Council hears hours of public comment on proposed 30‑year Robert Treat Hotel tax abatement; consideration deferred

The Newark City Council opened a public hearing on a proposed 30‑year tax abatement for the Robert Treat Hotel on an ordinance listed as 6PSFA, hearing more than three hours of testimony before deferring final action.

The ordinance, as introduced, would grant a 30‑year tax abatement to Robert Treat Hotel Urban Renewal, Inc. to support a major renovation the developer says is needed to upgrade the downtown hotel. The council took public comment before questions from members and then recorded a roll call to defer further consideration.

Why it matters: Tax abatements move future property tax revenue and are often used to spur renovation or new construction. Supporters say abatements can preserve landmark properties and protect jobs; opponents say they must be tied to enforceable community benefits, including worker protections and adequate wages.

At the microphone, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council’s deputy political director, Shane Mitchell, urged the council to reject the abatement unless the city confirmed better workplace standards. “I’m here today to ask you to vote no on this 30 year tax abatement for the Robert Street Hotel,” Mitchell said, telling councilors the union had documented alleged threats to workers and claims that many employees are paid minimum wage without affordable health care or retirement benefits.

Former hotel employees and translators gave specific accounts. David Capito, who described himself as a former Robert Treat worker, said, “The Robert Tree Hotel paid me the minimum wage, and I was discouraged from taking the health plan and had no retirement benefits.” Josefina Mercedes told councilors she opposed the abatement because, in her view, taxpayer dollars should not support “bad jobs.” Other speakers recounted long careers at the property and urged approval, saying the hotel has provided stable jobs for Newark residents.

Owner Miles Burger addressed the chamber, disputing that outside organizers drove the employee testimony and defending long‑term staff who support the renovation. “We’re back now. You heard from many employees who actually work at the hotel, some for 30 years…They’re telling you the truth,” Burger said.

Several council members and the mayor’s representatives took questions from attendees about how any abatement would be enforced and whether a community benefits agreement or other legally binding conditions could be required as a condition of support. Councilwoman Scott Rountree said she had arranged spot checks and follow‑up meetings with management and tenant groups to verify claims made at the hearing.

Outcome and next steps: After public comment and brief council discussion the matter was deferred. The council recorded a roll call to defer consideration of ordinance 6PSFA; formal action on adoption was postponed pending additional information and administrative review. The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting.

What remained unresolved at adjournment: Speakers pressed for verifiable, binding commitments on wages, health benefits, and workplace safety; the union requested that the city require those commitments before approving a tax abatement. Supporters asked the council to weigh job retention and long employee tenures. Council members said they wanted documentation from the administration about enforcement mechanisms and the hotel’s record before advancing the ordinance.

The council agenda shows the item as deferred; staff told the chamber they will return with documentation and recommended conditions if the developer wishes to proceed.

Sources and quotes: On‑the‑record public testimony from Shane Mitchell (Hotel and Gaming Trades Council); David Capito and Josefina Mercedes (former and current hotel employees, public commenters); Miles Burger (owner, Robert Treat Hotel).