Public comments at Linden council meeting center on vaping ban, sidewalks, alleged misuse of city vehicle and other quality‑of‑life issues

Residents used the public‑comment period to press the council on a range of quality‑of‑life matters.

Retailer raises vaping ban impact Vatsy Midura, who identified herself as working at a retail store on Stiles Street and East Elizabeth Avenue, said Linden’s prohibition on electronic cigarettes has driven customers to neighboring communities and hurt her business. Midura asked how to file an appeal and said the store does not sell to minors and is not adjacent to schools.

Sidewalk hazard reported near Clark Street Vanessa McDonald Hobbs, a homeowner on Clark Street, told the council she has been unable to safely walk around her block because “a pipe” has been exposed since last summer near the construction site at a church renovation. She said she has called engineering and her council representative without resolution and asked what recourse homeowners have. Municipal Engineer Nick Fantino spoke with her after the public comment segment to arrange follow‑up.

Allegation of city vehicle misuse and outcome Tim Demondi of West Price Street said he observed a city worker delivering DoorDash while on duty in a city vehicle and requested an investigation and termination. Mayor Armstead responded later in the meeting that he had seen a social‑media post about the incident, took immediate action, and said the employee was no longer working for the city the following day.

Other public remarks Other speakers raised broader quality‑of‑life concerns including trash and property maintenance, parking enforcement, the need for a public‑safety meeting, and a complaint that a flag outside City Hall was flown upside down for several days. Several speakers also congratulated Fred Castle on his appointment as Linden historian and praised city employees.

Council response and next steps Council members acknowledged the comments and noted that many issues raised—sidewalk repairs, trash enforcement, parking permits—require follow‑up by specific departments or by individual council members. The mayor and staff committed to targeted follow‑up on the exposed sidewalk pipe and the employment allegation reported from public comment.

Ending: The meeting’s public‑comment period highlighted several items that staff identified for follow‑up; residents were advised to contact individual council members or relevant departments for case‑specific assistance.