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Paterson council approves library rehab contract, redevelopment designation and multiple resolutions
Summary
At its May 19 meeting, the Paterson Municipal Council approved a slate of resolutions and an ordinance, including a $298,750 contract to rehabilitate a library community center, a redevelopment designation for two vacant lots, and an application for congressionally directed spending for the Riverside Vets Recreation Center.
The Paterson Municipal Council on May 19 approved a series of resolutions and an ordinance, including a $298,750 contract to rehabilitate the Heritage community center at the Patterson Public Library and a redevelopment designation for Block 6307, Lots 40 and 43.
The council voted to award a contract to UGV Construction LLC for limited exterior and interior rehabilitation at the Heritage community center, not to exceed $298,750. Council debate included concern about grant funds being used in projects that involve private developers; Councilman Velez said the funds "come through the state" and praised the planned beautification of the UEZ corridor, while voicing skepticism about directing money to private facilities. The library rehabilitation measure passed on a roll call, 6–1 with two members absent.
Council also approved a resolution (No. 26250) designating two vacant lots as an area in need of redevelopment under the local redevelopment and housing law. Sponsors said the sites are long-abandoned and could be developed for senior housing; opponents raised questions about density, parking and whether the planning board or council sets development parameters. The measure passed on a roll call vote, 6–1 with two absences.
Other actions adopted by the council included:
- A resolution authorizing an application for FY2027 congressionally directed spending to renovate the Riverside Vets Recreation Center (resolution No. 26249).
- A renewal of the first option year contract with New Jersey Community Development Corp to continue the Paterson Financial Empowerment Center (resolution No. 26255).
- A resolution approving Patterson Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) funds for marketing and business development projects for the 2025–26 program year (resolution No. 26254).
- Adoption on second reading of ordinance No. 26007 creating a commercial loading zone on Oak Street for Bascom Corporation and D Areas Projects LLC.
Council President Mims closed the meeting by stressing order and decorum, saying "Patterson deserves better" and urging colleagues to follow code and procedure. The council scheduled a workshop session for June 4, 2026, and said a special meeting time will be posted online.
Votes at a glance (selected): - Item 46 — UGV Construction LLC contract (library rehab): approved, $298,750; roll call 6 yes, 1 no, 2 absent. - Item 40 — Redevelopment designation, Block 6307 Lots 40 & 43: approved; roll call 6 yes, 1 no, 2 absent. - Item 1 — Commercial loading-zone ordinance (No. 26007): adopted on second reading. - Item 39 — Resolution to apply for FY2027 congressionally directed spending (Riverside Vets Recreation Center): adopted.
The council also recognized local institutions (including Holy Tabernacle Apostolic Church) and honored Manny Ojeda for 37 years in public works. The meeting record shows motions, roll-call tallies and the specific resolution/ordinance numbers for reference.
