Christie Ehret

The Lambertville City Council convened a closed session to address issues related to contracts and potential litigation, focusing primarily on affordable housing requirements. Discussions included the next steps for the Fourth Round Affordable Housing Requirements, the potential impact of the high school property's development status, and concerns regarding the Third Round Obligation and redevelopment of the old High School, particularly its environmental viability. The Court Adjudicator, Frank Banisch, shared his concerns regarding builders' remedy and warned against discontinuing negotiations for the old High School site, while council members expressed concerns about the absence of a closure plan for the landfill, PFAS contamination, and requests for financial support.

The City Council discussed issues related to personnel, contracts, and potential litigation. A proposed project from K.Hov involving 470 units was discussed, and the City Attorney will draft a response letter requesting additional information. The Governing Body members considered using the proposed project for the Village Apartments site as a starting point to collaborate with another developer. The possibility of creating a development plan for the site was discussed, with the City Attorney noting the existing zoning requirements for affordable units and the potential need to negotiate numbers with a developer if the site were declared an Area in Need of Redevelopment (AINR).

The meeting addressed various topics including a closed session to discuss attorney/client matters, approval of past meeting minutes, and administrative reports. Discussions covered the Finkle's site, public participation, and constituent concerns regarding well testing reimbursement, development threats, and park contamination. Resolutions were passed concerning budget amendments, stormwater management, the Shad Festival, tax lien redemption, library repairs, tax refunds, energy grants, and the Green Team. The council also discussed and approved a cannabis application, supported collaborative work with Habitat for Humanity, and addressed traffic ordinances and salary adjustments. Additionally, the meeting covered environmental remediation of Cavallo Park, contract awards for LSRP services, board appointments, ongoing projects, announcements, and further public participation regarding affordable housing and community development.

The meeting addressed cannabis retail hours, affordable housing, and respectful communication. Public participation was invited regarding cannabis retail hours in the CBD. An affordable housing discussion took place, with the Mayor reading documents into the record and the City Attorney outlining the structure for considering an area for redevelopment. The council discussed the status of negotiations with Khov, environmental issues, and potential alternative sites for affordable housing. The Mayor addressed misinformation circulating in the community and called for respectful communication.

The meeting included a statement of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The council approved payment for a cast bronze plaque for Ely Field. The governing body went into closed session to discuss attorney/client matters related to potential contracts and litigation. After reconvening in regular session, the meeting was opened for public participation, and there being no public comment, the public participation session was closed. The meeting was then adjourned.