Passaic City Council is urged to amend zoning ordinances to protect community interests during the September 16, 2025, meeting. A resident addressed the council, emphasizing the need to update the R1A zoning district to align with smart growth principles and community desires.

The speaker highlighted previous discussions from May, where feedback from council members prompted a thorough review of the 2024 master plan reexamination. After consulting with city officials, including the mayor and council president, the resident returned to advocate for the removal of conditional use for high rises in the R1A District. This change aims to prevent unnecessary legal battles over unwanted developments and ensure that the city’s resources are not wasted.

The resident pointed out that the 2013 master plan already recommended preserving the R1A zone, stating it should not allow multifamily apartments of four stories or more. The speaker questioned why the council had not acted on these recommendations, suggesting that adopting the proposed zoning changes would align with both community preferences and sound city planning.

The discussion reflects a growing concern among residents about maintaining the character of Passaic while ensuring that future developments meet the needs of the community. The council's response to this call for action could significantly shape the city's development trajectory and enhance the quality of life for its residents.