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Council rescinds financial agreement for Meridia redevelopment after attorney urges delay
Summary
Council passed Ordinance 3106 to rescind a prior financial agreement affecting 69 Heworth Place despite an attorney for Meridia asking the council to postpone action because of ongoing appellate litigation; vote was 3–2.
The Garfield Mayor and Council on Oct. 28 voted to pass Ordinance 3106, which rescinds a prior financial agreement tied to a redevelopment parcel at 69 Heworth Place (Block 34.02, Lot 28). The vote followed public comment from an attorney for Meridia Garfield 69 Urban Renewal LLC, who urged the council to delay action because of pending appellate litigation.
Allison Ingenito, counsel for Meridia, told the council she represented the developer and detailed the project's procedural history: the financial agreement and redevelopment agreement dated April 2023, follow-up filings, a Bergen County Law Division complaint and a subsequent appeal. Ingenito said her client was not in breach and asked the council to table the ordinance so the parties could resolve outstanding issues. "I'm here this evening to ask why this is happening," she told the chamber, noting she would have come earlier had she received notice.
Council debate addressed redevelopment policy and pilot agreements. Councilmember Regaloso said he opposed the rescission and argued for negotiation rather than litigation, stating, "Only one that makes money at court is the lawyers." Councilmember Delaney reiterated objections and voted no. Deputy Mayor Kane and Deputy Mayor Raymond said they opposed PILOT (payment-in-lieu) programs in principle and voted to rescind; Mayor Everick Garnto Jr. also voted yes. The motion carried by roll call.
The ordinance rescinds the earlier authorizing resolution (cited in the meeting as Ordinance 2985) and was presented by motion of Deputy Mayor Kane and seconded by Mayor Garnto. The council did not adopt any implementing contract or new financial terms at the meeting; the action removes the prior local authorization and leaves any unresolved contractual or litigation issues to subsequent negotiation or court process.
What happens next: The rescission is now on the city record; Meridia’s attorney asked for a delay and recorded concerns about the company’s compliance and standing. The council said it would proceed with enforcement and future steps as appropriate while recognizing the developer's right to pursue appellate remedies.
