Princeton School Board Grapples with Budget Challenges Amid Ethics Violations

Overview: The Princeton School Board meeting addressed financial challenges, including a projected $26 million budget deficit. The board also dealt with recent ethics violations among its members, highlighting governance complexities.

Hamilton Council Suspends Landlord License Over Severe Housing Violations at East State Street Property

Overview: During the recent Hamilton Township Council meeting, the council took decisive action against a landlord accused of severe housing violations at a multi-unit property on East State Street. The council voted unanimously to suspend Jean Alexis’s landlord license for 90 days due to egregious safety violations, ongoing non-compliance, and unauthorized occupancy. The council also discussed plans for an inclusive playground, a cannabis dispensary application, and approved various resolutions to improve township infrastructure and community services.

Trenton Council Faces Criticism Over Outsourcing City Contracts

Overview: The recent Trenton City Council meeting highlighted a issue concerning the city’s procurement processes and the perceived favoritism towards outside companies in awarding contracts. A resident named Grant voiced strong concerns about the city’s tendency to award the majority of contracts to non-local businesses, asserting that “90% of the contracts…go to companies outside the city.” Grant shared his personal experiences of submitting proposals, only to face consistent rejection in favor of firms with whom the city seemingly has established relationships. He questioned the rationale behind the preference for outside companies, particularly when their bids were only marginally lower than those from local businesses. Grant’s comments underscored a broader concern about equitable distribution of contracts, especially among minority and women-owned businesses in Trenton.

Lawrence Township Council Reviews 2025 Budget with Focus on Emergency Services and Public Health

Overview: The Lawrence Township Council meeting on February 4, 2025, centered around the presentation of the 2025 budget, highlighting allocations for emergency services, public health, and infrastructure. Discussions included maintaining the current tax rate, addressing staffing challenges in emergency services, and the impact of state aid on fiscal planning.

Princeton Council Evaluates Solar Panel Proposal Amid Historic Preservation Concerns

Overview: During the recent Princeton Council meeting, the council deliberated on a application regarding the installation of solar panels on a historic home on Lee Avenue. The applicant, Abel Smith, presented his case for installing solar panels with minimal visibility from the public right-of-way. This proposal sparked a broader discussion about the challenges of balancing historic preservation with the integration of renewable energy solutions.