Councilmember Solomon Blasts Real Estate PAC’s Misleading Attacks on Tenant Protections
Councilmember Solomon Blasts Real Estate PAC’s Misleading Attacks on Tenant Protections
Liberty Realtor’s mailer to all homeowners in Jersey City is replete with misinformation designed to further the agenda of their real estate donors
Council Member James Solomon blasted the real estate PAC - The Liberty Board of Realtors - for their misleading attacks on tenant protections sent in a mailer to all Jersey City property owners this week. Solomon, called a “tenant advocate” in the mailer, said:
“It is no surprise to see a real estate PAC use its deep pockets to mislead Jersey City voters, while attacking me, in advance of the 2021 election season. Let’s be clear: Jersey City needs strong tenant protections. Weakly written or poorly enforced laws lead to the eviction and displacement of many of the long-term residents who built this city. I am proud that my advocacy for tenants earned their criticism.”
Solomon added, “Jersey City can make the city more affordable for all residents through three polices:
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Strong tenant protections through rent control
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Building more homes, of all types, along with the infrastructure required for a liveable community
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Constructing truly affordable units, both on city owned land and through private development with a strong inclusionary zoning ordinance
Solomon further criticized the letter’s misleading claims, “It is no coincidence that the policies that this PAC advocates for pad the pockets of their developer and landlord donors. Their “study” of affordable housing is a joke. It can’t even distinguish between basic concepts like caution and correlation. It would receive a failing grade in an introductory economics or public policy course.”
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James Solomon represents downtown Jersey City as the Ward E Councilperson. He's focused on building a just city, with affordable housing and improved mass transit, bicycling, and pedestrian infrastructure. He is also an adjunct professor of political science at Saint Peter's University, New Jersey City University, and Hudson County Community College.
