The Jersey City Council heard from residents on e-bike deliveries, anti-Semitism, and Portside Towers at last night’s meeting, which started an hour late before they determined the meeting was unable to be livestreamed due to technical difficulties.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
The first reading of an ordinance that would regulate e-bike delivery drivers through their employees passed unanimously (9-0) without much discussion from the governing body.
City Clerk Sean Gallagher noted that Ward E Councilman James Solomon, the ordinance sponsor, wanted second and final reading to be held on March 20th, as opposed to March 6th, which the council agreed to.
“The profit margins for a food business are between 0 and 15 percent. For these small businesses, the motivation to own and operate a restaurant is not financial gain. Food delivery services have boomed since the pandemic,” said Jersey City Restaurant Association President Melanie Rudin, who noted that Solomon invited her to speak.
Rudin further explained that restaurants are currently challenged by the high costs of labor, food, and app fees.
“The amazingly small margins disappear with Grub Hub or Uber Eats … This is a good start. We need to protect our food businesses. These restaurants are dedicated passionate people. We need to be there for them so they are there for us,” she added to applause.
Julian Muscio, who owns the Luna restaurant across the street from City Hall, noted that profit margins are continually decreasing while food costs keep increasing.
After his remarks, Gallagher chimed in that the crab cakes at his establishment “are amazing.”
A couple other members of the public discussed the merits of the ordinance and were in favor of it.
“I have been almost hit by several motorized bikes in this city. They are breaking the law. They are riding bikes on the sidewalks. The police are not enforcing the laws. I’m sure there must be some laws,” Josephine Paige said.
“It’s definitely something that’s needed. Many things that delivery workers would ask for are not in there. You don’t work for the app. You’re an independent contractor. You go around on your bike,” explained Anna Novosyolok.
She explained she delivers for DoorDash, and they do little to prepare the workers who earn money through their app.
The majority of public commenters though addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with several Jewish residents speaking out about the rise of anti-Semitism.
“Exposure to violence of any form has serious consequences. Silence and ignoring is also assistance. We are witnessing ongoing violence in our city that cannot be ignored. Condemn the hate and attacks against residents,” exclaimed Romi Paldi.
“Calling for an intifada is violence. Shaming people just because of their religion is violence. Ignoring the situation is violence.”
Rachel Kamrasch also expressed frustration about the current state of affairs.
“Imagine if one of the speakers tonight call for death and violence against that group. Would you leave the sticker where it is?” she asked.
“I can’t understand the continued silence on what your Jewish friends and neighbors are going through. If someone calls for intifada… that person should be removed. Use your voices to condemn the antisemitism in Jersey City,” Kamrasch said to applause.
Helen Blumenthal cited “from the river to the sea” chants as being unsettling since “they don’t want me to exist” and called on city officials to combat both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
“I stand for the right of Israel to defend itself. I don’t support [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu,” Maria Blum said.
“At council meetings, we have heard hateful words directed toward us. When long live the intifada is cried, it must be condemned.”
Itai Ben Shalom stated that the current situation has unintentionally led to solidarity among the Jewish community, which he surmised could be the same for the Muslim community.
“They post stickers effectively calling for the annihilation of Israel. We all want a ceasefire. What country would accept a terrorist government on its border? You need to focus on Jersey City. Please take care of our city,” Shalom added.
Jamie Crupi also called the city to remove anti-Semitic stickers and graffiti.
While previous Jersey City Council meetings saw many criticize Israel’s intense response to the war and lament the living conditions in the Gaza Strip, none spoke last night.
Many had been in Hoboken the night before calling for a ceasefire at their council meeting.
The meeting also saw more complaints from Portside Towers residents about the lack of rent control being enforced in their building, despite winning a crucial rent leveling board decision in October.
The council and the administration’s counsel have previously said they do not want to comment on the situation due to pending litigation.
“You use every opportunity to make the rich richer. Can you still look in the mirror every morning?” Danilo Kirschner asked, claiming the process to be corrupt.
“I feel deeply disrespected by the mayor and city council. You reward us with continued ignorance. I need execution, not empty words,” Sonja Kirschner asserted.
Fulop admin is totally corrupt. That’s the answer.
Fulop did nothing for long time JC residents, he’s been a terrible mayor and now he wants to be a governor, lmao. I’ve been living here for almost 30 years and I’m ready to leave. Jersey City is a big, overpriced hotel with two supermarkets, terrible traffic and high taxes. Why don’t you build more fancy towers with 5K apartments for those who are stupid enough to pay? You pushed out long time residents already, there is nothing more to loose.