3 speakers · 2,375 words of public testimony
>> Can you hear me? Yes. Amazing. Good morning. My name is Milagro Blanco. I'm
morning. My name is Milagro Blanco. I'm also with the Ironbound Community also with the Ironbound Community Corporation. Corporation. I'm here today for us to take a closer I'm here today for us to take a closer look at the host municipality agreement look at the host municipality agreement with ReWorld, and how this next host with ReWorld, and how this next host agreement could either protect its agreement could either protect its residents residents or leave us behind, or continue to leave or leave us behind, or continue to leave or leave us behind, or continue to leave us behind. us behind. Uh ReWorld has not invested in Uh ReWorld has not invested in reoccurring taxes. reoccurring taxes. Um they have not committed to long-term Um they have not committed to long-term positive positive um commitment, and no direct investments um commitment, and no direct investments um commitment, and no direct investments into the communities most impacted by into the communities most impacted by pollution. So, I'm here to ask, how do pollution. So, I'm here to ask, how do we build a stronger and fairer contract? we build a stronger and fairer contract? we build a stronger and fairer contract? First, we can take a look and tie the First, we can take a look and tie the host fee to inflation and population host fee to inflation and population growth. growth. With the cost of living, city services, With the cost of living, city services, and environmental impacts constantly and environmental impacts constantly rising, a flat lump sum loses value rising, a flat lump sum loses value fast, especially in a city like ours. fast, especially in a city like ours. Nor could receive predictable ongoing Nor could receive predictable ongoing revenue. This revenue. This would look uh this would look better would look uh this would look better this would look like better support this would look like better support long-term um and it would support city long-term um and it would support city services services like asthma prevention services, green like asthma prevention services, green space expansion, space expansion, or even fixing local infrastructure. or even fixing local infrastructure. Uh we have not heard yet back on this. Uh we have not heard yet back on this. We're looking forward to working We're looking forward to working together and supporting the city as you together…
morning. My name is Milagro Blanco. I'm also with the Ironbound Community also with the Ironbound Community Corporation. Corporation. I'm here today for us to take a closer I'm here today for us to take a closer look at the host municipality agreement look at the host municipality agreement with ReWorld, and how this next host with ReWorld, and how this next host agreement could either protect its agreement could either protect its residents residents or leave us behind, or continue to leave or leave us behind, or continue to leave or leave us behind, or continue to leave us behind. us behind. Uh ReWorld has not invested in Uh ReWorld has not invested in reoccurring taxes. reoccurring taxes. Um they have not committed to long-term Um they have not committed to long-term positive positive um commitment, and no direct investments um commitment, and no direct investments um commitment, and no direct investments into the communities most impacted by into the communities most impacted by pollution. So, I'm here to ask, how do pollution. So, I'm here to ask, how do we build a stronger and fairer contract? we build a stronger and fairer contract? we build a stronger and fairer contract? First, we can take a look and tie the First, we can take a look and tie the host fee to inflation and population host fee to inflation and population growth. growth. With the cost of living, city services, With the cost of living, city services, and environmental impacts constantly and environmental impacts constantly rising, a flat lump sum loses value rising, a flat lump sum loses value fast, especially in a city like ours. fast, especially in a city like ours. Nor could receive predictable ongoing Nor could receive predictable ongoing revenue. This revenue. This would look uh this would look better would look uh this would look better this would look like better support this would look like better support long-term um and it would support city long-term um and it would support city services services like asthma prevention services, green like asthma prevention services, green space expansion, space expansion, or even fixing local infrastructure. or even fixing local infrastructure. Uh we have not heard yet back on this. Uh we have not heard yet back on this. We're looking forward to working We're looking forward to working together and supporting the city as you together and supporting the city as you push for a more equitable agreement. And push for a more equitable agreement. And push for a more equitable agreement. And thank you for your time, city council thank you for your time, city council members. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker.
My name is El Bowmani. Since this is my time for uh I just want to say the First Amendment states that the First Amendment states that the people have the right to petition the people have the right to petition their grievance their grievance grievances to government and also the grievances to government and also the people have the right people have the right for peaceful assembly. for peaceful assembly. And what took place that day when I was And what took place that day when I was ejected out committed perjury and also put his hands on me and also put his hands on me uh which is assault and battery. Okay? When I went out when he petitioned the When I went out when he petitioned the police police to go after those individuals who were to go after those individuals who were sitting here exercising their rights, then you come when I move away from you then you come when I move away from you and you go right into me and then you and you go right into me and then you put your hands on me and you get up here put your hands on me and you get up here put your hands on me and you get up here and YOU LIE. IS A CRIME. ASSAULT AND BATTERY IS A CRIME. BUT HE'S ASSAULT AND BATTERY IS A CRIME. BUT HE'S ASSAULT AND BATTERY IS A CRIME. BUT HE'S GOING TO GET UP HERE CUZ he's a lying GOING TO GET UP HERE CUZ he's a lying corrupt BA, a former judge, and a lying corrupt BA, a former judge, and a lying lawyer. lawyer. AND HE KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO UH YOU KNOW AND HE KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO UH YOU KNOW finagle that that situation. finagle that that situation. So, YOU GOING TO GET UP HERE AND YOU So, YOU GOING TO GET UP HERE AND YOU GOING TO ALLOW HIM IN ALL THE YEARS YOU GOING TO ALLOW HIM IN ALL THE YEARS YOU KNOW ME, IN ALL THE YEARS THAT I HAVE KNOW ME, IN ALL THE YEARS THAT I HAVE STRUGGLED AND AND FOUGHT AGAINST YOU STRUGGLED AND AND FOUGHT AGAINST YOU FAILED LEADERSHIP HERE, YOU GOING TO FAILED LEADERSHIP HERE, YOU GOING TO ALLOW THIS MAN TO come up here and lie? ALLOW THIS MAN TO…
My name is El Bowmani. Since this is my time for uh I just want to say the First Amendment states that the First Amendment states that the people have the right to petition the people have the right to petition their grievance their grievance grievances to government and also the grievances to government and also the people have the right people have the right for peaceful assembly. for peaceful assembly. And what took place that day when I was And what took place that day when I was ejected out committed perjury and also put his hands on me and also put his hands on me uh which is assault and battery. Okay? When I went out when he petitioned the When I went out when he petitioned the police police to go after those individuals who were to go after those individuals who were sitting here exercising their rights, then you come when I move away from you then you come when I move away from you and you go right into me and then you and you go right into me and then you put your hands on me and you get up here put your hands on me and you get up here put your hands on me and you get up here and YOU LIE. IS A CRIME. ASSAULT AND BATTERY IS A CRIME. BUT HE'S ASSAULT AND BATTERY IS A CRIME. BUT HE'S ASSAULT AND BATTERY IS A CRIME. BUT HE'S GOING TO GET UP HERE CUZ he's a lying GOING TO GET UP HERE CUZ he's a lying corrupt BA, a former judge, and a lying corrupt BA, a former judge, and a lying lawyer. lawyer. AND HE KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO UH YOU KNOW AND HE KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO UH YOU KNOW finagle that that situation. finagle that that situation. So, YOU GOING TO GET UP HERE AND YOU So, YOU GOING TO GET UP HERE AND YOU GOING TO ALLOW HIM IN ALL THE YEARS YOU GOING TO ALLOW HIM IN ALL THE YEARS YOU KNOW ME, IN ALL THE YEARS THAT I HAVE KNOW ME, IN ALL THE YEARS THAT I HAVE STRUGGLED AND AND FOUGHT AGAINST YOU STRUGGLED AND AND FOUGHT AGAINST YOU FAILED LEADERSHIP HERE, YOU GOING TO FAILED LEADERSHIP HERE, YOU GOING TO ALLOW THIS MAN TO come up here and lie? ALLOW THIS MAN TO come up here and lie? YOU GOING TO ALLOW HIM TO COME UP HERE YOU GOING TO ALLOW HIM TO COME UP HERE AND LIE AND SAID THAT HE WAS PUSHED? WHO AND LIE AND SAID THAT HE WAS PUSHED? WHO AND LIE AND SAID THAT HE WAS PUSHED? WHO PUSHED YOU? I KNOW YOU'RE NOT ACCENTUATING THAT I PUSHED YOU. OR TRYING TO. HE CALLED ME A AND I AIN'T I HE CALLED ME A AND I AIN'T I PRACTICALLY ain't do nothing to you. PRACTICALLY ain't do nothing to you. Right? You remember? Right? You remember? When you try TO PUT YOUR HANDS IN MY BAG When you try TO PUT YOUR HANDS IN MY BAG When you try TO PUT YOUR HANDS IN MY BAG CUZ I WENT TOOK YOUR FLOCK TAKE YOUR CUZ I WENT TOOK YOUR FLOCK TAKE YOUR FLYERS. FLYERS. DEBORAH SLAUGHTER WAS ON the phone with DEBORAH SLAUGHTER WAS ON the phone with me. YOU CALLED ME A B I T C H WHEN I me. YOU CALLED ME A B I T C H WHEN I SHOULD HAVE PUSHED YOU, RIGHT? DID I SHOULD HAVE PUSHED YOU, RIGHT? DID I PUSH YOU? UNACCEPTABLE. HE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE FOR HE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE FOR THIS MAKING UP A LIE. WHERE'S OUR THIS MAKING UP A LIE. WHERE'S OUR BUDGET? BUDGET? IF YOU MAD ABOUT THAT, WHERE'S OUR IF YOU MAD ABOUT THAT, WHERE'S OUR BUDGET? IF YOU MAD ABOUT WHY YOU WAS BUDGET? IF YOU MAD ABOUT WHY YOU WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND THEN THEY PICKED UNDER INVESTIGATION AND THEN THEY PICKED UNDER INVESTIGATION AND THEN THEY PICKED YOU UP HERE BECAUSE I SPOKE ABOUT IT. YOU UP HERE BECAUSE I SPOKE ABOUT IT. DON'T PUT YOUR HANDS ON ME. DON'T PUT YOUR HANDS ON ME. AND DON'T LIE ON ME. AND DON'T ALLOW AND DON'T LIE ON ME. AND DON'T ALLOW THEM TO LIE ON ME. CUZ I GOT ISSUES WITH ALL OF Y'ALL. NOW, I CAN LOOK AT YOU FUNNY, BUT DON'T NOW, I CAN LOOK AT YOU FUNNY, BUT DON'T LIE ON ME AND SAY THAT I PUT PUSHED YOU. LIE ON ME AND SAY THAT I PUT PUSHED YOU. LIE ON ME AND SAY THAT I PUT PUSHED YOU. WHO PUSHED YOU, BA? GO AHEAD AND SAY IT WHO PUSHED YOU, BA? GO AHEAD AND SAY IT ON THE RECORD. I DARE YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> UNACCEPTABLE. >> UNACCEPTABLE. >> Next speaker. Good morning, Council President. Morning. I want to talk about um the visit that the administration did the visit that the administration did and you attended that uh meeting um last and you attended that uh meeting um last and you attended that uh meeting um last week at New Community up at Newton week at New Community up at Newton Street School. Um during that process um Street School. Um during that process um Street School. Um during that process um you heard the administration and you heard the administration and councilwoman and they talked about how councilwoman and they talked about how the residents came there to address all the residents came there to address all their complaints about what was going on their complaints about what was going on their complaints about what was going on in the apartments, things that needed to in the apartments, things that needed to in the apartments, things that needed to be fixed be fixed of that nature. They talked about the of that nature. They talked about the pull cords that they talked about the pull cords that they talked about the intercoms being fixed and things of that intercoms being fixed and things of that intercoms being fixed and things of that nature in that meeting. So um the the nature in that meeting. So um the the problem with the whole matter is that um problem with the whole matter is that um problem with the whole matter is that um that project is a 80 million dollar that project is a 80 million dollar fully funded state project and they want fully funded state project and they want fully funded state project and they want a 30-year tax abatement for up there on a 30-year tax abatement for up there on Morris Avenue. This came before the Morris Avenue. This came before the council because those residents came council because those residents came down to tax abatement committee meeting down to tax abatement committee meeting in opposition of that tax abatement. Now in opposition of that tax abatement. Now in opposition of that tax abatement. Now again, it's a fully funded 80 million again, it's a fully funded 80 million dollar project by the state which means dollar project by the state which means it has an aspire agreement with it which it has an aspire agreement with it which it has an aspire agreement with it which means it has a community benefit means it has a community benefit agreement attached to it. There has not agreement attached to it. There has not been no community benefit meeting been no community benefit meeting to address what the citizens want to address what the citizens want concerning that that that development. concerning that that that development. We've been addressing the the the We've been addressing the the the residents and their concerns. That's a residents and their concerns. That's a whole separate issue in and of in and of whole separate issue in and of in and of whole separate issue in and of in and of itself. So when if they want to talk itself. So when if they want to talk about uh improvements that need to be about uh improvements that need to be done in that building just like over done in that building just like over there at Wesley Towers, there needs to there at Wesley Towers, there needs to be total renovation, not changing be total renovation, not changing switches and and washers or they need to switches and and washers or they need to switches and and washers or they need to uh have some wheelchair accessible uh have some wheelchair accessible bathroom some upgrades. They have told bathroom some upgrades. They have told me bathtubs right now they can't take me bathtubs right now they can't take baths because they got wheelchairs. They baths because they got wheelchairs. They baths because they got wheelchairs. They can't even get in in the bathtubs. They can't even get in in the bathtubs. They need to change that. They need upgrades. need to change that. They need upgrades. need to change that. They need upgrades. So the things they're talking about So the things they're talking about right now don't even benefit the right now don't even benefit the residents. You understand? They need to residents. You understand? They need to be capital to improvements that that be capital to improvements that that that that developer has not neglected to that that developer has not neglected to that that developer has not neglected to do. So we're talking about trying to potentially give a tax abatement to a potentially give a tax abatement to a developer and the state funding it $80 developer and the state funding it $80 million. million. So those complaints that we're sending So those complaints that we're sending down to the state about those residents down to the state about those residents they're not going to address those they're not going to address those complaints. You know why? Because they complaints. You know why? Because they got a $80 million investment right there got a $80 million investment right there got a $80 million investment right there on Mars Avenue that they're going to on Mars Avenue that they're going to fully fund. You understand? So fully fund. You understand? So understand that we're we're working with understand that we're we're working with understand that we're we're working with some serious dynamics with that that some serious dynamics with that that project. So it's not just about those project. So it's not just about those senior buildings 140, 180, and 265 Mars senior buildings 140, 180, and 265 Mars Avenue. Those those residents in those Avenue. Those those residents in those townhouses are are are are required those same abatements. Those residents up in building 72 over Those residents up in building 72 over there at Urban Turner there at Urban Turner same abatements. Up there on 100th same abatements. Up there on 100th Street same abatements. Guess what? Street same abatements. Guess what? Wasn't invited. This whole process that they're talking about doing up there with those citizens about doing up there with those citizens about doing up there with those citizens need to be revisited. need to be revisited. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. Seeing no other speakers public speaking is now closed. Is there
Uh do we have Oh, I'm sorry. Corporation Counsel Oh, I'm sorry. Corporation Counsel mentioned he may have added starters. mentioned he may have added starters. Corporation Counsel. Um Good morning, Council President, Council Good morning, Council President, Council Good morning, Council President, Council members. Allison Thank you. Allison members. Allison Thank you. Allison Ladd, Director of Economic and Housing Ladd, Director of Economic and Housing Development. Thank you for the Development. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss a potential added opportunity to discuss a potential added opportunity to discuss a potential added starter. Um In the July meeting, your the council In the July meeting, your the council approved the site access agreement for approved the site access agreement for the Newark I'm sorry, for the Greenway the Newark I'm sorry, for the Greenway in the North Ward. in the North Ward. Forgive me, I was going to call it the Forgive me, I was going to call it the Newark Greenway, cuz we're excited it's Newark Greenway, cuz we're excited it's in Newark, but um, it's also in other in Newark, but um, it's also in other jurisdictions uh, throughout the state. jurisdictions uh, throughout the state. So, um, again, this is a site access So, um, again, this is a site access agreement with the New Jersey Department agreement with the New Jersey Department agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. What we are of Environmental Protection. What we are of Environmental Protection. What we are doing is is we're providing them access doing is is we're providing them access to city-owned land so they can do the to city-owned land so they can do the construction on the Greenway, um, and construction on the Greenway, um, and they are starting in um, Newark in the they are starting in um, Newark in the North Ward. North Ward. The request that we are making is is The request that we are making is is that the state um, inadvertently forgot that the state um, inadvertently forgot an address. And so, they would like us an address. And so, they would like us to add an address to the access to add an address to the access agreement so that they can start agreement so that they can start construction. It was just human error, construction. It was just human error, and so, since this…
Show full comment (5585 words)
Uh do we have Oh, I'm sorry. Corporation Counsel Oh, I'm sorry. Corporation Counsel mentioned he may have added starters. mentioned he may have added starters. Corporation Counsel. Um Good morning, Council President, Council Good morning, Council President, Council Good morning, Council President, Council members. Allison Thank you. Allison members. Allison Thank you. Allison Ladd, Director of Economic and Housing Ladd, Director of Economic and Housing Development. Thank you for the Development. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss a potential added opportunity to discuss a potential added opportunity to discuss a potential added starter. Um In the July meeting, your the council In the July meeting, your the council approved the site access agreement for approved the site access agreement for the Newark I'm sorry, for the Greenway the Newark I'm sorry, for the Greenway in the North Ward. in the North Ward. Forgive me, I was going to call it the Forgive me, I was going to call it the Newark Greenway, cuz we're excited it's Newark Greenway, cuz we're excited it's in Newark, but um, it's also in other in Newark, but um, it's also in other jurisdictions uh, throughout the state. jurisdictions uh, throughout the state. So, um, again, this is a site access So, um, again, this is a site access agreement with the New Jersey Department agreement with the New Jersey Department agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. What we are of Environmental Protection. What we are of Environmental Protection. What we are doing is is we're providing them access doing is is we're providing them access to city-owned land so they can do the to city-owned land so they can do the construction on the Greenway, um, and construction on the Greenway, um, and they are starting in um, Newark in the they are starting in um, Newark in the North Ward. North Ward. The request that we are making is is The request that we are making is is that the state um, inadvertently forgot that the state um, inadvertently forgot an address. And so, they would like us an address. And so, they would like us to add an address to the access to add an address to the access agreement so that they can start agreement so that they can start construction. It was just human error, construction. It was just human error, and so, since this morning, I've been and so, since this morning, I've been working with the state to find a way to working with the state to find a way to request this added starter, and I'd like request this added starter, and I'd like request this added starter, and I'd like for you to consider it. In closing, it for you to consider it. In closing, it is not in the Legistar, but I will have is not in the Legistar, but I will have it fully approved before the end of it fully approved before the end of today. today. Uh, Mr. President, you know, you're Uh, Mr. President, you know, you're being recorded, just so make sure. Yes, being recorded, just so make sure. Yes, Council President. Council President. Councilman Ramos. Yeah, um, you know, I Councilman Ramos. Yeah, um, you know, I would ask for your consideration of the would ask for your consideration of the added starter, and if it is considered added starter, and if it is considered and approved, I'd like to sponsor it. and approved, I'd like to sponsor it. Thank you, yeah. We Thank you, yeah. We the Deputy Mayor and I have talked about the Deputy Mayor and I have talked about the Deputy Mayor and I have talked about it, so I think it's definitely something it, so I think it's definitely something it, so I think it's definitely something we all need to push and make sure it we all need to push and make sure it gets done, so. gets done, so. Thank you for considering it, and I'll Thank you for considering it, and I'll be sure to provide you that information. be sure to provide you that information. be sure to provide you that information. Thank you, and as soon as possible, Thank you, and as soon as possible, please just provide us with the Legistar please just provide us with the Legistar please just provide us with the Legistar number. Yes, will do. Thank you. Thank number. Yes, will do. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, Mr. President. >> Councilman Ramos. >> Councilman Ramos. Unless there are any other added Unless there are any other added starters, I I don't know if I'm going to starters, I I don't know if I'm going to starters, I I don't know if I'm going to be here for the motions part tomorrow, be here for the motions part tomorrow, but I just want to but I just want to um, put something on the record. Um, you um, put something on the record. Um, you um, put something on the record. Um, you know, there's a a makeshift uh, know, there's a a makeshift uh, playground uh, at 77 MLK Boulevard. It's playground uh, at 77 MLK Boulevard. It's playground uh, at 77 MLK Boulevard. It's right by the um, right by the um, Global Studies High School. I think it's Global Studies High School. I think it's Global Studies High School. I think it's in a privately owned lot. So, the other in a privately owned lot. So, the other day I was in the neighborhood and you day I was in the neighborhood and you know, we got kids that play in that know, we got kids that play in that parking in that playground from the area parking in that playground from the area parking in that playground from the area and and it looks like it's you know, and and it looks like it's you know, it's in very poor condition. It's it's in very poor condition. It's I believe many years ago could have been I believe many years ago could have been I believe many years ago could have been La Casa, one of the nonprofits in the La Casa, one of the nonprofits in the area partnered with the private owner to area partnered with the private owner to area partnered with the private owner to build the playground and from my build the playground and from my understanding it may be in the process understanding it may be in the process of being foreclosed on. So, I would just of being foreclosed on. So, I would just of being foreclosed on. So, I would just like to see if we could do some research like to see if we could do some research like to see if we could do some research and maybe the parks department of the and maybe the parks department of the city takes ownership of the property city takes ownership of the property would adopt, you know, the playground would adopt, you know, the playground and it seems to be in pretty good and it seems to be in pretty good physical shape, but the area where it's physical shape, but the area where it's in it's it's you know, it's dirty. It's in it's it's you know, it's dirty. It's you know, it definitely needs some some you know, it definitely needs some some investment. But, it is on a investment. But, it is on a on a privately owned piece of property, on a privately owned piece of property, but from my understanding and checking but from my understanding and checking with the county register the city may be with the county register the city may be with the county register the city may be in the process of foreclosing on it. Thank you, Councilman I see the director is here. I see the director is here. Hopefully he took some notes on that Hopefully he took some notes on that matter. matter. We'll follow up. Thank you. Thanks. We'll follow up. Thank you. Thanks. Clerk Council. Sure, good morning again. Clerk Council. Sure, good morning again. Clerk Council. Sure, good morning again. There is one more potential out of There is one more potential out of starter. Unfortunately, the um starter. Unfortunately, the um Deputy Mayor Rockman Muhammad is not Deputy Mayor Rockman Muhammad is not here to speak to it. It is in reference here to speak to it. It is in reference to legislative item 25-11 uh 25-1108. It is in reference to his ability to pay It is in reference to his ability to pay It is in reference to his ability to pay vendors. I will have him I couldn't hear vendors. I will have him I couldn't hear vendors. I will have him I couldn't hear you. Say it his ability to pay vendors. you. Say it his ability to pay vendors. What I will have him do is send a email What I will have him do is send a email to the clerk and all the council members to the clerk and all the council members to the clerk and all the council members in reference to in reference to why he thinks it's an emergency and more why he thinks it's an emergency and more why he thinks it's an emergency and more importantly the details of what his importantly the details of what his request is made of. He'll he'll do it request is made of. He'll he'll do it before the end of the day then you all before the end of the day then you all can consider it. If it comes down before can consider it. If it comes down before can consider it. If it comes down before we leave executive session, I'll we leave executive session, I'll beg for him to have an opportunity to at beg for him to have an opportunity to at beg for him to have an opportunity to at least talk about it in an executive least talk about it in an executive session. All right. Thank you. No. I'm sorry, Council President Council I'm sorry, Council President Council members. I was going to >> There's another added starter. >> There's another added starter. >> I saw the another one. Oh, never mind. All right. My apologies, Oh, never mind. All right. My apologies, Corporation Counsel does not mean All Corporation Counsel does not mean All right. right. >> that other added starter. The fewer the >> that other added starter. The fewer the >> that other added starter. The fewer the better. yes. We are in a 30-minute public comment We are in a 30-minute public comment portion of this meeting where each portion of this meeting where each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. Please state your name for the record. Please state your name for the record. Is there anyone wishing to address the Is there anyone wishing to address the Council? Uh Shakir McDougal, Seymour Ave. I'll go Uh Shakir McDougal, Seymour Ave. I'll go first since I'll probably be the nicest. first since I'll probably be the nicest. first since I'll probably be the nicest. So, um uh I got a block party, you know. When uh I got a block party, you know. When in Rome, do as Romans do, right, Kelly? in Rome, do as Romans do, right, Kelly? Okay. Okay. Guess who's throwing a party. So, uh Guess who's throwing a party. So, uh Seymour Ave, we're going to have a block Seymour Ave, we're going to have a block Seymour Ave, we're going to have a block party soon. Um like y'all's support, you know, somebody like y'all's support, you know, somebody like y'all's support, you know, somebody could sponsor. Council, you there? Cuz could sponsor. Council, you there? Cuz you got a sponsor it, Council, I was you got a sponsor it, Council, I was told. I don't want to hurt nobody's told. I don't want to hurt nobody's feelings, nobody get in the way. You got feelings, nobody get in the way. You got feelings, nobody get in the way. You got to sponsor it for me. I missed you to sponsor it for me. I missed you yesterday uh over there George yesterday uh over there George Washington Carver, too. uh trying to do something nice. I've been trying to do something nice. I've been speaking with our public safety uh speaking with our public safety uh people over in the Fifth Ward. Um I'm people over in the Fifth Ward. Um I'm going to be trying to work on something going to be trying to work on something because because our children's safety is of the utmost our children's safety is of the utmost importance to me, you know, and in all importance to me, you know, and in all ways. And you know, there's things that ways. And you know, there's things that I feel like if we're not talking about, I feel like if we're not talking about, then it doesn't get dealt with. And that then it doesn't get dealt with. And that then it doesn't get dealt with. And that that's a problem for me. You understand that's a problem for me. You understand what I'm saying? Especially when it come what I'm saying? Especially when it come what I'm saying? Especially when it come to our kids. So, especially when it to our kids. So, especially when it comes to who's in our community and how comes to who's in our community and how do we protect our families from these do we protect our families from these people, okay? Because we don't know when people, okay? Because we don't know when people, okay? Because we don't know when they're going to be released they're going to be released and who's going to be notified and and who's going to be notified and things of that nature. So, I think it is things of that nature. So, I think it is things of that nature. So, I think it is of the utmost importance that we of the utmost importance that we spearhead that conversation, especially spearhead that conversation, especially with the Jeffrey Epsteins of the world with the Jeffrey Epsteins of the world out there and those people not getting out there and those people not getting that full accountability. Um even in that full accountability. Um even in death. Um but um it's sad to say, but I've been priced out. but I've been priced out. This going to be my last time here This going to be my last time here cuz I'm moving. cuz I'm moving. I don't forgot priced out of Newark. I I don't forgot priced out of Newark. I couldn't afford to have my own in couldn't afford to have my own in Newark. Listen, you know, I was able to keep my credit you know, I was able to keep my credit good, keep a good job, you know, and good, keep a good job, you know, and stay out the way, stay focused, happy, stay out the way, stay focused, happy, healthy, active. healthy, active. Okay? And hopefully as while I've been Okay? And hopefully as while I've been here, I've been able to bring an impact, here, I've been able to bring an impact, here, I've been able to bring an impact, you know, this going to be my last month you know, this going to be my last month you know, this going to be my last month in the city. I'm paying two rents right in the city. I'm paying two rents right now. Okay? Got that bag on me. Um now. Okay? Got that bag on me. Um but um you know, I'm still going to work but um you know, I'm still going to work but um you know, I'm still going to work here in the city. I'm still going to you here in the city. I'm still going to you here in the city. I'm still going to you know, make sure that I can do what I know, make sure that I can do what I can't do and the mayor challenged me can't do and the mayor challenged me yesterday. He said we need to be at them yesterday. He said we need to be at them yesterday. He said we need to be at them county commissioner meetings. So, county commissioner meetings. So, DiVincenzo, I'm about to be on your case DiVincenzo, I'm about to be on your case DiVincenzo, I'm about to be on your case cuz Newark needs some money. So, you cuz Newark needs some money. So, you know that I can talk a good game here. I know that I can talk a good game here. I know that I can talk a good game here. I can talk a good game there too. Get up can talk a good game there too. Get up under somebody's butts. Now uh under somebody's butts. Now uh That that that That that that That look like a bridge to nowhere. Look That look like a bridge to nowhere. Look That look like a bridge to nowhere. Look like a bridge to nowhere, Ramos. like a bridge to nowhere, Ramos. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. Thank you for your I don't know. Thank you for your comments. The comments. The uh that that trail all the way to uh that that trail all the way to Mr. Thank you for your comments. Next Mr. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. Good morning, Council. Wow, that agenda went very well. Miss you guys. Deborah went very well. Miss you guys. Deborah Madison. Madison. So, I'm going to put somebody on the So, I'm going to put somebody on the spot first cuz I walked in and and I saw spot first cuz I walked in and and I saw spot first cuz I walked in and and I saw someone I call brother and friend and I someone I call brother and friend and I absolutely adore him. Nassar Lanado absolutely adore him. Nassar Lanado Webster. So, whatever he's here for, Webster. So, whatever he's here for, just give it to him cuz he's just just give it to him cuz he's just brilliant in everything at that. Love brilliant in everything at that. Love him. Whole family. him. Whole family. Um secondly, I came to speak real quick Um secondly, I came to speak real quick on Riviera. Everyone knows anything on Riviera. Everyone knows anything Riviera, you're going to hear from Riviera, you're going to hear from Deborah Madison. And I'm not sure how I Deborah Madison. And I'm not sure how I inherited it, but I did. I am hopeful inherited it, but I did. I am hopeful and I am prayerful that and I am prayerful that whatever kept it deferred is taken care whatever kept it deferred is taken care of and the project moves forward. of and the project moves forward. I've been doing a lot of snooping. I've been doing a lot of snooping. Director Yul Area didn't even notice Director Yul Area didn't even notice snooping I was doing and it's really a snooping I was doing and it's really a great project. great project. If there's any concerns, listen. All of If there's any concerns, listen. All of you guys are brilliant. That's why I you guys are brilliant. That's why I support you. support you. And although I fuss at BA and I fuss at And although I fuss at BA and I fuss at corporate council, they are two corporate council, they are two brilliant people and I will never take brilliant people and I will never take that from them. So, if there's anything, that from them. So, if there's anything, that from them. So, if there's anything, any minute thing you guys can any minute thing you guys can collectively collectively figure that out. But, the project really figure that out. But, the project really figure that out. But, the project really needs to move forward and we need more needs to move forward and we need more like it. And like it. And I can make one promise. I'm around. I can make one promise. I'm around. If anything is going on, I'm not going If anything is going on, I'm not going to come to you guys first. You are my to come to you guys first. You are my last resort. But, I know everyone that I last resort. But, I know everyone that I last resort. But, I know everyone that I can go to if there's any issues to bring can go to if there's any issues to bring can go to if there's any issues to bring it to their attention. Starting with it to their attention. Starting with Director Yul Area. He's become my best Director Yul Area. He's become my best friend, by the way. I like that guy. All friend, by the way. I like that guy. All friend, by the way. I like that guy. All right? So, I just want to encourage you right? So, I just want to encourage you to move it forward, please. And you guys to move it forward, please. And you guys to move it forward, please. And you guys will be very happy with it. All right? will be very happy with it. All right? Look, I'm leaving a minute Yeah. Look, I'm leaving a minute Yeah. and 4 seconds. God bless you guys. Thank and 4 seconds. God bless you guys. Thank and 4 seconds. God bless you guys. Thank you. Thank you Thank you for your comments. Next Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. The results are worried for the people. So, yesterday So, yesterday my son was kidnapped out of his bathroom my son was kidnapped out of his bathroom my son was kidnapped out of his bathroom while he was taking a dump. while he was taking a dump. And by a racist And by a racist Caucasoid Ashkenazi Newark cop. Caucasoid Ashkenazi Newark cop. I was on the phone with him I was on the phone with him when he called me because someone called when he called me because someone called when he called me because someone called and made a bogus report about him. But and made a bogus report about him. But when the officer showed up when the officer showed up all he heard was the radios while he's all he heard was the radios while he's taking a dump. taking a dump. And they never said his name. And they never said his name. He heard the the woman saying, "Oh, He heard the the woman saying, "Oh, well, he's in there." Well, who is the well, he's in there." Well, who is the he? Did he ask for you by name? No, he he? Did he ask for you by name? No, he didn't ask me I said, "Ask him. I'm didn't ask me I said, "Ask him. I'm going to speak." um called the attorney. We're on the phone. called the attorney. We're on the phone. called the attorney. We're on the phone. And when I tell him, "Look, just cut it And when I tell him, "Look, just cut it short and just go out there and see short and just go out there and see what's going on." what's going on." They kicked the door in while he's on They kicked the door in while he's on the toilet taking a dump. the toilet taking a dump. So, I pulled up just in time. So, I pulled up just in time. And I'm outside, blocked the car so And I'm outside, blocked the car so nobody's going anywhere till I get some nobody's going anywhere till I get some answers. Pulled up, rolled the window answers. Pulled up, rolled the window down. What's going on? Who are you? I said I'm his mother and why are you I said I'm his mother and why are you arresting him? Didn't let him put a arresting him? Didn't let him put a shirt on. Nothing. So, as I'm talking to him, he walks away So, as I'm talking to him, he walks away So, as I'm talking to him, he walks away from me and gets in his car. So, the one woman looks at me and it's So, the one woman looks at me and it's the oh, she recognized who I was. So, the oh, she recognized who I was. So, fast forward. fast forward. They taking the 480, then they try to They taking the 480, then they try to kill him with carbon monoxide by leaving kill him with carbon monoxide by leaving kill him with carbon monoxide by leaving him in the garage with the cars running, him in the garage with the cars running, him in the garage with the cars running, both cars. both cars. So, he had to say I smell ammonia. So, he had to say I smell ammonia. Officers mad cuz the other officer tells Officers mad cuz the other officer tells Officers mad cuz the other officer tells him tells him who I am with his him tells him who I am with his attitude. Tells him and he's called out attitude. Tells him and he's called out for being racist, then he, you know, for being racist, then he, you know, tells him, "Oh, you're done." Rolls up tells him, "Oh, you're done." Rolls up the window. So, now they have to charge the window. So, now they have to charge him with something because they know him with something because they know they're in trouble. they're in trouble. I want his badge and I'm telling you I want his badge and I'm telling you Nurk, you're on notice. Nurk, you're on notice. The only thing that's going to cool my The only thing that's going to cool my fire is if his body cam was on and fire is if his body cam was on and everything was documented. everything was documented. If everything comes back and anything If everything comes back and anything comes back differently than what I comes back differently than what I personally saw and heard, personally saw and heard, then my fire will be cooled. Until then, then my fire will be cooled. Until then, then my fire will be cooled. Until then, I want his badge, I want his job, I want I want his badge, I want his job, I want I want his badge, I want his job, I want him charged. He had the nerve to tell my him charged. He had the nerve to tell my him charged. He had the nerve to tell my son after he found out who I was, son after he found out who I was, "Oh, well, if you had just come out the "Oh, well, if you had just come out the bathroom, bathroom, you wouldn't have been arrested. You'd you wouldn't have been arrested. You'd be home right now." be home right now." He was taking a dump and told them, "I He was taking a dump and told them, "I have nothing in my hands. I'm use So, have nothing in my hands. I'm use So, what I did was, when I got there, what I did was, when I got there, went upstairs, went upstairs, took a picture of the toilet with the took a picture of the toilet with the poop tissue, poop tissue, tissue on the floor, his phone was on tissue on the floor, his phone was on the floor. the floor. And um so, now it's a whole mess. And um so, now it's a whole mess. I have the police chief involved. I have I have the police chief involved. I have I have the police chief involved. I have the deputy chief involved. I promise the deputy chief involved. I promise you, you, if this thing doesn't come back with if this thing doesn't come back with anything different than what I know, anything different than what I know, y'all got problems. y'all got problems. Thank you for your comments. Next Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. Good morning. Council members, I prepared a text. My name is Gustavo. prepared a text. My name is Gustavo. I am sorry I am sorry >> Sorry, I couldn't say your name again. I >> Sorry, I couldn't say your name again. I >> Sorry, I couldn't say your name again. I couldn't hear you. My name is Gustavo. couldn't hear you. My name is Gustavo. Mhm. Representing Ironbound Community Corporation. Um and I'm here to address a critical issue and I'm here to address a critical issue and I'm here to address a critical issue impacting our community. impacting our community. The unfair deal with the ReCommunity The unfair deal with the ReCommunity incinerator. incinerator. For nearly 35 years, the ReCommunity For nearly 35 years, the ReCommunity incinerator incinerator um formerly known as Covanta has um formerly known as Covanta has operated under an exploitative agreement operated under an exploitative agreement operated under an exploitative agreement that robbed the city of Newark of over that robbed the city of Newark of over $6.3 million every year. $6.3 million every year. These are millions and millions that These are millions and millions that should have gone towards schools, to our should have gone towards schools, to our should have gone towards schools, to our parks, our healthcare, our future, but parks, our healthcare, our future, but didn't. didn't. Instead of paying property taxes like Instead of paying property taxes like other businesses, ReCommunity pays a other businesses, ReCommunity pays a reduced host municipality fee reduced host municipality fee through an agreement made decades ago. through an agreement made decades ago. This is not fair. This is not just and This is not fair. This is not just and it must end. it must end. We are here to raise awareness to city We are here to raise awareness to city council council um as the host municipality agreement um as the host municipality agreement has now expired and it's up for renewal. has now expired and it's up for renewal. has now expired and it's up for renewal. This is a critical moment. The most This is a critical moment. The most recent host municipality agreement recent host municipality agreement expired at the end of 2024. expired at the end of 2024. As the host municipality agreement As the host municipality agreement gets negotiated, you have the power and gets negotiated, you have the power and the responsibility the responsibility to ensure that ReCommunity pays no less to ensure that ReCommunity pays no less than what it would owe in property than what it would owe in property taxes. The incinerator operating in our neighborhood today is not an isolated neighborhood today is not an isolated issue. issue. It's part of a long and painful pattern. It's part of a long and painful pattern. It's part of a long and painful pattern. One where poor, black, brown, immigrant, One where poor, black, brown, immigrant, One where poor, black, brown, immigrant, and working-class communities are and working-class communities are treated as sacrifice zones. treated as sacrifice zones. This Newark incinerator is among the top This Newark incinerator is among the top This Newark incinerator is among the top five emitters in all of New Jersey for five emitters in all of New Jersey for lead, mercury, arsenic, smog-forming lead, mercury, arsenic, smog-forming nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, and nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, and more. more. The incinerator has had over 800 permit The incinerator has had over 800 permit violations in the last 20 years, and it violations in the last 20 years, and it is responsible for the majority of is responsible for the majority of stationary source lead, mercury, stationary source lead, mercury, hydrogen chloride, and NOx emissions in hydrogen chloride, and NOx emissions in Essex County. Essex County. Our air quality is among the worst in Our air quality is among the worst in the state. Our children grow up with the state. Our children grow up with asthma, and our basic rights to breathe asthma, and our basic rights to breathe clean air continues to get violated. clean air continues to get violated. Today, I urge City Council to prioritize Today, I urge City Council to prioritize Today, I urge City Council to prioritize negotiating negotiating a fair agreement, one that reflects the a fair agreement, one that reflects the true value of the land and the true value of the land and the environmental costs. We need a deal that environmental costs. We need a deal that environmental costs. We need a deal that ensures accountability, ensures accountability, health, and justice for our community. health, and justice for our community. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker. Good morning. >> Can you hear me? Yes. Amazing. Good >> Can you hear me? Yes. Amazing. Good