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Paterson council amends motion, agrees to apply for $2M rec improvement grant and to return for acceptance
Summary
Council members debated whether to separate application and acceptance for a DCA Recreational Improvement Grant. After a motion to require council approval on acceptance, council amended the original apply/accept resolution and approved applying for up to $2 million.
The Paterson Municipal Council approved a resolution on Feb. 18 to apply for up to $2 million from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ 2025 Recreational Improvement Grant Program, but only after amending the measure to require a separate council vote if and when the city is notified of an award.
Council discussion was lengthy and at times heated. Several council members said the city should not ‘‘send money back’’ by missing a funding opportunity; others said accepting grant money without a follow-up council vote would cede oversight of the project to the administration. Councilwoman Levine (spoke as Councilwoman Davila in the meeting) and Councilman Mims led an amendment to change the language from “apply and accept” to “apply only; acceptance to return to council.” Supporters said the approach preserves oversight while protecting the city’s ability to seek the grant.
Mayor’s staff and the city’s project director said the DCA award is typically earmarked for recreational-center work and cannot be repurposed for general use; they also said eligibility rules and timelines mean the city will have to propose a specific recreation project. Council members pressed for clearer details on the application and asked administration to set guardrails, including a requirement that any award be presented to the council for final acceptance and budget appropriation.
After the amendment passed, the council voted 7-1 to adopt the resolution as amended. The amended language authorizes the city to apply for up to $2 million and directs the administration to return to the council with specific award details before accepting any funds.
Council members and the administration said they will continue work on site selection and design options for a rec center and other park improvements. Several members urged that any acceptance come with a clear scope and timeline and, if necessary, a plan for matching funds.
