Jeff TI, a resident of Lambertville, raised serious environmental concerns regarding an inactive site comprising an old high school and landfill. This site, under the same ownership for over three decades, was cited for potential contamination risks, including arsenic from an adjacent apple orchard. TI criticized the lack of transparency and information regarding remediation efforts from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and urged the council to address these environmental hazards before future housing developments exacerbate the issue. Bve Bird supported these claims, emphasizing the historical use of arsenic as an insecticide in the area, further underscoring the need for thorough testing and public disclosure.

These concerns dovetailed with the council’s ongoing deliberations on affordable housing. John Ellis highlighted the city’s affordable housing crisis, advocating for repurposing vacant properties like the cabin at Clon Farm. The mayor responded by suggesting the Clon Farm site be evaluated by the affordable housing committee as a potential housing solution. The city is compelled to identify new sites for affordable housing following previous developments that affected existing sites. The council discussed the establishment of an affordable housing advisory committee, which will convene twice monthly starting January. The committee will include council members, planning and zoning board representatives, and public members, focusing on meeting critical housing deadlines.

The council also discussed the necessity of a binding resolution for fourth-round housing obligations, with key deadlines looming. The timeline mandates adoption by January 31, 2025, and subsequent ordinance implementation by March 31, 2026.

In financial discussions, the council faced the reality of budget constraints, driven by a 17.5% increase in state healthcare benefits and anticipated costs related to police department retirements. The upcoming budget hearings, scheduled for next Thursday, will feature department heads discussing their operational budgets and capital requests. The council anticipates renegotiating the police department contract by the end of 2025, which will likely involve additional expenses.

Exploring new revenue sources, the council discussed potential funds from cannabis establishments, with optimism about the impact on city finances. The conversation shifted to parking management, with an acknowledgment of challenges with the current meter system and a proposal to consider kiosks or mobile payment systems. The council expressed a willingness to explore various strategies to enhance revenue generation, drawing inspiration from nearby areas.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure demands, particularly the maintenance of storm drains and street sweeping challenges. A council member drew attention to a blocked storm drain on Stanford Street, prompting a discussion on the effectiveness of current sweeping operations. The potential for expanding the street sweeping program and hiring a dedicated stormwater management position was considered. The council suggested community engagement through an adopted storm drain program to promote local awareness and involvement.