Newark – Some Newark residents, concerned about the city’s plan to purchase the shuttered Rodney Dormitory site, have taken to social media platforms to discuss the issue.
A recent news article, regarding the proposed purchase, was the first time many residents learned of the the city’s plan to spend tax dollars on the dorms.
One resident saying “all citizens of Newark should be aware of these major items, which if approved will certainly lead to the expenditure of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money. Whether they would be good investments is not entirely clear at this time, neither is it clear how these funds would be raised and over what time period.”
Another saying “It is frightening that City Council would possibly vote to go ahead with this idea of purchasing the Rodney complex, and spending millions of dollars, without providing more information to the public.”
Adding “The purchase might be the best move for the city and it’s residents. But how do we know that?”
All of the residents agree that there should be more discussion. They also agreed that a city council meeting with a full agenda is not the right time for that discussion.
After calls from his constituents Councilman Mark Morehead has arranged to have a meeting in city council chambers tomorrow morning, Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 10:30 am.
It’s not clear if other council members will be on hand. Interested Newark residents can contact their council member here.
Other items on Monday’s agenda include votes on:
- City Manager Carol Houck’s Salary – Houck recently received a 4-percent ($5,726) raise in April of 2016 which brought her annual salary up to $148,876.
- The next step in the debate over a downtown parking garage
- A three-story apartment building planned for 40 E. Cleveland Ave.
- Third-party rental inspections
- A ban on using cell phones while biking
- Salary increases for council members
- Increasing occupancy of an apartment building under construction on Center Street
The Monday meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at city hall, 220 South Main Street in Newark.