Bayonne City Council Approves Urban Renewal Financial Agreements, Address Traffic Safety, and Navigate Neighbor Concerns Over Property Development
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
11/21/2023
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Recording Published:
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Duration:
107 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Hudson County
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Towns:
Bayonne
- Meeting Overview:
The Bayonne City Council recently approved amended and restated financial agreements with 26 North Avenue Urban Renewal LLC and 197 Avenue E Urban Renewal LLC, following public hearings and unanimous votes. The council also moved to approve a redevelopment plan for the property at 80-84 East 25th Street and passed a series of ordinances intended to enhance traffic safety. The meeting was marked by discussions about a contentious property development and the concerns raised by an adjoining neighbor.
Traffic safety was another topic at the meeting, with the council discussing and passing several ordinances designed to address this issue. The council unanimously approved an ordinance to prohibit parking on the side of Goldsboro Drive, citing safety concerns. Another ordinance targeted unsafe driving practices by prohibiting U-turns on Broadway. Council members Loyad Booker, Juan M. Perez, and Gary La Pelusa Sr. expressed their support, highlighting the increasing population and the need for enhanced traffic regulations.
The council also discussed the development of a property and the concerns raised by its 95-year-old neighbor. The council engaged in a back-and-forth dialogue with Donald Pepe, the attorney representing the prospective property buyer, Sean Gupta. The council members, including Neil Carroll III, insisted on the resolution of a range of issues before approving the sale and transfer of the property.
These issues, highlighted in a letter submitted by Susan Mitchell on behalf of her father, included property damage and safety concerns. Mitchell requested an independent inspection after project completion to ensure no further damage had been done to their property. She also highlighted concerns about the proximity of the new building to their home. Carroll mentioned his conversation with the construction official and the potential new owner, stating that the issues raised would need to be addressed before he could approve the sale.
Pepe assured the council that Gupta had a positive track record in Bayonne and would address the concerns. He suggested involving an independent third party to inspect the property, and the council agreed that the completion of the tasks discussed would be a condition for the closing. The council requested Pepe’s contact information to stay informed about the progress.
The council also discussed the concept of a “master pilot” and how it relates to phased development projects. Council members expressed confusion about the terminology and requested more information. They agreed to provide a memo explaining the details before the next meeting.
Other items on the council’s agenda included a series of resolutions, such as accepting a best practices questionnaire from the state, which determines the city’s eligibility for state aid. Booker explained that the city received a score of 33, ensuring 100% state aid. The council also approved a corrective action plan for the calendar year ending in December 2022 and awarded a contract to Shi International Corp. for the purchase and implementation of a payroll and Human Resources management software program.
Jimmy M. Davis
City Council Officials:
Neil Carroll III, Jacqueline Weimmer, Gary La Pelusa Sr., Loyad Booker, Juan M. Perez
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
11/21/2023
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Recording Published:
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Duration:
107 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Hudson County
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Towns:
Bayonne
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