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Councilman Solomon Calls for Better Emergency Alerts

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Ward E Councilman James Solomon is proposing that Jersey City improve its emergency alert system in the wake of two “boil water advisories” that went out over the last six months. The first, on April 28th, was due to a water main break and the second on August 14th, was due to a positive test for E. coli in the city’s drinking water supply.

The August 14 incident was the subject of a report by northjersey.com which found that Jersey City officials waited 12 hours after learning of the E. coli contamination to issue a boil water advisory. According to the report, on the night of August 13, the Municipal Utilities Authority, the agency that manages the city’s water and sewer system, sent an email to Mayor Fulop, his chief of staff, the Jersey City health director and the director of the city’s emergency management office advising them of a positive E. coli test.  The city’s warning, which went out via text messages and on social media the following morning, did not mention E. coli contamination.  That information came out eight hours later in a statement by Suez, the private firm that runs Jersey City’s water system.

When asked about the incident, the mayor’s spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, said the city acted “immediately.” For its part, Suez said state regulations did not permit it to reveal the positive tests right away.

Solomon has issued a report which he says points to slow decision-making in city government. According to Solomon “many residents, particularly seniors and other vulnerable populations, didn’t learn of [the boil water advisories] until hours or days later.”

Said Solomon, “These boil water advisories revealed deficiencies in our city’s ability to quickly and comprehensively alert the public to an urgent public health threat. These rigorously researched recommendations, if implemented, will make people’s lives better.”

To improve how Jersey City communicates time-sensitive emergencies to the public, Solomon is proposing a five point solution:

1. Jersey City should issue boil water advisories immediately following a confirmed positive test for e-coli or other total coliform contaminants in the drinking water supply.
2. Public health messaging from public officials needs to clearly and accurately describe the nature and severity of the threat.
3. Jersey City should send out a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which reaches all cell phones in a geographic area, for similar public health emergencies. To do so, it must complete the process of signing up for the the federal government’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
4. Jersey City should dedicate resources to increasing sign-ups for its two existing emergency alert systems, as currently only a small percentage of residents are signed up.
5. Suez and/or MUA should establish a formal process for the timely dissemination of emergency updates to the City Council so they can share accurate information with the public.

Photo by Stephan Müller from Pexels

Council Approves 50 Story Downtown Project with New School

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A 50-story building with 810 rental apartments and a new pre-K-5 public school are coming to a Downtown block currently occupied by 38 deteriorating single family homes. Last night, the City Council voted 8-1 to to adopt the Laurel Saddlewood Redevelopment Plan and thus give final approval to a project eight years in the making.

Ward E Councilman James Solomon, who shepherded the project through an extensive process of review and community feedback, said, “I don’t believe that this is a perfect project, but I do think it should advance.” According to Solomon, the project begins to baddress a “huge public school infrastructure shortage.” He pointed out that the Downtown schools are already over capacity. With Downtown adding 4,000 new units and no funds to build new schools he lamented the absence of a plan to address the dearth of facilities.

The plan came under criticism from Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro, who complained that at over $2,100 per month the 41 “workforce housing” units included in the project were too expensive to be legitimately called affordable. (Workforce housing refers to housing designed for middle-income earners such as police officers and teachers who make too much money to qualify for various subsidized housing programs.) Solomon said that he was open to Lavarro’s proposal to have the developer, LMC, instead make a payment to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Several council members highlighted the developer’s commitment to contract with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), for doormen, porters and maintenance workers.

Numerous residents of Laurel Saddlewood testified in favor of the project. Leigh Sellinger said, “Our homes don’t really make sense any more. They are old and difficult to maintain. The buildings are safety hazards.”  Said Andrew Prokos, “the homes are not pleasant to look at. We have flooding. When you factor in all of the community benefits, this is a plus for the city.”

The Harsimus Cove Association is withholding its approval until it receives a financial analysis of the school’s operations, according to its president, Sara Ordway.

Debra Italiano of Sustainable Jersey City was “particularly excited about the stormwater management infrastructure that’s being installed” to deal with flooding and the fact that the building is “green certified.”

In addition to building the school, the developer will triple the size of Philippine Plaza, the “park” on the corner of Second and Grove Streets that features a monument to the Filipino community in Jersey City and that is currently kept locked. Plans also call for 14,000 square feet of retail space and a garage for 294 cars.

In other business, the council passed a revised ordinance regulating sidewalk cafes. The new law creates a full-year license to add to the previous seasonal license, allows for semi-permanent roofs and partitions, and regulates the use of heating devices. The ordinance also regulates recorded and live entertainment in the cafes. Each cafe can host two live music events per week each with up to four performers. Amplified music must not be audible beyond the boundaries of the cafe. The ordinance also waives cafe license fees during the Covid-19 crisis.

Last night’s meeting was also the last for Business Administrator Brian Platt, who is headed to Kansas City, Missouri to take the job of city manager. Members of Jersey City’s Municipal Council sent Platt off with fond memories, compliments, and gentle ribbing. Councilman Richard Boggiano told Platt, “I can’t say what I really want to say. I’ve already notified my relatives in K.C. and told them to move.”  Councilwomen Prinz-Arey and Ridley recalled late night calls for help from Platt.  Councilman Solomon lauded Platt’s work putting Jersey City on the forefront of transportation policy.

Current view of Laurel Court of the Laurel Saddlewood Redevelopment Area

Proposed street view of Laurel Saddlewood development from Manila Ave & 2nd Street

 

 

Marijuana Should Fund Schools say Lavarro and Solomon

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Ward E Councilman James Solomon and Councilman At-Large Rolando Lavarro are calling for Mayor Fulop and the entire City Council to dedicate any revenues generated by a local marijuana tax to the Jersey City Public Schools.

If New Jersey voters pass state public question #1 this November, they will amend the Constitution and legalize the use of marijuana. The question in part reads: “If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.” Both councilmen support the measure and are urging voters to vote “Yes” on state public question #1.

JCPS is grappling with a budget crisis.  A 2018 change in the formula by which the state helps fund school districts hit Jersey City particularly hard. Jersey City was permitted under companion legislation to impose a 1% payroll tax to help fill the funding gap and did so in November of 2018. However, the payroll tax turned out to be only a partial solution. This year, facing a $120 million shortfall, the BOE adopted a $736 million budget. To do so, it hiked the school tax levy by 39% raising it from $136 million to $189 million. This had the effect of raising  the average homeowner’s tax bill over $550.

“Funding our public schools is essential to building a fair and equal city for all. Ensuring tax revenue from marijuana is used for that purpose, and not political patronage, is extremely important,” said Solomon.

Lavarro added that the tax would provide “a stable, dedicated funding source to our public schools, our students and their families, who have endured much turmoil and uncertainty over the past several years.”

Fair Housing Group Calls for Changes to Proposed Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance

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A proposed inclusionary zoning ordinance before the City Council tonight is coming under fire from the statewide housing rights organization Fair Share Housing Center. Ordinance No. 20-089 was put before the council two weeks ago by Mayor Steven Fulop and Council-President Joyce Watterman.  Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro has since waged a one man battle — with the support of Ward E Councilman James Solomon – to amend it. Local activists have come out in force in support of Lavarro’s amendments.

Today, Fair Share Housing Center Executive Director Adam Gordon released a statement calling for changes. Citing “serious flaws in the ordinance,” Gordon said “Although we welcome the stated desire of Jersey City’s elected officials to tackle the growing crisis of displacement and rapid gentrification in New Jersey’s second-largest city, the proposed ordinance set to be considered by the City Council this evening is riddled with developer-friendly loopholes.  If adopted without significant amendments, it will produce few, if any, new affordable homes.”

His statement goes on to say  that “The ordinance, as currently drafted, would allow wealthy and politically connected developers to build large numbers of luxury homes while negotiating their way out of affordable housing requirements. By allowing City Council members the ability to waive its requirements entirely whenever it wishes and allowing other buyouts at its discretion, the ordinance will create a political game by which developers lobby Council members to get special treatment for massive developments [instead] of creating one set of rules everyone must follow.  Not only is such legislation inadequate to address the deep need for affordable housing in Jersey City, but it also violates state law in a number of ways. We call on Jersey City’s elected officials to close the gaping loopholes in this ordinance and act swiftly to pass an ordinance that actuallyaddresses the affordable housing needs of Jersey City’s working families.”

 

Solomon Says New Downtown Parking Rules Coming Soon

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This morning, Councilman James Solomon announced that new parking rules are coming to the Downtown, most likely in early January.

Downtown residents will see new residential parking signs going up to extend the hours for resident-only parking. According to Solomon, these changes should make it easier for residents to find street parking each evening.

The changes were passed in the summer of 2019 but the installation of the new signs was delayed due to COVID. The signs will go up this October and November, with enforcement to begin shortly thereafter.

A brief summary of the rules changes are:

  • Evening Enforcement
    • The hours of residential parking enforcement have changed from 8AM – 5PM until 7 AM-9 PM with a 2 hour window for visitors, M-F.
    • To apply for or renew a residential permit, click here. If you already have a permit, you simply have to renew your current permit when it expires.
    • To apply for a visitor’s pass, click here. In the near future, you will be able to use the Park Mobile app to purchase a visitor’s pass online.
  • Residential Zone Boundary Changes
    • Slight changes were made to the parking zones downtown. You can view the map here.
  • Limit to residential permits
    • Those who live in buildings with parking are generally not allowed to get a residential parking permit, unless they qualify for an exemption
    • A limit of 1 permit may be issued per unit for those who have parking available on site if they receive an exemption

Council Approves New Police Recruits Amidst Pushback

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At last week’s virtual city council meeting more than 50 Jersey City residents called in imploring the legislators to defund the Jersey City Police Department by 50 percent in the 2020 municipal budget. They called for a halt to the hiring of 23 police recruits heading off to the police academy and asked the council to defeat a resolution for a police presence at public housing developments and for additional monies for protective armor.

Residents and Council Divided on Policing

Jersey City resident Vanessa Dodgson-Thomas lives in Ward F and volunteers with the Jersey City Anti-Violence Coalition Movement and other community groups that demonstrate outside Jersey City Hall every Tuesday at 4 p.m. Dodgson-Thomas asked the city council to listen to its constituents and “take action” on their behalf.

“We are demanding a reallocation of Jersey City Police Department funds to services that will better serve the community, particularly parts of the community that are chronically under-funded at the moment,” Dodgson-Thomas said. “Employment programs, mental health programs, affordable housing, better funding for our schools, the list of where these funds could be put to better use is endless. We don’t need investment in more police officers. We need investment in our community. We know Jersey City is not an equitable place to live. We need to change that. Adding another 23 police officers, purchasing armor, placing police officers in Jersey City housing sites and all the while cutting the youth development recreation funding, this is not what the community wants. If you don’t hear that, you’re not listening.”

Elayna Thompson, a member of Solidarity Jersey City and a Ward E resident, asked the city council to make a bigger decrease in the 2020 budget for the police department and invest that money in services that make the community safer and stronger like affordable housing, youth programming, and quality healthcare.

“Why would you reject the proposed budget amendments tonight?” Thompson asked. “Jersey City is facing a $70 million shortfall.”

Ely Tamman of Ward F agreed with Thompson, saying community services are what the people of Ward F need.

“Cops don’t make communities safe, resources do,” Tamman told the council. “We need social workers. We need social services. We need education, mental health access, and youth services. This is what makes communities safe.”

Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley voted in favor of hiring the 23 police recruits because what matters to her in Ward A are the calls she receives for more, not less policing, she said. People who live in public housing developments want a police presence and police patrolling the streets.

“I don’t see defunding the police as a way to go and as a way the residents of Ward A want to go,” Councilman Ridley said. “What matters to me are the residents of Ward A, and what sticks out in my mind are areas like Triangle Park and Neptune Avenue, people stealing things off porches on Cottage Street. I get calls all the time for more policing from people who want a cop patrol in their car. The fact that people who live in housing developments don’t want police presence, they do. They want the police presence, and they want social services. We need to look into better options and find a unique balance between the two.”

Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh agreed with Councilwoman Ridley, and although he voted against defunding the JCPD, he said he hopes in the future the city can reduce the number of police and live in a “community in harmony.”

“I do want accountability for police,” Councilman Saleh said. “I want something sustainable that holds this profession to account.”

Ward E Councilman James Solomon voted against the hiring of 23 police officers stating it sends the wrong message to the community.

“Actions matter more than words,” Councilman Solomon said. “We’re saying with this vote and budget, adding officers is a more important priority for the city than other things we can do. Life-long residents of every ward in the city spoke tonight. It’s important to listen to all the folks.”

Council President Joyce E. Watterman, who voted in favor of hiring the 23 recruits, said that when she took office in 2013, the police department did not reflect the Jersey City community. She said the council made a commitment to do just that.

“We want the police department to reflect the community,” she said. “I’m not against police officers. I don’t want to defund the police. We have good officers who work hard and put their lives on the line, (but) there is racism in police officers.. What (happened to) George Floyd allowed us to have a conversation that was hidden in the background for decades. Police brutality does exist. This racism goes deep. I don’t want to defund the police. I want the police to learn our culture. And we need our own police academy here in Jersey City.”

The resolutions to hire 23 police recruits, to purchase replacement body armor for the JCPD, and to provide on-duty police services to the Jersey City Housing Authority were approved 7-2 with Councilmen Solomon and (Rolando) Lavarro, Jr., dissenting.

Refining Bergen Avenue’s Bike Lane

The council voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance to amend parking and street cleaning restrictions to accommodate protected bike lanes on Bergen Avenue. Several residents from the Journal Square area called in with their support for the ordinance saying protected bike lanes help those who don’t own cars to safely travel to other city locations. Angela Roo, who lives in Ward B, said that when she worked in downtown Jersey City she could commute safely using the bike lanes.

“Additional bike lanes in Jersey City are actually enabling people who live in areas with worse public transportation to access places in Jersey City (like downtown) that hire numbers of employees,” Roo said. “I was able to go there for recreation and shopping as well. I fully support the continuing expansion of bike lanes in Jersey City.”

Anupama Sapkota, a resident of Ward C, called in support for the bike lane ordinance: “It’s a very important infrastructure that we need to enact in our city,” she said. “There’s been a 13-year study done in the Journal of Transport and Health published in 2019 that states ‘protected bike lanes in a dozen cities led to a drastic decline in fatalities for all users of the road.’ We shouldn’t lose sight that a lot of Jersey City residents are commuters who don’t have the luxury of affording a car. Creating these protected bike lanes will enable us to become a more inclusive community.”

Gary Spingeren, who lives downtown, said he’s all for cyclists sharing the road with car drivers, but unfortunately many cyclists don’t follow the rules of the road.

“I do think we need to make this community more connected and public transportation is a paramount priority,” Spingern said, “but I can’t tell you how many times, either walking or driving in the city, bicyclists continually ignore the laws of the road. I’m more inclined to increase accessibility to current public transportation. Let’s bolster that end of it. We’re trying to make everybody happy, but it’s going to make more problems than it’s worth. We’re going to have accidents pile up and scramble to fix them. I don’t think we have enough available information.”

To clarify, Councilwoman Ridley addressed the significance of the ordinance.

“The bike lanes in effect are already there,” Councilwoman Ridley said. “This ordinance is just controlling the parking situation. This doesn’t remove the current bike lanes.”

Business Administrator for Jersey City Brian Platt agreed with Ridley: “This is just adjusting the street sweeping schedule on the street, moving some bus stops. It’s essentially optimizing the traffic flow based on the feedback we’ve gotten from the residents there. Cars will no longer have to move a couple times a week for street cleaners.”

Councilman Lavarro clarified some of the sticky issues surrounding the ordinance. He said the issues surrounding the Bergen Avenue bike lane are more about how it had been installed. It seems the lane was created without community input.

“Literally overnight, the summer of last year, the bike lane was installed,” Councilman Lavarro said. “Councilman (Richard) Boggiano went on vacation and (when he came back) found a bike lane installed in his ward. That’s how that happened. Members of the community expressed concern including the business district, St. Aedan’s Church, the Coptic church there, (and) the school communities, as well. There was a lot of input not taken in. Churches couldn’t bring a limousine up to a church curb to bring a casket into the church. They talked about children departing and going to school. Throughout this process, this whole issue has been framed as an either-or proposition. Either you have a bike lane or not. We all want the same thing. Bike safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers as well.”

Note: Although council meetings are usually held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, the next council meeting will be on Thursday, Sept 10, at 6 p.m.

For further recent news about the police in Jersey City, see the following recent Jersey City Times articles:

What Does Defunding the Police Mean?

City Council Focused on George Floyd

Opinion: It’s Time For Community Policing

Juneteenth: A Broken Promise

Construction Photo

“Non-Essential” Construction Ban Causes Confusion

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Building Industry Struggles to Adapt

“Non-essential” construction projects have been banned throughout New Jersey since April 10, when Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order 122 to reduce the spread of the coronavirus went into effect. Still, due to the numerous carve outs in the Order, many building sites in Jersey City remain active. At the same time, other projects that qualify for exceptions to the ban have been halted.  As a result, many developers and construction workers are left scratching their heads — while also doing their best to make active sites impervious to the coronavirus.

Construction, 1st and Coles Sts

Construction, 1st and Coles Sts., photo by the Jersey City Times

“Some of our employers and property owners are doing the best they can to figure it out —  some are going to lawyers,” said Greg LaLevee, business manager of Operating Engineers Union Local 825, whose members typically work on big construction jobs in the state including the new Rt. 7 bridge linking Jersey City and Kearny.

LaLevee mentioned a nearby project involving remediation —  one of the exceptions listed in the governor’s order —  that, he said, got shut down by local authorities. “That kind of baffled us,” he said.

Questions about who’s enforcing the order and on-site social distancing are still awaiting answers, he added. “I don’t think the full story’s been written yet. It’s going to take time to shake itself out.”

Three of the local’s 7,000 members have tested positive for the coronavirus, LaLevee said.

How vast does the shutdown appear?  Councilman James Solomon, whose Downtown ward hosts a lot of building activity, said recently, “[. . .] my reading of it is that most large-scale construction sites must shut down or be in the process of shutting down.” This is likely because the Order does categorize as “non-essential” residential projects with work crews greater than five and residential buildings with no units under sales contracts. But that still leaves numerous categories of construction the decree deems “essential”:

  • affordable housing projects
  • law enforcement facilities
  • buildings providing for first responders
  • federal, state, county or city government projects
  • healthcare sites
  • business data centers
  • owner-occupied apartments with work crews of five or fewer
  • social services facilities (such as including homeless shelters)
  • schools and education offices
  • utilities firms
  • transportation projects
  • building related to essential retail or online retail

Most other types of construction are deemed “non-essential.”  That said, the Order does allow for “any work on a non-essential construction project that is required to physically secure the site of the project, ensure the structural integrity of any buildings on the site, abate any hazards that would exist on the site if the construction were to remain in its current condition, remediate a site, or otherwise ensure that the site and any buildings therein are appropriately protected and safe during the suspension of the project. It also permits “any emergency repairs necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents.”

Construction

Construction photo by Ron Leir

Executive Order 122 also details policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 that active construction sites must follow.

What has the city done in response to the governor’s decree? Mayoral spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said this:

“Following the Governor’s executive order, the city created an informational website for full transparency regarding all construction projects. The website includes a process for residents to file complaints, the feedback of which will be shared with the state. We are committed to protecting our residents the best we can within the parameters that have been set by Trenton.”

Residents are invited to email prosecutor@jcnj.org or call 201-547-4900 to report suspected violations.

The website has downloadable application forms for both types of construction. Once completed, Jersey City Construction Code Official Raymond Meyer reviews the applications for prospective authorization.

As of April 21, a total of 138 applications for essential and non-essential work had submitted to the city; all but 19 had been approved.

Based on a random citywide check this week, among those sites where workers — all wearing face cloths — could be seen going up and down exterior lift elevators, carrying lumber and tools, mixing cement and the like were:

180 Morgan St. off Marin Blvd. (abating hazards, site safety and site security); 99 Hudson St. (residential with contracts); 75 Park Lane South at Washington Blvd. and 14thStreet (residential with contracts); 170 Erie St. off 10thSt. (site safety and structural integrity); 348 Baldwin Ave. (site safety and structural integrity), 184-190 Academy St. between Summit and Baldwin Aves. (abating hazards, site safety and site security); 55 Jordan Ave. off Mercer Street (abating hazards, site safety, site security and structural integrity); and 136 Summit Ave. at Fairmount Avenue (abating hazards, site security and structural integrity).

Many of these sites were residential high rises.

Work is also continuing at the following school-related projects: 275 Washington St. (also listed as 25 Columbus Blvd.); 102-110 Brunswick St.; 130 Essex St. at the intersection of Carbon Place and West Side Avenue; 150 Bay St.; 178 Newark Ave.; 26 University Place Blvd.; 321 Warren St.; and 88 Regent St.

There is also construction going on at two public housing sites — Holland Gardens, 235 16thSt., and Booker T. Washington, 62 Fremont St. — that fall under the affordable housing allowance.

No construction activity was observed at either 662 Summit Ave. (off State Highway 139) or 75 Jordan Ave. (between Vroom and Mercer Streets). The city has listed no reasons for the apparent stoppages. It’s possible the owners or builders concluded they failed to meet the criteria for continuing work and therefore never filed applications.

Assuming the city has allowed for a limited amount of work to secure a building before shutting down the project, neither the governor’s order nor the city has proscribed how long that work can continue.

Construction Summit Ave

Construction Summit Ave., photo by Ron Leir

Jeffrey Wenger, former principal planner for Jersey City and now a private planning consultant, said it typically takes a week or more to wind down and secure a construction site by taking down a crane, installing tiles or strapping down materials on an upper floor, for example.

Indefinite setbacks caused by even the temporarily halting of projects will likely saddle developers with added financial pressures, Wenger said. “If you’re not going to meet your [completion] deadline, it will create strain with investors and lending institutions.  There’s a lot riding on the outcome; stopping a job will be a big deal.”

How big a deal?  Well, former Jersey City Redevelopment Agency director Robert Antonicello, who now runs a commercial real estate brokerage firm, posited: “For a $180 million project, which would be comparable to a Jersey City high-rise now under development,  it would not be unrealistic to expect that for every month the project is down, pending a lifting of the executive order, the owners would be hit with an additional $400,000 to $500,000 in insurance, interest reserves and other carrying costs that they would hope to pick up on the back end.”

How much of that added cost would get “eaten” by the developer or passed on to the building’s occupants remains an unknown at this point, Antonicello added.

Asked to assess how the city is handling enforcement of the executive order, Antonicello replied: “I don’t think the city has been careless with this. And remember, even the governor didn’t want to shut down everything.”

For more on the impact of COVID-19 in Jersey City, see Jersey City Times’ news section.

 

Header: Photo by Ron Leir

Rent Freeze, 5G Upgrades Discussed by City Council

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Vacant Ward D Council Spot Also Hot Topic

Jersey City’s City Council met virtually Wednesday night to vote on the proposed rent freeze spurred by Covid-19 and on installing 5G utility poles to greatly increase internet speed. They also considered the process for filling the Ward D council spot made vacant by the untimely death of Councilman Michael Yun, among other matters.

Rent Freeze Clarifications

At the April 15 council meeting, Ward E Councilman James Solomon suggested two modifications to the first reading of a proposed ordinance to freeze rent and ban late payment penalties on all units subject to rent control: That the protections apply to all renters in Jersey City and that they be triggered by any future public health emergency, not just by the present pandemic. These modifications were still being debated at the council’s caucus meeting this past Monday night. Councilman Boggiano argued that buildings with fewer than five units should be exempt from the rent provisions. He also said the ordinance should have a statutory deadline.

At this past Wednesday’s council meeting, a compromised was reached on both matters. Members agreed to exempt from the ordinance properties with fewer than five rental units so long as the landlord lives at the address as well (in consideration of Jersey City residents liable to pay property taxes by May 1); members also agreed to a finite term for the ordinance: August 1 (saying the law could be extended if a continuation of the present state of emergency were declared).

At the May 6 council meeting, the original ordinance will be voted down; the revised ordinance to be voted on.

5G Telecommunications

5G Pole

Photo courtesy of Center for Public Integrity

The ordinance to allow Cross River Fiber LLC to install new 5G utility poles and update existing poles with high-capacity fiber optic cables in “certain public rights of way” came up for a first reading.

5G technology dramatically increases the speed and coverage of wireless networks, but it is saddled with the controversial allegation that it is dangerous to one’s health.

“This has been a concern for residents in Ward A,” Councilwoman Ridley said. “I’m currently working with the law department to put regulations on communications, and I’m looking at ordinances from other towns. Whether you believe 5G is dangerous, regardless of that, I am going to vote no.”

Councilman Boggiano agreed with Councilwoman Ridley whereas Councilman Daniel Rivera said he wouldn’t vote on a second reading without further information from petitioner Cross River Fiber.  The council will ask a representative from the company to supply additional information at the next Council meeting.

“We all have concerns,” Council President Joyce E. Watterman said. “If those needs are not met, this will not pass.”

Cross River Fibers LLC would be doing the work on behalf of its client AT&T. The term of the agreement authorizing its use of the rights of way use would be 20 years. Cross River Fiber LLC would pay the city $750 for every pole it installed.

Business Administrator Brian Platt said he will ask the petitioner to attend the May 6 council meeting. He also said the city supports the 5G utility pole installations and upgrades.

“We’re not investing or partnering,” Platt said. “I believe it’s good to bring new technology to the city when we can.”

Ward D Council Member Search 

At the Monday night caucus meeting, the council withdrew a resolution to appoint a replacement for Ward D Councilman Michael C. Yun, who passed away April 6 from Covid-19 complications. The council has until May 6 to make an appointment or continue with an eight-member council until the general election on Nov 3, 2020.

After the meeting adjourned, Councilman Lavarro said by phone that four Jersey City residents had reached out to the council with interest in the council seat: Cynthia Hadjiyannis, Patrick Ambrossi, Sean Connors, and Jocelyn Patrick. Councilman Lavarro said that these candidates would be interviewed before the May 6 council meeting deadline.

Councilman Boggiano said that Michael Yun would want Sean Connors to be his replacement. Councilman Lavarro demurred, noting that although Connors is a good candidate, there are others interested in the position who are “very capable” of filling Councilman Yun’s shoes, including Cynthia Hadjiyannis, an attorney who ran Councilman Yun’s 2013 campaign.

“I think in fairness we should hear out the other candidates,” Councilman Lavarro said. “I spoke to Michael Yun’s son, Benjamin. He suggested his father would have wanted transparency in the process. I remember Michael advocated for that.”

Keeping Parks Pretty

Van Vorst Park Gazebo

Van Vorst Park Gazebo, photo by David Wilson/Jersey City Times file photo

A resolution authorizing the award of a contract for $39,600 to Gene’s Landscaping Inc. for “fertilizing, seeding and aeration throughout various Jersey City Parks” came under scrutiny. Jersey City resident Jeanne Daly phoned in during the public comments part of the meeting and said she saw the landscaper in her neighborhood with New York State license plates. She  asked the Council to veto the resolution and award the contract to a Jersey City landscaper.

“There’s no reason that Jersey City cannot hire a local company for this job,” Daley said. “This is a non-essential business. There’s nobody in the park, and an investment of over $40,000 (sic) at this point in time is extravagant and a big mistake. We need someone in Hudson County, and we need to hire local.”

Council at Large Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr., noted only two quotes were solicited for the contract and that Gene’s Landscaping had been the lower. He said it might be prudent to take a second look and maybe a formal solicitation.

“At this time, we’re not using the parks,” Councilman Lavarro said. “We don’t want our parks to suffer, but we want to make a good faith effort to find local contractors.”

Councilman Robinson agreed that the city should “take care of our own.” He also said that it might take too long to solicit another bid given that constituents expect their local parks to be maintained at all times.

“I think we have to do a better job to make sure we are looking out for Jersey City up front,” Councilman Robinson said. “We missed an opportunity here, but I don’t want to miss the opportunity to have our parks cared for.”

The council approved the resolution 5-3 with Councilmen James Solomon, Lavarro and Boggiano dissenting.

In attendance at the virtual meeting: Council President Joyce E. Watterman, Council at Large Daniel Rivera, Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano, Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Ward F Councilman Jermaine D. Robinson; Council at Large Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr., and City Clerk Sean J. Gallagher.

The next virtual council meeting will be held Wed, May 6, at 6 pm.

To view the virtual council meeting, go to: cityofjerseycity.gov/vcm

 

 

council meeting 04.15.20

Jersey City Municipal Council Debates Rent Freeze

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With COVID-19 wreaking its fifth straight week of havoc on Jersey City, the city’s municipal council met Wednesday night to consider the first reading of an ordinance to freeze rent and ban late payment penalties on all units subject to rent control. Spurred by the pandemic, the ordinance, if passed, would remain in effect through August 1. Debate on its scope was spirited.

“I agree with the direction the administration is going, but (the ordinance) only talks about this public health emergency and this rent increase freeze,” Ward E Councilman James Solomon said at the caucus meeting. “God forbid it comes back in the winter. Whenever we are in a public health emergency this freeze (should) kick in.”

Councilman Solomon proposed amending the ordinance to apply to all rental units — including apartments in luxury high rises and in neighborhood homes with one to four units — not just units under rent control. To the latter Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano objected, asserting such small-scale landlords would not impose a rent increase during a crisis. Other council members disagreed saying they had already received calls to the contrary.

Councilman Solomon also proposed amending the ordinance so that it would apply to all future formal statewide states of emergency, not just to the present pandemic.

In the end the council voted to introduce Solomon’s two amendments as a first reading for discussion at next week’s April 20 caucus meeting; the ordinance will be up for a vote at the May 6 council meeting.

The Public Speaks

Numerous residents addressed the council during the public comments portion of the meeting.

Jonathan Glick of Jersey City related that his landlord had recently issued him and his wife a rent increase for May 1.

“We are asking for some sort of safeguard that our rents aren’t going to be increased at this time,” Glick said. “People are experiencing extreme hardships. My work is at Christ Hospital. We’re stressed and working as hard as we can. It would be prudent for everyone to prevent landlords from raising rent at this time. That would be appreciated so there can be some peace of mind. I don’t think anybody has experienced anything like this before. We look to our leaders like you to support us.”

Offering another perspective was Ron Simoncini, of the Jersey City Property Owner’s Association. Seeking more clarification for businessmen like himself, he lobbied for the ordinance to clearly stipulate when landlords would be able to resume raising rents, suggesting that if it doesn’t, it would cause difficulties in the future.

“The ordinance does not include language that when the ordinance expires, when (homeowners) will be able to raise rents,” Simoncini said. “They would like some definition. … The solutions we are creating are creating different problems later.”

Maria Ross called to ask the council about the property tax deadline for homeowners. A 30-year Jersey City resident and a board member of the Pro Arts artists’ collective, Ross said that her husband’s New York bar had had to close, leaving only her earnings as a part-time nurse for the couple to get by on.

“We’re wondering how we’re going to come up with taxes that are due in May,” Ross said. “There are several avenues of relief for renters and such, but nothing seems to be coming our way. We are close to retirement age. We’re hoping to be able to stay in our home, but it’s going to be a bleaker livelihood. The taxes are high in our area. We really need some help.”

Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley shared Ross’s concern. In a direct address to the city’s business administrator, Brian Platt, she asked whether the city was planning to postpone the May 1 deadline.

“Unless the state of New Jersey allows Jersey City to make changes, we aren’t authorized to do so at this time,” Platt said.

Coles Street Park

Rendering of Coles Street Development

Rendering of Coles Street Development, courtesy Hoboken Brownstone

The council discussed an ordinance to improve infrastructure and make upgrades to the area surrounding Coles Street, site of the proposed Coles Street Park. The work would be done on Coles Street between 16th and 18th Streets, and on 17th Street between Coles Street and Jersey Avenue. At an estimated cost of $2.9 million to be paid by the developers, Manhattan Building Company and Hoboken Brownstone, the work would address chronic flooding and make improvements to existing water and sewer infrastructure and to roads and sidewalks.

At the caucus meeting, Councilman Solomon questioned the timing of these proposed improvements: “Why is this moving now? Given the public health crisis, why is it urgent?”

Although not urgent, adopting the ordinance would allow the Coles Street project to continue moving forward at no expense to the city, business administrator Platt said. Councilman Solomon asked about budget overruns, and Platt told him the developers would be responsible. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.

Resolutions on Basketball and Potholes

The city council discussed the second reading of a resolution to ratify a contract for $39,200 to SportPros USA to maintain Jersey City’s public basketball courts, which are closed because of the COVID-19 virus. Council at Large Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr., said the city should cancel the contract to preserve money.

“There will be a time when this is restored,” Councilman Lavarro said. “Our courts will be open. If we’re looking to find dollars, we may need that money this year. Why not just make that reduction now?”

Although it was a mild winter, the council approved a resolution to rent a machine called the “pothole killer” to make repairs on certain hard-hit streets. Using it doesn’t require a large crew, Platt said, and because the roads are less travelled, the timing is right.

“The crew is small — two people — and it’s a better time now when no one is on the roads, its less disruptive,” Platt said. “Journal Square has been hard hit on Summit Avenue and Newkirk Street. We’re working to get those streets resurfaced.”

Tributes to the late Councilman Michael Yun and the late former Councilwoman Viola Richardson

Twice during the meeting the Council paused to honor Councilman Michael Yun and former Councilwoman Viola Richardson (who had also been the first African American policewoman in Jersey City), both of who died of COVID-19 since the council had last convened. A moment of silence was held in their memory. And right before the meeting ended, City Clerk Sean Gallagher, speaking for himself and on behalf of city business administrator Brian Platt, offered:

“If you haven’t noticed myself and our business administrator are wearing our bow ties in memory of our late council member Councilman Yun. We’re saddened and heartbroken for the losses we’ve had with Councilperson Yun and former Councilperson Richardson. I did want to show my appreciation of Councilperson Yun. He always told me you have to be a sharp dressed man sitting in that chair during those council meetings.”

In attendance: Council President Joyce E. Watterman, Council at Large Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr., Council at Large Daniel Rivera, Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano, Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Ward F Councilman Jermaine D. Robinson; and City Clerk Sean J. Gallagher.

The next virtual caucus meeting will be Wed, April 20 at 4 p.m., and the next council meeting will be Wed, April 22, at 6 p.m.. To view the meetings, go to the council’s page on the city’s website.

 

Header:  Councilman Richard Boggiano, Council President Joyce E. Waterman, Councilman James Solomon and City Clerk Sean J. Gallagher during the city council’s virtual meeting held Wed, April 15.

COVID-19 and Whistleblower Lawsuit Dominate J.C. City Council Meeting

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Members Vote, Discuss and Listen to Public Comments in Virtual Setting

Wednesday’s Jersey City City Council Meeting sputtered onto the internet in a live broadcast in response to the coronavirus pandemic that has swept the globe and infected 222 Jersey City residents as of March 27. Council members, most of whom appeared to be participating from home offices, voted on resolutions and discussed two issues — Covid-19 and the case of the Jersey City Employment and Training Program whistleblower.

City Clerk Sean J. Gallagher conducts virtual council meeting
via TEAMS software.

From his city hall office, City Clerk Sean J. Gallagher ran the meeting via software that gave Jersey City residents the opportunity to watch the proceedings from the comfort of their living rooms.  The typically four-hour meeting ran under an hour with only a few Jersey City residents calling in with public comments.

“This is a special meeting of the Jersey City Municipal Council in an effort to adhere to social distancing protocols and best practices imposed by the city and state authority,” Gallagher told viewers as he started the meeting. “Sorry for any technical difficulties.”

COVID-19

Like many Jersey City residents concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, Misters Kyle Bruno and Ed Winger voiced their concerns during the public comments section of the meeting. Bruno asked the council if the city had contingency plans for people who can’t pay their rent; quarantining Jersey City from New York City (and vice versa); and what local hospitals would do if and when they reach capacity with quarantined patients.

“Is the council with the mayor’s office in any way thinking about any type of rent decrease?” Bruno asked. “Are they thinking of any quarantine or restriction of access into and out of New York City? When are local hospitals reaching capacity? Do we have any coordinated contingency plan, and how are we coordinating this plan with the state, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers? I’m hoping you guys could shed some light on that.”

Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano also mentioned that the Jersey City Armory and Caven Point Military Base are available if local hospitals become overrun.

When resident Ed Winger called in, he talked of the uncertainty many local residents feel as they deal with unemployment.

“It’s challenging not knowing,” Winger said about what lies ahead. “Is the city going to do anything with the feds to support people who are on unemployment? There are a lot of services in Jersey City, our wonderful great city, but some of the city’s services to the people going through tough times are just not available.”

Councilman Boggiano said he had received calls that day about people fearing eviction.

“Sean, we’re going to have to protect people from being evicted if they can’t afford to pay their rent,” Councilman Boggiano said. “We’re going to have to do something. I’ve gotten a couple of calls on that. I’ve been speaking to people today on that issue. I hope we can come up with a solution on this.”

Gallagher told the council that, according to a recent New Jersey Supreme Court order, no evictions or foreclosures can proceed during the crisis.

Councilman at Large Daniel Rivera added that Governor Phil Murphy had just posted on the state’s website, NJ.gov, a link to services for those who lose their jobs and for employers who can’t keep employing their staff.

“We, as a city, we’re still under construction ourselves with what we’re going to do in terms with the funds that come in from the state,” Councilman Rivera said. “Actually, there are allocations where the business administrator has to be engaged along with all of us and the mayor himself.”

No Indemnification for the Jersey City Employment and Training Program

A resolution to authorize the city of Jersey City to enter into an agreement with the Jersey City Employment and Training Program came up for a vote — but not without objections from Councilman James Solomon.

Controversy has swirled around the program ever since July 2019 when employee and whistleblower Nuria Sierra’s accused the program’s then-executive director, Sudhan Thomas, of embezzlement. After filing her complaint, Sierra was fired from her job. In January 2020 Thomas, who was also head of the Jersey City Board of Education, was formally charged with bilking $45,000 from a government agency.

Councilman Solomon asked whether language could be inserted into the resolution that would protect the agency, which has no insurance, from going bankrupt if Sierra’s lawsuit goes forward. If a judge awards Sierra monetary damages, JCETP might not be able to withstand the fine and be forced to close its doors.

“As a policy question, my understanding is JCETP doesn’t have insurance for these types of claims,” Solomon said. “So, were a successful claim brought against JCETP, who would pay for it, and how would they continue their services?”

Corporate Counsel Peter Baker told Councilman Solomon that the city does not represent the JCETP and would not be indemnifying the agency.

“Why is it the law department recommendation does not indemnify JCEPT?” Councilman Solomon asked. “It’s my understanding we have done so in previous agreements similar to this one.”

Baker said he was not familiar with prior agreements. He added: “Simply put, in the present case, my responsibility and representation goes to the city and its constituent departments. If I felt it were in the city’s interest or it were necessary to indemnify another party, then we proceed with that and proceed with that thoughtfully. In the present case, and in view with the administration and business administrator, it’s our recommendation we not proceed to indemnify them for claims.”

Councilman Solomon pressed his point further, saying that the only lawsuit he’s aware of is by Sierra, and as a policy matter or statement of principal, she should be made whole.

“She clearly saw unacceptable behavior,” Councilman Solomon said. “She spoke out about it initially, quietly, not to the public and was fired, which was wrong. I think we have to take collectively, as a city, responsibility for that happening. My concern is if we proceed without indemnification, there’s no way for us to guarantee she’s made whole. If it doesn’t come out of the JCETP grant, where does it come from? JCETP doesn’t have a lot of resources. If we pass it, we end up doing wrong by her. And as a city there were clearly mistakes made, and we have to take responsibility for them.”

The Council voted 6-1 in favor of adopting the resolution with Councilman Solomon dissenting.

In attendance at the virtual meeting: Council President Joyce E. Watterman, Councilman at Large Daniel Rivera, Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano, Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Ward F Councilman Jermaine D. Robinson; and City Clerk Sean J. Gallagher. Councilman at Large Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr. and Ward D Councilman Michael Yun did not attend.

 

The next virtual council meeting will be held Wed, April 8, at 6 pm. To view the next virtual council meeting, go to the council’s page on the city’s website and click on the link “virtual council meeting,” which can be found on the left-hand side of the page.

 

Header:  Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, Councilman at Large Daniel Rivera, Council President Joyce E. Watterman, and Ward E Councilman James Solomon participate in the city council’s first virtual meeting.