[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6362413,"mediaKeyId","2167946-b934e6def2a17b741538227394bd612a","parentId",2167946,"title","Tenants, advocates renew calls for stronger enforcement of rent and building codes at Jersey City council meeting","audioSeconds",3353,"startMs",7839000,"endMs",11192000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167946-b934e6def2a17b741538227394bd612a&start=7839&end=11192","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167946-b934e6def2a17b741538227394bd612a/thumbnail_7839000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6362413/Jersey-City/Hudson-County/New-Jersey/Tenants-advocates-renew-calls-for-stronger-enforcement-of-rent-and-building-codes-at-Jersey-City-council-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362413-fd6e373e778ab3721112bfd7af3aaff3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170567&Signature=e0ncQOVr-nIXwXkYetBa7LaDpmAEOYpb3MJtB5YH3qmqob2wUPiqs1wWTrn7i7hcNFA4qNP7EBpkLka3mpR29fsFG1XP7FghQdpjYKHgvzzGDp58yUpSnpr02r2IZbn9bHqrp7HFYrGL7lzTbl6nsn-u5Eh5hiqrPGEIbMV3CiBu3r6-oVQLcE96p5lLLa5xZjWaH-R0q~ops33OXSH2R0NEsVN-iFg-cvMm4CSlnFIEbBMF01aNEZH1c0mk2RgVjaGY3j6CgD4WX7WTI0zgSsEidLh0FmAxHynJ6rK5nRoo7SNC46gUOWSF1kk5SqJxyClmbMiiQWb8ZpTiVGApYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Jersey City, NJ","date","2025-01-30T03:58:50Z","article","Dozens of residents and tenant organizers used Jan. 29, 2025 public comment time to press the Jersey City Municipal Council for immediate enforcement of landlord‑tenant laws, better funding for tenant services and stronger oversight of large residential complexes.

Speakers repeatedly singled out enforcement gaps in Chapter 260 (the city’s landlord‑tenant and habitability code) and called on the council to create a staffed tenant‑advocacy or enforcement unit. A string of tenants described months‑long heating outages, broken elevators, vermin infestations, alleged harassment and building security failures. Several speakers identified Portside Towers (Portside West) as a continuing concern and said management had not complied with uniform security requirements written into local code.

Tenant organizer Jessica Brand framed the night as a “people’s state of the city,” calling for accountability and a public record of enforcement. Massab (speaker identified in the record by first name) urged the council to “think boldly” about rent stabilization and enforcement and to prioritize preventing displacement. Multiple speakers asked the council to professionalize and staff the Rent Leveling Board and to investigate complaints of “algorithmic” rent increases used by third‑party software vendors.

Several speakers named individual landlords or companies and said enforcement was inconsistent: Anna Bassett said her landlord had left tenants without heat and used intimidation tactics; Anna M. and others described heating and sanitation problems and long administrative backlogs for petitions under Chapter 260. A speaker identified as Eve attributed a large sum—about $26 million—to unenforced building and fire code fines and called for recovery and enforcement; that figure was presented as the speaker’s statement and has not been independently verified by the council during the meeting.

Public safety and security were also raised: Portside tenants and others said doors were propped open, garage access was unsecured and prior recommended camera upgrades were not implemented. Multiple speakers asked the council to enforce existing uniform‑security ordinances and to require on‑site superintendents.

Council response and next steps: Several councilmembers acknowledged long‑standing problems and encouraged residents to use council office contacts; one councilmember asked for the council to retain outside legal counsel to represent the council’s legislative position in ongoing Portside litigation. The council asked staff to follow up with specific tenant complaints and to report back; no new ordinances were enacted at the meeting.

Why it matters: Tenants argued that failures of code enforcement and inconsistent prosecution of housing violations shift the burden of compliance onto residents. Organizers asked the council to treat enforcement and tenant services as active city priorities rather than administratively backlogged matters.

What residents asked for (summary): a professional, funded tenant‑advocacy/enforcement unit; expedited inspections and follow‑up on open Chapter 260 petitions; stricter enforcement of uniform security requirements for large residential buildings; transparency on fines collected and action on outstanding warrants; and a publicly accessible register of rent‑controlled units and filings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Jersey City Municipal Council Meeting January 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a lengthy public‑comment period, tenants and organizers described ongoing habitability and security problems, accused some landlords of harassment, and urged the council to enforce Chapter 260 and other codes; Portside tenants asked the city to require uniform security and on‑site superintendents.","taxTitle","Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey","taxId",2747,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362417,"Monticello residents urge Jersey City to pair traffic‑calming with enforcement after near misses; council says traffic unit will deploy",3601,3505000,7106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167946-b934e6def2a17b741538227394bd612a&start=3505&end=7106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167946-b934e6def2a17b741538227394bd612a/thumbnail_3505000.jpg","/articles/6362417/Jersey-City/Hudson-County/New-Jersey/Monticello-residents-urge-Jersey-City-to-pair-trafficcalming-with-enforcement-after-near-misses-council-says-traffic-unit-will-deploy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362417-34b70dafcb859d98236a4e36f9fcfd12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170567&Signature=Jyc0bK4B4WErz83m5jmkSoB9om4odNYT-R8O3kccqU3d77pSIwIPYYtyYAVMVFDsRJlrDtqBkFjdFbm9u~lp-B3aOM9xS6VQVNZlhmUzPuszeQRIbg~7WuI3F-UBw-UULDo5x15MP4BMhc8FRF~hY9MphNFEYFmaCAKkcJQw-Zgq10fXi2GitHrMbFk4JKnkHEC2iSYiV4UgtUrS1mqexURF1sfCWy3xQBgc5OvPAL-ashxPXyqQQwYNBcH-0b6ATY4WV8QPxAvisScszuX0XsW9guKiC-qa8PXUmbRq-ATPjv1Hqg8KWANsnHfHb80Q64Ddsfmj24hZPGZ6c2rQBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of parents, neighbors and the Traffic Reform Warriors asked the Jersey City Municipal Council on Jan. 29, 2025 to pair street redesign with targeted enforcement after years of speeding, illegal parking and near‑misses on Monticello Avenue.

James Seymour, identifying himself as an 11‑year resident and a member of the Traffic Reform Warriors, told the council the neighborhood is “littered with vehicles parked illegally at intersections and crosswalks” and that drivers “speed, run red lights, and disregard traffic laws.” He said engineering changes are helpful but insufficient without enforcement.

Residents pressed for a short list of actions: dedicated JCPD traffic enforcement on Monticello, installation of a “no turn on red” sign at key corners during school hours, rapid‑flashing beacons, curb extensions, raised crosswalks and better trash pickup and street cleanliness to change driver behavior. Several speakers—Anthony and Sarah Migliore, Ashley Swiggett, Britney Moser, Lily Hollick, Rachel Pavlakas and others—described daily near misses outside day cares and schools and said the fear of walking is pushing families to drive.

Anthony Migliore noted the city has a roughly $1,800,000 grant for the Monticello project but said that amount might not cover a full buildout and urged the council to consider additional city funds or bonding if necessary. Parents asked for a 30‑day enforcement period after infrastructure is installed so drivers form new habits, plus a public report on outcomes.

Council response: Council President Waterman said he had texted the infrastructure director and was told the city’s traffic division “will make sure that someone is deployed on Monticello tomorrow.” The city clerk later confirmed the director intended to follow up; staff asked residents to contact the council office for continuing problems.

Why it matters: Monticello parallels a housing and school cluster where multiple preschools and public schools are concentrated. Speakers said seven schools sit within one block of Monticello and argued that unsafe crossings are a daily public‑safety risk for children and families.

What residents asked for (summary): increased and visible JCPD traffic enforcement; immediate installation of “no turn on red” signage at school crossings; digital signage warning of enforcement and changes; a 30‑day enforcement window following infrastructure changes; more trash cans and street cleaning; and planting/streetscaping to improve perceived safety.

Evidence and next steps: Infrastructure staff has engaged with the neighborhood and secured a grant; the council president reported a traffic‑division deployment would begin the next day. Residents asked the council to publish an enforcement report and timeline after the Monticello improvements are delivered.","Residents and a neighborhood group told the council that Monticello Avenue’s speed and parking violations create daily hazards for children and families; they asked for immediate enforcement, signage and follow‑through on an $1.8M infrastructure grant.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362421,"Jersey City Council reaffirms “Golden Door” support for New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act; withdraws $40M 911 buildout resolution",499,1439000,1938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167946-b934e6def2a17b741538227394bd612a&start=1439&end=1938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167946-b934e6def2a17b741538227394bd612a/thumbnail_1439000.jpg","/articles/6362421/Jersey-City/Hudson-County/New-Jersey/Jersey-City-Council-reaffirms-Golden-Door-support-for-New-Jersey-Immigrant-Trust-Act-withdraws-40M-911-buildout-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362421-ec6f2cdf5f8c2661b6b30212b5aebb73/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170567&Signature=J4792IQlqjoNiNL9iZJptseMoJE7jBVqGQKvjJyorTpFmnzQlg4gA0ftk1SvBe51X~sRSzADVm9YjbaUOQ8itgUgNomBaS3Pg1HL65n6riAmctYP3XNknqvQvfsdD8jRdeqi5L9EmDqkApdU~Tg6OylCuPbE7N~-2j7HTU4B2WUkkXDWL14qHZxXUP4cRcKYWa2YMnF4TJ-xardgF-ZiPuA9Y-QWnyIaJTyo9Gt9msHyB4J5eU5TBU3KgCyidYRR-fceMRGeiP8HNy965RmgzNkcbXOyOkngDuMeXhcownvZmyYqgKG9oKDTadkIm~uObNeEHE6LRRxPgg1Bx0TcVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jersey City Municipal Council on Jan. 29, 2025 voted to reaffirm the city’s identity as the “Golden Door of America” and to urge state lawmakers to pass the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, while also withdrawing a proposed $40 million resolution for a new public‑safety dispatch buildout pending further review.

The council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 25‑048, which “expresses its unequivocal support for the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act,” and asks the administration to promote city services and “know your rights” programs aimed at immigrant and mixed‑status households. Councilperson Saleh, who brought the item forward, said the measure aims “to help instill more trust within our local community” so residents will feel safe accessing services. Council President Waterman joined the unanimous vote and said the council would do what it could within its limits to uphold the city’s long history as a gateway for newcomers.

The measure cites the state bills by number (Senate bill 3672, Assembly bill 4987) and directs city departments to make materials available in multiple languages and to publicize the city’s Division of Immigrant Affairs and federally accredited immigration legal services.

Why it matters: The council’s formal endorsement of the trust‑act legislation signals municipal support for policies aimed at reducing fear in immigrant communities and improving access to city services. The resolution also asks the administration to develop a promotional plan to connect residents with education, health and legal resources.

Other business: The council introduced several first‑reading ordinances (items 3.1–3.5) covering franchise use of the public right‑of‑way, pedestrian mall designations, amendments to demolition and zoning chapters, and permit‑parking changes; those ordinances were introduced by roll call. The council also approved ceremonial resolutions recognizing municipal employees and observing Muslim Heritage Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Withdrawal of 9‑1‑1 expenditure: Council members debated a separate item—resolution 25‑087—authorizing a roughly $40 million upgrade and relocation of dispatch and related public‑safety infrastructure. Councilmember Baggiano asked for more detail on project budgets and financing; Director staff explained the proposal involves radio systems, servers and other heavy infrastructure to modernize the city’s 9‑1‑1 center. After council members requested more time to review line‑item costs and financing terms, the council voted to withdraw the resolution from the agenda so staff can provide an itemized schedule and more complete briefing. No purchases or contracts had been executed when the item was withdrawn.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to add item 10.48 (Resolution 25‑088, emergency temporary appropriation) — Mover: Councilperson Solay; Second: Councilperson Prince Arie. Vote: 7–0 to add to agenda.
- Introduction votes on ordinances 3.1–3.5 (first reading) — Vote: introduced 7–0.
- Motion to defer items 10.6, 10.8, 10.9, 10.43 — Mover: Councilperson Solay; Second: Councilperson Baggiano. Vote: 7–0 to defer for presentation during the meeting.
- Resolution 25‑046 honoring Raymond (Ray) Meyer on his retirement — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0.
- Resolution 25‑048 (reaffirm Jersey City as the Golden Door; support NJ Immigrant Trust Act, SB 3672 / AB 4987) — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0.
- Resolution 25‑049 (observe Muslim Heritage Month) — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0.
- Resolution 25‑083 (recognize Jan. 27, 2025 as Holocaust Remembrance Day) — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0.
- Item 10.1 (part of a grouped vote of items 10.1–10.13): Councilperson Solomon changed his vote on 10.1 to “no,” resulting in a 6–1 approval for that grouped set where recorded (see meeting minutes for line‑by‑line tallies).
- Withdrawal of item 10.47 / Resolution 25‑087 (proposed $40M public‑safety/9‑1‑1 buildout): Motion to withdraw approved 7–0.

What’s next: The council asked staff to return with a full, itemized budget and financing plan for the withdrawn dispatch upgrade before a future vote. The immigrant‑trust resolution directs the administration to prepare outreach and accessibility plans; implementation details and timelines were not specified in the resolution.

At the meeting the council also received dozens of public comments on traffic safety, housing and tenant enforcement, and bicycle infrastructure; several public‑commenters asked for specific enforcement and staffing actions (see related articles on Monticello traffic and tenant enforcement).","At its Jan. 29, 2025 meeting the Jersey City Municipal Council voted to adopt several ceremonial observances and a resolution supporting the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, introduced new ordinances, and withdrew a proposed $40 million contract for a 9‑1‑1/dispatch facility pending additional detail.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tenants, advocates renew calls for stronger enforcement of rent and building codes at Jersey City council meeting

Monticello residents urge Jersey City to pair traffic‑calming with enforcement after near misses; council says traffic unit will deploy

Jersey City Council reaffirms “Golden Door” support for New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act; withdraws $40M 911 buildout resolution