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Newark, New Jersey

Newark public meetings in 2021

42 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 21, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Council considers tax abatements, property sales, and street designations

The Municipal Council is meeting to consider several ordinances and resolutions regarding city property and licensing. Key items include a 20-year tax abatement for a new warehouse and self-storage project on Broad Street and the sale of various city-owned properties to private developers.

zoningtax-abatementreal-estatelicensinggovernment-administration
Virtual Meeting
Wed Dec 15, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council considers multiple tax abatements for residential and commercial projects

The Municipal Council is reviewing several tax abatement requests for new residential constructions and a large self-storage facility. The body is also deciding on budget insertions for health and recycling grants and the purchase of a mobile dental unit.

tax-abatementshousingpublic-healthbudgetzoning
Virtual Meeting
Tue Dec 7, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Council considers tax abatements and snow removal contract extension

The Municipal Council is meeting to discuss tax abatements for residential projects and various city contracts. The body is also reviewing ordinances related to business licensing and convenience store requirements.

tax-abatementhousingcontractsbusiness-licensingpublic-works
Virtual Meeting
Wed Dec 1, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to consider 30-year tax abatement for 76-unit affordable housing rehab

The Newark Municipal Council will hold a public hearing on a 30-year tax abatement for Oak Towers Urban Renewal Entity to rehabilitate two buildings at 2-30 Stratford Place, creating 76 affordable rental units. The council will also consider first reading of twelve 5-year tax abatements for two-family new constructions across several wards, and second reading of ordinances to establish a consolidated business licensing process, adjust fees to a biennial schedule, and require licenses for convenience stores. Additionally, a $500,000 grant from ARPA funds to the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau is on the agenda.

tax-abatementhousingaffordable-housingbusiness-licensinggrants
Virtual Meeting
Tue Nov 23, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Council considers cannabis regulations and various urban renewal ordinances

The Municipal Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing for the second reading and final passage of an ordinance regarding cannabis establishments. Other items include professional service contracts, constable appointments, and street designations.

cannabisbusinesshousinggovernment-operationsurban-renewal
Virtual Meeting
Mon Nov 15, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to consider ordinance permitting adult-use cannabis businesses

The Newark Municipal Council will hold a regular meeting with multiple ordinances on first reading and final passage. Key items include five-year tax abatements for two-family new construction, an ordinance to permit and regulate adult-use cannabis establishments, and an ordinance authorizing entry-level law enforcement hiring without an exam. The council will also consider resolutions accepting $16.6 million in federal housing grants and awarding contracts for portable toilets, park maintenance, and video production.

cannabistax-abatementpublic-safetyhousingfederal-grantscontractszoningordinances
Virtual Meeting
Tue Oct 26, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Council considers temporary 0% interest rate on delinquent taxes

The Municipal Council is reviewing several resolutions regarding housing grants, hazardous waste remediation, and street vacations. A key proposal includes a temporary interest reduction program for delinquent property taxes and utility charges.

taxesaffordable-housinggrantsflood-mitigationzoning
Virtual Meeting
Wed Oct 20, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council considers funding for Mulberry Pedestrian Bridge project

The Municipal Council is reviewing a subsidy for the Mulberry Pedestrian Bridge Redevelopment Project and several private sales of city-owned land for residential development. The body is also discussing COVID-19 revenue loss mitigation for the Newark Parking Authority.

infrastructurehousingbudgetredevelopmentparking
Virtual Meeting
Wed Oct 6, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to consider $110M subsidy for Mulberry Pedestrian Bridge project

The Municipal Council will hold public hearings and final votes on several ordinances, including a subsidy of up to $110 million for the Mulberry Pedestrian Bridge redevelopment and a capital lease for the Irvine Turner Traffic Facility site. The agenda also includes multiple resolutions authorizing private sales of city-owned properties for housing development across several wards.

budgeteconomic-developmenthousingordinancespublic-financeredevelopmentsouth-wardwest-ward
Virtual Meeting
Thu Sep 30, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Municipal Council to vote on final 2021 budget

The Municipal Council is meeting to authorize amendments to and the final adoption of the 2021 Municipal Budget. The body is also discussing changes to the meeting schedule for the remainder of the year.

budgetmunicipal-governmentfinance
Council Chamber
Tue Sep 21, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council authorizes $3.8M Guaranteed Universal Income pilot program

The Newark Municipal Council will consider ratifying a contract with Mobility Capital Financial to administer the Guaranteed Universal Income Pilot Program using American Rescue Plan Act funds. The body is also set to authorize fee waivers for a photography studio event and ratify a contract for a youth summer enrichment program.

budgetguaranteed-universal-incomepilot-programcontractsfeesyouth-programstreet-naming
Virtual Meeting
Thu Sep 16, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Municipal Council holds special meeting on 2021 budget

The Municipal Council is meeting to conduct a public hearing on the 2021 Municipal Budget. The agenda includes a resolution to authorize reading the budget by title only.

budgetmunicipal-councilpublic-hearing
Council Chamber
Tue Sep 14, 2021 · 9:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council amends meeting times, switches to virtual format

This is a largely procedural special meeting where the Newark Municipal Council will ratify and authorize an amendment to the meeting schedule. The only substantive item is changing the pre-meeting time on September 14, 2021 to 9:00 AM and the regular meeting on September 15, 2021 to 12:30 PM, both to be held virtually. No policy decisions, ordinances, or financial actions are under consideration.

municipal-councilmeeting-schedulevirtual-meetings
Council Chamber
Wed Sep 1, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Municipal Council to consider tax abatements and budget appropriations

The Newark Municipal Council will consider first readings for several tax abatements for new construction projects and a 'cap' ordinance to exceed municipal budget limits. The body will also authorize emergency appropriations for the summer youth employment program and operating expenses.

budgethousingtaxpoliceyouthcontracts
Council Chamber
Tue Aug 24, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

All agenda items deferred; no decisions made at special meeting

This special meeting of the Newark Municipal Council on August 24, 2021, included only items that were deferred from previous meetings. No new ordinances or resolutions were voted on; all 19 ordinances (tax abatements for residential and one mixed-use project) and two resolutions (a grant amendment for hazardous waste remediation and a meeting schedule change) were carried over without action.

tax-abatementhazardous-wastedeferredspecial-meetingmunicipal-councilhousingnewark
Council Chamber
Thu Aug 19, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark council considers tax exemptions for housing projects

The Newark Municipal Council is scheduled to vote on ordinances granting tax exemptions and abatements for various residential construction projects across the city. The agenda lists multiple items for public hearing and final passage, including a large 30-year exemption for a 14-story building with affordable units.

housingtax-exemptionzoningordinancepublic-hearingnewark
Council Chamber
Tue Aug 17, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on ordinance allowing adult-use cannabis businesses

The Council holds public hearings and final votes on a series of ordinances, including a proposed ordinance to permit and regulate adult-use cannabis establishments. Other major items include tax exemptions for large residential-commercial projects in the Central Ward and a 30-year tax abatement for a 299-unit development on Broad Street.

cannabiszoningtax-abatementhousingaffordable-housingurban-renewaloutdoor-dining
Council Chamber
Wed Aug 4, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on 30-year tax deal for 14-story Washington Street tower

The Council will hold public hearings on a 30-year tax exemption and up to $1M bond issuance for a 14-story, 220-unit residential building with affordable housing and commercial space at 241-251 Washington Street. It will also take first readings on multiple 5-year tax abatements for new two- and three-family homes across the city, and an ordinance to license outdoor dining in the public right-of-way. Reports include the Newark Police Division's consent decree quarterly update and the City Clerk's 2018 annual report.

developmenthousingtax-abatementpolicelicensingfeeszoning
Council Chamber
Tue Jul 20, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to consider $20M sewer bond and housing tax abatements

The Newark Municipal Council will hold public hearings and final votes on several ordinances, including a $20 million bond for small-diameter sewer rehabilitation and multiple long-term tax abatements for housing projects. The council will also consider first reading of a parking restriction on Lake Street and approve several property sales and professional service contracts. Some items were deferred from prior meetings.

housingtax-abatementbondssewersredevelopmentaffordable-housingparking
Council Chamber
Wed Jul 14, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council votes on $5.2M workforce grant, shelter contract, and Pina Colada Amendment

The Newark Municipal Council is holding a special meeting to vote on multiple resolutions including a $5.2 million Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grant, a $1.2 million contract with The Salvation Army to operate a non-congregate emergency shelter, and a $715,000 grant for the Summer Youth Employment Program. The council will also hear the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic drinks or ices (the "Pina Colada Amendment"), with a public hearing scheduled for August 4, 2021.

ordinancecontractsgrantsparksyouth-employmentemergency-shelterparking
Council Chamber
Thu Jul 8, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to authorize $52.6M for water and sewer operations

The Newark Municipal Council will consider authorizing a $52.6 million temporary appropriation to fund the operating expenses of the City of Newark and the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities through July 2021. The body will also review several other resolutions, including grants for public health initiatives, violence prevention, and food service programs.

budgetwatersewerhealthgrantspublic-safetyfoodordinance
Council Chamber
Tue Jun 22, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark to accept $176.7M in federal COVID relief funds

The Council holds a special meeting to vote on a $176.7 million American Rescue Plan Act grant for COVID-19 response, a $38.4 million capital improvement bond, and a $20 million sewer rehabilitation bond. They also consider a 25-year tax abatement for a 403-unit mixed-use building, increasing the employee housing assistance grant from $5,000 to $10,000, and repealing the city's pay-to-play policy in favor of state requirements.

covid-19budgethousingtax-abatementbondspay-to-playeconomic-developmentsewer
Council Chamber
Tue Jun 15, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Council to consider $300k settlement, $196k reentry contract, George Floyd statue

At a special meeting on June 15, 2021, the Newark Municipal Council will vote on several resolutions. These include accepting a bronze statue of George Floyd as a no-cost gift, amending a prior redevelopment agreement for an 11-unit LGBTQ homeless housing project at 25-27 Roseville Avenue, approving a $196,000 contract with New Jersey Reentry Corporation for reentry services funded by the American Rescue Plan, and settling a lawsuit for $300,000.

administrationeconomic-developmenthousingpublic-safetylitigation-settlementamerican-rescue-planreentrypublic-art
Council Chamber
Wed Jun 2, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Newark Council considers $38.4 million bond for capital improvements

The Municipal Council is reviewing a bond ordinance for general capital improvements and several tax abatements for new residential constructions. The body is also considering a lease for a homeless shelter and the purchase of new police vehicles.

budgethousingpolicetax-abatementshomeless-serviceszoning
Council Chamber
Tue May 25, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council considers $38.4 million bond application and $23 million water plant loan

The Municipal Council is reviewing several high-value financial authorizations, including capital improvement bonds and water treatment plant upgrades. The body is also considering annual budgets for three business improvement districts and multiple health service contracts.

budgetbondswater-infrastructureeconomic-developmentpublic-healthreal-estate
Council Chamber
Wed May 19, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Newark Council considers $52.4 million emergency appropriation for city operations

The Municipal Council is deciding on a temporary emergency appropriation to fund city and water utility operations. The body is also reviewing multiple tax abatements for new residential constructions and a lease for an ambulatory care facility.

budgettax-abatementshealthcarehousingeconomic-development
Council Chamber
Tue May 11, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to authorize affordable housing land sales, approve district budget

The Municipal Council is authorizing private sales of city-owned properties to developers for affordable housing projects, and ratifying the 2021 annual budget for the Mt. Prospect Avenue Neighborhood Improvement District (MPANID). The sales include lots in the Central, South, and West Wards, with prices set at $6 to $10 per square foot. An added starter resolution authorizes rehabilitation of two properties on Chadwick Avenue as affordable rental housing.

housingaffordable-housingland-saleredevelopmentbudgetneighborhood-improvement-districtmunicipal-councilnewark
Council Chamber
Wed May 5, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on increasing parking meter rates

The Newark Municipal Council will hold first readings on several ordinances, including one to increase parking meter rates (6PSF-b). The meeting also includes tax abatement ordinances for new housing at five properties, a lease with University Hospital for an ambulatory care facility, and settlements of tax appeals and civil litigation. A public hearing on the ordinances will be held on May 19, 2021.

parkingtaxeshousingdevelopmentpublic-safetytowingleases
Council Chamber
Tue Apr 27, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to consider redevelopment agreement with Gomes Group for Central Ward

The council will hold public hearings on two ordinances: one authorizing a redevelopment agreement with Gomes Group, LLC, including release of deed restrictions on properties in the Central Ward, and another amending the Live Newark Loan Forgiveness Program to increase facade improvement benefits and discontinue renovation benefits. Resolutions include a change order for McClellan Street Underpass improvements ($1.28M), several professional services contracts for legal counsel, and establishing a City of Newark Poet Laureate position with a $5,000 honorarium. The council will also consider applying for a $750,000 grant for historic preservation of City Hall's interior.

redevelopmenthousingfinancehistoric-preservationpoet-laureatecontractspublic-works
Council Chamber
Wed Apr 21, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on $5.2M land exchange for homeless shelter, dockless vehicle rules

The Newark Municipal Council will hold public hearings and final votes on several ordinances, including a land exchange with Station Plaza that provides $5.2 million for a new homeless shelter. They are also considering tax abatements for housing developments with affordable units, a permit system for shared dockless vehicles, and amendments to the Live Newark loan program. Resolutions include accepting $16.4 million in HUD grants and transferring CDBG-CV funds for COVID-19 relief.

municipal-councilhousingtax-abatementhomeless-shelterdockless-vehiclesgrantsaffordable-housing
Council Chamber
Tue Apr 13, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on redevelopment agreement with Gomes Group for Central Ward properties

The Newark Municipal Council is holding a special meeting to consider several resolutions and ordinances. Key items include a redevelopment agreement with Gomes Group, LLC involving release of deed restrictions on properties in the Central Ward, and amendments to the Live Newark Loan Forgiveness Program to increase benefits for facade improvements while discontinuing renovation funding. The council will also vote on a $100,000 legal services contract for redevelopment matters and a property transfer to May Newark, LLC.

ordinancesredevelopmenthousingeconomic-developmentcentral-ward
Council Chamber
Wed Apr 7, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to consider emergency funding and new dockless vehicle permits

The Municipal Council will vote on a $57 million emergency appropriation for city operating expenses. The body is also considering a new permit process for shared dockless vehicles and a mixed-use district for the Ballantine Brewery area.

zoningbudgettransportationpublic-safetyhealth
Council Chamber
Tue Mar 23, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Newark Council to consider $23M bond for Pequannock Water Treatment Plant upgrades

The Newark Municipal Council holds a special meeting with public hearings on three ordinances: creating a permit process for shared dockless vehicles, issuing $23 million in bonds for upgrades at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant, and increasing the number of municipal judges. The council also votes on resolutions including a $1.56 million extension for snow removal services, a $4.27 million street paving contract, tax appeal settlements totaling $155,025, and several property sales to NJDOT under eminent domain.

budgetbondswater-treatmentdockless-vehiclesmunicipal-courtsnow-removalstreet-pavingeminent-domain
Council Chamber
Wed Mar 17, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

$23M bond for water treatment plant upgrades up for public hearing

The Newark Municipal Council will hold a regular meeting on March 17, 2021, with public hearings scheduled for several ordinances, including a $23 million bond to fund upgrades at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. Other ordinances include a 35-year tax abatement for a 78-unit affordable housing project with healthcare space (deferred from previous meeting), a repeal of the pay-to-play policy (previously failed), a permit process for dockless vehicles, and an increase in the number of municipal judges. The council will also consider numerous resolutions accepting grants and approving appropriations for lead prevention, HIV services, COVID-19 PPE for firefighters, and an anti-violence out-of-school program.

budgetbondswaterinfrastructureaffordable-housingtax-abatementpublic-safetyhealth
Council Chamber
Tue Mar 9, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on $23M bond for Pequannock water plant upgrades

The Newark Municipal Council meets in special session to consider multiple items, including a $23 million bond ordinance for upgrades to the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant and a corresponding resolution to seek state approval. The council will also vote on ordinances to permit shared dockless vehicles in public rights-of-way and to increase the number of municipal judges, as well as confirm two new municipal court judges.

municipal-councilappointmentsjudgesdockless-vehicleswater-treatmentbondsinfrastructurefinance
Council Chamber
Wed Mar 3, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council considers 35-year tax abatement for 78 affordable housing units on Littleton Avenue

The Municipal Council will hold first reading on a 35-year tax abatement for West Market Owners, LLC to build 78 affordable rental units and 8,000 sq ft of healthcare space at 4-22 Littleton Avenue (West Ward). Other items include a public hearing on a lease with Zion Baptist Church for a mental health clinic at 459 Avon Avenue, and a proposed repeal of the pay-to-play policy for developers. The council will also vote on resolutions accepting grants for hazardous site cleanup in multiple wards, a Safe Routes to Schools design assistance grant, and a $70.1 million temporary appropriation for pensions.

tax-abatementaffordable-housingpay-to-playhealth-servicesenvironmental-cleanupgrantsordinancespublic-safety
Council Chamber
Thu Feb 18, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on 30-year tax exemption for 270-unit Tower at Halsey and William project

The council will hold a public hearing and final vote on a 30-year tax exemption for a 270-unit mixed-use project at Halsey and William Streets, including 27 affordable units and $1 million in redevelopment bonds. First readings include a 35-year tax abatement for 78 affordable housing units and healthcare space at 4-22 Littleton Avenue, and an ordinance repealing the city's pay-to-play policy for developers. Resolutions cover a $475,440 Microsoft contract and a $90,000 barrier maintenance contract.

housingtax-abatementpay-to-playzoningdevelopmentaffordable-housingcontractsmunicipal-council
Council Chamber
Tue Feb 9, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council ratifies $898,683 lead abatement grant

The Newark Municipal Council will ratify a grant award from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to fund lead abatement services for the Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention program.

lead-abatementgranthealthhousingnewark
Council Chamber
Wed Feb 3, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on 30-year tax exemption for 270-unit Halsey & William project

The Newark Municipal Council will hold a regular meeting on February 3, 2021. Key items include first reading of a 30-year tax exemption for a 270-unit residential and retail tower at 16-24 William Street, public hearings on a 30-year tax abatement for Lincoln Park Towers affordable housing rehab, and special emergency appropriations to cover sewer and water utility revenue deficits. The council will also consider resolutions for a lead abatement grant, a labor agreement with AFSCME Local 2299, and private land sales for redevelopment.

tax-exemptionaffordable-housinglead-abatementlabor-agreementsewer-utilitywater-utilityredevelopment
Council Chamber
Tue Jan 26, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on $1.8M water chemical contract and park foundation

The Newark Municipal Council will decide on a $1.8M contract for water purification chemicals for the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. They will also consider creating a non-profit foundation to manage five downtown parks. A resolution to rescind a hold harmless agreement for a vaccine program at St. James Health Clinic is on the agenda.

waterparkscontractspublic-healthvaccinemunicipal-councilnewark
Council Chamber
Thu Jan 21, 2021 · 12:30 PM

Municipal Council

Council considers 30-year tax abatement for Lincoln Park affordable housing rehab

The Newark Municipal Council will hold a regular meeting including the first reading of an ordinance granting a 30-year tax abatement to HVPF Lincoln Park Towers Urban Renewal, LLC to rehabilitate 79 low- and very-low-income housing units at 31-33 Lincoln Park and 1-7 Crawford Street. The council will also consider a $57.8 million temporary emergency appropriation for 2021 debt and capital improvements, and several contracts including concrete and park maintenance. A private sale of city-owned land at 110 James Street for a 15-unit student housing project is also on the agenda after multiple deferrals.

affordable-housingtax-abatementbudgetcontractsredevelopmentcentral-wardstudent-housingmunicipal-council
Council Chamber
Tue Jan 12, 2021 · 10:00 AM

Municipal Council

Council to vote on $3.1M lease for homeless housing at Newark airport hotel

The Municipal Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on three ordinances, including a $3.1 million lease with Holiday Inn Newark for homeless housing to combat COVID-19. Also up for a vote are a 30-year tax abatement for an 85-unit affordable housing project on Broadway and adoption of the Dayton Street Scattered Site Redevelopment Plan. The council will also consider resolutions for a traffic signal equipment contract, a ceremonial street naming, a Board of Adjustment appointment, and the 2021 holiday schedule.

housinghomelesscovid-19tax-abatementredevelopmentcontractsappointmentsholiday-schedule
Council Chamber