Dear Editor:
I have sent this letter from CivicJC to Mayor Steven Fulop and the City Council:
I am writing to you on behalf of the members of CivicJC to request the administration conduct an informational meeting including a Q&A for the public regarding the MLK Annex twenty-five year lease/purchase agreement.
As you may be aware, members of the public and some on the council are concerned with the financial structuring of this project and its impact on Jersey City residents. These concerns include but are not limited to:
• The use of variable interest rates
• No bid process for $45 million of taxpayer funds
• The use of developer vs. in-house services for construction of the facility with respect to cost. Ordinance 14.136 is tentatively scheduled for a second reading before the council in December and will go for a hearing before the State Local Finance Board for final approval. A meeting prior to these two events is necessary in order for the public to understand and draw a conclusion.
The opportunity for a public hearing during the council meeting would not be adequate time or proper setting for meaningful discourse. We trust that you recognize the need for better understanding and good communication between all concerned parties, and will give an opportunity for the various positions on this issue to be presented by all those interested including Business Administrator, council members and members of the public.
Sincerely,
Esther Wintner
President CivicJC