Heat. Heat. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone to please shut off all cell phones. My name is Salto Clapsy and I am sitting in for the chairperson of the Bayon Rent Control Board.
Here we go. Oh, there it is. Technical difficulty. Welcome to this February 17, 2026 public hearing of the Bon Control Board. Please all rise for the pledge of allegiance to our flag.
Pledge allegiance to the flag United States of America and to the republic for it stands nationy. >> Okay. At this time I'd like to ask Jacquine Arbor to do duly roll call.
>> Board member Clapsy >> present. >> Board member Chadam Nichols >> present. Board member Prito, >> present. >> Board member Farber, >> present. >> Board member Sisiano, >> present. All preer, all members are
present. >> The rent board complies with the sunshine law of the state of New Jersey. Notice of this evening meeting has been filed with the city clerk and notice has been posted to the bullet board on the ben board in the municipal building.
Tonight, the cliff ster is not present. However, the meeting is being recorded. The addresses to be read for mass ver vote are those applications that the board members have reviewed individually without discussion and have found to be subject of the requested action and in
compliance with the rent control ordinance requirements. If for some reason anyone has a question or problem one of these applications when the address is read simply raise your hand and the address will be stricken from the mass vote and heard
separately. Please listen carefully for your address. No application will be heard once the board members have voted and the public hearing is closed. >> I'm going to take a little Are you here to be heard to one of these applications?
>> Okay. Are you a tenant? >> Are you landlord? >> No. >> Okay. So nobody's here for you with respect to >> Okay. So that's the respect. So let's put that one off and let's deal
with 486. and the landlord's not here. Um, come on up and then you can testify so you name. >> My name is Carla Moore.
>> Yes. >> Correct. Yes. >> So, the board is familiar with your opposition. >> So, let me just ask you a couple of questions. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And then the door.
>> Yes. and the bathroom. I see that you said >> correct. >> So, let me just ask you since you're here. tiles and what what was the improvement
>> uh there so the fire department did an um inspection came out and there were sightings for hazardous things rotting that needed to be changed. So there was a leak inside of the bathroom. So around the cylinder of the faucet they removed um what you can see in the picture I
think was a good maybe four tiles. So they needed to fix that leak and then he replaced the tiles there. there was no improvements to the property like in the bathroom there was no upgrade there was it was to replace damage um and stop water waste there was a leak there so
that he placed them tiles back there the faucet piece um you can see the condition of it the person who he hired they never came back initially I had tape that was there that they put there to hold the um where the hole was um
reached out to him um on his application he stated that the work was done in March which it was not completed. Um if you look at the text messages I was reaching out to him even in April. Hey they never came back to finish. Uh last conversation that we had about was early
January. He himself came in and made an attempt with glue and and if you can see the pictures but the initial work was because the fire department came out and did an inspection and he needed to fix deterioration uh leaks and things of of that nature. So these were repairs that he needed to
fix because he was cited by the fire department. >> So the faucet and the tower and the paint was all a result and then >> No. So um just the faucet um I do I mean just the like the faucet in the tub,
right? Um I do remember hearing him tell the person that was there to paint. They did one one coat of paint on the ceiling. um the paint that is there. If you look at the pictures, you can see on the door, there was no renovation to the door. There was nothing painted on the
door. I painted my own bathroom some time ago. So, you can see where around the cylinder, there's still old paint there. Um so, it was one coat of paint that he put on the seal. >> All right. So, let me just because of the >> correct >> and the paint they just painted.
>> They just painted the ceiling. Yeah. Okay. >> Right. >> What I need to know about you said about the question is so
The door was not, >> right? So, in order for me to leave out, you have to lift the door to get out of it. It was scraping the floor. Uh, when the fire department came in, um, he explained he saw the scrapings on the door and when he opened the door, he
it's rotted out. So, he's saying to him, he said, "Listen, this is a hazard. You have to fix you have to take this out. It's completely rotted. She can't get in and out of her door the proper way. It's a hazard." So, they instructed him to change the door. He did replace.
>> He replaced He replaced the jamming of the door. However, um not sure how they put it in. When you come in and out, if you see the picture, it completely is now off the door. He himself attempted, he came back, did the screw, and it was
literally right before I got this notice that he was applying for capital improvements. Um if you see the door now again in the pictures, that piece is like rotted out. Well, it's out. the door is when you look at the holes, it's
um uh what do you call that? Like um styrofoam on the inside. So, it's not it's not managing around the base of the door. If you see in one of the photos, um the paint is still torn. There's like ho like holes from the paint on the side. But again, due to the fire
department siding, he had to, you know, take out the door, rotted so that I can use the properly functioning door. >> Okay. So, and I just want to be clear, I'm letting you mater. >> So the door itself um now is easier to
get out because the piece the stopper up top has dislodged. There's two holes in the top. It's it's completely off now. >> Okay. So what you're saying, but at the end of the day, the door is not it's not redone. It's not completely done. >> No, the door he's if you can that's completed. He he had to change out the
the f the frame of it. That was that was done and they placed the door there. Yes. So if you >> So it is working and it's done, >> right? He just it just no longer now has the stopper and there's two holes up top because the stopper as you keep going in and out, it came out. So the landlord
himself now came back and attempted himself to put the stopper up. >> So that's >> right. Okay. So I understand that. >> Um >> you can ask questions. >> I'm I'm just looking at where it says
paint bathroom. Did he paint the entire bathroom? No, >> just the ceiling. >> Correct. for $581. >> Can is this says paint bathroom? It doesn't say paint ceiling. >> If um just a qu a thing, if you look at
the pictures, the majority of the bathroom is tile. >> So you go around like literally around the base of the if this is the bathroom, you're going here. All of this is literally tile. >> Just the ceiling there. Um painted it.
>> No. No. I don't >> quick question for you. The door that you're talking about, is that the door to get into the apartment? >> The front door that he the framing >> the door that's in question here. Is that the front door? >> Yes, that's my front door to get in and
out of my apartment. >> Into your apartment? Yes. And what are you describing as the closers? Is that >> So, there's a stopper that keeps the like I guess keeps the door from closing heavily. Um, but I explained to him also, I have smaller kids. I They
shouldn't have to tug to get out of the door. Um, and it's hard. It's really hard to get out. I have a 8-year-old, so you have to really struggle to pull it. I told him if there's a way that they not put that stopper. Um, I'm not sure what regulations may have changed. Years
ago, when the city came out, separate from the fire department, they advised him and told him that because I have small children, they should not have that because it's hard to get out of that. I'm an adult and I have to pull the door to get out. Um, so yes, the the front door is that's to go in and out.
We're having the same issue with the downstairs where we leave the building. The same thing. The front that stopper that's it's a heavy it's like a heavy um gray like heavy stopper. It's that's already off the door as well downstairs in our front of the building that we need to come into. But particularly in
this situation, my that's my front door that I'm that he had to he was instructed by the fire department that they needed to change. >> Does your front door close by itself if you open it and it closes by itself or not? >> No, I have to close it. >> So if you were to open your your apartment door
>> and you let go, does it close or >> No, I have to close it. Even with the stopper like the stopper would not fully I have to go and say no, you have to close it. I don't know if the even with the hinges or when they fixed it if it was not level but I have to physically close my door. >> Okay. So your door is supposed to close
by itself. >> Mhm. >> So that has by code. >> So if I if I'm leaving my so >> okay I just want to make that clear. Okay. So anybody else have any other questions?
>> Yeah. >> Okay. So, thank you. >> Okay. Oh, so these are two separate. The other one you did >> separate. Okay. So, let me just let me just tell you something before we
discuss it. So, as you know, the definition of a major capital improvement under ordinance is any reservation, preservation, replacement or improvement work which substantially adds the value or So in this case,
but does not include ordinary or repairs or maintenance yourself, but you either one of these like the bathroom if you find that that was not an improvement of repair or maintenance. So we talked about two
elements paint and the faucet and the repair. So you can talk about its but if you find that this was caused by a repair andor maintenance. So if you think the painting was maintain then you should probably
that improvement. The door on the other hand and we know this the door is probably an improvement. However, that said, you know, you have to find that
improvement. I would say that we have an issue with the fact that you know as as you guys brought up in the question and brought up whether or not it's operating properly in terms of doesn't pass code.
So if the landlord did the work to do but it's not doesn't pass code and I don't have anything in front of us yet as to whether that Except it's done up to code. If you decide that it might be done but not to code, then
what we can do is we can we can table that and you can say that assuming the landlord and assuming the rent office gets proof of that it's up to code, we can decide that. If it's not up to code, then we can reject it until the landlord
come back when it's up to code and get your approval. So that's how I would tell you to evaluate this. So think about it. Um talk about it now what you want to do and then no think about >> Yeah. So you talk about it, you know, talk about what you want to do and if
you want to >> talk out loud so they can hear. No, we should do this publicly. We have to hold your mic so that they can hear. the bathroom shower. Push the button so they can hear you. >> I'm thinking that the bathroom shower um is not a capital improvement. I think
it's just maintenance. Uh and far as the door, if we can possibly see if it's bought up to code, we can kind of table that. >> Does anyone else disagree? >> Um I agree.
>> Yeah, I agree on the >> I agree with that >> on the repairs. However, I don't think the door is really a capital improvement if you're replacing a door that was there. Um, you know, the door replacing an old door
with a new door to me is a capital it's not a capital improvement rather it's it's a repair. Um, at least that's the way I look at it. But he did more than just a slab replacement. He did the reframed it and put door in and hardware and all that. So that would be more of a
fuller frame. It wouldn't be a repair. Repair would be change the handle, change the hardware, but that might be considered more of ament. >> You have to repair the framing. You have to repair the frame. The framing's >> If the framing is not where it needs to be to hold the door, you have to repair
the framing also. So you can get a brand new door and the framing is not correct, the new door is not going to do any good. So even if you put the old door and he still has to repair the framing. So to me, all this is repairs, but we can that's like the way I look at it. We
can just decide how to vote on it. >> Okay. So, let's do this. Let's um let's look on the same page about it. So, why don't we why don't we see if we have a motion to
approve or disprove, however you want to do it, this application number 217. Um as far as >> somebody. >> I'll make a motion to disprove it. >> Deny it. Yes.
>> I'll second that. Charlie. >> All right. Board member Clapsy >> denied. >> Board member Chadam Nichols >> denied. >> Okay, hold on. Approved. The motion
>> is to deny >> is to deny it. >> So you're either voting >> against >> yes on against the motion or for the motion. So So we're going to start again. So she made a motion to deny the application. Correct. >> So if you think that the landlord should
get the money, then you're going to vote against otherwise you're going to vote >> for denial. >> Okay. That's all the members who I'm calling out is for denial of project number one. >> Um so I'm gonna start over one more
time. So Salvator board member Clapsy >> for or against >> No. Okay. >> No for I'm sorry. For >> are you the motion motion is not to grant the application. Right. >> So you're for the motion.
>> I'm for the motion. Got it. >> Member Chadam Nichols. I'm for the motion. >> Board member Cissiano. >> Board member Brito >> for the motion. >> Board member Farber >> for the motion
>> for all for denial of project one. >> Okay. So project one. >> Okay. So now project number two. That's the door. So >> is that the same >> same
what I heard there's two thoughts that one it should not be capital improvement automatically find that it's a a repair or it seems like you guys might find that it's a capital improvement but we
don't know that it was finished and done properly is up to code so unless it's actually whoever wants to make a motion then depending upon what motion So we can table it until we can do that. If
you want to make a motion to table it, we can table it and then we can come back to it. figure that out again. >> I do have a question. Did the fire department said that they were going to follow up on the door or anything that
>> I don't know the answer to that. So that that's probably we should find that out because I don't want to just go because the witness could be wrong. Correct. Okay. Got it. >> And I don't want to give an improvement if we don't know and we should know that. >> So we'll follow up with the >> So we'll follow we'll follow up and find out and then you can come with to the meeting and with the information.
>> Got it. and or maybe they'll go out and check it and say, "No, it's all good." >> Okay. >> And then you guys can decide, oh, it's all good. So, it's either an improvement or repair. >> All right. So, you want to make a motion to table. Go ahead. Somebody >> motion to table. >> Second. >> I'll second.
>> Board member Clap. >> Vote is to table. >> Yes. >> Yes or no? >> Board member Clapsy. >> Yes. >> Board member Chadam Nichols. >> Yes. >> Board member Tina Ciano. >> Board member Cletoto. >> Yes. or member Far Farber. >> Yes.
>> Motion to table this. >> So that will be on the next one. Let's do >> your name again for the record. >> Carla Moore. And again
number >> three. Yes. >> Um so again this was part of the fire department inspection. Um, the work that was done was corrective maintenance. You're scraping, you know, rust. You're having to do that's that's something
that you have to do to make the fire escape safe. This isn't, you know, we're entitled to have a safe fire, you know, fire escape. Um, and per the work order, it said per FDERT, you had to bring that for certification. So, you're not improving something, you're correcting
um hazardous behavior. So for me, I feel like that's not something that the tenant or myself should have to pay for that. No, this is this is something that it's a hazard and you have to correct that hazard. Not that you just willingly decided that you wanted a new or a
better fire escape. You were cited for hazardous conditions and you needed to correct those conditions. So for that, that's why I oppose that for the for the capital improvement. >> Okay. >> Does the board have any questions?
Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay. So depending you want to make a motion to approve whatever deny >> make a motion to deny the application.
>> I'll second it. >> Motion. Yeah. Motion to uh deny this application. Board member Clapsy. >> Deny. Four. Okay. Board member Chad Nichols. >> Okay. >> For the denial of the motion.
>> Board member uh Sisiano >> for the denial. >> Board member Prito >> for the denial. >> Board member Farber >> for the denial. >> Okay, we moved it denial. >> All right. And then the next one
is number And this is tenant not here and landlord not like we said we're going to put this on for the next meeting and we'll let you know if it doesn't get off next takes longer. We'll let you know. >> I appate
notes. Yes. >> And then there'll be a resolution explaining all >> Thank you so much. Have a great night. >> All right. So on the on the capital improvement for 125 West
Street about that I guess. So, I think we need more info on the foundation walls as to the extent and what was actually done, whether it was a repair or whether the whole foundation was done. So, I think we should request
more info on that one. Yeah, I see what um so as a lawyer here I I would tell you that I would like to because looking at the unus
but in this case the cement damage and the sealant where necessary. I can see what looks like that might just be a repair. On the other hand, the
last place founding for added cement thickness. That's not clear to me either whe one of those things while we're here as opposed to I would recommen
And then you know $13,000 the whole thing but part of it was part of it was improvements. You know break down that invoice and let me know from your contractor
you know if what was done to the whole was not necessitated and what was done because I can't tell right here. It might be that some of this was enhanced improvement work while you're there. Let's do it while I don't know the answer.
>> So, you would want the rent control office to reach out to the landlord to specify with their contractor. >> Yeah, I'd like to table and then have a conversation. >> Okay. >> And tell them that look, you know, you don't get repairs and you don't get like necessary like where necessary kind of
repairs, but some of this is something like Give us break down >> about now the question is for this one
that's found that partation satisfied that they just Was the door repaired or >> door replaced? Did it need to be
replaced? No. Or >> no. Was the door damaged? had to be replaced. >> Okay. >> So, I mean there's no question, >> right? Yeah. But
was it did it have to be in replaced or >> I mean that's question. >> Okay. All right. >> Okay. >> So, I guess the question for all of you, does anybody have an issue with that?
Anybody doesn't believe that they are comfortable with the fact that there's a new door. Are you ready to are you comfortable voting on the door? Do you have any more information about that? >> No, I'm fine with voting on the door.
>> All right. So, let's make a motion to table project number one of So it the capital improvement how he submitted is 01 project. So the door and the the cement is all one project but I can go back and split everything.
>> Yes, he's got no expense. put it as one, >> but I can go back and split the and then just redo everything and >> Okay, so let's do it, right? Let's do it. So, let's make a motion. Can we have a motion either to approve or deny expense number
two of project number one? How about that? That's the part relating to the door. So, somebody want to make a motion on that part. >> We're voting on the door >> expense number two. >> First make a mo. Yeah.
>> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> All right. Board member Clapsy. >> Approve. >> Four. Okay. >> Board member Chadam Nichols. >> Approve. Board member Cisiano. >> Board member Brito >> approved.
>> Board member Farber >> approved. >> All approved for project one of the door. >> Yep. >> I mean project two. Expense two of the door. >> Yeah. >> All right. So now and then somebody wants to make >> I'll make a motion to table expense
number one. I'll second it >> for tableabling. Um, board member Clapsy, >> board member Chadam Nichols, >> approved. >> Board member uh Ceciano, >> board member Brito >> approved.
>> Board member Farber >> approved. >> Approving for tableabling. >> Okay. So with that then we'll do the res >> and the rec control office will separate
the cost of the door and the cement and that would be submitted to the lawyer. So they she can do the resolution reflecting. >> I'll do the resolution. >> Yes ma'am. Would you like to speak? >> You want to speak or >> Good evening.
>> Okay. So actually >> tell us your name. >> Michelle Martin 812-818 Avenue C. Michelle Martin, 812-818
Avenue C, Apartment 207. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, there was a leak on the fifth floor. I'm on the second floor. It came down. It damaged the bedroom and the um
bathroom. Okay. So, um they did repair it and then um it turned out that >> they did repair. >> Yeah. Yeah. That but the leak of course damaged some of my things. >> Um some things I had here. Um I have
pictures and I didn't know I was supposed to do a whole thing like an application and and all. But anyway, so I mean the landlord and the super were all in agreement and everything. So what
the landlord said was, "Okay, Michelle, um for the I had to replace the the closet." So it's just one of these um canvas zip zip up closets for $89. Okay. I have the receipt and all of that.
Okay. So, as far as the clothes, so what happened with my clothes is the compound that they used like this went everywhere. And so, of course, it did a lot of damage. So, it's not damage damage. It's just things that
I have to clean up now, you know. And of course, I had to have a handyman come in because we had to move stuff and clean and and such and such. But they're all in agreement with that because he said, "Michelle, just submit, you know, to me
this that what I need the guidance of I mean what I have receipts for, right? How much can I charge for the labor?" I mean, the guy that helped me, you know, and everything um he did a little extra for me and and whatnot.
Um, so I just need guidance to ask. He says he's going to, you know, pay me and I I have things here. What do I do? How do I do that? >> Okay. So, here's an answer. You may not like it. So, we
can't, you know, we deal with the rent control. >> Okay. >> Your issue is a landlord's >> right. and maybe negligent against them. Um, so we can't give you legal advice. We can't even help you.
Like there's no application because they didn't violate anything under the ordinance >> and what they did to you is not denying you. >> But you have if they caused you damage and it caused you monetary damage, you
might claim against your landlord just like somebody who runs into your car. So you can do a couple things. You can do whatever you would like to do to sue them. Go to small do that. You can try
to talk to your landlord. It sounds like working with them. >> So yeah, I'll just right and just estimate stuff and see if he's in agreement with it. And >> but give you the waterfront project. They
are um they're a group of they're they're advocates for tenants and they are lawyers like a legal kind of organized things that we can't do as a board >> but they're likely so they be able to
help. So, give them a call. You know, do what you can do to gather your information. Give them a call and they might be able to help you. >> Okay. >> And that would be at no cost to you. Yeah. >> They're here. So, they'll work that give you some guidance as to where you might >> Well, yes. Yeah. Okay.
>> All right. >> I appreciate your help. >> Oh, no. No. We appreciate you coming here. Good luck. >> Have a good night, Michelle. Thank you. >> Good evening. Byebye. >> You, too. >> A motion to adjourn the meeting. Make a motion to adjourn the meeting.