[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-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],{"_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",6532174,"mediaKeyId","3416154-26dae30b16634f14e9c601b86108f6e6","parentId",3416154,"title","Trenton City Council approves multiple property sales, emergency-plan ordinance and safety measures; amendment to lower high-rise threshold withdrawn","audioSeconds",3830,"startMs",3010000,"endMs",6840000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3416154-26dae30b16634f14e9c601b86108f6e6&start=3010&end=6840","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3416154-26dae30b16634f14e9c601b86108f6e6/thumbnail_3010000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532174/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Trenton-City-Council-approves-multiple-property-sales-emergency-plan-ordinance-and-safety-measures-amendment-to-lower-high-rise-threshold-withdrawn","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532174-cf5571a2c28fc7b09b7e4dc84a3a0318/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087490&Signature=Qr2KEVpHzOOxw477xavet-~ymAFZEUExfdj7UZTA0L7dKtCsrpv4sTv-WgnYPSh04k0cy0pJsIqjMrpLwd7eGfRqEua8XT0XW57Apu6jqBNSI95iH~5Uo5tUkAmdIhtFMwtivY71u~EYg5Z9a6y23FiO677OP5IePm9NjMrdQsHyOnW-G3nQYxU4aVIzHhjFF9k2GkRV-vmRY~YGqpa5CpiKIzuUMlynx-d9N5hB037xIkXQFHHTEtOo8HsOtAaMCYnkOQRTti2jFCjqQbRFiEe6gtKVTAtSBko4x-cfzcevy6pHgEZKemu6Gwunt4WRHV2mhCwaEVTjw2WxLVl4oQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Trenton","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Trenton City Council on May 20 approved more than two dozen ordinances, largely routine sales of city-owned property, and passed several debated measures including a high-rise emergency-assistance ordinance, a firearms safe-storage ordinance and a change to parking near stop signs.

The council carried a motion to adopt an ordinance establishing a high-rise emergency assistance plan for multiunit residential buildings, as written, covering buildings of 40 units or more. Councilwoman Williams moved to amend the ordinance so the 40-unit threshold would remain in effect for one year and then decrease to 25 units; that motion was seconded but later withdrawn after discussion of legal process and timing. The council then voted to adopt the ordinance as written; roll-call votes recorded all present members voting yes.

The council also approved a firearms safe-storage ordinance following public testimony from an advocate with Mercer County Moms for Gun Sense in America, who urged safe-storage rules and public education. Councilmembers asked the administration to issue a public notice so residents know the requirement is in effect.

The council passed an ordinance changing parking rules near stop signs, reducing the no-parking distance from intersections from 50 feet to 25 feet except in school zones. Council members asked city legal staff whether the change is consistent with state law; the city’s legislative counsel said the statute permits municipal adjustments so long as school-zone rules remain unchanged.

A separate ordinance created a class of “Class 2” special law enforcement officers. Police Director Steve Wilson told council that the Class 2 officers would complete Police Training Commission–approved academy training tailored to the Class 2 role, wear a distinct uniform and serve as a staffing and workforce “feeder” while not replacing full-time sworn officers. Council members asked about training, firearms authorization and legal protections; the police director and city legal staff said Class 2 officers would receive required certifications and the department expects to follow state training rules.

Votes at a glance (ordinances on May 20):
- 25-023: Sale of city property (Lipton Avenue) — withdrawn by administration (Director Liston said street vacation required first).
- 25-026: Sale of city property (Block 27502, Lot 13) — approved; sale price $5,000.
- 25-029: Sale of city property (27401, Lot 12) — approved; sale price $3,000.
- 25-030: Sale of city property (15 Clag Avenue) — approved; sale price $3,000.
- 25-032: Sale of city property (478 North Clinton Ave) — approved; sale price $3,500.
- 25-034: Sale of city property (24 Perrin Ave) — approved; sale price $10,000.
- 25-037: High-rise emergency assistance plan (multiunit buildings of 40+ units) — amendment to change threshold to 25 after one year withdrawn; ordinance adopted as written.
- 25-039: Sale of 839 Prospect St — approved; sale price $15,000.
- 25-040: Sale of 26 Sylvester St — approved; sale price $4,000.
- 25-041: Sale of 449 Stuyvesant Ave — approved; sale price $3,000.
- 25-042: Sale of 616 Eastern Ave — approved; sale price $5,000.
- 25-043: Sale of Block 7102, Lot 23 — approved; sale price $15,000.
- 25-044: Multi-lot sale to BL Investor Group LLC (multiple addresses) — approved; sale price $40,000.
- 25-045: Amendment correcting lot designation — approved.
- 25-046: Ordinance providing for safe storage of firearms — approved after public comment urging outreach; roll call unanimous.
- 25-047: Ordinance regulating parking of vehicles near stop signs (50 ft → 25 ft, except school zones) — approved after discussion of state-law compliance; roll call unanimous.
- 25-050: Ordinance authorizing appointment of Class 2 special law enforcement officers — approved; council asked for details on training and duties during discussion.
- Additional first-reading/introductory ordinances were advanced (25-022, 25-031, 25-033, 25-048 through 25-057) with motions to introduce or approve as appropriate; several of the property-sale ordinances were carried by roll call without public comment.

What council debated: The most substantive debate centered on the high-rise emergency-assistance ordinance’s unit threshold. Councilwoman Williams said lowering the initial threshold would expand coverage to more buildings but the Fire Department recommended starting at 40 units to gain operational experience; the council discussed a phased approach but the proposed amendment was withdrawn and the ordinance was adopted at 40 units. The council also discussed notification and posting requirements for the high-rise plan.

Public comment and administration notes: One resident spoke in favor of the parking-change ordinance, saying it would help people park nearer to their homes; another speaker urged patience as the city implements traffic studies. Speakers supporting the firearms safe-storage ordinance described it as a life-saving public-safety measure and urged the city to publicize the new rule after it is adopted.

What the ordinances do not do: Formal changes to city-wide enforcement practices, staffing increases or new recurring budget line items were not adopted at the May 20 meeting except where a sale of property triggers subsequent administrative actions. The council did not discuss specific funding sources for implementing the high-rise notice and posting requirements at length during the meeting.

Next steps: The ordinance texts adopted on May 20 will be entered into the city code as specified; implementation steps (posting, notifications, training for enforcement) were discussed and staff indicated they will follow up with the council and the public.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Trenton City Council Combined Meeting, May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a slate of property-sale ordinances, a high-rise emergency-assistance ordinance (40-unit threshold), a firearms safe-storage ordinance and parking rule changes. A proposed amendment to lower the high-rise threshold to 25 units after one year was withdrawn.","taxTitle","Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey","taxId",2758,"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},6532179,"Advocate urges universal lead testing for pregnant people, outlines health risks",655,169000,824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3416154-26dae30b16634f14e9c601b86108f6e6&start=169&end=824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3416154-26dae30b16634f14e9c601b86108f6e6/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/6532179/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Advocate-urges-universal-lead-testing-for-pregnant-people-outlines-health-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532179-df5b62bacc80248f7b25992d00577f8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087490&Signature=HDqM3kigsTMChEEGNkwIY0pqaUafloyxi-1XEpXlsdsJDF1CIywvLcQuu33hF6JThD46YMjrfldYEYI5r2EQP4pyObf9qO8elKxtXyF2kTBvY1ZcbWtgVNhY0e3MxaP6oTnzO8w5FpUl3nrs6lFPXMhhUO~p959EmAX3bYhezHy3X4pGwDLKbK03MsvyYqwIJhoRMlOP9ldv9s~NDd7GHPtpa2kkcKqtpDJ-ENnaVpJR3qm7hh~pGOK8rg36GHMYPraqoayFOYpWGaapGToNDY1X6Jd1WJeVY6r~F13pOJXg0gKVWOM4tBwkrA5RkDLN372hE9PzwC9WS2P0pOGLIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public health advocate told the Trenton City Council on May 20 that lead exposure remains a widespread health threat and urged the city to support stepped-up testing and education for pregnant people and children.

The presenter, who said they work with Nurture New Jersey and the Preeclampsia Foundation, told the council that ‘‘there is no safe level of lead’’ and summarized research linking low-level lead exposure to lower school performance, higher suspension rates, cardiovascular and kidney disease, and complications in pregnancy including preeclampsia. The speaker said they and partners are pursuing two bills—identified in testimony as numbers 4848 and 3616—to require universal lead testing for pregnant persons and are promoting training for community health workers and home visitors.

Why it matters: Lead exposure can cause developmental, behavioral and lifelong health harms. The presenter said earlier detection during pregnancy and early childhood would allow interventions that could reduce those harms and associated social costs.

The presenter described research showing that low blood-lead levels can still affect learning and behavior and discussed adult outcomes including hypertension, kidney disease and elevated maternal mortality among Black women. They cited work in Flint, Michigan, as an example of how changes to a water source can cause a community-wide lead exposure event and referenced New Jersey monitoring work showing detectable lead in Newark pregnant people and newborns.

Council reaction and next steps: Councilmembers did not debate the science in depth during the presentation; the council allowed a 10-minute presentation slot and moved directly to the regular agenda after brief questions were solicited. The presenter said they have been meeting with local groups and federal lawmakers and have begun an education campaign for clinicians and the public. They asked the city to support increased testing and community education and to help connect health care providers, community health workers and home visitors with training and resources.

The presenter named partners including Nurture New Jersey and the Preeclampsia Foundation and said they had spoken with U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Sen. Cory Booker about revising prenatal and postpartum protocols at the federal level.

What the presentation did not include: The presenter referenced two bill numbers but did not provide full text in the meeting; funding sources and costs for universal testing were not specified. Council members did not make a motion at the May 20 meeting to adopt a formal resolution supporting the bills.

Community context: The speaker emphasized racial disparities in lead exposure and maternal outcomes and said targeted testing in pregnancy could reduce those inequities. They also asked the city to help publicize testing and provider training materials and said advocates want city help to engage community health workers and home visitors in outreach.

For follow up: The presenter offered to provide the council with legislative text, training materials and contacts for local partners. The council may request those materials at a subsequent meeting.","A public health advocate told the Trenton City Council that lead exposure harms children and adults and urged action including federal and state legislative changes to require universal prenatal testing.","actionData","errors"]

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Trenton City Council approves multiple property sales, emergency-plan ordinance and safety measures; amendment to lower high-rise threshold withdrawn

Advocate urges universal lead testing for pregnant people, outlines health risks