Jersey City Councilman James Solomon Introduced Right to Counsel (RTC) and Development Impact Fee Ordinance at tonight’s Council Meeting
Jersey City Councilman James Solomon Introduced Right to Counsel (RTC) and Development Impact Fee Ordinance at tonight’s Council Meeting
Jersey City, NJ – Tonight, Councilman James Solomon along with Councilmembers Frank Gilmore and Youseff J. Saleh introduced legislation aimed at providing legal counsel for low-to-moderate income tenants, financed by developers, before the City Council.
“Tonight’s vote by the City Council to move the Right to Counsel and Development Fee Ordinances forward is a critical step towards ensuring equal representation for tenants in Jersey City,” said Councilman James Solomon. “By providing access to legal counsel and ensuring developers pay their fair share in long-neglected fees, we can empower tenants to stand up against predatory landlords and improve the quality of housing in our city.”
The RTC ordinance, which is modeled after similar laws in New York City and Newark, would establish the Right to Counsel for low-to-moderate income tenants facing eviction in Jersey City. The RTC legislation was supplemented by the Development Impact Fee ordinance, which is set to generate nearly $20 million dollars for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Twenty percent of these funds will be allocated for Right to Counsel. With this funding RTC would ensure access to legal services for vulnerable residents, helping them navigate the complex eviction process and understand their rights.
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