Passaic City Council Meeting - March 7, 2026

The Passaic City Council met on March 7, 2026, at 20:30 UTC to address a range of items including public comments on a property designation, multiple resolutions for road work and service contracts, ordinances for parking permits and fishing regulations, and a detailed mayoral update on parking deck funding, snow removal, and community programs. All votes were unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joshua Goldman (185 High Street) addressed the council regarding agenda item 26, which designates a parcel at 24 Orchard Street as an area in need of rehabilitation. He questioned whether the 32-unit apartment building, built in the 1980s, was truly a pre-existing non-conforming use or actually an illegal structure, as it may not have conformed to zoning at the time of construction. He argued the city could use other remedies instead of the rehabilitation designation.
• Mayor and Business Administrator responded that the building is legally occupied with certificates of occupancy, but it is non-conforming because it does not meet any permitted use under current zoning. They clarified that a pre-existing non-conforming use means it predated the zoning ordinance; if the building was built after the ordinance, it may have received a use variance. The designation simply starts the process, with no commitment to a plan.

Discussion Items

• Resolutions 16–26 (Road Work, HVAC, and Designation): Councilman Love asked for clarification on alternate bids for road projects (items 20/21). The Business Administrator explained that alternates allow the city to use leftover funds by adding extra streets if base bids come in low. On item 18/19 (HVAC service), Councilman Mayor noted a $45,000 savings over two years from the new vendor, though the resolution initially appeared to show $186,000; it was corrected to $135,000. Councilman Garcia inquired about the process for item 26; the Business Administrator explained it is a resolution to designate an area in need of rehabilitation, not a plan—the next step is developing a redevelopment plan, which would come as an ordinance. The council can refuse that ordinance. All items were approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 27 (Disabled Persons Parking): Amends designation of street departments for disabled persons by license plate. Passed for second reading.
• Ordinance 28 (Residential Parking Permits): Creates a new residential parking permit zone near Clifton border (from Brook to Terhune). Councilman Mayor asked about criteria; the Business Administrator cited complaints during a snowstorm, but noted that vehicle ownership has increased and neighboring cities have permits. The Mayor added that this is a targeted approach; the city has seen positive feedback from previous zones. Passed for second reading.
• Ordinance 29 (Fishing at Hughes Lake): Amends code to allow catch-and-keep of trout in line with New Jersey fishing game law. Councilman Love confirmed hook-and-line only. Passed for second reading.
• Ordinance 30 (Affordable Housing Mandatory Set-Aside): Clarifies the language to direct readers to the schedule of regulations for density calculations. The Mayor stated it does not change the policy. Passed for second reading.
• Payment of Bills: Approved unanimously.
• Mayor’s Report:
  • Office of New Americans: Held a successful meeting with not-for-profits and faith-based organizations regarding resources for refugees and immigrants.
  • Expungement Clinic: Scheduled for the upcoming month, led by the assistant solicitor.
  • Solar Panel Savings Program: Over 330 residents signed up; income-eligible residents can save up to 31% on energy bills.
  • Phlebotomy Classes: Filled again; the mayor noted state legislation to support training in healthcare fields.
  • Human Trafficking Prevention: Met with the Attorney General's office to discuss initiatives ahead of FIFA events. The city has been recognized for its efforts.
  • Parking Deck Funding: The city applied for $15 million federal funding for a 400-space parking deck at Dayton Avenue, received $3 million (the $4 million previously received was taken back by the new federal administration). The mayor explained that the project is a priority due to the school complex's lack of parking; the deck would cost ~$15 million. Councilman Monk discussed the feasibility of building fewer spaces if funding is limited; the Business Administrator noted that building three to four stories is more cost-effective per space than two. The council will continue to seek additional funding.
  • Snow Removal: The recent storm cost under $30,000 (compared to $200,000 for a previous storm). A DPW truck fire was caused by a hydraulic lock from overuse; the vehicle fleet is insufficient for another major storm. The city borrowed salt and used contractors.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions and ordinances passed unanimously (roll call votes on each group: resolutions 1–5, 6–13, 14, 16–26, and separately on 5A; ordinances 27, 28, 29, 30; payment of bills).
• Item 26: Approved as a resolution to designate the parcel as an area in need of rehabilitation, with no commitment to a redevelopment plan at this stage.
• Ordinances 27, 28, 29, 30: Set down for second and final reading at the March 17, 2026 meeting.
• Parking Deck: The city will continue to apply for additional funding; council members will receive regular updates on grant applications.
• Snow Removal: The administration will explore converting streets to one-way during snowstorms and will report back to the council.