The Jersey City Council is again considering dissolving their construction board of appeals,
an initiative that was defeated last year, a topic that was broached at this morning’s caucus.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“I’m bringing back the resolution to dissolve the Board of Construction Appeals and move it over to the county,” Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey explained.
“We made this decision in part because of some of the conflicts that have come up recently. And thinking it through, we realize instead of asking for resignations, it was better to move it to the county. These conflicts may arise again.”
Acting Corporation Counsel Brittany Murray said they would work on drafting a measure, which they would provide to the governing body as soon as possible.
The local legislation would have to be via ordinance, based on last year’s effort on this topic, and since it was a late item, a copy was not yet publicly available.
In an April 2nd letter from Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera to Kuldeep “Sunny” Kumar, the construction board chair and a local developer, he expressed concern over Kumar agreeing to pay over $101,000 to settle workers’ rights violations issued by the state.
“As a construction official for the City of Jersey City, you hold a position that demands the highest level of integrity, accountability, and adherence to law. Your role directly influences the safety, well-being, and rights of workers within our city,” he wrote.
“Given the gravity of these infractions and the potential implications of public trust and confidence in our municipal government, I firmly believe that it is in the best interests of Jersey City and its residents from you to resign as your position as construction official. This action would demonstrate a commitment to accountability and integrity, helping to restore the community’s faith in our city’s leadership.”
The Jersey County Council convenes on Wednesday at City Hall, 280 Grove St., which will stream live via Microsoft Teams.
