Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon is calling for no more pay-to-play schemes, as well as 20 percent affordable units in new projects as part of his development plan if elected mayor.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We need affordable housing and must hold the developers accountable. For too long the developers have called all the shots and it’s been Jersey City tenants and homeowners who have suffered,” Solomon said in a statement.
“Our city cannot thrive if its residents are being priced out. It is imperative to reform the current systems that favor only the few, while our working families struggle. Since coming into office, this has been one of my top issues and it’s why we don’t take any money from Jersey City developers—while my opponents have taken over $300,000. I am always going to be on the side of the people of Jersey City.”
Specifically, the downtown councilman plan mandates that all significant new developments citywide include at least 20 percent affordable units, upping the current requirement which is 10 to 15 percent.
This requirement will apply to all existing redevelopment plan areas, leveraging all available city financing tools to build thousands of new affordable units.
His campaign added that this will ensure that any development on city-owned land includes the maximum viable amount of affordable or workforce housing.
Additionally, Solomon will end the “pay-to-play” system for granting developers tax breaks, meaning that political contributions won’t impact development, and institute annual forensic audits of all tax abatements to ensure transparency and accountability.
As part of the drive to build more affordable units, Solomon added that he will use funds collected from development impact fees to include more homes that are deeply affordable, with rents under $1,000, advocating for state funding for affordable housing.
Solomon also says he will fight to make all rent increases above seven percent, plus the Consumer Price Index unconscionable unless substantial improvements have been made, which will apply to all residential buildings, with limited exemptions for new construction and owner-occupied properties with four or fewer units.
Furthermore, the two-term municipal official commits to creating a public database of rent-controlled buildings, “imposing triple penalties on landlords who fail to address serious habitability issues” with funds used to make repairs, banning junk fees and algorithm rent-setting, stabilizing property taxes, and building workforce housing on vacant properties.
Finally, his plan calls for preventing “Wall Street buyouts” and the downpayment and home repair assistance.
“Implementing measures to prevent Wall Street investors from acquiring homes intended for families,” his plan says.
“Creating a zero-interest loan program for first-time homebuyers to assist with down payments and for moderate- and low-income homeowners to make necessary repairs.”
This is the third plan Solomon has rolled out as part of his mayoral bid, following his anti-corruption proposal and his vision for citywide transportation.
The non-partisan November 4th mayoral contest also includes former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), ex-Board of Education President Mussab Ali, and Council President Joyce Watterman.
