Good morning. Welcome to the premeating of the Newark Municipal Council on Tuesday, June 16th. Council President, council members, we are on page three of the agenda. Item
five, reports and recommendations of city officers, boards, and commissions. [snorts] >> Ordinances on first reading. 6FA is an ordinance ratifying and authorizing a 10-year tax extension
to the tax abatement granted to Claremont Newark Urban Renewal LLC for a project to undertake improvements to the FBI building. >> Any questions from council? None.
B is an ordinance amending the special improvement districts to amend various sections increasing the administrative fee retain I'm sorry retained by the city tax collector from 1% to 2%.
>> Any questions? See none. Council Councilman Gonzalez >> if I can go back to a we have a list of the appro improvements that are contemplated. Do we have a list of the improvements that are contemplated on the FBI
building? [snorts] >> Would you council council members Eric Pennington, business administrator, we do have uh a list of improvements that have been submitted as uh the the requisite amount of approvals necessary for an extended tax abatement. Would you
like us to submit that to you? >> Would you will you please? >> Sure. We can get that. >> Thank you. You will >> as noted. Continue. >> Public hearing second reading and final passage. 6P SFA is an ordinance
authorizing the mayor andor his design to authorize the sale and transfer of city property to Essex Reservoir Urban Renewal LLC. sponsored by Councilman Kelly, second by Councilwoman Scott Roundtree.
>> Any questions? None. Continue. B is amending an ordinance and authorizing the mayor and/or his design to enter into and execute an amended lease agreement amending the name of the
landlord from urban renewal LLC to Catholic Charities Arch Dascese of Newark for the lease of residential homeless shelter. >> Any questions? None. Continue. C is an ordinance amending and
supplementing the housing code to establish additional requirements for certificates of habitability and strengthen the enforcement through revocation. Sponsored by Councilman Council, second by Councilwoman Scott Roundtree.
>> Any questions? None. D is an ordinance amending and supplementing the housing code security to add a provision establishing alternative security compliance for certain redevelopment projects sponsored by Councilman Council. Second by
Councilwoman Scott Roundtry. >> Any questions? >> Yeah. Yeah. Chair, just wanted to talk briefly around the issue since we got through both the these ordinances and and ultimately vote on them, but I know that we we are still having an issue
with some of the buildings that are over 100 units that are still not meeting the requirement of having a security guard. One of them specifically is 103 Chancellor Avenue uh that has been having major incidents with uh individuals entering their apartments,
sleeping in hallways, defecating in the hallways. Um, and I know as we continue to move and advance this, uh, that in all of these facilities that are over 100 units, we have to be able to put our hand down, uh, and to ensure that all of these spaces are meeting the mandates of
what our city ordinances are saying and that they have to get uh, security in these buildings immediately or uh, we need to, you continue to enact these fines that are attached uh, to these ordinances. Thank you. Any other
questions? There none. Continue. E is an ordinance granting a 35-year tax abatement to 10 Park Place Newark LLC for the adaptive reuse of the property located at 10 Park Place into a 10story
high-rise elevator building with 196 unit fully affordable residential rental project with units consisting of 54 studio units, 116 one-bedroom units,
16 two-bedroom units and 10 threebedroom units. >> Any questions? Continue. Mr. President. >> Yes. Council Raymond. >> Um I I apologize. I just want to go back to the um security uh ordinance and
revisions. And if I can through your chair, uh, at some point, can we have a a conversation and maybe one of the subcommittees of the council regarding the city's overall security ordinance? Uh, I I really believed in some years
ago I made the attempt but was unsuccessful. Uh that's similar to what we do with alcohol beverage control lenses that um the police division based on the number of complaints and other concerns should be in a position along
with maybe some kind of ad hoc committee to impose conditions on those very problematic uh property owners that have uh you know security complaints because in some buildings having a security guard is not enough. you know, we we
should be looking at surveillance equipment, uh, properties that are problematic, may need multiple guards. And then we have, um, senior buildings and Councilman Canana and I had conversation in the past along Prospect Avenue where they do not want an armed guard in the front. Uh, they they prefer
to just have a security guard. So, I don't think one approach uh uh effectively addresses all the different concerns. And I think we need to have some flexibility in the ordinance where we can go after those problematic uh property owners and oppo impose
additional requirements besides them just having one security guard and an eight-hour armed guard for a 24-hour shift. So, if I can through your chair, maybe defer this to the um not not defer the the what's on the agenda, but refer
um the conversation to our subcommittee so that we can come up later on with a more comprehensive approach. Madame Clerk, as noted by Councilman Ramos, uh to the administration uh basically to the administration to follow up and law
and and and the business administrator. >> Absolutely. Resolutions 7R1A through E are all temporary emergency appropriations. A is for the traffic calming project. B
is for the hypertensive quality project. C is for data management support. D is for the Sunup summer food program. And E is for the plan for health New Jersey grant. >> Any questions? Yeah, Mr. Chair,
>> Counciloman, >> sorry, Council Councilwoman Bay was first. >> Councilwoman Bay and Council Council, >> um, just one around these traffic measures and and and I know we we talk about I'm not sure if the engineer director is in here, but we constantly
talk about trying to be innovative with some of these common measures that we put in place. Uh, and it's very important that we do it. I know a lot of times we continue to have these kind of, you know, 1950 and 1920 solutions with the red stop sign with no motion uh and
no activity uh when we are in the junction of trying to have flashing lights or other kind of reading mechanisms in place that I think is important. There was a a accident up on Madison and 17th Street uh around Greater Greater Oak Schools. I know
prior we had put in uh a resolution asking for four-way stops in that area and there was some that was done uh from 18th street all the way down to Madison Avenue. But if we can look at that again with some you know uh innovative tools like high flashing lights and signals
that are saying slow down. I think we need to be able to push um our engineering department, our traffic and signals department uh into the 21st century as we begin to look at some of these common measures as well as some of the signages and things that we have
around these areas is becoming critically important uh that we begin to do this. >> That's noted. Councilwoman Bank. >> Thank you, Councilman. um 7R1D um the um uh the meals for New York
children for the summer um food program. Is this for just youth who are in summer work or in school program? I just want to know who's eligible to receive these meals >> as noted. Can we [clears throat] get an answer by tomorrow? Madam clerk for the
council woman director. >> Oh yes, you said director. Okay. Great morning, council president, uh the distinguished council members, Dell Reading, director of recreation, culture, affairs, and senior services. Uh these meals are for uh all the
children within the city of Newark that uh are in part of programs that's uh at the schools, at the recreation center. So all the children that want to eat, these meals are available for them. >> All all of them. So no matter where they are in the city. >> Yes. Perfect. >> Long as they signed up at a location.
Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Uh, Councilman uh, Kelly wants to be known. >> Yeah, I wanted to be noted as a sponsor for the >> second. >> Mr. Chair, >> yes. >> I I just wanted to point out as director
Ren talked about, it's important uh, for any site or any provider that wants to be a host site for for Sunup to serve breakfast and lunch uh, throughout the city. the more uh site representatives we have, the more opportunities young people have during the summer uh to get
breakfast and lunch uh and a nutritious meal in them. I know many of them wake up in the morning and just run out the house and begin to run around and start their day. And the best possible way to do that is find a site or a location that is feasible to be a host site. And so they should all sign up with uh sign
up or work through uh director's office to do so. So that this summer can be not just one of the best summers uh in terms of activities or programs but also making sure that our young people get nutritious meals from the age of zero to 18. So thank you.
and also noted that uh there should be some cooling centers. Uh if you get temperatures that are really in the in the uh high 90s, you know, with food and and stuff like that could go real bad. And it would be good if there's some
sites that are air conditioned that our youth and and and young people and parents can go while it's 90 degrees outside. You know, we'd appreciate that. >> Yes, council president. Uh, distinguished council members, once again, Darnell Reading, director of recreation, culture, faith, and senior
services. All of our recreation facilities and our centers of hope and also our senior services facilities except for Bethany Baptist. You can always come in and we have a cooling site all day. And also, you can uh utilize the pool and the ice skating rink as well.
>> Oh, thank you. There's no >> F through J are purchasing contracts. F is a co-op agreement for document management for records retention. G is a bid contract for fire equipment
[clears throat] installation. H is a bid contract for lead and healthy homes hazardous inspections. I is a bid contract for blood test kits and lead analyzer. And J is career exploration for the summer youth
employment program. >> Any questions? Council Councilwoman Bay. >> I wanted to sponsor uh 7R1J. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. Council Kelly. I would love to council president. I would love to sponsor 7R1G
>> as a second for >> second. >> Second by Councilwoman Bay. >> Okay. Virginia >> K is acceptance of grant funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the upgrade and
rehabilitation of the Newark YMCA. >> Sponsored by Councilwoman Pay. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Kelly. >> It's about time by the way. >> Yes. >> L is a fringe benefit agreement for an elected employee.
>> Any questions? Seeing none, continue. >> Mr. President, Councilman Ramos, >> um with with this uh prior to tomorrow's meeting, are there any um living like council members that may have achieved
or elected officials the 20 years of service that we know of that I'd like to if we're going to do this, we should just memorialize it as opposed to just doing it individually. So just just a thought.
>> We'll definitely do some digging. >> That's it. Continue. >> Seminar 2A through L are private sale and redevelopment agreements. A is construction of a new two family residential dwelling to be sold at
market rate in the south ward. >> Any questions? >> Yeah, I'm going to ask for this item be deferred. >> Second. Second. Second by Kelly. >> B is new construction of three two family homes to be sold at market rate
in the south ward. >> Uh Mr. Chair, I'm going to support this item. >> Okay. >> For Yes. Sponsors. >> Second. >> Second. >> Second by Councilwoman Scott Roundtree. C is construction of a new two family residential dwelling to be sold at
market rate in the West Ward. >> Want to ask for this uh this item to be deferred. It's def is there a second? >> I'll second. >> J >> D is construction of a new three family
residential dwelling with each unit to be rented at market rate in the north ward. Any questions? There none. E >> is new construction of two three family dwellings consisting of one ADA
compliant apartment unit and two standard units in each dwelling to be sold at market rate in the south board. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, I'm asking this item be deferred. >> Is there a second? Second. Second by Kelly. [clears throat]
Council Kelly J. >> F is construction of two new three family or two family homes to sell at market rate in the west ward. >> I ask for this to be deferred as well. >> Is there a second? A second
to defer. Continue. >> G is construction of a residential development with a minimum of 16 units in the south ward. >> Match for a second be deferred. >> Is there a second?
>> Second. My second by Jen. H is the first amendment to the private sale redevelopment to creative development real estate LLC to correct the sale amount and appraisal amount in the north south and east ward
properties. >> Any questions? See none continue. I is the first amendment to the agreement for the sale and redevelopment of land to MTA and Associates LLC to correct the property description in the Southport.
>> Any questions? J. None. Continue. >> J is the first amendment to agreement for the sale and redevelopment of land to Creative Development Real Estate LLC to change the project description in the south ward.
>> Any questions? Seeing none, continue. >> K is the first amendment to the agreement for the sale and redevelopment of land to DCF developers LLC to change the property description in the West and South Wards.
>> Any questions? See none. Continue. Madam clerk. >> L is a first amendment assignment and assumption to the agreement for the sale and redevelopment of land to Summit Street Development Group LLC in the central ward. >> Any questions?
None. Continue. >> M to authorize the execution of Mr. >> President. Yes. Council Ramos. >> Um with with these uh property sales, um I just have a concern there. There's a property on Verona Avenue next to the
city uh DPW's uh little community hub where you can go and take your garbage and bulk that uh some years ago was sold to an adjacent property owner. Uh besides the fact that
they're parking, you know, junk cars on the property, um basically the combined properties are now for sale. Uh, and I'd like to know what kind of monitoring does a department have in place in order to, you know, prevent something like
that from happening because if the intention was for the person that bought the property to put it up for sale and they were asking upwards of a million dollars for the combined lot, um, then the city should have just sold it themselves as opposed to selling it to
the adjacent property owner at a discount price. Um and and that's happening more and more often. And you know, I drive through the ward and I identify properties that have been sold in the last four or five years and those lots many of them still remain vacant
and no development going on. And some of them are trying to some of the owners are trying to sell property that they bought from the city at a discount price and and that's very concerning to me. So if through your through the chairman and and your office, if we can conduct an
investigation on that property on Verona Avenue, I think I was there with director Adem a few weeks ago when we had a community cleanup and you know some of his folks who who work in the department, you know, basically said, "Well, we could have used this property as opposed to having this owner who's
dumping illegally on the property, who has junk cars prop parked there and has now combined his property and the lot that they bought from the city and are asking for a crazy amount of money uh in order for a private developer to come in
and put up a project. >> Deputy Mayor and and Madame Clerk, as noted by by Councilman Ramos to to uh respond a response to the administration. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. has noted >> uh council president and council members
Allison Lad, director of economic and housing development. Uh the mayor and the administration are also very concerned about property has been sold uh to third parties who have not developed and who are second at times
selling it to another third party. We have uh so that's first uh second a few years ago some may recall we have a compliance office that does regular um inspections and also reviews of projects
uh to ensure that um they are meeting the compliance and we are sending out default letters as needed. Uh third, in order for a property to be relieved of its writer reverter, um there is a certificate of completion that has to be
uh signed by me and then the department um once a review is done. Um the next item is really that the title should typically find the writer reverter and not allow the sale. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn't. So, it
becomes even more important to the administration to be more proactive. To council member Ramos's point, um, in closing, I will say some of the amendments that you see on even today's agenda are partly due to the work of going through compliance and ensuring
that the developers are doing what they should. Um, and again, I'll just close by saying I know Mayor Baraka has talked to uh me and others about looking at another way to strengthen the city's ability to um limit this action. Um, and
by that I mean having redevelopment agreements be more strong and saying that if you do sell the property that then there's a different action also known as the proceeds would have to come back to the city. >> Mr. President. >> So, so in the example I gave you, like
what kind of recourse does the city have with that property owner? Let's say he sold it for whatever $800,000 to a private developer. Does the city have the authority to go in and stop the sale? Do we recoup money? Like, you know, what happens?
>> Uh, yes. Um, in the case that, uh, Council President that Council Ramos is speaking of, um, I will have my attorneys look into it right away. Um, we have outside counsel that handles these more egregious situations. Um, and yes, once we have been able to get the
property back, um, more than once, but once in the case of my description to you today. And then second, um, we have been able to recover uh, the sale price when it's been sold a second and a third time. Um, it is not always 100% of the
sales price. Sometimes there has to be a negotiation if they paid some value to the city and then whatever the sale is the differential is what we negotiate but I will immediately talk to our outside council to have that handled. >> Yes, council Gonzalez.
>> In addition to the reverter uh clause, we should have a restriction on the deed that the property cannot be transferred without the property being developed. They say the property is developed then there is it's different but if the if
the property is not developed we should have something there on the deed because the deed is something that the title company is going to examine and uh that's probably the first document that they examine the restriction on the
let's say the the covenant of of recovery or whatever we want to call it. That's something that might be a a a document that they don't look at and uh and that's why we are having let's say the problems that we're having. I believe it's important that we put a
specifically in bold language on the deed that the property cannot be transferred without the the without completing the the say the project. >> Council President to Council Gonzalez's point um I understand and I'll look to
make sure that happens. >> Yeah. Madam Deputy Mayor, you know, around the country, you know, with my colleagues around the country, I've talked to bought empty and property empty properties that are vacant, right? And it's sold. When they
come before a sale, they have to bring a plan. What is it? They're going to buy this property, but what is the plan? Do you have an architect or somebody who's putting something? If they don't meet that standard, then there is they're they're not going to be sold that
property. We have the same scenario of 15, it's been a long time, a city property on the corner of Summer Avenue and 4th Avenue and Third Avenue. That property was a beautiful house, got torn
down, whatever it be, now it's a it's a workshop. It's a body shop, a garage. They put trucks and it's just kids walk through that neighborhood and it's just it's in the central ward and it's just a very bad situation and you know these
folks there was a beautiful house cuz I lived in that neighborhood 30 some years back and I remember that there was a beautiful house there then it was there was a fire that house was vacant and abandoned and the city took and these
individuals who bought that lot decided next door decided to build a a garage for mechanic and other things that and then now they have covered it so you don't see any of these things. You know, there's a lot of uh mis uh you know,
people are buying properties uh for recreational things that don't have nothing to do with recreation and and there certain places like in the forest hills. You got people who are taking going up 12 feet or 13 feet up and cover
and it's it's and I'm not against people playing sports, but you know, you can't cover up and then trucks that are in the back. Council Ramos talked about that a while back. You see it all over the place. And you a matter of fact uh since we're
here Nesbbit and uh uh at Nesbbit uh Street, there's a big mess with a dumpster that's overflowing. We need to get there today and get that resolved. >> Mr. President, >> um to to Councilman Canana's point, that
property on on Summer and Third Avenue, you know, was sold by the city some some time ago. It was a redevelopment commercial parking lot like Councilman said and they're parking school buses. There may be a mechanic on site. You know, that should be an easy one for the
city to go after that that property owner. That's been probably I don't know at least 10 years, Councilman, that that property was sold. So, I I don't know the exact >> It's a corner of Third Third Avenue and uh Summer Avenue. It's across from the
>> It's no problem problem. Council President, it's >> right on the corner there. You can't miss it. >> Mr. President. >> Yes. >> There's another project there that that I would like to get the an update is the one that the Catholic Church is making. >> We had the groundbreaking two weeks ago.
So that project mayor was there. It is happening finally. >> Veterans. >> Yeah. Councilman knows that project well. >> Yes, council president. I will follow the um requests given and follow up in writing as well as um answer any
additional questions around compliance. If there are, I would just ask any other sites that any of the council members see. Uh be happy to get that information and we'll send people out. We do the best we can. Um and sometimes uh we will need some assistance. So we look for any
assistance that you can provide. Yes, council is >> I say if somebody is going to speculate, I believe the city should be the one doing the speculation and not let's say allowing people to become let's say wealthy because they're buying stuff at
you see before it was at $6. Now I see that we have gone all the way to 20 $23 and I do appreciate what you have been doing in in that regard because before I believe we were giving the the land away. Now we are
giving a portion of the land away only. I believe it's important that we preclude individual from speculating on behalf of the city. >> Yes. Um I know mayor Baraka agrees with you. So Okay.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Continue. >> M is to authorize the execution of an assignment and assumption agreement for property in the south board. >> Any questions? See none. Virginia
>> N is approving amended reinstated assignment and assumption of financial agreement for property in the central ward. >> Any questions as one? Are we doing all right? No. >> Okay. Continue. O is approving the HMFA financial
agreement for a project to construct a new 100% affordable multifamily apartment community with 43 apartments in a five-story elevator building. >> Any questions? None. Continue.
>> P is to determine whether a proposed project will meet an existing housing need in the central ward. >> Any concerns? No concerns. Continue >> my mic. >> Q is a res Mr. Chair. I'm sorry. My mic
wasn't on 7R2. I want to sponsor. >> Okay. Noted as a sponsor. Council >> second. >> Second by Kelly. >> Q is to provide municipal council support for the submission of an application for tax credits sought by
developer for property in the south ward. Any questions? I have like sponsor this item. >> Second. >> Second by council Luis Roundtree. Continue. >> All right. Is a resolution of support to provide municipal council support for
the submission of an application for tax credits sought by developer for property in the central ward. >> Any questions? See none. Continue. 7R3A is to request an extension of time from New Jersey Department of
Transportation to allow the city to award a contract for construction of the municipal aid program for street resurfacing. >> Mr. President, >> yes, Council Ramos, >> um, you know, just just a question on this. This this originally got approved back in 2023. We've received an
extension once already. This is the second time we grant an extension. And I look at the list of streets that are associated with this application and a number of them in the northward are in really really bad shape and they've been in bad shape for a while. You know, I'm just trying to understand like what why
does it take so long and why can't we get you know these bids out timely so that we can put you know these contractors in place to do street paving. And the second question is, what other streets have been part of different applications from previous
years that still haven't been paved due to delays? So, if we can get a a response on, you know, this is three years later and we're still toying around with extensions. >> Madame Clerk, uh the director, Director
Adams is coming before us, but can we also get some correspondence too in writing? Yes, council. >> My apologies. Um Chairman, um just I just needed to go back to 7R2P
um to determine whether or not the proposed project will meet the existing housing need. It doesn't say exactly what the project is. >> Okay. So, can we go here and then we'll come back to with
with deputy mayor Thank you. of >> economic development. Let's go listen first to uh that's question from the council woman and then we'll do engineering so that we don't
>> Yes, council president. Um Allison Lad, director of economic and housing development. Um if I could ask Council Member Bay just to repeat her question. I apologize. >> Oh, thank you, Deputy Mayor. So, the um 7R2P um to determine whether or not the proposed project will meet existing
housing needs within the city of Newark. It doesn't say what the actual project is for Stella Gardens Preservation LLC on Springfield Avenue. >> Uh yes, uh Councilwoman, thank you for the question. uh council president uh uh
and council members to council member Ba's question this project um as you may know um was uh previously previously part of the Royman um portfolio in which uh they were working with the Newark
Housing Authority uh to actually um have the Newark Housing Authority exercise its first right to purchase them because um several years ago at that point the Royman uh agreement had expired. And so in an
effort uh to have the property stay affordable, uh the mayor and BA agreed to work with the city and the housing authority to issue $20 million in bonds so that the housing authority could purchase those three sites, including
the Cella Garden site. Um, next the housing authority selected um a party to actually do the development on this site and also to help repay uh some of the debt that they owe the city through those bonds. Um the party that's going
to be the developer is uh Fairstead. Uh Fairstead um has been doing work in our city. Um I know council member Bay and I spoke about them. Uh they're doing the work are in Lincoln Park around Essex Plaza. uh the projects um in the southern part um of our city
>> um or southern part abroad, I'm sorry, Kenneth Gibson Boulevard. Um uh last I'd say in closing um the project is going to re be 100% affordable. It will be bonds and tax credits from HMFA and they're also
seeking Aspire uh from New Jersey EDA, which is why you have two resolutions that we're asking you to approve and not just one because they're going to have multiple state funding sources um as they make this project renovated and into more affordable housing.
>> Thank you. >> Yes, let's see. Thank you. >> Assume that uh that there is no need for housing for this housing project and we have approved the let's say the the
application to expire uh uh tax benefits. uh why are we approving let's say the application for expire at the same time that we are sending this to the planning board to determine if the project is in
is needed suppose that they say that it's not needed >> council president I'm if I could ask councilman Gonzalez to help me understand the question so um is the question that we have two resolutions one one is when you're when you're sending
the the project to determine if there's a need for the project, >> right? To the HMFA, which is a term of art that we have to send to the HMFA. Correct. >> So, they determine if they if there's a need for that.
>> Correct. We are supporting it because it'll be 100% affordable. That will allow them to then apply for bonds and tax credits. Assuming that they say there is no need for that project, why are we sending the other application? >> Oh, um, understood. So, in the council
president to council member Gonzalez's question, um, with, uh, funding sources, uh, that come from the state, uh, both the EDA and the HMFA by law require a local jurisdiction to support a project
so they can apply. it does not authorize them to actually receive the dollars until the state agencies individually agree. If that is the case, then it'll come back to this body for us to talk more about a community benefits
agreement and the other benefits associated with the project. So, this is the council and the administration's request to support the application to the state agencies. >> Thank you. Great. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Um and council president, if I could, I
apologize. I know council member Bay asked um what exactly the project was. Um it is it is going to be a $38.2 million renovation, $225,000 um,000 investment per unit. They're also
going to improve um internal um HVAC systems and ensure that there's upgrades to uh floors, hardware, uh kitchens and baths and other things that we'd look to have in that property so it's more um beneficial for our residents.
>> Very good. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, >> Director Adams. Morning. Good morning. James Adams, acting director of engineering. Um, let me see if I remember the question. This had to
do with MA 2024 and why we're requesting another extension. Um, let me take a a step back. Recently, the council members in the wars have received a request for picking streets for the 2027 program.
um that paving program will not commence for at least until 2029, which is two to three years. That is the normal cycle from when the DOT issues funding to when we actually have paving on the streets.
And it's due in part to um we do in-house design. It's due in part to utility coordination. It's also due in part to the DOT having the right to review our plans and to review the specifications that we put out. I know that's probably not what the council
wants to hear, but it is the normal cycle from requests to actually paving going down is two to three years. And this project MA 2024 is no different. >> Now, I think you asked the question
about streets. >> No, this is 2023. So if your if your theory is correct then it should have been the paving should have been done last year in 25. So I'm I'm trying to figure out you know what are the delays is that I know you just recently took
over. So um maybe you inherited some challenges but you know the the issue here is that what we've heard in the past is that there have been delays in our ability to get bids out timely in order for us to execute some of these contracts. Is is that still the case?
Have you guys gotten your hands, you know, a good handle on that? Do you feel confident that based on the available grant money that the city has to do street paving that your department is now able to uh issue these bids timely and execute these contracts timely in
order for us to get some of these streets that that desperately need paving paved? Well, as far as getting the bids out, um, yeah, we have a handle on that, but the traffic and signals division in specific and engineering in general is having a challenge with
staffing. I mean, it's no no mystery that at least in traffic and signals, we're down two engineers who have left the city for um, various reasons. So, um, our acting manager of traffic and signals is probably working six, seven
days a week and he's juggling multiple multiple requests, multiple initiatives, whether it's from the NJTPA, whether it's from the DOT local aid, whether it's signs, whether it's, you know, paving, whether it's FIFA World Cup. So,
we are facing those challenges. But as far as the bidding, we do have a handle on getting a project out once it's approved by the local a DOT. Um, getting it out bid and awarded, but it still does not change that there is a certain amount of time that it's taken.
>> I I I understand that. I I know that once we submit the application, it takes a while to review, but if if you're first time I'm hearing that you're expressing some some challenges because of staffing, that that's something through your chair and the clerk um that I at the budget hearings we need to do a
deeper dive in because if it's impacting our ability to execute some of these contracts and programs and things like that, then then it then it's something that that we need to to address or make sure that you have the tools that you need to recruit recruit um staff to fill
some of those important responsibilities. >> Council. >> Yeah, director. Good morning. Uh just so you know, prior to you coming here uh when you started, they've been asking for lists for the last three years, and we've been giving them lists for the
last three years, and none of the streets have been paved. They're never paved. Every year I get an email like you had just sent me. We give the streets that are in most need to be fixed and none of those streets have been done yet. And here we are four
years later. So I just want to make you aware of that. It's not your fault. You just came on. So I'm not holding you responsible or accountable, but I'm just letting you know prior to you. Every year we get that same email what five streets are most need of repair. We
submit the email, they never get done. And this is four years later. So, I just want to bring that to your attention. Uh, that it's a three-year process, but we're already in the fourth year here and none of the streets have been done.
So, just want to touch on that. >> Understood. Council, >> as president. >> Yes. Council, council, >> director Adams, can can you tell me what it looks like if we were to rent or hire out a seasoned union work to be able to
get a large throth of streets paved at a certain time? Can we get a specific number of what that looks like during the season? So during the paving season, what would it look like if if we uh as a municipality rented out equipment uh and
utilized the wherewithal of other seasoned workers during this time to get a larger thro of folks together? I don't know if that's a question for the BA as well in terms of dollars and cents. Like what would that look like in a one-time
occurrence to to make that happen? >> Sure. Council President, Council Members Eric Pennington, business administrator. Couple of things. One, um, with respect to the notion that streets never get paved. That's not true. Streets do get paved. They may not be these specific
streets that you councilman or you councilman want to be paved. We actually did a uh, community walk yesterday in the West Board along Littleton Avenue and 9inth and 12th and there were streets that were just freshly paved and striped. It happens. Um, it takes
significantly longer than we would like. It costs about generally $1 million per mile to pave streets. So, it is a budgetary concern more than it is anything else. We get some money from the state through the municipal municipal aid programs, but it's
insufficient. We have to supplement it when we can. When we did the leadline replacement program a few years back along with public service and the county and the city, we paved about five times as many streets in terms of mileage that we do in a particular year. I don't know
if that has skewed the um the perception of what we can do and what we should do, but that was an unusual circumstance and we took full advantage of it. We don't have that opportunity right now. But I think to Councilman Ramos's point, when
the budget hearings occur, um there should be a deeper dive into where those funds should be spent. And if we have additional resources to pave streets, I would gladly have engineering get those streets paved. Uh but we'll have to take
away from one area to to pay for another area. And I'm uh happy to engage in that discussion. >> Good. So Roundree, >> no. >> Okay. So the the the question at hand is it's about a uh1 million per mile
>> about a million dollars per mile. That's a general discussion. And streets depending on where the streets are down in the industrial area in the east ward the streets don't last as long but generally it's a seven to n years uh lifespan for a street. So we should be
repaving our streets about uh 17th of the streets yearly. We don't have the resources to do that >> because we lack those resources, financial resources. Some streets go 10 to 15 years. And I think last year actually, Councilman Ramos pointed out a
street that hadn't been paved in over 25 years in certain ports of of the North Warden, and it was showing cobblestones. That that might have been a couple years ago we brought that up. It happens. Um the lists that all council members receive are lists where you want to
prioritize the streets to be paved. Um and they're recommendations. They are not a dictation. It's a recommendation. When it comes back to engineering, engineering will look at it and talk with the administration. We have to make some adjustments uh as to what streets
will be paved based on the severity of the streets. Uh in point of fact, you know, the South Street, the Lansancy Street situation has gotten it became untenable. So, we had to get help from the state that took it to the top of the list and we're getting those done now. We would rather not have to wait for
that, but we're just constrained uh uh by the budget more than anything else. And I'm again happy to engage in discussions during the budget hearings or otherwise to to address those emergencies. I I don't want to prolong the the meeting. But I do think that when we talk about the the paving aspect
of it, we have to begin to look at other kind of partnerships, private public partnerships, especially with a lot of these companies that are in the city of Newark that cause environmental hazards, the amount of trucking uh companies that come through that are stationed in other places uh and really begin to look at
how we create uh and work on legislation around it. I don't mind taking the the the lead with it, but I think it's a further kind of conversation we should have that these entities pay into some kind of fund that will allow spaces around all of these major heavy trucking places to help pay for those paving
areas and then we can be able to pull those resources back and put them in the neighborhoods uh where we can create this kind of long exhaustive list of major areas that have not been paved that we can attack with paving uh because everyone has to contribute to the life and breath of what is happening.
in this city overall especially in these areas where there is heavy trucking uh and a lot of companies who are pouring here with warehouses and doing all of these different kind of things just a mechanism of discussion that I think we we need to have along with our council
colleagues and administration on how we really need to sort that out and look at it and talk about real investment in the totality of the city overall. Gasman council, you bring up a a great point, another great point with respect to where the trucks are. Uh there's a several aspects of it, but two
critically important ones are one, trucks are only allowed to drive along truck routes in the city of Newark unless they are delivering, and they do not. I saw a truck turning down a residential street, a big 18-wheeler yesterday, and he wasn't dropping off
anything. It was an easier way for that trucker to get there. So, we need better enforcement. The second thing is we know that there are overweight trucks particularly that go along Daris Avenue, Lansancy Street, South Street, and they're overweight. We have one scale and we have one weights and measures
person who's authorized to utilize it, but we need the state police from the state of New Jersey to work with us uh to have a um a sort of a weighing station. Um so we are looking into and have requested assistance to have weighing stations on Duris Avenue. Um,
and with your support, I'd be happy to work with you to see how we can get the state uh to assist us uh in regard to weighing those trucks. And we can literally get tens of thousands of dollars per truck per day uh who are overweight and over axled and who are
damaging our streets um to help adjust address some of those concerns. I'm happy to work with you on that. >> Yeah. U Mr. BA. Another thing I was reading uh here, the state allocates $162 million for street paving. The city
of New York only gets $3 million. I think this is a larger conversation with the DOT because there is no city that has more truck traffic, more traffic than the city of Newark. And I don't think that the money is being distributed fairly, let's say. And I
think we need to have our state delegation have a conversation along with us with the DT because $3 million as you say is not a lot of uh street paving and like I said we have the most truck traffic by far it's not even close
>> that are with in in our city and I believe that uh a larger amount of that pot >> would help us greatly. >> We absolutely agree with you. I'm happy to work with you and our delegation. We have sought additional funding. Every year we seek additional funding for the streets, but perhaps we need to have a
better concerted effort um and a collaborative effort to get that done. >> Definitely, Mr. President. M in addition to the city of Newark getting the the $3.6 million, do we spend any city funds on paving?
>> There are years when we do not. Um as I said in the recent past we have um but as a general rule we rely almost exclusively on the municipal aid for street pay. >> My my question goes because it was suggested before that that we bond but
if we are getting the money from the from the state I don't think the state is going to allow us to use that money to pay for bonds. >> Um I'm I'm not sure if that's the case. It certainly is worth exploring and we have looked at that. I mean our finance
department is looking at a a capital bonding plan now which could include street paving as I said it's a seven to 10 year lifespan that is qualifies uh typically uh for soon to the bonding protocols and it's certainly something that we're looking at it is a question
of um you know where do we want to uh put our resources the limited resource and and again that is a fair conversation for the budget discussion and I I think we should engage engage in that. >> Thank you.
>> Yep. Um Mr. Ba, uh the the other thing I want to mention is that years ago when we did the lead service line replacement project, you know, part of the the money that was borrowed to to replace the lead lines was to um also assist in paving some of those areas that were torn up as
a result of the process. You know, that happened for the most part, but there were some some areas that for whatever reason, you know, the lead lines were replaced, but the paving never happened. Fast forward now, we're in the process of PSENG doing a major gas line
replacement project. So, even if James Adams was able to get some of these streets on this list paved last year, they probably would have been torn up by PSNG right now, uh, because they're doing the the the gas line replacement. So, um, you know, let service line
project done. Now, we're we're we're in the midst of the citywide gas line replacement. Are are these streets that are being torn up by PSENG? Is is the understanding or the agreement with them that they have to pave the entire street?
>> That is a great question and one that Director Adams and I intend to have a a detailed discussion with PSEG about. I think next week we have a meeting coming up. We believe that they have not complied with our ordinance particularly where there's a moratorum in place uh to
pave curb to curb on streets that have been dug up due to a gas line replacement or or otherwise. I've spoken with our representative at PSCG Sarapena. Um Rick Figpin is also aware of some of our concerns with respect to
what we believe is a lack of paving on the part of PS&G. So we are addressing that. Again, we would uh invite you or council representative. >> I think I'm scheduled to meet with them Thursday, but but in most neighborhoods, they're they're they're they're cutting up both sides of the street. So, I don't
know how they can reasonably >> not pave the entire street >> because you have houses on except where I'm at because I'm on the park is is across the street from my house, >> but on most streets they are tearing up both sides of the street. So, for them
to avoid paving the entire street is Unless they have some new technology that they're using. I don't know how they avoid that. >> No, we we've had that discussion. We are 100% in the same uh corner as you >> and uh we'll bring that. >> But what is the contract call like when
they come in and and and and get permits from the city to do this kind of replacement work? Like what stipulations are there to make sure that they they uh they pave the street? Well, there's an ordinance that requires certain curb to curb paving and they have to comply with
that with the ordinance. I don't believe they're in compliance. We're going to have a discussion and >> I think that'll help that'll help knock out a lot of residential streets in the city. >> No question. I mean, >> if they do, you know, curb to curb paving. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you.
>> You're welcome. Any other questions? Um, Mr. Yes, Councilman. I have been asking [clears throat] this for for a long time. Erh coordination let's say we pave the streets a year ago now PSG comes and
destroys our streets. Uh that happens almost continuously. erh why is it that we cannot coordinate or they can coordinate with us and determine once and for all we are going to do this don't pay the street because
we're wasting we're wasting the city funds I I believe it's imperative that some long-term discussions take system I suppose we need to to plan for 10 years seven years or whatever the term is, but
more than one year because I believe we're wasting a lot of money. >> Your points are well taken. There are coordination meetings between the county water and sewer public service and traffic and signals. Uh but to your point, they may not be out long enough. They may not be uh far enough in
advance. I suppose to your point, you know, let's look five years down the road and see what we're doing and [clears throat] schedule this um much better. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome, >> Mr. B. alternative years ago, about 20 years ago, there was a program with ways
and means where the county and the city would engage the law enforcement, meaning New York police and the county. And what at the time was that they would on route 21s with all the trucks, they
would stop and make stops. and the city generated a lot of money. Sh, you know, we shared with the county and with the city and we need to probably explore that idea of working together with the county, the sheriff's department and seeing what we could do because in terms
of these trucks, they just come in. We don't know how much weight they're carrying. And back then, I remember uh the uh former uh uh Councilman Corino who was a head of that division, he brought in money at the time, is telling
the money that was coming into the city. So that's I'm I'm concerned we can do something in terms of that. >> Absolutely. >> Madam Clerk, also to those questions that Councilman Ramos uh talked about in terms of budget and the BA talked about.
So those are the questions for the there should be no questions for the budget hearings. So if we can stop plotting all those budget hearings. >> Yes sir. >> Thank you. Thank you Mr. P. Continue. >> B and C are both bid contracts. B is for
the installation of pavement markings on various streets and C is for the paving project. >> Okay. Okay. J any questions? Seminar 4A will be returned to the administration.
B is stipulation for settlement of tax appeals and C is also stipulation of settlements for tax appeals. >> Okay, any questions? None. Continue. D is alter alternate method of calculating the reserve for uncollected
taxes to request the consent of the division of local government services to adjust the amount of reserves for uncollected taxes required to be included in the city budget. >> Any questions? Seeing none, continue. >> E is to authorize the tax collector to
issue estimated tax bills for the third quarter of 2026. >> Any questions? Jun continue. >> 7R5A through D are all contracts with grant recipients for emergency housing
program. A is for the circle of life treatment center. B is for the emergency housing services. C is for Jay's house and D is for turning point. >> Any questions? See none continue.
E through Q are all contracts with subreipients to provide Ryan White HIV services. E is for Apostles House. D is AIDS Resource Foundation for Children. G is
Edge New Jersey. H is highest Foundation. I is Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. J is North Jersey Community Research Initiative.
K is Rucker's Infectious Disease Practice. L is St. James Social Service Corporation. M is Urban Renewal Corporation. N is Newark Community Health Centers. O
is Zufall Health Center. P is Futurebridge Business Solutions. and Q is public strategies. >> Any questions? No questions. Continue. >> R and S are acceptance of grant funds. R
is for the data management support for the hypertensive quality project and S is for advocacy support for the hypertensive quality project. >> Any questions? Seeing none, continue. T is professional service contract for a
certified lead evaluation contractor. >> Any questions? See none, continue. >> U is an open-ended contract to provide animal empowerment and sheltering. >> Any questions? Seeing none, I continue.
>> V is to provide a psychiatric nurse practitioner and medical director that will provide field-based services to homeless residents. Any questions? There none. Continue. >> 7R6A through G are all settlements for
executive session. >> H and I are professional service contracts for litigation defense matters. >> Okay. Any questions? See none. Continue. >> 7R8A is waving the special event application permit fees for restoring
love on Siler Avenue block party. Sponsored by Councilman Council. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. Counciloman Roundry. >> B is reappointing the city clerk. >> Okay. Any questions?
Have any questions? >> Not at all. >> Not a question. >> Not at all. >> All right. >> All right. You're sponsoring it? >> Yeah, I'll sponsor it. Give >> I'll second. >> Okay. B and in round three second. All right, continue. [laughter]
>> C is a resolution urging Governor Mikey Cheryl to close Delaney Hall sponsored by Councilwoman Scott Roundtree. >> Is there a second? >> Second by Kelly. >> D is recognizing and commending
resolutions and E is expressing profound sorrow and regret. in Virginia. >> 7R9A is to establish shared services among its municipal and county partners
should the need arise to appropriately respond to a largecale incident on multiple simultaneous incidents throughout Essis County. >> Any questions? None. Continue. B is authorization for the city of Newark to process an
involuntary disability retirement application. >> Any question? >> None. Continue. >> Seminar 111A is an application acceptance of grant funds to provide meals to north children through the Sunup Summer Food Program.
>> Any questions? Sponsor. Sponsored by Kelly. Second by Councilwoman Bay. B is accepting a gift connect plus create community lunch program. The purpose of the gift is to provide a free
monthly lunch program and workshops for women, teen girls, and gender expansive youth ages 12 and older at Hayes Park West Center of Hope. >> Any questions? >> Councilwoman Bay sponsors second council
woman Scottry. >> Continue. C is accepting a gift of $10,000. The purpose of the gift is a thank you from Netflix for arranging the use of properties in the city for a project
currently called the 99ers. >> Any questions? None. Continue. >> Communications. Item 8A is an ordinance granting a 20-year tax abatement to 452 South Orange Avenue Urban Renewal LLC
for a project located in the West Ward to construct a fivestory mixeduse building consisting of 34 residential units inclusive of 27 market rate units. 13 will be two bedrooms, 14 will be
onebedroom and seven affordable units. Honor, Councilman Kelly, you want to advance and adopt >> and adopt. >> Advance and adopt. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Second by Camp Pack Council Council.
Okay. B is an ordinance granting a 20-year tax abatement to 518 South 16th Street Urban Renewal LLC for a project located in the West Ward to construct a new low-rise
multif family building with 20 residential units, 16 market rate, and four affordable. >> Councilman Kelly uh uh is sponsoring and advancing. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Second by Brown. Brown continue. >> C is an ordinance granting a 25-year tax evatement to Conjo Homes Urban Renewal LLC for a project located in the North Ward to construct a
new fivestory residential building with 65 residential units consisting of 52 market rate rental units and 13 affordable housing rental units. Any questions?
Okay. Continue. >> D is an ordinance amending stopping, standing, and parking by adding a new section entitled limitation on parking of motor vehicles by certain commercial establishments.
>> Mr. President. >> Yes, Council Ramos. Um, I'd like to uh thank the clerk's office and the uh police division for working with our office on this ordinance. Um, this this ordinance is in intent intended to um assist the city in in protecting the
rights of our residents in those communities that have um previously approved, you know, mechanic shops, auto body dealerships, auto body uh shops uh in residential areas. In many instances,
these establishments um park their vehicles on the street for long periods of time, limiting access to parking for for those residents that live in those communities. Uh in some instances, they double park vehicles, they park cars on
the sidewalk. Uh and and unfortunately, some of the fines associated with with those kind of practices are are are very minimal. This stiffens the penalties. This prioritizes some of those neighborhoods that have been victimized as a result of these practices as
possible areas for residential parking permits uh if warranted and will hopefully give the police division some some tools that they need in order to to effectively deal with these quality of life complaints. You know, we we have a lot of bad actors. We have mechanic
shops now in the city that sublet their mechanic shop to various mechanics and and they could have upwards of 20 to 30 vehicles that they work on at any given time. They don't have the capacity to park those vehicles on site. So in many instances those vehicles are on city
streets for weeks at a time and unfortunately the police division because those vehicles may be legally registered in the state of New Jersey does not have the re the re recourse that they need in order to to summons and address those complaints. So
hopefully this gives them a a little bit more teeth uh that they can work with to enforce the laws as noted by Councilman Ramos. Madam clerk continue. >> Council president, council members, in my haste, I forgot to mention that this
item was sponsored by Councilman Ramos. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Somebody. So, >> thank you. I'm assuming Councilman Ramos, you want to advance and adopt on first? >> Yeah, I mean, I I'll I'll let my colleagues take a look at it in case they have any suggestions, but I prefer to advance and adopt because we want to
get this signed quickly. So, >> dy noted. Yeah, it is. >> All right. >> Any other questions? See none. Continue. >> E is an ordinance authorizing amendments to the bylaws of invest.
>> We know what that the amendments are. >> Here comes >> the amendments. Uh good morning, council president, council members. Marcus Randolph, president of Ambassador. Uh yes, our bylaws are now 11 years old. Uh there
have been some changes from the state level that uh all nonprofits are putting into their bylaws to make them more efficient. Uh particularly after after COVID. Uh so we're seeking to modernize ours to make us more uh able to get to our clients and requests quicker. uh to
give us more flexibility uh to update those bylaws. I think would be good for Investn North and and for the city and for all the people that we serve. >> Can we have a a red line version of the bylaws?
>> Uh yes, we can get that to you. >> Thank you. >> Was noted. >> You go through the through the clerk, please. >> Certainly. Those are all the members of the council >> quickly because tomorrow is my last meeting. >> Yes, sir.
>> Okay. >> Item 10 is miscellaneous is the approval of the raffle license. >> Any questions? No. Now we got late starters, right? How many? Eight. Late starters.
Corporation council said they're very urgent. >> Good good morning uh Kenyat store city of North Corporation Council. So essentially we have uh quite a few added starters. I'll start off with the one from law. It's a uh settlement with a young man named Raheem Bryant. I'll go
into the details later on today um when we get into executive session. Uh the next one is from workforce. I'll ask Miss Gayler to come on up and speak to that. And then we have um I think five or six from EHD which director will also the deputy mayor will come up and speak
to those. >> Okay. One add a starter. It's no no longer needed. Uh so uh I'll ask the uh deput seven now. Seven, right? >> Whoa. Okay. >> 67 67.
>> Uh thank you Corporation Council and again good morning council president, council members. Allison Lad, director of economic and housing development. Um we also have one less but um we are looking at four projects uh five items.
Um the first is Lincoln Park. We are going to be selling the land adjacent to uh the Lincoln Park uh just completed project on Sherman. Uh there is a city-owned property next to it and also
a lot next to that. And what had occurred in the last week is is that the Lincoln Park brand new house was broken into, vandalized, and has damage that now needs to be repaired. Uh so we have
been working with um the uh principal of Lincoln Park to work on uh the sale to them as both an adjacent property owner, a community leader and from a pricing standpoint we are using the nonprofit
pricing which is one nonprofits get first right and then two we are using a 50% of the assessed value. So it'll be approximately $107,000. The assessed value is approximately $214,000. That is one of our added starters that
we are requesting and that is so we can remove this um negative activity that's happening. Um and also with the >> I want to sponsor that item. >> I want to second it. >> Move in a second.
>> Uh second um we have um University Hospital Um, some might be aware that the university hospital is seeking Aspire funds um from the New Jersey EDA. Uh, similar to projects that we spoke about
earlier, there is a requirement for a city to provide a support resolution for the project to be able to apply. Uh second, um this is an added starter because it came to uh the mayor very
late, um meaning within the last 5 days. >> And so we are working to do everything we can to have the item before you tomorrow. And the reason is um the EDA um needs the application before July
1st. And as we do not have any more council meetings before July 1st, we are asking for your consideration. Um in closing though, there will be a if there is um selected by the EDA, then there will be a community benefits agreement
in which this council will be able to discuss with the administration. Councilman Roundry, >> I would like to sponsor this based on us receiving all of the information that you just said that we needed to have provided uh for us prior to um the vote. You can get that to us uh for us to
review all of the information. >> Baser. >> Yes. Thank you. Um the next item um is um an ordinance for accessory dwelling units. Um as you remember a few years
back through the um Newark zoning and land use regulations we authorized accessory dwelling units in R1 zones only which includes the north, the west and the south wards only. There are no
R1 zones in central or east. Um, the reason why we're asking you to consider it is is that we received funds, as you may recall, from HUD a few years ago, and we'd like to move a program to actually create legal ADUs.
Um, just a quick sidebar, as the BA noted, we were on a walk yesterday. We actually noted two illegal ADUs, which we will be going out with both engineering and our office to help remedy. But beyond that, the ADO program
would allow us to do several things. Um, one, it allows us to use federal funds to create accessory dwelling units. It'll still have to follow the same rules that this council adopted. It'll need to require um to meet the 20 um or
so requirements and also central planning board approval. But what we're trying to do is provide a little bit of capital to ensure that those units are also affordable and they will have a affordable housing covenant on those uh units that are funded by the program.
Um, in closing, the reason why we're asking for it is because it's an ordinance and we would like to be able to have community meetings next week to talk with the community about the program and how they can apply and then also to give them awareness that it would be considered hopefully by the
council in the July meeting um and a public hearing would be held. Mr. >> President, okay, council. >> Yeah. Um, you know, this was a kind of a bone of contention for me with the last zoning changes. Uh, have any ADUs been
built since the city allowed it as part of the last zoning changes? >> At least legally. >> No. >> No. Okay. >> No ADU has been built legally. Every ADU that exists in the city is illegal. and and the provision has been there for
years with the new zoning ordinance, at least in the north ward, for them to go ahead and get approvals, but I I don't know of one in the neighborhood that's been built legally. >> I checked um to your point, council member and council president, I checked yesterday when we were on the walk with
the mayor. There are no approvals um for a new ADU based upon that regulation. What we do have is and unfortunately illegal construction of them. I could give you 20 different addresses where we have illegal edus. U the the other thing
I want to mention it's not connected to your added starter but I read an article and I believe it was tap into um that there was a controversy over a project over at University Heights and some of the planning board members made
statements blaming the city council for the fact that there are no parking requirements as part of these new uh development projects. And and I would just ask you through you through your office to send a reminder to them that these this was a a zoning ordinance that
was presented to this body by the administration. The council did not make up the uh the zoning ordinance and the zoning the new zoning changes clearly stipulate what the parking requirements are for you know various areas
throughout the city. So, you know, the fact that uh fielded planning board members, you know, pointed the blame at the council, I didn't support the ordinance, so I I I didn't I didn't vote for it. But for those members that did support it, that was a presentation from
the council. There were hearings that were that were held and then the city council deliberated on on the proposed changes and and and approved them, but it did not emanate from this body. >> Yes. and um council president to council
member Ramos's uh point and comment. There were no changes to the parking requirements in the zoning ordinance. That was the decision Mayor Baraka made and so the zo the parking requirements are exactly as same as they have been for about 10 to 15 years.
>> So that makes it their statement even more inconsistent. So they, you know, as planning board members, they should be wellversed on the land use, uh, regulations that the city has. >> Uh, yes, we will follow up on that matter. >> Madam cler, madam clerk, can you also
send some correspondence to to the planning board in in what councilman Ramos indicated and and state what council Ramos put on record. >> Yes, sir. So that and we would like them to give us some correspondence as soon
as they can because councilman Ramos has raised a question. We like that question to be answered. I mean you know when you talk about this body and you utilize this body then we we have to protect and councelor Ramos
is right. We have to protect our this council and what the function of this city council is. >> Yeah Mr. Chair. >> Yes, council. >> So, just two questions real fast, Deputy Mayor. One, the uh extension of this the
item of the ADUs that it will remain in R1 zones that ADUs are only allow R1 areas. That's the first part. Is that >> uh yes, there are no council president. There are no changes uh to the zoning ordinance. What we're asking for is the
ability uh to create the program that we could fund the creation of affordable accessory dwelling unit. >> And so putting a system and structure in place to allow folks to be able to uh create ADUs and R1 zones, I I don't
see a problem with it from my standpoint. I I still believe it is is a good thing even based on zone. What I do have a problem with is the lack of of wherewithal that we have to stumble upon illegal things and not make people pay
consequences for doing illegal things. And and so in us creating a program to try to get folks to do illegal things, we to do legal things, we should go back and make sure that those folks that have done things illegally hold the
consequences for the things that they've done. Right? We've been having issues with that the last three and a half years and I know it doesn't fall in your purview. I've been on top of that with our UCCC folks as well with the amount of all of these illegal conversions that we've stumbled upon and they happen to
go to court. We don't know what the findings are, if they're right, if they're wrong, but yet still in some of these entities, those places still exist and there have not been any kind of financial wherewithal uh that allows the city to recapture things that people are
doing illegally in the city. And it seems as though that if you do something illegal, we will reward you by creating a legal system for you, which kind of, you know, is kind of oxymoron that we need to put a stop to like moving
forward and be kind of advantageous of making people responsible in this city regardless of who they are. That's just my point. >> Yes. And council president, I'm sorry. Would to to Councilman Council's point,
would somebody have the opportunity to grandfather in an illegal ED ADU? Is that what you're asking us? Or would they have to go to the planning board as is now, submit plans, make sure they have proper water sewer connections? >> Uh, yes, I do understand the question.
So, uh, council president and to both council member council and council member Ramos's point, um, I will restate the request because perhaps I confused it. Um, ADUs are authorized to be built
already through the land use and zoning ordinance. Second, no ADU has been built legally. Third, it is the engineering's department to responsibility to shut down, close vi give violations to any
owner who has built something illegally. Second, >> for the what I'm asking you for is to create a program to um allow for funding to help those good owners, those good
actors create affordable accessory dwelling units in our city that will help create more affordable housing in the city. It's a funding mechanism only, not a change in process for how someone
can be able to build an ADU. In closing, no one is grandfathered in. So, if there's something that exists, uh we are happy to share information with the engineering department and that can be handled. when we see it, we are able to
go out there with often council members guidance, but at the same time, um it is uh this is meant to do only for good actors, not for bad actors. >> Um thank you for the question and the ability to clarify.
>> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um the last project that has two items um is regarding the support of brick to be able to apply for Aspire and for HMFA financing.
They have been working with the city. However, they uh we needed to get some more documents to be able to submit it to council which we received very late last night. But we will are asking for your indulgence so that they could also
submit to uh EDA before July 1st. >> Uh Mr. Chair, I would like to sponsor that item. >> Second. >> Second by ground and council >> and >> continue anymore. >> Thank you, sir. No, that concludes uh
EHD's. Thank you. Now, >> public comment >> comments. >> Council President, council members, we are now in the 30 minute public comment portion of this meeting where each speaker will have three minutes to speak. Please state your name for our
records. Is there anyone wishing to address the council members? >> Hi, good afternoon. How you guys doing? >> My name is Carla Thomas. I am the assistant district leader and director for security for 32BJ.
Um I'm here on behalf of our security workers in the state of New Jersey, but also to highlight some concerns that we have. Um 32BJ is a union that is consists of 190,000 building cleaners, security officers, and other service
workers across the East Coast, including more than 15,000 members in New Jersey. Um, of those 2500 are security officers. We currently represent officers at major public facilities across Newark such as Newark Penn Station and University
Hospital. SEIU Local 32BJ is deeply committed to raising standards across Newark for security officers. Today I come to you to share 32B position that Pro Cop Security, the current security service provider across city of Nor
sites is not a responsible contractor as demonstrated by its pattern of alleged violations of local, state, and federal law. Additionally, it is our understanding that Procops has likely failed to follow the terms of its contract with the city, failing abide by
the city prevailing wage and local um hire ordinance. For months now, 32VJ has spoken with dozens of contracted employees of Pro Cop Security across city sites and has over 100 pay subs from guards, 20 signed affidavits in
which all guards testify only earning $25 per hour and receiving no healthc care benefits and a text message from Pro Cops in April in which they admit to underpaying guards under the local prevailing wage ordinance. Further,
under city code, the city service contractors are required to take steps to hire new Newark residents for at least 40% of hours work. To show compliance with the law, contractors must submit progress reports to the city clerks. But a public records request
show that the city clerk is not possess is not in one possession of a single progress report from procop despite being a contractor for years. There are count countless examples of Pro Cop Security's behavior around the city and county. When Pro Cop Cops was awarded a
new service contractor for Newark Housing Authority in 2023, it allegedly refused to offer jobs to group of union security guards working at Newark housing sites, which would be a violation of the city's workers retention ordinance. Several officers filed lawsuit and procops while it
denies these allegations did end up settling with several workers in June of this year um at undisclosed uh terms. Further procs is under investigation by the national labor relation board for the alleged law unlawful firing of security officer
Brian Tucker in in January of this year shortly after Tucker sent a message to co-workers encouraging them to unionize across. Their >> time is up. Thank you. Thank you. Time is up. Thank you. >> No, no, we time is
Thank you. >> Madam clerk, >> next speaker, >> we need to extract what that's a legal matter. So, we're not going to engage [clears throat] in it, but we need to to send that to through the through the law
department and through the other departments in terms of what the legal matters are. We as as a city, as a council, we cannot engage in in these legal matters. >> Absolutely.
>> Thank you. Good morning, >> John. >> No, it's not. >> Now it's on. >> Go ahead. >> Go ahead. >> Go ahead. >> Testing one, two. There we go. See, they waited for you. See, you see that,
right? You see that? Uhhuh. Great day, New York. Deborah Salters. So, I, you know, I didn't really come to speak about the thing I'm going to talk about. But first, let me say thank you, Councilwoman Bay, because I had questions about that 7R2P as well. And
it turns out that there was a whole lot said that is not written. So, I would hope that you all get this written because I mean $20 million bonds were mentioned. I mean, a whole bunch of things were put in that like where's the information? We need to
see that. Can we She said a whole lot. So, I I my concern would be that you get all of that information before you all vote on this. And I know you all are like, "Oh, we'll just vote on it. You know, you get the No, y'all got to stop that. You're coming up here with six, seven added starters. Everything's a
rush." Come on y'all. So anyway, I wasn't going to talk about this, but let me talk about it. So I saw the uh the resolution for uh Mikey Sher to shut down Delaney Hall, right? So let me ask you, where do these people go? Because
she put up $20 million to fight deporting them. So if they're not sent back home, are they coming to live with y'all? Like where are they going? And where was this energy when our black men were in Delaney Hall?
being murdered, being almost murdered, eye sockets being broken, food was trashed. There was not an uproar about this. There's not even an uproar about green monster and the thing that are going on down there. What are we doing, right? Because it's not political
enough. It's not national news enough. Because it's black on black, nobody really cares. I mean, honestly, y'all look at this. Where was this energy when our people were in there being mistreated, abused, were given garbage for food? like they are in in in uh the
Green Monster right now. And again, if Mikey putting up 20 million to fight deportation, that's that that means sending people home. Where are they going to live with each of you who are fighting to shut down Delaney Hall? Which one of you can go to
any country right now and stay past the time you're supposed to be there without being locked up or deported? When you get there, they're asking you, "Who are you here to see? Is this business a pleasure? How many days are you going to be here?" Literally, if you do not have an address, they're putting you back on
the plane, right? Then, so let's be realistic about this and not emotional because a lot of our resources, and let me tell you personally that the rioters that were down there were attacking police and attacking people who were not standing with them, getting in our
faces. Are you with us or against us? I witnessed it myself. Was down there in the midst of it. Cops were chilling, minding their business. People coming in and out for work and they're being attacked.
This could have been stopped a long time ago, Ras Baraka, if y'all get down there and tell these people to get lost. >> Thank you. Your time is up. Thanks, Speaker. I'd like [clears throat] to respond because I did sponsor that. So, uh, Miss
Alters, there are many and as you did say, the green monster that they call it. Um, if I could have wrote a resolution because I have been to these facilities. Uh, it just so happened that New York should have something on record for every place that is mistreating or
not or doing injustice to residents. Just so happened with this one, it came up. It we know what Governor Cheryl is doing. uh we know that it probably will not even though we want it to happen. We want these places investigated such as the county jails. We really do need to
see I mean we're not there to reward them and put them in the palace. But but treatment my mother would say no matter who you are respect is due no matter what to whoever you are what you've done. So no I don't want the mistreatment of those even that are incarcerated.
that doesn't mean that we treat them like dogs or beat them or overlook them. So, I really wanted to address and make that statement when it was read, but since you spoke to it, I feel the same way that our residents do. We have
residents that were with me, not just at Delaney Hall that are calling my office constantly about what's going on in the county facilities and what's going on in these institutions, about how their loved ones are being treated. I had a cousin that at one time was going before Trenton to talk about how people in
solitary confinement are treated. So there's a whole list that the city of New York could probably put on his resolutions. This just was at the forefront. But at the same time I was dealing with this. I was dealing with three family members. One who's going to probably come to this mic tomorrow and talk about the correctional facility
down right next door to Delaney Hall. So while we're talking about what's going on in Delaney Hall, the people next door going through as well. So, I'm putting that on record to say this is just an isolated um resolution today. But I feel the same way about this resolution for the other institutions that are
mistreating those who are incarcerated. Listen, that's somebody's child, too. And I'm not saying they should have steak and potatoes, but they should not be fed molded food. They should not be mistreated. And and it's enough prayerfully that the price that they're
paying for the wrongdoings they've done is being dealt with. But I don't believe anyone in any institution, I don't care what it is, should be treated the way those individuals in Delaney Hall are treated as well as those who are in Essence County or those who might be in
northern state. And when the halfway house was there, as a matter of fact, there were people that we had visited for years, not in the past three, but before I was elected, we visited, women visited where the women were and we did some visits um on a county level because
the county allowed us to come into these facilities to visit and see the conditions of those individuals. We bought letters, we bought paper, we bought pencils, we bought things for the women in the halfway houses. have not done any visits lately, but what I
witnessed and what people are telling me that's going on inside, I believe them. And I feel the same way. I got to put that on record about the Next Door facility as I do about Delaney Hall. Thank you so much for your comments. >> Thank you, Council President.
>> Thank you, speaker. >> Thanks, She want something. >> Good morning members [clears throat] of the city council, Mayor Raj Baraka, city officials and residents of North. My name is Fakira Bradley, founder of Restoring Hope, Inc. And today I stand
before you with a heart full of gratitude and appreciation. First, I want to sincerely thank the city of North, the mayor's office, the city council, and everyone involved in granting me permission for our community event on June 27th, 2026 on Skyler
Avenue in the South Ward. Your support means Your [clears throat] support means more than you know. This is event This event is not a block party. Is a celebration of community, unity, healing, and hope. For many years, Scholar Avenue has not had the opportunity to come together in this
way. On June 27th, we will restoring hope, restoring love, and restoring spirit of neighborhood connection. We want our children to laugh, our seniors to smile, our families together, and our neighbors to remember that we are stronger when we stand together.
As the founder of Restoring Hope, Inc., my mission has always been to serve the community, especially those who may feel forgotten, overlooked. This event is an opportunity to bring people together in peace, fellowship, and positivity. We want to create memories that our children will carry
with them for years to come. Today I'm asking for community support. We are seeking donations for the ones who helping me who already donated and is going to donate. Thank you and I definitely appreciate you. Games activities including basketballs, footballs, jump ropes, sidewalk,
chalkboard games, jacks, water toys, and other recreational items. We are also welcome donations of snacks, bottled water, gift items, and resources that can help make this event successful for the families of our neighborhood. Every donation, no matter how big or small,
will help bring joy to the child and the seniors in my community and our community. Together, we can create a day field of fun, safety, and positive engagement. I would like to also personally invite the mayor, city council members, and city employees, community leaders, and residents from
throughout North to join us on June 27th. Come celebrate with me in my community, the community that I live in. Meet our neighbors. Come help us show love that's still the love is still there on Scholar Avenue. Thank you to the city of New York for believing in me
and letting me lead the community in my area the right way. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to bring the people together. Thank you. >> Thank you, speaker. >> Good morning. My name is Janet Ward. I'm currently living in New York, New Jersey. By way of background, I want to
inform you that in the 1960s, I marched with Martin Luther King in Alabama. In the 1970s, I marched in New Jersey with Amama Baraka. In the 1980s, I marched with Jesse Jackson in Chicago, Illinois.
In the 1990s, I walked and sang with Al Sharpton in New York. Today, as I stand, I walk with Jesus Christ, the son of the living God. I on Christ the solid rock, I stand for all other ground is sinking sand. For the next few minutes, I want
to talk to you about where I live now. 220 Jellof Avenue. It is listed as Jellof States, but in truth, it is a 21st century Jellof plantation. Here, black people are forced to come in the
back door. A curfew is set at 8:00 p.m. And if you're not in the building at that time, you must enter the back door because the front door is locked and no key is given. This lock down lockout occurs seven days a week regardless of
weather or temperature for 12 hours a day. The door is locked. If you're sick, the back door. Emergency, back door. Want a late snack? Back door. Time does not permit me to tell you what happens at the back door. I can't talk fast
because I'm a preacher and I used to preach on the street. However, the female manager, the disgruntle, the most ridiculous human being I've ever met, I'm from Alabama. We had a governor named George Wallace. I'm not ashamed to say today I have more respect for George
Wallace than I do for Lisa Garcia because George Wallace never pretended to like black people. You always knew where he stood. Not only are we on lock down from 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., but we are told that we're responsible for
security of the building. In other words, come in that back door and take care of this building. Security security has not been hired in this building. This responsibility has been passed on to the seniors. We are not
allowed to walk the steps. Notice it's telling us how we unauthorized person are not permitted in the building. If we see suspicious building, if we see unauthorized people, how am I supposed to do this? This arrogant, racist, dishonest, disrespectful of black
people, Latina doesn't understand who seniors are. We are not old children. We are old adults. Thank you very much. >> Thanks. >> Oh, that's a mess. Look, they
>> Good morning everybody. I want to talk about I heard the lady say security when I was about to leave out so I came back. I've been doing security since I was 17 and a half. I started out with Joe Dagustini and Haynes
prime security. Next month I make it a year. I was assaulted by armed security. I brought it to the attention of the manager. Since then, what made me get along last
Thursday, I videoed the problem. I reached out to the companies. They've been leaving 45 minutes early, 25 minutes early. I videoed as a security from 4 to 12 at armed. You
supposed to stay at 12. So, you got these two. I'm not going to call their name cuz I speak tomorrow. So I'd be more I want to speak with the BA. This thing that happened Tuesday down Dayton Street. I took the picture of them video them leaving that Thursday before that
Tuesday and this Thursday after that Tuesday. They had a nerve to leave after that Tuesday. My concern is it's a senior building. We got cameras. Cameron work when they want to work. If why my concern of them
leaving is our doors are locked. I was concerned about that. The garbage rooms are locked. The fire extinguishers in the garbage rooms. I've been trying to tell everybody. So when they leave, if it's a fire, the seniors going to panic,
you can't get on the elevator. The main level on the back because when they first started, they didn't have the lock. This lady put it on the side. I tell everybody the garbage rooms it was being supposed to be open at 7:30. They don't come. So people with the pins, they got to put it. The moral to the
story, the security company is out of order. I've been reaching out. I just found out who I was complaining to. It's not the person. But I want to know the what are the protocols when you be assaulted, you report it because I know had I did it, I would probably be locked
up and lost my job. My niece came Thursday and I got out of order where I hear them and I don't hear them. My niece was there. She said, "Is they talking to you?" I said, "No, it got so out of order. I'm talking and the lady said, "I don't care who work with." And
my niece and they were going back and forth. It's getting ready to get out of order. This before get out of order. Next month be a year. The same guard that the one that's the arm that pushed me five years ago that had it removed with my same niece, she was working with motivation. We went down to Tracy
Burton. Tracy had it removed 5 years back. She's under here in prime. The moral to the story, the other one leaves. She knows somebody is sock. So Sock watches it. I got videos. You see the person pull out, pull up in the Uber, they left. But they did it this
Thursday after the stabbing. I got a concern about that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? Any other speakers? Seeing none. Next second session motion.
[snorts] Okay. >> Second. >> We don't go into executive session. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, no, we going to executive, are we? >> Yeah. This is a roll call.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.