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Residents urge Passaic City Council to withdraw redevelopment directive for Orchard/Westervelt area
Summary
Residents at a Feb. 17 public hearing urged the council to withdraw a Feb. 3 resolution directing the planning board to study parcels near Orchard and Westervelt Streets as an "area in need of redevelopment," citing cost, notice and density concerns; the administration said designation is a statutory first step to allow negotiated plans and cost‑recouping agreements.
Public commenters pressed the Passaic City Council on Feb. 17 to withdraw a recent resolution that directed the planning board to evaluate parcels around Orchard Street and Westervelt Place for designation as an "area in need of redevelopment." Residents warned the measure is premature and could waste city funds on state‑required studies if no ordinance follows.
"If the council approves the area in need of redevelopment designation, it is hurting our cause," Joshua Goldman, who lives at 185 High Street, told the council. Goldman urged rescinding the authorization so the developer—rather than the city—must first put a concrete, vetted proposal on the table.
Rachel Azer, 36 Orchard Street, asked the council to…
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