At the heart of the Summit City Council meeting was the discussion on affordable housing in the community. Matt Delori, the assistant director and Municipal Housing Liaison, presented the 2023 affordable housing annual status report. Delori outlined the city’s efforts to meet its affordable housing obligations, including the development and rehabilitation of units and the provision of affordability assistance. He specifically mentioned the completion of a housing project by Morris Habitat and the exploration of potential units on city property. The council amended the ordinance for affordable housing to close a loophole and adjust fees, including a significant fee under protest from Bristol-Myers Squib.

The council’s discussion centered on the qualifications and eligibility criteria for affordable housing and rehabilitation assistance programs. There was a focus on the income-based nature of these programs, with the Summit Housing Authority seeking an executive director and not renewing the contract with Orbach. The Mount Laurel committee’s confidential role in addressing affordable housing obligations was also debated, particularly in relation to the city’s diversity and transparency in decision-making.

Public comments during the meeting further emphasized the community’s engagement with the affordable housing issue. Reverend Harriel commended the city’s efforts, while Ellen Boylan, representing At Home in Summit, advocated for a proposal of 42 affordable units on the firehouse site. Questions arose about the progression and counting of affordable housing units, with Delori providing clarification on agreements and protests regarding financial contributions from non-residential developments like Bristol-Myers Squibb and Anex. Councilman Smallwood highlighted the need to help homeless families in Summit.

Another central topic was the proposed installation of lights at Tatlock Field, which spurred a debate. Residents expressed concerns about the project’s impact on quality of life, including noise, traffic, and the environment. Councilwoman Hamlet stressed the importance of studies and public input, while Councilman Smallwood clarified that the project’s inclusion in the preliminary budget did not equal approval. The council agreed on the necessity of community engagement and examination before proceeding with the $1.6 million proposal.

The meeting also touched on a new city ordinance related to non-residential development fees and the Tatlock Gazebo project, which included plans for a LaCrosse wall. Director Ozoroski addressed concerns about the project’s impact. There was also a discussion about the rules surrounding public comments at council meetings, with calls for more transparency and direct communication through the council president.

Other items of note included a petition presented by Harriet Truchi, urging the council to build 50 new affordable housing units by 2025, and a debate about the connection between affordable housing and race, with a council member emphasizing that the initiative is based on income, not race. Additionally, concerns were raised by resident Jill Lazar about the legal validity of city ordinance Section 316 and by Diego, who urged action to increase the state and local tax deduction.

The council addressed several resolutions, including the rejection of bids for snow and ice removal services, the authorization of professional engineering services, and the declaration of a vacancy for the position of zoning officer. Public comments highlighted the importance of community health initiatives, such as the Kinder Smile Foundation’s upcoming dental care outreach event.

Furthermore, the council recognized Christa Anderson’s contributions to Summit and discussed the need for her replacement. Councilman Minegar raised concerns about public notice and transparency, while the council committed to advocating for Summit’s interests at the state level. Councilman Vartan called for unity in addressing racial issues, and the council stressed the need for better public communication.