Residents press council on ARPA transfers, Trenton Water Works, inspections and body cameras for inspectors

During public comment, multiple residents urged greater transparency and accountability in city finances and property management, and asked for policy changes to protect tenants.

Caroline Clark questioned why $750,000 in ARPA funds would be routed to Mercer County for Eagle Tavern work rather than spent directly in Trenton, calling the transfer 'regionalization' and arguing it could remove local control and oversight. Several other commenters echoed concern about county use of Trenton money and asked for clarity on how transferred ARPA funds will be tracked.

Robin Vaughn and others criticized perceived county favoritism and called for audits and stronger oversight of county redevelopment decisions. Austin Edwards called for a 'show me the money' transparency dashboard and promised to file records requests to follow the flow of federal, state and local funds.

Kendia Torres delivered a petition signed by more than 100 residents asking the council to require body‑worn cameras for housing, zoning, and code enforcement inspectors, arguing cameras would produce objective records of inspections, protect renters and staff, and reduce disputed 'he said, she said' incidents.

Other public commenters raised operational issues (a leaking sewer treatment tower reported by Kevin Serenberg) and long‑standing frustrations about the speed and fairness of property inspections and lead testing prior to conveyance.

Council members acknowledged the concerns: administration and staff explained some procedural reasons for transfers (project management by MCIA), interim HED leadership said inspections will increase and that staff will request quotes for repairs, and councilmembers pledged to follow up in committee and provide clearer documentation to the public.