01:07:52Richie Kirkland, director of the taxi division, presented a detailed account of the ongoing illegal activities by New York drivers at Newark Airport. He reported that these drivers were negatively impacting local taxi businesses by operating without the necessary permissions, creating an unfair competitive environment. The City Council was informed that a city ordinance had been sent to the Port Authority, requesting action to curb these unauthorized activities. Miguel Dawsonville, president of the taxi association, shared the financial struggles faced by local drivers, who were at a disadvantage against the more freely operating Uber, Lyft, and out-of-state taxi drivers at the airport.

Pamela Butterfell, the Chief Transportation Inspector, provided data indicating fare disparities. She highlighted that fares for trips from New York to Newark were sometimes double or triple those for trips from Newark to New York, making it impossible for local drivers to compete. This situation was exacerbated by toll rates, which out-of-state vehicles seemed to exploit, further disadvantaging Newark’s taxi drivers. Butterfell emphasized the need for urgent discussions with the Port Authority to revise fare ordinances and level the playing field.

01:16:53The council recognized the need for policy changes and practical enforcement. Councilman Gonzalez proposed stationing Newark police officers at the airport to monitor compliance. The current enforcement, handled by just one detective and one sergeant, was deemed insufficient. Increasing law enforcement presence and documenting non-compliance incidents were considered necessary steps to strengthen future ordinance amendments.

Concerns were also raised about livery drivers and their unsafe driving practices, which posed risks to the community. The council acknowledged the need for a follow-up meeting with various stakeholders, including the Port Authority, to address these issues comprehensively.

54:21Shifting focus, the council also addressed several redevelopment projects. An amendment to an agreement with CL Enterprise LLC was discussed, changing the scope of a project to focus solely on affordable senior housing. This plan would reduce the number of units from 67 to 48, with 42 units designated for individuals earning 60% of the area median income (AMI), five units for a special needs population at 20% AMI, and one superintendent apartment. The council unanimously supported this amendment.

56:18Further redevelopment discussions included an agreement to subordinate the city’s rights to facilitate financing for a South Ward project, a move necessitated by previous defaults linked to COVID-19 complications. This amendment also received council approval, alongside the endorsement of a housing project aimed at meeting Newark’s existing needs.

58:23The council proceeded to approve several unrelated items, including the filing of a final Green Acres application for a diversion of part of Minish Park, a ceremonial street designation for Gloria Gayler, and the waiver of special event permit fees for a Mother’s Day festival. Additionally, a 30-year tax abatement was granted for a project to construct 24 market-rate rental units, exceeding required affordable housing percentages.

01:02:22During the public portion of the meeting, a speaker raised concerns about the affirmative action review council, which reportedly was not meeting regularly and failing to enforce compliance with the New Jersey resident employment policy. This prompted a call for a special conference to address these issues. A council member confirmed receiving communication about the committee’s challenges and expressed a need for adherence to established guidelines.