Newark Engineering Dept.

Mayor Baraka announces two significant technological initiatives for the City of Newark: hosting an Amazon Alexa voice conference and launching a smart city program through the deployment of interactive kiosks. These kiosks will provide free Wi-Fi and access to city services, aiming to establish Newark as a burgeoning tech community and a smart city.

The discussion centered on snow operations following a significant weather event, noting that the city relies heavily on vendors for plowing due to having only nine municipal plow trucks, which is deemed insufficient for a city of its magnitude. Key points included the comparison of current capabilities versus privatization efforts, the time required for snow removal (estimated at two and a half to three days), and the need for the Council's support to purchase additional equipment, such as multi-use trucks with salt spreaders. Furthermore, a policy was established that during a declared state of emergency, all city employees will fall under the direction of the Office of Public Safety to ensure all hands are on deck, acknowledging and thanking volunteers who assisted during the event.

The town hall meeting focused primarily on the potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, particularly emphasizing the impact on senior residents in Newark. Senator Kim detailed the threat of up to $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, noting that two million New Jerseyans, including many seniors, children, and people with disabilities, rely on it. Discussion also covered the potential closure of hospitals due to Medicaid reimbursement reductions and proposed efforts to close Social Security offices or reduce services, which could prevent seniors from receiving timely assistance with payments. Both speakers stressed the importance of residents contacting elected officials, especially New Jersey's Republican members of Congress, to voice opposition to the proposed cuts, which they argued are designed to fund tax cuts for the wealthy rather than reduce the deficit.

The hearing addressed several applications requiring subdivision approval and site plan review, often involving variances for proposed multi-family residential developments. Key applications included the demolition and subdivision of 470-472 Avon Avenue into four lots, each proposed for a 4-story, 4-family development, with multiple 'c' variances sought across the new lots. Another item involved the subdivision of 861-865 South 12th Street to construct two new 4-story, 4-family dwellings, also requiring several variances related to setbacks, lot coverage, and parking. Minor subdivision approval was sought for 56-58 Eckert Avenue where the existing dwelling would remain. Subdivision and lot realignment were proposed for 372-376 Chadwick Avenue. An extension request was noted for a previously approved application for a 14-story mixed-use building at 81-93 Orange Street. New applications included a proposal to construct a 4-story mixed-use building at 350 Bloomfield Avenue requiring seven variances, a 32-unit residential development with retail at 661-663 Mount Prospect Avenue seeking six variances, and a proposal for an 83-unit residential development at 288 Central Avenue seeking zero variances. The minutes from December 15, 2025, were memorialized.

The 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for the City of Newark, New Jersey, serves as a strategic blueprint to leverage HUD resources for addressing critical housing and community development challenges. The plan's primary objectives are to expand access to affordable housing, prevent and reduce homelessness, improve essential public services, enhance neighborhood safety, and invest in critical infrastructure and public facilities. Key focus areas include producing and preserving affordable rental units, providing tenant-based rental assistance, expanding emergency and permanent housing options, rehabilitating owner-occupied homes, improving ADA accessibility, and supporting programs for job readiness, youth development, and economic inclusion. The intended outcomes are increased housing stability, improved service delivery to vulnerable populations, reduced exposure to crime and environmental hazards, and strengthened community assets, ultimately creating safe, stable, and vibrant communities for all residents.