Newark Council Gives Final Green Light To Zoning Changes: VIDEO

NEWARK, NJ — A series of sweeping changes to Newark’s zoning laws have reached the finish line.

The Newark City Council gave a final green light to an ordinance that approves the controversial changes at their meeting last week. Watch the video here. Read the full text of the ordinance here.

The council voted 5-3 with an abstention on the ordinance’s second reading. The measure got “yes” votes from Patrick Council, C. Lawrence Crump, Dupré Kelly, Louise Scott-Rountree and Lamonica McIver. It got “no” votes from Carlos Gonzalez, Louis Quintana and Anibal Ramos. Michael Silva abstained from the vote.

The proposed ordinance updates Newark’s zoning and land use regulations, laying out new rules for building heights and density, and allowing for some new permitted uses in the city, such as “accessory dwelling units.” Read More: Ball Rolling Again On Proposed Zoning Changes In Newark (See What’s In Store)

Some residents have praised the proposed changes, which officials say will result in better “walkability” and the creation of more housing – a perpetual hot-button issue in Newark. But other residents are concerned that the plan will clear the way for a variety of negative development in a city that is already the most populated place in New Jersey.

Several people spoke about the zoning changes during the public comment portion of the Nov. 1 meeting, with council members responding to their comments afterwards. Watch footage below (video is cued to the discussion, hearing and vote).

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.