[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6677146,"mediaKeyId","2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a","parentId",2264399,"title","Council schedules first readings of several traffic‑pattern changes near schools and businesses; final votes set for March","audioSeconds",805,"startMs",10755000,"endMs",11560000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a&start=10755&end=11560","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a/thumbnail_10755000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6677146/Paterson/Passaic-County/New-Jersey/Council-schedules-first-readings-of-several-trafficpattern-changes-near-schools-and-businesses-final-votes-set-for-March","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677146-7d21ca1552d35cf8b9a12839724812be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208375&Signature=cF4d-SyTzlYtnWQMPf96XDDyIOIhOFHFXGq206n4rY0spQTE5Tf2KKzZ-DAjvodijxEKS1QkN~bDPiY0KaAC6TsY0sKL4d3xa7JTPAIJdXwdeEc-T863kOewFv9JPmayJYyG7eB3vOn8gWn3E7tXU0g-stCMAQ1vhVUbYT1IZrnputima5yBq0VGf0amDCQYGFuC5tucIezdeSeBw4kjaKv6Sn7scoV5tVrTXd7VFPvs2eX8qKzbH4~viL-3r23i9xM3rP4W4qk6mnj~CyJyhgbPoNkPAj3W1yuNsMSnIf05vt-JHfX~3vz5cPcqngTT351EBI4yseNlMIr-BJM-Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Paterson","date","2025-02-12T05:03:48.057Z","article","Council members advanced a group of street‑pattern ordinances to first reading during the Feb. 11 workshop, citing public‑safety reasons and local requests.

The measures — numbered in the agenda as items 5 through 13 — include changes to traffic flow on portions of Knickerbocker Avenue and Lake Avenue (one‑way conversions intended to improve safety and accommodate business and residential access), a conversion affecting Carlton Drive in the vicinity of St. Gerard’s school, and a proposed change for State Street and a portion of Cedar Street near Governor Towers. Council members said the traffic changes emerged from committee reviews and traffic‑engineering assessments, and that the items will appear for first‑reading votes on Feb. 18 and second‑reading votes, if moved forward, on March 18.

Council members urged residents in affected neighborhoods to attend the March 18 hearing if they want to weigh in on final passage. Councilman Velez said the Carlton Drive change arose because parents and the school community requested safer drop‑off and pick‑up operations. The council chair confirmed the ordinances would proceed to first reading and that a formal public hearing would occur before final adoption.

Council members asked staff to supply the precise maps and signage plans to the full council and to circulate those materials to neighbors in advance of the public hearing. The city clerk’s office and the Department of Public Works were asked to provide the engineered traffic study and signage proposals for review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Paterson NJ - Tuesday - February 11, 2025 - Council Workshop Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A package of ordinances changing traffic directions and patterns on several Paterson streets — including changes near St. Gerard’s school and a Knickerbocker/Lake Avenue one‑way conversion — was placed on first reading with second reading and final vote slated for March 18.","taxTitle","Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey","taxId",2754,"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},6677150,"Parents and students urge delay and transparency on Paterson school restructuring; council urges public sign‑up for board meeting",2315,7895000,10210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a&start=7895&end=10210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a/thumbnail_7895000.jpg","/articles/6677150/Paterson/Passaic-County/New-Jersey/Parents-and-students-urge-delay-and-transparency-on-Paterson-school-restructuring-council-urges-public-signup-for-board-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677150-6e84c25d5cd30713ad36fa482cea372e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208375&Signature=JKbloEsjKO6~1DEuahJiMCvkEQNI2PVGkA0yeT-IFgBLSel9OfLgzyOHc0h8CzE1dId5lTjFpSjrxga9v8e2uSe250N5c0cJ5jhlu3SHc~WZ4jeJOj27cxkocbbWPOWSImTO9NZcOkucUTK5s~wNvYPuYJhbeHj00sEIZ-vv1EqRlaDdj3vHjHupFOLv3iKSgDqSvVjtRj3r9guNhfTfXd6oiIcQJqx4sb6Wc2Cxz3~fiiWccwN5-~9Oa6Id~h9YdisGbJZzJr7EEjMJHxl2WUEaKqKpu4gDi6NtAuWBCTkAIhbJZPzbpmlrn2WlBf3EKDETBSeYCVqvPLaB51y32Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A large group of parents, students and education advocates used the Feb. 11 Paterson council workshop public comment period to press the Board of Education for more transparency and to request a halt or delay of a proposed middle‑school restructuring set to begin in September.

Multiple speakers — including students from School No. 9 and parents representing the House of Hope for the Nations and other neighborhood organizations — told the council the restructuring would disrupt students’ learning and social networks, make transition planning difficult for students with individualized education programs, and increase commute burdens for families. A student speaker said the proposal jeopardized her ability to finish middle school in the community she knows and urged elected officials to press for a more inclusive, gradual process.

Parents and students asked the council to press the Board of Education and superintendent for a public, detailed plan and for additional community forums. Council members noted the school board’s next meeting is scheduled as a virtual meeting and urged residents to register to speak directly to the board. Councilwoman Mims told residents how to contact the superintendent’s office and provided a phone number she said constituents could call for information: (973) 321‑0980. The council and members urged those concerned to sign up for the school board public comment process and to attend the board’s live meetings; Councilwoman Mims said the board’s final vote on the restructuring is scheduled for March 18.

Council members said they would support public engagement and pressed the administration and Board of Education representatives to ensure families had opportunities to review specifics and to seek clarifying information about proposed changes. Members said the council could not unilaterally block school board policy but pledged to act as advocates for parents and students by pressing the superintendent and board members to hold additional public forums.

Speakers urged the board to examine alternatives such as partnering with schools for shared recreational facilities and to ensure changes do not harm students’ academic progress or social‑emotional well‑being.

Council members directed speakers to the superintendent’s office and the board’s public‑comment registration process and encouraged families to continue to press the board directly and through elected council liaisons.","Numerous parents, students and community members used the council public comment period to urge the Paterson Board of Education to halt or delay a proposed middle‑school restructuring, citing student stability, special‑education needs and lack of clear community input.",{"_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},6677153,"Council sends DCA $2 million recreation grant application to regular session after members demand a concrete plan",185,5395000,5580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a&start=5395&end=5580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a/thumbnail_5395000.jpg","/articles/6677153/Paterson/Passaic-County/New-Jersey/Council-sends-DCA-2-million-recreation-grant-application-to-regular-session-after-members-demand-a-concrete-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677153-63b2751521d061832a72d262d2e58886/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208375&Signature=YG6P3iVsk9V2WizBtsaRbRyzD8TU4to1-zhNdoqzh-yZvn-ssquRrdtRSgN~ItSQdhkLLxC-rE278a~6vQ0SBDNjIip9TpiuARISR81cA1ytalSXyiMbeuhtD2m0vnxTzVmp5N6t9DXiygBOpfwxQvk3Ptb9kXW0LsycGz6uYnJ6VzshIcwpA8HIKWUYX5D8wL3EPg2yt5S76JNcn5ZUletvlJjKzV6z8-c6YFdl6FFkR79Mc~TTagIrDU8bmyMRD2X14MErZ4KKFC9lQBrkFdNAptN7AZUW4mvdlc102QMNBwpqQGXqU8nwiZgBxn2qJiP7~ChzpT1rbY4b5xl44g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members pushed administration for more detail before accepting or committing to a $2 million grant application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for a proposed Paterson recreation center.

During the Feb. 11 workshop, multiple council members said the application — which the administration described as the city’s first step toward assembling funding for a new recreation center — arrived without a comprehensive plan showing where the center would be located, what programming it would include or how much the full facility would cost. Councilwoman Mims said she supported pursuing grant funds but objected to approving any language that would permit a public‑private partnership that could leave taxpayers liable for future costs. Mims said she would draft language to prevent “public or private partnership” arrangements that could shift costs to taxpayers.

Council members expressed skepticism about a proposal that some said would rely on a single flagship recreation center rather than leveraging existing school facilities or multiple, neighborhood facilities across Paterson. Councilman Udine, who has raised concerns about an earlier $20 million allocation tied to a recreation program, said a clear, city‑wide plan was necessary and urged administration to produce specifics about how the DCA funds would be used.

Administration representatives said the $2 million application would be used to help fund a larger, multi‑source financing plan that is still being developed; they identified 111 Broadway as a likely location under consideration and said the application was intended to assemble seed funding that would encourage additional investment.

After the discussion, council members voted to move the item from consent to the regular agenda so council can review more detailed plans and proposed language before final action. Councilwoman Mims said she would circulate proposed amendment language to corporation counsel and the acting BA to ensure the grant, if accepted, cannot later be used to obligate taxpayers in a public‑private partnership without council approval.

Administration said internal town‑hall meetings and consultant work had identified sites and concept ideas but acknowledged a formal, public plan had not yet been finalized. Council members instructed staff to return with a clear budget, sourcing plan and community‑engagement timeline before the council takes a final vote.","Council moved consideration of a proposed $2 million DCA recreational‑improvement grant for a Paterson recreation center to the regular agenda after members said the city lacks a detailed plan and raised concerns about partnerships and future taxpayer costs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6677155,"Council approves $44.46 million in bills after heated debate over police retro pay and board professional payments",959,201000,1160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a&start=201&end=1160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264399-690894c6059dfb04c694364b6fe1133a/thumbnail_201000.jpg","/articles/6677155/Paterson/Passaic-County/New-Jersey/Council-approves-4446-million-in-bills-after-heated-debate-over-police-retro-pay-and-board-professional-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677155-b2a3bd437214f2d9ca23a182636f193a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208375&Signature=QYTU-HDtlTVEaLqwjzKpaUlXVHhLttS1bwfXQwwUQ5g2iCM2mvO8yafjNflA5EeQV0aqJEAFBaDMU7zrramBxIaREiJP6nVeDjK0R7ZAqu3p~8BiTfYb7Wl6CotKw61h02xNO7GePiM5Sal3XNcVlg7v0L~Cp2S2mLm6Hc5ntpQW-R2SS1RECC7AlbpfVXTFnPwy952W5difLQ~S3xzkWU3FXXXLJwgn2quCwcuyXuHZUTyVchxpQX3qSJppsFmWphvXLiCdxBkLOC41HHhw-lkyBNDAIcfpRDTqArLFusKC8WHkYm8oCNscaRwxk2xUBfOUtQp7Wqgq5mgLwKUkIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Paterson Municipal Council voted to approve payment of bills totaling $44,459,540.46 on Feb. 11 after an extended exchange between council members and municipal finance staff about where public dollars have gone and whether vendors and board professionals had been paid.

Councilwoman Ruth Mims moved approval of the bills; the motion carried by roll call. The clerk announced the final tally as five in favor, one opposed and three absent; the motion to adopt the payment of bills passed. Council members who spoke on the record included Councilwoman Mims (yes), Councilman Luis Velez (yes), Councilman Joseph Oden (yes) and Councilman Jackson (no). Finance staff responded to questions during the workshop session.

Council members pressed the CFO and other staff to confirm whether professionals who serve the Zoning Board, Planning Board and Board of Adjustment had been paid. Councilman Velez said board meetings had stalled because professionals reportedly were “not getting paid,” slowing development applications. The CFO said some payments to professionals were made last week and named specific firms he believed had been paid, but council members demanded written confirmation routed to the council.

Councilman Jackson pressed for transparency in an escrow account created under a 2018 ordinance that was intended to hold developer fees so that board professionals would be paid when hearings were scheduled. Jackson said he had repeatedly requested the escrow account ledger “to identify how much money is in the escrow account, how much money has been utilized, and what is there” to prevent further meeting delays. The CFO said Economic Development holds project files and that staff would follow up; Mims asked the acting BA to ensure the information is sent to council members.

Members also debated classification of “statutory expenditures” on the bills list and whether line items (solid waste, utilities) should be presented with clearer detail. The CFO explained statutory expenditures include solid‑waste and utility line items and noted there is typically a two‑month lag for some benefit payments.

A separate thread of the discussion focused on contract payouts for the police department. Council members said officers had received partial retroactive pay and that the administration and the police union had different calculations; the CFO said he believed his numbers were correct but that the union and its attorney disputed them and discussions were ongoing. Councilwoman Mims said she wanted “full disclosure” to the council — a comparison of the administration’s and the union’s retro figures — so the council could understand any variance and avoid service disruptions.

Council members also asked for a written breakdown of certain high‑value line items on the bills list, including health‑benefit payments and department allocations. The CFO said health benefits are paid monthly (with a purported two‑month lag), and that he would provide requested documentation to council members.

The council emphasized that questions about payment details and escrow balances should be resolved quickly so that Zoning and Planning boards can resume regular business. Council members directed staff to circulate requested reports and to follow up with Economic Development and the board secretaries about scheduling and vendor payments.

The payment of bills was approved in the meeting’s formal roll call and is reflected in the official minutes as adopted by the municipal council.","Paterson council adopted payment of bills totaling $44,459,540.46 after members pressed administration for clearer accounting on police retroactive pay, escrowed funds for planning/board professionals, and health‑benefit payments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council schedules first readings of several traffic‑pattern changes near schools and businesses; final votes set for March

Parents and students urge delay and transparency on Paterson school restructuring; council urges public sign‑up for board meeting

Council sends DCA $2 million recreation grant application to regular session after members demand a concrete plan

Council approves $44.46 million in bills after heated debate over police retro pay and board professional payments