Trenton City Council approves multiple property sales, emergency-plan ordinance and safety measures; amendment to lower high-rise threshold withdrawn

The Trenton City Council on May 20 approved more than two dozen ordinances, largely routine sales of city-owned property, and passed several debated measures including a high-rise emergency-assistance ordinance, a firearms safe-storage ordinance and a change to parking near stop signs.

The council carried a motion to adopt an ordinance establishing a high-rise emergency assistance plan for multiunit residential buildings, as written, covering buildings of 40 units or more. Councilwoman Williams moved to amend the ordinance so the 40-unit threshold would remain in effect for one year and then decrease to 25 units; that motion was seconded but later withdrawn after discussion of legal process and timing. The council then voted to adopt the ordinance as written; roll-call votes recorded all present members voting yes.

The council also approved a firearms safe-storage ordinance following public testimony from an advocate with Mercer County Moms for Gun Sense in America, who urged safe-storage rules and public education. Councilmembers asked the administration to issue a public notice so residents know the requirement is in effect.

The council passed an ordinance changing parking rules near stop signs, reducing the no-parking distance from intersections from 50 feet to 25 feet except in school zones. Council members asked city legal staff whether the change is consistent with state law; the city’s legislative counsel said the statute permits municipal adjustments so long as school-zone rules remain unchanged.

A separate ordinance created a class of “Class 2” special law enforcement officers. Police Director Steve Wilson told council that the Class 2 officers would complete Police Training Commission–approved academy training tailored to the Class 2 role, wear a distinct uniform and serve as a staffing and workforce “feeder” while not replacing full-time sworn officers. Council members asked about training, firearms authorization and legal protections; the police director and city legal staff said Class 2 officers would receive required certifications and the department expects to follow state training rules.

Votes at a glance (ordinances on May 20):
- 25-023: Sale of city property (Lipton Avenue) — withdrawn by administration (Director Liston said street vacation required first).
- 25-026: Sale of city property (Block 27502, Lot 13) — approved; sale price $5,000.
- 25-029: Sale of city property (27401, Lot 12) — approved; sale price $3,000.
- 25-030: Sale of city property (15 Clag Avenue) — approved; sale price $3,000.
- 25-032: Sale of city property (478 North Clinton Ave) — approved; sale price $3,500.
- 25-034: Sale of city property (24 Perrin Ave) — approved; sale price $10,000.
- 25-037: High-rise emergency assistance plan (multiunit buildings of 40+ units) — amendment to change threshold to 25 after one year withdrawn; ordinance adopted as written.
- 25-039: Sale of 839 Prospect St — approved; sale price $15,000.
- 25-040: Sale of 26 Sylvester St — approved; sale price $4,000.
- 25-041: Sale of 449 Stuyvesant Ave — approved; sale price $3,000.
- 25-042: Sale of 616 Eastern Ave — approved; sale price $5,000.
- 25-043: Sale of Block 7102, Lot 23 — approved; sale price $15,000.
- 25-044: Multi-lot sale to BL Investor Group LLC (multiple addresses) — approved; sale price $40,000.
- 25-045: Amendment correcting lot designation — approved.
- 25-046: Ordinance providing for safe storage of firearms — approved after public comment urging outreach; roll call unanimous.
- 25-047: Ordinance regulating parking of vehicles near stop signs (50 ft → 25 ft, except school zones) — approved after discussion of state-law compliance; roll call unanimous.
- 25-050: Ordinance authorizing appointment of Class 2 special law enforcement officers — approved; council asked for details on training and duties during discussion.
- Additional first-reading/introductory ordinances were advanced (25-022, 25-031, 25-033, 25-048 through 25-057) with motions to introduce or approve as appropriate; several of the property-sale ordinances were carried by roll call without public comment.

What council debated: The most substantive debate centered on the high-rise emergency-assistance ordinance’s unit threshold. Councilwoman Williams said lowering the initial threshold would expand coverage to more buildings but the Fire Department recommended starting at 40 units to gain operational experience; the council discussed a phased approach but the proposed amendment was withdrawn and the ordinance was adopted at 40 units. The council also discussed notification and posting requirements for the high-rise plan.

Public comment and administration notes: One resident spoke in favor of the parking-change ordinance, saying it would help people park nearer to their homes; another speaker urged patience as the city implements traffic studies. Speakers supporting the firearms safe-storage ordinance described it as a life-saving public-safety measure and urged the city to publicize the new rule after it is adopted.

What the ordinances do not do: Formal changes to city-wide enforcement practices, staffing increases or new recurring budget line items were not adopted at the May 20 meeting except where a sale of property triggers subsequent administrative actions. The council did not discuss specific funding sources for implementing the high-rise notice and posting requirements at length during the meeting.

Next steps: The ordinance texts adopted on May 20 will be entered into the city code as specified; implementation steps (posting, notifications, training for enforcement) were discussed and staff indicated they will follow up with the council and the public.