Trenton City Council approves multiple property sales, emergency-plan ordinance and safety measures; amendment to lower high-rise threshold withdrawn

The Trenton City Council on May 20 approved more than two dozen ordinances, largely routine sales of city-owned property, and passed several debated measures including a high-rise emergency-assistance ordinance, a firearms safe-storage ordinance and a change to parking near stop signs.

The council carried a motion to adopt an ordinance establishing a high-rise emergency assistance plan for multiunit residential buildings, as written, covering buildings of 40 units or more. Councilwoman Williams moved to amend the ordinance so the 40-unit threshold would remain in effect for one year and then decrease to 25 units; that motion was seconded but later withdrawn after discussion of legal process and timing. The council then voted to adopt the ordinance as written; roll-call votes recorded all present members voting yes.

The council also approved a firearms safe-storage ordinance following public testimony from an advocate with Mercer County Moms for Gun Sense in America, who urged safe-storage rules and public education. Councilmembers asked the administration to issue a public notice so residents know the requirement is in effect.

The council passed an ordinance changing parking rules near stop signs, reducing the no-parking distance from intersections from 50 feet to 25 feet except in school zones. Council members asked city legal staff whether the change is consistent with state law; the city’s legislative…