Victor M. Barrera

The Planning Board meeting agenda included the reading of notice in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Key resolutions to be recommended for adoption involved several properties, specifically: the Redevelopment Plan for 560-55th Street (Block: 118 Lot: 3), the Redevelopment Plan for 590-56th Street (Block: 123 Lot: 24), and the Redevelopment Plan for 5308 Palisade Avenue (Block: 93 Lot: 2). The meeting was scheduled to be conducted via Zoom.

The Board of Commissioners conducted a regular stated meeting. Key discussions and approvals focused on several resolutions. The board approved the payment of claims, including specific abstentions related to certain purchase orders. Consent agenda items included authorizing Change Order #1 and Pay Certification #2 for the Basketball Court Improvements Project at Verrazano Park, and the cancellation of stale dated outstanding payroll checks. Resolutions were passed to approve reimbursement to Tower West Condominium Association for solid waste and recycling collection services from 2020 to 2024, and to express strong support for the NJ Climate Superfund Act (S3545/A4696). The board also authorized entering into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Educational Services Commission of Morris County and declared properties at 560 55th Street, 590 56th Street, and 5308 Palisade Avenue as non-condemnation areas in need of redevelopment. Other actions included authorizing contracts via cooperative pricing agreements, approving the submission of a strategic plan for substance use disorder funding, establishing meeting dates for the 2026 calendar year, adopting the 2025 Hudson County Hazard Mitigation Plan, approving the sale of foreign coins, authorizing the suspension of metered parking regulations for the holiday season (December 3, 2025, through January 4, 2026), reappointment of Alain Gomez to the Planning Board, and reappointment of Jose C. Munoz to the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue Management Committee. Additionally, the board authorized the execution of a redevelopment agreement, purchase agreement, and parking lease agreement for the property at 5700-5722 Madison Street, authorized settlement in a workers' compensation matter, and authorized seeking proposals for various legal/professional services for 2026.

The meeting involved the approval of payment of claims for January 7, 2026. A Consent Agenda (Resolutions R26-001 through R26-015) was adopted, primarily authorizing refunds of tax lien redemptions and premiums, authorizing contracts with approved State Contract Vendors and Cooperative Agreement Vendors for various goods and services (including parking management services with Parkmobile, LLC and parking meters from IPS Group, Inc.), and authorizing a contract for athletic supplies and team uniforms through the Omnia Partners Cooperative Program. Further resolutions included the appointment of Lisette Castelo as Municipal Court Judge for 2026-2029, authorization for a change order and payment certificate for the 2023 Municipal Aid street improvement project, acknowledgement of the Public Notice Publication Reform (Senate Bill No. 4654), amendment to the auditing services contract with PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP, and amendment to a contract for fuel delivery with Rachles/Michele's Oil Company Inc. Resolution R26-016 adopted the 2026 Temporary Budget. During the Public Portion, a resident requested an update on the municipal court chambers and public library project timelines, receiving an estimate of six to eight months overall, with court chambers completion anticipated around March.

The regular meeting included several administrative actions, such as confirming the appointment of board officers for 2026, including the Chairperson, 1st Vice-Chairperson, and 2nd Vice-Chairperson. Key personnel appointments confirmed were the Board Secretary, Board Attorney, Board Engineer, and Board Planner. The Board addressed application matters, noting a request for reconsideration for 6321 Bergenline Avenue, which was voted upon. For application 530-540 52nd Street, the Board proceeded to a vote despite the applicant's request to postpone. Resolutions were memorialized for site plans related to Zoning Board Docket numbers ZB 2025-09, ZB 2025-16, and ZB 2025-19. Under Old Business, the Board addressed the ongoing matter of Zoning Board Docket #ZB 2021-08 concerning Jain Samaj of USA, Inc., following remand proceedings, and heard arguments from counsel regarding variance relief for the expansion of a religious use with parking provisions. During Privilege of the Floor, residents addressed the Board regarding the outcome of the ZB 2021-08 application, inquiring about future options such as reconsideration or reapplication, and expressing concerns about parking availability.

The agenda for the regular meeting included administrative matters such as the retroactive appointment of Eduardo De La Paz as a Member of The Town of West New York Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term running from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026. The board was scheduled to memorialize resolutions concerning several site plans, specifically Docket #ZB 2025-09 for 417-55th Street, Docket #ZB 2025-16 for 6127 Bergenline Avenue, and Docket #ZB 2025-19 for 6120 Buchanan Place. Under Old Business, the board addressed the continued hearing of Zoning Board Docket #ZB 2021-08 regarding Jain Samaj of USA, Inc. at 530-540 52nd Street, which was carried over from the December 4, 2025, meeting, following previous continuances from July and September 2025 meetings.