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Council approves $40.18M in payments, honors Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz; public raises homelessness and eviction concerns
Summary
The Paterson Council approved $40.18 million in payments during its Dec. 9 workshop, presented a recognition to Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz and heard a range of public comments urging better warming-station outreach and action on evictions and housing conditions.
The council opened its public portion after approving the day’s payment bundle and used the workshop to honor Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz for his recent election to the state Assembly.
Payments and motion: the clerk called the roll and the council voted to adopt payment of bills totaling $40,181,815; the clerk recorded 5 in favor, 1 against and 2 absent. One member excused herself (recusal).
Honoring a new legislator: the council presented a plaque to Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz, thanking him for work that council speakers said had led to recent state funding for Paterson. Speakers described the incoming legislator’s priorities as including affordable housing and school funding.
Public comments — homelessness and warming centers: Dr. Chanel Fields urged the city and county to publicize warming‑station locations and transportation options for people who are homeless, citing the health risks of hypothermia and the need for signage and outreach, especially with a snowstorm forecast.
Public comments — housing and evictions: multiple residents described housing problems, including alleged illegal evictions, pest infestations, lack of heat and water, and difficulties securing affordable units. Brenda Green described alleged utility shutoffs and missing doors in her unit and requested a constituent‑services follow‑up; council members urged filing complaints and promised staff follow‑up.
Tone and decorum: the public portion included heated exchanges among speakers and council members, including a visiting former New York elected official (Charles Baron) who criticized developers and urged municipal leverage to prevent displacement. Council leaders repeatedly reminded speakers of a 3‑minute time limit and asked for respectful decorum at the podium.
What’s next: the council voted to close the public portion and set multiple items for consent or regular calendars for next week; members asked that staff deliver requested packet materials and that constituent services follow up on eviction, rodent and building‑condition complaints.
Representative quotes: "Warming shelters save lives...we need more of them and rapid transportation accessibility again this year." — Dr. Chanel Fields (public comment) "I'm gonna say it again...this measure is going to bankrupt the city" — Councilman Jackson on the Garden State Growth Zone and tax abatements, prompting clarification by the council president that the item was not on the agenda because it had not completed legal vetting.
The meeting closed after recorded votes and the council adjourned for the night.
