Mayor & Council Meeting Tues. Dec. 19, 2023 Changes & Kingsland Ave. Plus

Traditionally, the Harrison Mayor & Council do not hold a Mayor & Council meeting on Christmas week but the Mayor James Fife has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, December 19, 2023.  The meeting, which starts at 6:15 p.m., is slated to cover a wide range of significant topics. Key resolutions include a series of resolutions awarding contracts for professional services.

Notably, the meeting will address an additional amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Waterfront Redevelopment Area, a crucial matter affecting the town's future. This amendment, Ordinance No. 1500, proposes changes in the Retail Corridor and surrounding streets, impacting pedestrian and vehicular movement in the area.  The details are not provided in the meeting’s Agenda.  There was a survey solicited but no Public Hearings and no details on what specific items will be changing in the Retail Corridor and surrounding streets.

Kingsland Avenue No Street Parking

Also on the Agenda is a resolution creating and restricting parking for residents of Kingsland Avenue due to sewer work by the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC), a move that will impact daily life for many residents. The details of the Kingsland Avenue parking restrictions are not contained on the meeting’s Agenda.

Conference Room v. Mayor & Council Chambers

Amid these significant topics, the Mayor & Council continue to hold their meeting in the Mayor’s Conference Room which is a less accommodating space that raises questions about the Mayor's commitment to public engagement. The traditional Council Chamber, known for its greater capacity and higher ceiling height, has been the longstanding venue for Mayor & Council meetings, ensuring adequate space for public attendance and participation.

Christmas Week Meeting Timing

The timing of the Mayor & Council meeting, especially when key issues are being discussed, might suggest a preference for limited public scrutiny or engagement, whether intentional or not. This shift could discourage public attendance and participation, a cornerstone of democratic governance.

Furthermore, the meeting's timing during the holiday season, when many residents are preoccupied with personal and family commitments, adds to the concerns about ensuring broad community involvement in decisions that will shape Harrison's future.

As the community prepares for the upcoming meeting, questions linger about the motives behind scheduling it on Christmas week and the implications it may have for public involvement in the town's decision-making process. The Mayor and Council of Harrison owe their constituents clarity on this issue, reaffirming their commitment to transparency and community engagement.

Residents of Harrison are encouraged to attend this meeting, despite its awkward scheduling, to ensure their voices are heard on matters that will significantly impact their community.

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