Newark City Council approves zoning changes for downtown and multifamily developments

The Newark City Council meeting on June 2, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the appointment of a discretionary charter review and zoning changes for local properties.

During the meeting, Council Member Marker raised concerns about the classification of a director position, which has created conflicts regarding employee protections and benefits. The council discussed the need to clarify whether this position would be classified as a protected employee or an appointed official under the mayor's discretion. This clarification is deemed necessary to resolve existing conflicts and ensure proper documentation moving forward. The council plans to address this issue promptly, especially with an interim HR director currently in place.

Additionally, the council declared an emergency regarding the charter review due to time constraints related to upcoming board elections. This urgency was acknowledged as necessary to ensure that any changes could be placed on the ballot in a timely manner.

The meeting also included public hearings on zoning changes for specific properties. The first ordinance, 25-08, proposed changing the zoning classification for a property at 134 East Main Street from a medium intensity business district to a downtown zoning district. The council unanimously passed this ordinance after confirming there was no opposition.

The second public hearing, ordinance 25-09, involved a proposed zoning change for a property at 330 Thornwood Drive from a multifamily condo zoning district to a multifamily high-rise zoning district. The council heard from developers who emphasized the importance of these changes for facilitating new housing and improving local infrastructure.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing administrative conflicts and advancing local development through zoning adjustments. The next steps will involve further discussions and actions to ensure these initiatives are implemented effectively.