Asbury Park City Council Approves Key Ordinances and Recognizes Human Rights Campaign Score

Overview: In a recent Asbury Park City Council meeting, several decisions were made including the approval of ordinances concerning private parking lot fees, public contracting contributions, and the management of rent leveling regulations. The meeting also highlighted the city’s perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign 2023 Municipal Equality Index and featured discussions on local board appointments and the city’s transportation update.

Jersey City Council Adopts Ordinance to Safeguard Bike Lanes and Addresses Rent Control Enforcement

Overview: At the Jersey City Council meeting on January 10, 2024, council members unanimously adopted City Ordinance 23-18 to conduct lead-based hazard inspections and adopted City Ordinance 23-1126, which sparked extensive discussion on the enforcement and protection of bike lanes. The ordinance’s adoption follows several residents voicing their concerns, including Jermaine Woodard, who shared a tragic personal story about the loss of his son in a bike lane. The council also tackled the issue of rent control, with the Law Department advising members not to comment publicly on the active litigation involving the Rent Leveling Board’s decision on the Portside Equity matter.

Nutley Rent Leveling Board Caps Increase on Garage Rent

Overview: In a recent Nutley Rent Leveling Board meeting, a motion was carried to limit the rent increase for a garage on Warren Street to 5%, including it under the rent control ordinance. This decision followed a dispute between a tenant, who argued that the garage had always been part of her rent, and the landlord, who claimed the garage was not a living space and thus not covered by rent control. The board referenced a 2011 memo by former attorney Mr. Gizzo, stating all rent is subject to the code, but also acknowledged that the definition of a dwelling unit could be open to interpretation. Despite the landlord’s attorney presenting three main points to exclude the garage from the rent control, the board ultimately decided in favor of the tenant, recognizing a clerical error omitted the garage from the 2020 lease but did not change the terms of occupancy.

Elmwood Park Borough Council Appoints New Officials Amidst Contentious Legal Counsel Debates

Overview: In an eventful Elmwood Park Borough Council meeting, Mayor Robert Colletti and Council Members Lorraine Pellegrine and Pamela Choy were sworn in following the certification of the November 7th general election results. Councilwoman Theresa Sheridan was named council president after a close vote, while discussions took place regarding the appointment of a new borough attorney, with the outgoing attorney Mr. Eng Grafia’s contributions being a focal point of contention. Additionally, the appointment of various board members, including debates on nominations to the Planning Board and other boards, highlighted the council’s active engagement in borough governance.

New Brunswick Council Focuses on Major Water Treatment Plant Expansion

Overview: In a recent New Brunswick City Council meeting, attention was given to the city’s water treatment plant expansion and the rejection of current bids due to excessive costs. The lowest bid received was nearly 50% higher than expected, prompting a strategic re-evaluation of the project’s approach. The council plans to divide the work into smaller segments in hopes of attracting more competitive bids. The expansion aims to double the capacity of the membrane cells at the facility, transitioning from low pressure to high-pressure membranes.