The meeting saw a considerable number of Oxford Street residents expressing their frustration over a construction project on Oxford Street that has been inactive for seven years. Residents described the property as abandoned, with unfinished renovations and boarded-up doorways. One resident, Stan Karp, presented petitions from over 50 neighbors seeking council assistance. Karp detailed the owners’ non-compliance, such as residing in a garage without a certificate of occupancy, and questioned the enforcement of penalties, including $8,000 in fines. He highlighted previous meetings with town officials that failed to yield progress, and inquired about the implications of a stop construction order.

The discontent was echoed by other residents, who stressed the adverse effects on neighborhood property values and taxes. They urged the council to enforce regulations and ensure the project reaches completion. The council acknowledged the issues, with a suggestion to ask code enforcement for an update on actions taken to resolve the situation.

Parallel to this, the potential use of eminent domain for Martin’s Funeral Home raised alarms. Concerns were voiced about the property being included in a housing plan for affordable housing developments, which had blindsided the owner, Michelle Williams. The community emphasized the historical significance of Martin’s, a black-owned business serving Montclair since 1952, and urged vigilance against potential displacement.

The council clarified that planning ordinances are under the planning board’s jurisdiction, not theirs.

In other segments of the meeting, residents discussed the Clary Anderson Arena’s future, with calls for clarity on its financial viability. The arena’s management was urged to consider a public-private partnership to secure funding for necessary repairs and avoid taxpayer contributions. The arena’s financial sustainability was a focal point, with the council discussing an ordinance amendment to address the fee schedule.

Further, the council reviewed a proposed ordinance amendment on salary adjustments and the inclusion of new positions, such as a complete streets director and special law enforcement officers. The ordinance aimed to align with state law and included a motion to move forward with the amendments after resolving inconsistencies regarding terminal leave caps.

Discussion also touched on a resolution authorizing a professional services contract for appraisals at Lacawana Plaza. The council scrutinized the appraisal firm’s work, emphasizing the need for accuracy and alignment with the redevelopment plan. A typographical error in the appraisal documents was identified, prompting a resolution amendment to ensure consistency.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the installation of “Happy to Chat” benches, designed to foster social interaction and combat loneliness. The initiative received unanimous support, with enthusiastic backing from local students. The council approved the benches’ installation, noting compliance with local ordinances.

Finally, the council discussed the appointment of a second alternate member for the planning board. Despite differing views on urgency, the decision was deferred to allow review of candidates’ applications. The meeting concluded with discussions on township attorney search protocols and the announcement of Laura Torchio’s appointment as director of the Complete Streets initiative.