A primary concern during the meeting was the city’s housing obligations and the potential development of certain areas, including the Lambertville High School site. Residents voiced apprehensions about the environmental impact of proposed developments and sought clarity on the city’s housing obligations. Jeff, a resident of Wils Street, urged the council to consider alternative planning options that exclude development on sensitive sites such as the Wilson property. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, warning of possible legal consequences if deadlines for housing obligations are not met. He highlighted the community’s opposition to developments in areas prone to contamination and flooding, saying, “If we drag our feet… we may have to be forced to go up on the hill.”

Another resident, Sean Ellis, questioned whether the city’s housing obligations were contingent upon the assumption that the Lambertville High School site was viable for development. In response, the council clarified that the housing obligations are based on the amount of developable land rather than specific sites, and removing a site like the high school from consideration would not alter the obligations. The council noted that 28 units were already committed under the third-round requirements, with the high school site remaining central to compliance. Sean also inquired about the council’s interactions with developers and the potential for public disclosure of such discussions.

The council addressed the resolution pertaining to the city’s fourth-round housing obligations under the Fair Housing Act. This resolution requires careful planning and consultation with professionals, with an emphasis on transparency and public awareness as highlighted by the council. An informational presentation about the resolution process is available on the city website.

In addition to housing issues, the council discussed the city’s economic outlook, noting an increase in investment and revenue. The city reported $22,800 in transfer tax revenue from its two open cannabis dispensaries, surpassing budget expectations. A third dispensary is under construction, and another micro-business is navigating the application process. Despite a decline in parking revenue attributed to various factors, October recorded the highest parking revenue in recent years. The city’s real property valuation rose to approximately $923 million, with projections suggesting it could surpass $1 billion in the coming year.

Environmental concerns were also a topic of discussion, particularly elevated contaminant levels found in private wells on K Hill. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is conducting tests and a source investigation. The city’s stormwater management plans received final approval, with a $450,000 infrastructure project funded by federal appropriations set to support these efforts.

The council moved forward with several administrative matters, including the unanimous adoption of resolution 43-22 and the approval of the bills list. An ordinance to extend a lease agreement with Fisherman’s Mark received its first reading, with a public hearing scheduled for February 20, 2025. The council also appointed new members to the planning board following the departure of Bob Jordan, noting the expertise of the incoming members.

Further into the meeting, the mayor delivered the state of the city address, outlining the city’s achievements and challenges. The mayor acknowledged the diverse perspectives on the city’s status and emphasized the importance of transparency and communication with the community. The address noted financial achievements, including a substantial increase in real property valuation and various ongoing projects aimed at infrastructure upgrades.

Public participation featured additional discussions on environmental preservation and housing initiatives. Residents expressed support for resolutions concerning the Sourland region and inquired about potential updates to the city’s master plan to reflect conservation initiatives. The conversation included the possibility of using Hul Park for affordable housing projects, with the mayor recognizing the idea and noting preliminary discussions with Habitat for Humanity.