Boonton council introduces change to flag rules to allow Pride flag at Grace Lord Park; introduction passes 5–4 amid heated public debate and COI allegations

The Boonton Town Council on May 4 introduced (title only) an amendment to its flag-display policy to allow a Pride flag to be flown at Grace Lord Park for the month of June, a move that drew extended public comment and allegations of a conflict of interest.

Councilmember Devenezia moved to introduce Ordinance 11-26, which would amend Section 52-3 of the town code to authorize the Pride flag at the park. The motion was seconded and passed on a 5–4 roll call.

Councilmember Juris Baylin raised concerns that a for‑profit entity called Boonton Rainbow Pride LLC — which she said lists Councilmember Weisman’s wife among its officers and uses the Weisman address — creates the appearance of a conflict of interest. “I would pose that perhaps Mr. Weisman has a conflict of interest and should recuse himself,” Baylin said during council debate.

Councilmember Weisman responded that he “does not personally financially benefit” and that spousal involvement in a community organization does not automatically create a legal conflict under New Jersey law. He said the proposed amendment was developed by a subcommittee and that community groups were consulted about flag placement and display duration.

The roll call on introduction recorded these votes: Baylin — No; Castoney — Yes; Devenezia — Yes; Lopez — Yes; Mazie — Yes; Meen — No; Weisman — Yes; Wakielski — No; Mayor Lynch — No. The vote count (5–4) allowed the ordinance’s introduction; council members said a full public hearing and second reading will follow.

Public comment ran for more than two hours. Supporters framed a temporary Pride flag as an inclusion and safety signal. Alexandra Lopez, a Boonton High School student, told the council that “raising the flag for 1 month out of the year doesn't take anything away from anyone” and that the gesture would help people who feel excluded.

Opponents argued the town’s flagpoles should remain reserved for government flags to avoid politicizing municipal property and to reduce litigation risk. Multiple residents and veterans told the council the American flag is the unifying symbol and warned of a ‘‘slippery slope’’ if other group flags are permitted; the clerk read 24 written submissions that mostly urged the council to vote no on the proposed change.

Mayor Lynch told residents the change was at introduction only and urged both sides to participate in the May 18 public hearing. The council did not act on final adoption; the ordinance will return for a public hearing and second reading on May 18.

What happens next: the ordinance will be posted in full and returned to the council for a public hearing and second reading on May 18, when the council can adopt, amend, or defeat the measure.