Jersey City resident and longtime educator Arlene Stein has come out strongly in support of Ward E Councilman James Solomon in the upcoming mayoral race. She points to Solomon’s vocal opposition to the city’s habit of granting sweeping tax abatements and PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements to developers—policies she says have fueled the construction boom but drained public schools of much-needed funding.
Reforming Jersey City’s Development Practices
Stein focuses on how the current PILOT deals work. Ninety-five percent of payments go to the city, five percent to the county, and none to Jersey City’s public schools.
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This setup shifts the tax burden onto homeowners and small landlords, while developers get decades-long abatements—sometimes for 30 years. A recent deal in Paulus Hook has sparked fresh questions about whether this approach is really fair or responsible.
Solomon’s Promise of Accountability
Stein says Solomon wants to bring real transparency to how development gets approved. He’s promised to audit all existing developer tax breaks and make that information public.
He also wants to end automatic abatements and make sure developers only get incentives if they actually deliver public benefits, like:
- Building deeply affordable housing units
- Maintaining fair labor standards on construction projects
- Adding genuine community amenities to new developments
Stein calls this a big change from the “developer exception” politics that have ruled city hall for years. She says it’s time to put residents first, not just insiders.
The Link Between Development Policy and School Funding
What really stands out in Solomon’s proposal is how he connects developer incentives to education funding. He wants future PILOT agreements to guarantee a set percentage of revenue goes to public schools.
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This would mean that growth actually benefits everyone—not just big property firms. Stein thinks this could finally give some relief to homeowners and renters who’ve been carrying the tax load for too long.
Challenging the “Necessary Abatement” Narrative
Stein isn’t buying the old argument that abatements are always needed to attract investors. She thinks subsidies should only go to projects that truly need them.
Jersey City’s location and reputation already make it a hot market, so why keep giving away so much? She says it’s time for leaders to ask more of developers who want public help.
Transparency and a New Vision for Growth
For Stein, Solomon stands out as the only candidate willing to challenge entrenched interests. She believes audits, public reporting, and tighter controls on development deals could finally put residents first.
Supporters of this approach hope it’ll keep the city’s economy balanced and prevent certain neighborhoods from getting overdeveloped, while making sure everyone has access to public amenities.
What This Means for Jersey City’s Future
The fight over development incentives isn’t just about budgets—it’s about what kind of city Jersey City becomes. Leaders have to figure out how to encourage growth without cutting back on public services.
Solomon’s platform tries to tie growth to real community needs, like affordable housing and school funding. It’s an ambitious vision, but maybe it’s what the city needs right now.
Connecting Policy to Everyday Life
If these changes go through, residents could see the effects in their daily lives. More school funding might mean stronger educational programs, and community-focused development could make neighborhoods feel more welcoming.
Anyone looking for things to do in Jersey City might notice more public spaces, cultural centers, and accessible facilities—little things that add up to a better quality of life.
Practical Considerations for Residents and Tourists
The ongoing development debate might even shape your decision about where to stay in Jersey City. Better community planning could spark more balanced neighborhood growth, making both fancy and affordable Jersey City hotels more appealing.
If you’re new here, these policies might matter when getting to Jersey City or picking out neighborhoods that actually match the city’s changing vibe.
Stein’s endorsement pushes for more transparency and fairness. It’s a call for a future where Jersey City’s growth really benefits everyone who lives, works, or just visits.
Development policy connects directly to education, housing, and community assets. The next chapter could feel more inclusive and sustainable—if leaders like Solomon actually follow through.
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Here is the source article for this story: Op-Ed: Solomon is the only candidate for Jersey City mayor who will check developers
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