Council debates public outreach before auction of historic east precinct property
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Summary
Council discussed a resolution authorizing the sale of a vacant property (the old east precinct) and raised concerns about limited community outreach, historic-preservation constraints and follow-up plans for a new east precinct.
Council members raised objections to authorizing a public sale by auction of the city’s vacant former east precinct building, stressing the need for community outreach and noting historic-zone restrictions that complicate demolition and redevelopment.
Staff explained that zoning in the historic area is restrictive and that the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA) had concluded rehabilitation would likely be uneconomic; staff therefore recommended a public auction. Several council members said they preferred additional community conversations before authorizing a sale. Staff added that the current precinct operations are in temporary trailers and the new east precinct build-out remains under review pending funding.
No final authorization or vote occurred in the caucus on the sale; staff said standard post-authorization outreach and planning approvals would still be required if the council moved forward.