The council’s decision to move forward with the W Street Parking Garage project, which will provide 750 parking spaces and commercial capacity, was met with unanimous support. Council members emphasized the project’s potential to enhance the quality of life and accessibility for residents and visitors. Councilwoman Ruby Cotton described the project as beneficial for the city, reflecting on the discussions leading up to the decision. The council’s support was bolstered by Councilman Velez’s elaboration on the anticipated benefits.

Another item was the approval of the ARP-funded road resurfacing program. This initiative aims to address the poor conditions of several roads throughout the city, with council members expressing strong backing for the project. The council president highlighted the significance of this program, mentioning the lengthy procurement process and past delays due to legal issues. The resurfacing of River Street was specifically noted as a step toward improving local infrastructure.

In addition to these major projects, the council also addressed the approval of an ordinance amending regulations for service provider contracts and project labor agreements. This ordinance, which aims to create job training opportunities for residents and bolster the local workforce, received strong support from multiple council members. Councilwoman Cotton emphasized the importance of training local tradespeople, while Councilwoman Maritza Davila noted the positive discussions within the committee that led to the measure’s endorsement.

The council also approved a resolution to appoint Dolores Bradley as a tenant representative to the Paterson Housing Authority. Sponsored by Councilwoman Ruby Cotton, Council President Alex Mendez, and Councilwoman Lisa Mims, the appointment was described as long overdue. Council members praised Bradley for her extensive community involvement and volunteer work, particularly during the pandemic and water crisis. The resolution passed unanimously, with council members emphasizing Bradley’s qualifications and dedication to the community.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents voiced concerns about local issues. One speaker highlighted problems with trash dumping in the city, particularly by out-of-towners using Highway 19. Another resident criticized the proliferation of illegal marijuana shops and the lack of regulations for smoke shops selling laced marijuana to minors, urging the council to develop a plan to control the marijuana market.

The council also discussed the financial restructuring of a project initially estimated at $7.4 million, now revised to $5.551 million for various improvements. This revision stems from the city receiving $1.15 million in supplemental transitional aid from the state of New Jersey, aimed at specific projects, including renovations around the health building and roof repairs at Riverside Vets. The council sought clarity on the funding sources, confirming that the transitional aid must be allocated to the specific projects requested rather than general expenses.

Item number 60, a resolution in support of Hudson Blue 24 LLC’s application for an affordable housing project, elicited mixed responses from council members. While some members expressed strong support for the project, others criticized the council for lacking requirements for developers, arguing that the proposed affordable housing was not genuinely affordable.

The meeting also featured a discussion on the establishment of a new Public Safety Dispatch Center, with council members emphasizing the necessity of investing in this infrastructure for first responders. The council expressed unanimous support for the project, highlighting its importance for improved communication and emergency response in Paterson.

In addition to these topics, the council also addressed various other issues, including the approval of a capital ordinance for sewer utility improvements, the adoption of resolutions for handicap parking spaces, and the establishment of a stop control at a dangerous intersection. The meeting concluded with discussions on the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and community events aimed at fostering unity and cultural acknowledgment within the city.