Despite hundreds marching in his support, and a chaotic atmosphere that almost ended the meeting, Hoboken Housing Authority Executive Director Carmelo Garcia’s contract was terminated by the board of commissioners.
Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) tenants marched from 221 Jackson St. to Hoboken City Hall in support of Executive Director Carmelo Garcia before a special meeting to terminate his contract with the housing authority. (rough cuts, no narration)
Hoboken citizens squeezed into city hall for the special meeting of the HHA Board of Commissioners. Chaos erupted when Margarita Garcia, wife of Carmelo Garcia, had an altercation with a member of the crowd in support of terminating Garcia’s contract.
Editor’s Note: Portions of Roman Brice’s first person accounts of the meeting can be viewed here and here.
Amidst a raucous crowd that refused to be silenced despite a heavy police presence, Chairwoman Dana Wefer was finally able to call a vote to terminate Garcia’s contract. As the crowd continued to loudly voice their displeasure, the board passed the measure by a vote of 5-2 – with only commissioners Jeanne Rodriguez and Rob Davis voting no.
