The Jersey City Municipal Council on Tuesday adopted city ordinance 25‑1‑23, a measure that requires bird‑friendly design features on new construction and certain renovations, following an extended public hearing.

Supporters including architects, volunteers and conservation groups told the council the ordinance would cut window collisions and bird deaths while adding only modest costs for developers. Danielle Dedamo, an environmental planner who testified in favor, said the measure provides “clear science‑based definitions” and applies standards up to 100 feet for new construction and substantial additions. Saman Mahmood of the New York City Bird Alliance said bird‑friendly materials and designs can prevent collisions and that past city examples and New York City’s Local Law 15 show the approach is feasible.

Opponents, including representatives of Better Blocks New Jersey, urged caution about potential cost increases and asked the council to study local impacts before approving a stricter local standard than nearby cities. Speakers repeatedly traded data points about estimated bird mortality and the incremental cost of bird‑safe glass; advocates pointed to studies and examples such as the Javits Center retrofit to show major reductions in collisions.

Council members said they had heard robust testimony from both sides. After closing the hearing, the council recorded a final adoption vote: city ordinance 25‑1‑23 was adopted (vote recorded as 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention; one councilperson absent). Councilmembers emphasized intent to work with stakeholders on implementation details and to provide flexibility for builders and architects.

The ordinance joins similar standards in neighboring jurisdictions and directs staff to prepare enforcement language and guidance for developers. The city clerk’s file lists the ordinance as part of the municipal code amendments concerning design and construction standards.

What comes next: staff will prepare implementation guidance and administrative steps to monitor compliance; council members suggested further follow‑up conversations between advocates and local building officials to iron out practical details.