Council approves sale and conveyance of city properties; members press for developer accountability

Trenton City Council approved a package of ordinances on first and second readings that included the sale of multiple city-owned parcels and the conveyance of a stabilized property at 271 Tyler Street.

At the meeting the council read Ordinance 26-038, which authorizes the sale of city-owned parcels identified on the tax map as Block 1403 (multiple lots and Wall Street addresses) to Burwell Enterprises for a stated sale price of $60,000 pursuant to NJSA 48:12-13c. The motion to approve carried on a roll-call vote.

Council also introduced and then approved Ordinance 26-039, a conveyance of an abandoned property at 271 Tyler Street to an entity described in the ordinance as Jupiter Me State LLC as an alternative to demolition under the neighborhood redevelopment program. Acting Director Vasquez told council that the property had been stabilized by developer Britney Littlejohn and that stabilization work and photos could be provided to council. Vasquez said the city would pay the cost of stabilization if the ordinance failed to pass, and that the transfer followed prior subcommittee discussions about conveying hazard properties in lieu of demolition.

Councilwoman Lisa Frisbie pressed for documentation and assurances that a proposed buyer or transferee had the capacity to complete rehabilitation and meet turnaround timelines. Frisbie said she wanted assurances given recent collapses of neglected properties, asking, “Do we have the history on this? Do we have anything that shows that they are responsible, that they’re gonna do what they’re supposed to do?” Acting Director Vasquez responded that Littlejohn had previously stabilized several properties and that photos and records could be forwarded to council.

Council also approved Ordinance 26-040, which amends the municipal code to increase membership on the multicultural heritage board from 15 to 17 members.

Clerk Brandon Garcia handled roll call for each motion; the clerk recorded unanimous or majority support for the items as presented. After the vote on one ordinance, Councilwoman Edwards asked the clerk to reflect that she wanted to change her recorded yes vote on Ordinance 26-039 to abstain; the clerk noted the request and said he would confirm with the attorney whether a revote was required.

Why it matters: Conveyances of city-owned, hazard or abandoned properties move responsibility and, often, future redevelopment risks to private parties. Council members asked that administration staff provide the property-specific records that document prior stabilization work and any contractual safeguards the city will retain to ensure timely rehabilitation. The council did not adopt additional conditions on the ordinances at the meeting; members asked for follow-up documentation and for legal counsel to confirm voting procedure after the requested abstention.