Hackensack Addresses Public Safety and Community Development Concerns
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/25/2024
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Recording Published:
06/25/2024
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Duration:
122 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Hackensack
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Hackensack City Council meeting, the council addressed a series of public safety concerns, community development issues, and administrative changes. Among the most noteworthy items discussed were the resignation of Deputy City Manager Jacqueline Hashmat, public opposition to a proposed 19-story assisted living facility, and various public safety and community enhancement projects.
Hashmat, who has served the city with dedication, announced her resignation to assume a new role as manager for the township of Tenafly. The mayor and council members expressed their gratitude for her contributions to Hackensack’s administration.
In terms of community development, a portion of the meeting was devoted to the public’s response to a proposed 19-story assisted living facility. Howard Herwitz presented a petition with over 530 signatures opposing the project. He criticized the design of the facility, particularly the absence of a ground-level driveway. Despite the debate and clarification on the procedure for addressing opposition to the project, the City Attorney clarified that the City Council has limited involvement in matters pending before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The City Council also tackled various public safety and community enhancement initiatives. The city manager’s report included a resolution for Public Safety Telecommunicators, which focused on changes to dispatchers’ schedules and the elimination of a built-in overtime clause. Adjustments to the salary guide for police and fire dispatchers were also highlighted. Additionally, the council discussed the NJDOT Municipal Aid fund Grant resolution for a road diet project on Spring Valley Avenue, aimed at enhancing traffic safety and efficiency.
The city engineer provided updates on ongoing projects, including sewer separation, stormwater improvements, and park developments. Pedestrian safety projects were also mentioned, with the engineer addressing inquiries regarding the color of new poles and the width of a football field. The council approved a bond ordinance for improvements to the John Earl building and addressed the community’s concerns about the speed of buses on Spring Valley Avenue. Furthermore, the vice president of the Hackensack Jun football program emphasized the importance of proper football markings and requested support for the program’s equipment needs and field usage.
During the public comments section, a variety of issues were brought to the council’s attention. Alvin Star voiced his frustration with the city code on rubbish and garbage, calling for adjustments to address the problem of littering due to loitering in parking lots. Blan Stewart raised concerns about dog feces on Third Street and suggested increased police patrol or the installation of fines as potential solutions. The council also recognized the Hackensack Antlers Lodge 27 for their volunteer efforts in assembling care packages for active duty service members.
The council not only focused on current challenges but also celebrated recent successes and events. They discussed the opening of the Joll building and the Car Park basketball courts and expressed gratitude to the volunteers who contributed to these efforts. Acknowledgment was given to the youth who received proclamations and to the volunteers who assisted in the Juneteenth celebration. The meeting concluded with anticipation for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration and a discussion about the potential layout of the Johnson Park Dome project.
John Labrosse
City Council Officials:
Kathy Canestrino, Leonardo Battaglia, Stephanie Von Rudenborg, Gerard Carroll
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/25/2024
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Recording Published:
06/25/2024
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Duration:
122 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Hackensack
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