinance passed with Ramos abstaining.

Key Outcomes

• Tax Abatement for 10 Park Place: Ordinance E granting a 35-year tax abatement for the adaptive reuse of 10 Park Place into a 100% affordable housing development was adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Security Ordinance: Housing code amendments (C and D) establishing alternative security compliance for redevelopment projects and fines for non-compliance were adopted (6-1 on D, with Ramos abstaining).
• Property Sale: Sale of city property to Essex Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC for $1 (related to Riverside and Urban League redevelopment) was approved.
• Shelter Lease Amendment: Name change of landlord for the Miller Street homeless shelter from Urban Renewal LLC to Catholic Charities was approved.
• Redevelopment Agreements: Numerous private sale redevelopment agreements for market-rate housing in various wards were approved, with some deferred by Councilman Council.
• Delaney Hall Resolution: A resolution urging Governor Murphy to close Delaney Hall was adopted.
• Council Reorganization: Councilman Gonzalez, who did not seek re-election, was honored with a resolution saluting his 20 years of service.
• Future Meetings: Public hearings for ordinances adopted on first reading will be held on July 15, 2026. The next council meeting is scheduled for after the upcoming inauguration.

Recognition and Farewells

• The council paid tribute to retiring Councilman Carlos Gonzalez, recognizing his 20 years of service, legal and financial expertise, and integrity. Council members shared personal anecdotes and expressed gratitude for his collaboration. Gonzalez thanked his staff, the administration, and the public, affirming he will remain an active community member.
• Councilwoman Scott Roundtree and Councilman Counsel announced upcoming community events: Juneteenth Reparations Conference (June 20) and South Ward Juneteenth Festival (June 21), utility assistance event (June 23), gospel music celebration (June 23), and women’s career day (June 30).
• The council offered condolences to Deputy Mayor Rahma Mohammed on the loss of his sister, Deirdrick Mohammed, and to the family of Reverend Clifford Brower.