Councilman demands action on slum landlords and water issues

During a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the management of water services and infrastructure in Newark. Council members expressed frustration over the issue of slum landlords who fail to pay their water bills, resulting in water shutoffs for residents who are fulfilling their rental obligations. Councilman Crump emphasized the urgency of addressing this problem, calling it \"unacceptable\" and urging the administration to take action against these landlords.

Additionally, Councilman Gonzalez sought clarity on the process for reporting broken fire hydrants, highlighting confusion among residents about whom to contact. The council confirmed that residents should call 973-733-6303 for issues related to fire hydrants. The city has a grant program in place to repair and replace hydrants, with inspections conducted twice a year to monitor their status.

The meeting also touched on broader infrastructure challenges, particularly flooding, which has become a pressing issue not only in Newark but across the nation. Council members noted that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently assessing the city's flood wall along the Passaic River. They stressed the need for federal assistance to address these infrastructure problems, which often fall on local taxpayers and city budgets.

As the meeting concluded, Council members acknowledged the importance of these discussions and encouraged continued collaboration to tackle the city's pressing water and infrastructure issues.