Passaic City Council Meeting - October 25, 2025

The Passaic City Council held a regular meeting on October 25, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a mayor's update, public comments, approval of consent and routine resolutions, and discussion of several agenda items. The meeting was originally scheduled for October 21 and rescheduled to October 22 per the transcript, but the provided date is October 25, 2025.

Consent Calendar

• Communications items 1–5 and resolutions 6–15 were approved unanimously.
• Resolutions 17–36 (routine items) were approved unanimously.
• Payment of bills was approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Parker J. Brown (resident) raised concerns about the proposed concession stand at Bragg Park: potential competition with local businesses (TAPS, nearby grocery stores), parking congestion, and suggested alternative community uses such as a community refrigerator or pantry. He requested his questions be included in the minutes.
• John Conna (resident) complained about unsafe conditions at properties 147, 149, and 155 Broadway—including roof damage, overgrowth, and debris. He criticized lack of enforcement by city departments.
• Anthony Wade (79 Barry Place) objected to the Rite Aid store being developed near his home, citing lack of proper notification, increased traffic, bright lights, and failure to address a sinkhole and tree overgrowth. He stated the city did not notify residents as required for new businesses within 200 feet, though the city administration disputed this requirement.

Discussion Items

Mayor's Update & Q&A

• Mayor reported on recent events: Futuros Sin Frontera program with actor Carlos Moret, community circuit in the park, Italian heritage flag raising, mayor's youth council mental health walk, breast cancer awareness activities, cops and bobbers fishing event, and a visit from actor Jamie Foxx.
• Free shuttle service: Mayor announced hours will change from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. to 7 a.m.–10 a.m. and 12 p.m.–afternoon, plus weekend expansion to improve usage efficiency.
• Special needs job fair: Mayor proposed hosting a job fair for adults with special needs, with incentives for UEZ businesses to hire them. He noted concerns about aging out of programs and lack of federal funding for adult services.
• Government shutdown impact: SNAP and WIC funding secured through October 31 and November 10, 2025 respectively, but no new 2026 funds approved; potential crisis if shutdown continues.
• Infrastructure updates: Veterans Memorial Park improvements complete (track, fencing, netting); River Drive/Clifton Avenue lot reopened; Glenside and Garfield Avenue covert improvements with tree/shrub planting; Eastside Firehouse wall repair done; Harrison Street parking design completed for angled parking.

Bragg Park Concession Stand Discussion

• Mayor and Business Administrator Fernandez confirmed the project is fully funded by UEZ (about $1 million total, from two grants). Discussions with the community, Bragg family, and stakeholders have occurred over three years. Parking and traffic studies were conducted. The concession stand will be grab-and-go, not competing with local businesses. The bus stop will remain. A plaque honoring Bragg family will be larger.

Rite Aid at Train Station (Properties 147/149/155 Broadway)

• Administration stated the properties are part of a redevelopment plan with pending demolition and new project. Recent photos (Oct 15) show 95% of unsightly conditions addressed. Councilman Love noted improvement. Mayor added that enhanced lighting and security will benefit residents, and parking permits were implemented to protect resident parking. New Jersey Transit held public meetings as part of the approval process.

Bike Share Program (Resolution 28)

• Phase 2 adds 10 multi-speed bikes and 5 new racks, fully funded by UEZ. Two maintenance contracts: one for proprietary parts and seasonal upkeep, another for routine repairs via local service, saving costs.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions 1–15 and 17–36 approved unanimously.
• Payment of bills approved.
• Ordinance for redevelopment plan at 91-95 Hoglesson Avenue (Block 3212, Lots 21 & 23) set for second reading on December 2, 2025.
• Ordinance amending restricted parking for disabled persons set for second reading on November 6, 2025.
• Ordinance amending bus stop locations (Lexington Avenue) set for second reading on November 6, 2025.
• No executive session was held (Resolution 16 not discussed).
• Meeting adjourned.