Watch Belleville Mayor’s 2024 State Of The Township Speech

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville Mayor Michael Melham presented his 2024 “state of the township” address at Nanina’s in the Park on Monday.

Watch video footage here or view it online. The text of Melham’s speech follows below.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say, no Mayor in the history of the United States has ever walked out to, 'My Chemical Romance.'

Well… there's a Belleville connection, of course. The band's lead vocalist Gerard Way, and bassist Mikey Way were raised in Belleville and proud products of the Belleville School District. They were even both members of the high school band.

My Chemical Romance is considered one of the most influential rock groups of the 2000s and basically created the emo genre. They sell out the largest venues in the WORLD, yet, they receive no recognition from Belleville.

That fact – folks – needs to change.

I say it all the time: Belleville values our history, but it’s time Belleville's storied history begins to include the music that literally changed the world!

It's so odd, and something rarely discussed, but we are a 3.5 square mile town, of roughly 38,000 residents, a mere speck when put it in context of the United States and dare I say the WORLD, yet, somehow… this beautiful village has produced juggernauts, some of the most widely known music, and musicians in the on the Planet!

Connie Frances…. Frankie Valli…. And My Chemical Romance.

When I recently met Frankie Valli, he looked at me and said, 'When you gonna name something after me?"

And I hear it all the time, from my friend, Mike Citarella, who's here tonight, about why we can't get recognition for My Chemical Romance. Mike actually called me a few weeks ago. He said, “turn on MTV WORLD Stage.” I had NO IDEA what MTV World Stage was, or what channel I could find it on. Eventually I come see My Chemical Romance, playing to a sell-out venue in Velancia Spain!

That evening, inspired by the song, 'Welcome to the Black Parade,' and the words, 'when I was a young boy, my father took me to the city to see a marching band,' I couldn't help but ponder… that those lyrics were birth when Gerard and Mikie Way left Belleville NJ for the 20 minute ride into the City… and that song, has received millions upon millions of listens and helped create an entire genre of music.

I immediately knew my intro song and knew that I was going to make the same commitment to them, as I made to Frankie Vallie. Belleville will honor our history.

And, btw, when I say, millions of millions of listens, let me be clear, last time I checked, the official YouTube video for ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ had an astonishing 331 MILLION Views.

Not bad for a couple of Belleville Kids!

And Mike, they have my word, they will be recognized! And then we are going to get their Wikipedia page changed from Newark to Belleville!

So, onto municipal matters...

Good Evening Belleville. To Township residents, dedicated municipal employees, visiting dignitaries, distinguished guests... to my beloved family… represented tonight by the First Mom (and First friends), First Sister, the beautiful First nieces and all the First Cousins… It astounds me that SIX whole years have woven themselves into our shared history since Tommy, Naomy, and I embarked on this journey as municipal elected officials.

I stand before you not with a message of complacency, for now is NOT THE TIME to grow weary, but with a vision of unyielding optimism for our township. Belleville is not languishing in the shadows of yesteryear; rather we are on the cusp of an unprecedented era of smart growth and amazing opportunity.

Now is the moment for us to UNITE, shoulder to shoulder, so that we may usher Belleville into a period of prosperity that beckons just beyond the horizon.

My faith in our collective journey is unshakable. It is with this conviction that I pledge to persist in OUR shared mission. This evening, I invite you to join me, Tommy and Naomy, along with a united Township Council, as we navigate the path that lays before us, charting the course of Belleville's destiny.

We have already turned the page; a new chapter is underway.

Belleville is here and we are FOR REAL!

Crime is down, our community is cleaner and our housing values are SOARING!

And, most importantly, the voice of the silent majority continues to gain strength!

It's become clear, our residents relish the Belleville of today and are enthusiastic about the direction in which WE are heading.

Let me be VERY clear. This is NOT about reinventing Belleville, nor rebranding it. This IS Belleville – a vibrant and diverse community, steeped in culture, history and tradition that has thrived on its independence for more than a century.

This essence, this identity, is our core. What we are witnessing is not a transformation but an evolution. Together, we are paving the way for an even GREATER, BETTER BELLEVILLE!

Thus, I am here tonight, brimming with pride, to declare… the State of OUR Township is looking BETTER every single Day!

Amazed then I think it's been 6 years since the Melham Team

stepped onto the stage of Belleville's history with that landmark election of 2018. Or as I like to say, Tommy was six years younger!

And (where's the Township Attorney?...) almost shockingly, there's ONLY BEEN TWO International Crisis'

Ok, the first one… I was really sick, the sickest I’ve even been in my life! There's no doubt in my mind I had Covid in late 2019 prior to it sweeping the globe! Back then, the Peoples Republic of China tried to use Me, against our President, as proof Covid originated in the US.

Fast forward to earlier this year. With what began as a gesture of goodwill, for a long-standing Belleville family —raising the Tibetan Flag to celebrate their New Year, suggested by Mr. Muniz, Thank you Luis! Spiraled into my second international incident.

A relaxing Thursday evening gave way to a Friday morning that found me at the heart of a diplomatic crisis, with none other than the People’s Republic of China demanding a NJ Mayor cancel an afternoon flag raising.

Faced with inquiries from journalists, my stance was unwavering: The Flag will fly at Noon today!

I remember getting a text message from a friend, saying, “why can’t you find another Country to piss off?!?!?! And why does it always have to be a World Superpower?

To this day, I’m still dealing with the FBI and Homeland Security because according to them, ‘It’s odd to have a County engage with a local Mayor, as often as China does with me!”

Senator - We get along for a reason. We don’t back down, as a matter of fact, we tend to DOUBLE DOWN!

In 2018 Naomy, Tommy and I, approached our campaign with a clear message. We weren’t going to dangle the unrealistic promise of slashing property taxes, rather, we promised to deliver quality programs, services, events and facilities that proportionally match the taxes you pay.

Through tireless effort, we've since established a rock-solid foundation from which Belleville is set to soar.

Let's talk numbers. Last year saw a municipal budget increase of just $69. The year before, it was $47. Go back another year, and it was a mere $38.

And now, in 2024, we're holding the line, with a municipal tax increase yet again below $100. Spread over four years, we averaged an annual increase of only $63! For the average accessed house.

This Council has delivered budget after budget, with minimal increases, while continuing to deliver new fields, parks, facilities, events, programs and services. And for that, I applaud all Council Members.

And. Investments in Recreational facilities keep coming… Later you'll hear all about Planseon Park, adjacent to #9 School and Fairway Park is slated for a complete makeover. And special thanks to Gaby, Kris, Green Team and all our Community Garden volunteers, including Rita, Jonafer & Sabrina.

And while other towns build recreational facilities just for their youth, here in Belleville, we've built parks for dogs and pickleball courts for active adults! (and my niece!)

We are also taking on historic infrastructure projects like lead line replacements. To date, 500 lines have been addressed, with funding secured to revamp another 600. We are also requesting further support from the NJ Infrastructure Bank, to target 400 more lines by mid-2025.

The Federal and State mandates are clear: the EPA calls for a 7% annual replacement rate, and New Jersey law sets a 2031 deadline for total replacement.

Noble, yes, but these unfunded mandates come with a hefty price tag—nearly $40 million, which is about half our yearly municipal budget. So, remember this, when you see your taxes tick up year after year….

This is why we aggressively seek county, state and federal grants for this vital work, to mitigate the financial burden on our taxpayers.

Our recent triumphs have been achieved because we rolled up our sleeves, faced tough choices, and set our municipal house in order—a foundation from which myriad other successes have sprung.

Belleville's economy is strong. We've attracted a Starbucks, with a drive thru and an outdoor seating area, (take that NUTLEY) international companies like Lidl are coming here, and we have a letter of intent on hand from Trader Joes, which is eager to make Belleville its home. Plus, new and exciting bars and restaurants like Whiskey Priest and a fav of mine, Agave Maria. Agave Maria has the distinction of Belleville’s first commercial rooftop! And it seems like weekly, our good friend Warren at Signature Fitness is improving his offerings. Thank you Warren for being here tonight, Warren is one of our biggest community partners.

Meanwhile, as other communities see their real estate markets plateau, Belleville's housing market remains unrelenting! In the beginning of 2024, we are seeing the highest home prices in history. As prices keep increasing; those who have been here are amazed at what their homes are now worth.

Belleville realtors will testify. Currently, the market is tight—with just 18 single-family homes and 4 multi-family properties listed. It’s clear: people are clamoring to move in, and homeowners are content to stay put. Our residents are not just listing their homes at premium prices; buyers are readily meeting these figures to become a part of our community. This trend is a resounding endorsement of what’s unfolding within our borders.

I tell people all the time, taxes tick up a bit every year, but your house is worth nearly double from just a decade ago. I for one, will take that deal all day long!

When people approach me and say how happy they are with Belleville, especially with the sense of community they feel and see, I always thank them, and remind them it's a team effort. I also say we work hard every day on the small things, and we've adopted our Township Manager, Mr. Iacono's motto, "every day we try to be a little better than previous."

Speaking of Mr. Iacono, despite some personal setbacks over the past few months, he's here tonight, looking healthy and strong!

With his permission, I can honestly say, I've never seen an employee battle an illness, while remaining dedicated and committed to the Township. He rarely misses a full day, even on Treatment weeks. And for that, I'd like to thank and acknowledge him. (Ant, I read that just as you wrote it!)

Speaking of the Team, we have several other departments represented here tonight….

• Law
• DPW – Bobby is doing a great job. These guys do it all, sweeping, cleaning, snow removal, patching, planting, removing, water mains…. Planter boxes
• Clerks Office
• Court
• Building Department - A very busy department
• Fire - Newly state certified FD, Congrats Chief. Their calls are up. And we are gonna get them that Training Tower!
• Rec Department – We fixed our fields and facilities, but now it’s time to go deeper. I’m excited about what we have in store…
• Health / Vital Statistics
• Mayor’s Office
• Police - (I'll get to them later)…

Our municipal team is leaner and more youthful than it's ever been. In fact, we're so youthful that the Mayor’s Office now doubles as a pumping station for returning nursing mothers! We have certainly come a long way.

This coming July 1st, our Council will be looking noticeably different.

While the recent and unfortunate passing of Councilwoman Burke, left a vacancy on our Board, her seat, alongside those of Councilman Notari and Rovell, who have made the difficult decision to not seek re-election, will be filled this coming July 1st, based on the results of the upcoming May Ward Council Elections.

To that end, I’d like you to join me in acknowledging both Councilman Notari and Rovell, and thank them for their 20 years of service to this community.

Elected in May 2004, these gentlemen served 5 terms on the Council with ten different governing bodies, and under the leadership of three Mayors. Congratulations Men, you both served a long time and are moving on while Belleville is on Top!

As you move on… you've both endorsed candidates worthy to follow in your footsteps. Afterall, Wards have no better champions than their own Council people and I'm certain your dedicated constituents will follow your lead in supporting Diana Guardabasco in the Fourth Ward and Vic Mesce in the Second Ward.

With these changes, three new council members will join our experienced team at the July reorganization… And while Tommy may be the oldest, it's Deputy Mayor Cozzarelli who will be the most senior.

Vinnie has consistently shown alignment in vision and purpose, serving as an invaluable ally to Tommy, Naomy, and myself. Having him by our side as this Council prepares to welcome three new members will set the example for the level of unity we are striving for.

I know many were recognized earlier, but I'd also like to formally acknowledge a few of the dignitaries I work with…

But before I do so, let me say, Belleville enjoys excellent working relationships with ALL levels of Government. From our Federal Representatives, to our State Representatives, and to our County Representatives.

After redistricting, Belleville enjoys the youngest state delegation in NJ (and among the most diverse)! But make no mistake, youth doesn’t mean inexperienced. Our new State Senator, Britney Timberlake has served at the County level and spent six years in the State Assembly. In working with Britney, I’ve come to the conclusion we are a uniquely interesting pair to say the least. We are both fiercely principled, speak our mind, and aren't afraid to upset the applecart. It’s gonna be fun!

Rounding out our new LD 34 Team is Assemblyman Mike Venezia, who many of you know as the former Mayor of Bloomfield. He has valuable local insight and experience, and Belleville's own, Assemblywoman Morales, has been a teacher, and school principal in Belleville. We certainly have a well-rounded, formidable Team that I KNOW will fight hard for Belleville in Trenton!

I’d also like to formally recognize County Commissioner’s Brenden Gill and Lenny Luciano.

Speaking of Trenton, I stand before you tonight excited by the impending changes that promise to reshape the electoral process in New Jersey.

As someone who is registered as an 'unaffiliated voter,' and serving as the Mayor of our non-partisan Belleville, I have long voiced my concerns against the concept of the 'party line.' Today, we stand at the cusp of a new era where the traditional "Line" in New Jersey's electoral process is set to become a relic of the past.

We are moving towards a process that mirrors how “WE” elect our Mayor and Council members right here in Belleville. Imagine a ballot where every candidate is presented on the same line, grouped only by the office they seek, allowing voters to make informed choices free from biases. I can’t imagine a more equitable process.

Moving on to our Beloved Seniors… I find myself spending more time with our senior citizens than any other group in Belleville. I make it a point to visit the Tuesday and Friday Clubs as often as possible, particularly when I have exciting news or updates about our programs to share with them.

We have even had recent interest for another Club, a senior Hispanic Club, and if it comes to fruition, I know who’s Civic Association will be donating the first domino tables.

In the coming week, my Civic Association, along with representatives from our 34th Legislative District, will co-host a Senior Property Tax Freeze Information session. This event is designed to ensure that Belleville's seniors are well-informed and can fully benefit from tax-saving opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Providing services, events, programming, and information to our most 'Seasoned Citizens,' is something I take great pride in.

The only group that rivals our seniors for municipal attention is our esteemed veterans' organizations.

From the outset, I made a pledge to these distinguished men and women that Belleville would always honor and respect their service to our country.

We've expanded our Veterans Day observance from a single parade to an entire Veterans Day Weekend, highlighted by a 5K run in their honor.

To further our support, I established a Veterans Council, comprised of leaders from all Belleville veterans' organizations. We tend to convene prior to certain events. It was through this forum that we were asked if Belleville could become the first Purple Heart community in Essex County.

We responded with a resounding "Yes!" Furthermore, Councilman Cozzarelli and I pledged our support to help raise the $10,000 needed for a stone monument commemorating this honor.

The day we unveiled the monument was a proud one for our community.

Today, I am excited to formally announce the launch of Belleville’s Hometown Heroes program. This initiative will celebrate our veterans by displaying special banners on light poles throughout the township—a fitting tribute to those who have so bravely served our nation.

On to the topic of new revenue streams… A municipality could indeed be likened to a corporation. While running a government isn't exactly like managing a business, one principle remains consistent: the balance of income versus expenses.

Like any business or household, costs inevitably rise each year, and the Township of Belleville is no exception. However, I can assert confidently that no council in Belleville’s history has reduced the number of municipal positions, lowered starting and top salaries as aggressively as this Council has—and that is an indisputable fact.

Despite these significant cuts, the savings often seem minuscule in the grand scheme of our budget. For instance, when our budget committee celebrated the retirement of several key employees, we quickly deleted the positions; those cuts, plus others, resulted in about $400,000 in annual savings—Yet we soon faced a $2 million increase in insurance premiums.

Thus, when cuts alone can't meet our fiscal needs, we must seek new sources of revenue. That's why I'm fond of saying, we are constantly chasing new tax ratables.

This brings me to the effectiveness of our PILOT programs, which, contrary to what some believe, are not tax breaks but rather a revenue-sharing system where the township earns between 12-16% of a project's gross income.

Basically, we find additional revenue by repurposing underutilized and underperforming land.

Recently, Belleville had 24 acres of vacant land and 14 acres of old industrial buildings. Let's put 38 acres in context. Imagine a football field, now multiple that times 38!

You would be hard pressed to find that much property in Northern NJ. But these two lots, on Main St, near the Nutley border were so polluted and contaminated, the environmental cleanup costs literally prohibited development. So, the properties laid there for decades, yielding little in property taxes.

Well, this Council, thanks to strategically utilized PILOTs, incentivized developers to clean the land, and replace with modern buildings, yielding big returns for the Township. And best of all, no impact to our schools.

So, tell me again, Why PILOTs are bad???

Moreover, our commitment to community givebacks through these projects has enabled the construction of new parks and recreational facilities, such as Planseon Park, next of #9 School.

Planseon Park will feature Belleville’s first all-inclusive playground, two half court basketball courts, two more pickleball courts and another dog park.

The two redevelopment projects I just mentioned provided just over $2M for this park's reconstruction. This saves taxpayers, as the funds from such projects DO NOT come from our municipal budget.

The third positive attribute to PILOTs that opponents don’t want you to know about is that PILOTS, include a 2% construction fee that benefits Belleville’s low-income homeowners, perfect for our seniors and those on a fixed income, providing them with grants of up to $22,000 for home repairs.

When I got elected, this account had about $10,000 in it, why's that? Belleville wasn't building anything! Now, today, I stand before you to announce, Belleville currently has just north of $3 million set aside for low-income homeowners. This is a game changer for our residents!

Another new ratable we are chasing is cannabis revenue. Before, I mention the windfall of revenue Belleville expects, let me begin by saying that in 2020, the passing of this Constitutional amendment, was the largest margin of victory of any statewide cannabis legalization ballot measure in US history!

67% of New Jersey residents voted to support… and I'm fond of saying, that's 67% of those who went out on election day to vote, imagine what the real number must be. That number included 72% of Essex County voters.

And to be very clear….. The First Mom wasn't one of them! That was a fun Thanksgiving!

"I tell her all the time, it’s 2024…… everybody's high!...

All kidding aside, this Council did not take this topic lightly. We drilled down and discussed it with various professionals. And while it was a rare, split Council Vote, because we had no authority to ban cannabis and it could be delivered and consumed in Belleville, we opted for the revenue garnered from the sale of it.

Two weekends ago, myself and Deputy Mayor Cozzarelli formally cut the ribbon at Belleville's first dispensary, Natural Apothecary. Soon, Belleville will be reaping the rewards of 2% of sales, from all our Cannabis dispensaries.

And just to put the number into context, neighboring Bloomfield just completed its first full year with a dispensary. And their new municipal income…. $81K…….. A MONTH! That's $972,000 A YEAR!!! And that's just from ONE DISPENSARY.

These ARE the new ratables that will soon be offsetting municipal tax increases!

But economic growth needs access to adequate parking. And we all know parking is at a premium all over Northern NJ. By utilizing developer community contributions to acquire land for metered and permit parking lots we can enhance local commerce by turning once neglected areas into thriving commercial hubs.

To that end, this Council is embarking on several aggressive projects to acquire land across Washington Ave and Silver Lake for public parking lots.

In addition to the only two municipal lots, we ever had, we will soon be adding…

• A metered parking lot directly next to our public library
• We recently acquired a house on Washington Ave between William St and Belleville Ave which will be raised to make a pedestrian walkway to parking on Greenwich St.
• We are Exploring measures and options to acquire two more empty lots; one next to Santander Bank, the old DeWitt Bank at Tappan Ave and another lot closer to Mill St at the entrance to Belleville.
• In the Silver Lake area, we are working on a deal to take over the parking lot directly across from St Anthony's Church. Improvements to this lot, will be paid for with Developer Community Giveback money, and the lot will have the ability to convert the grossly underutilized Silver Lake light rail into an economic asset for the area. In addition, residents may also have the option to purchase monthly parking passes.

Still focused on the Silver Lake area, there's the potential for another parking lot on the North side of Belmont Avenue. These lots will go a long way to re-establishing Silver Lake as a viable Business District.

And we are just getting started in Silver Lake!

Early on we created a Redevelopment Team to collaborate with developers who were either already engaged in Belleville or interested in investing here. This team's efforts have consistently turned potential into prosperity, not just for our township but also for every resident here.

Our Team has worked with developers to introduce luxury amenities and has ensured these new buildings do NOT contribute school-age children.

Speaking of luxury amenities, our next building to come online, The Essex, will be leasing up within the next month or so… And… I’m told… ready for this, it’s going to be Belleville’s first Door Man building!

As we look ahead, I am not envisioning a Belleville overwhelmed by high-density construction. Rather, as opportunities on Washington Ave become scarce and we consciously avoid gentrification, developers are showing interest in revitalizing underused tracts down in the Valley.

Envisioning the future, I see potential for artist lofts, galleries, and even breweries that align with the Valley’s unique character, enhancing rather than overpowering it.

So, what’s next… Well…. We have a Great Redevelopment Team, we enjoy a fantastic geographical location, if we only had a location in Belleville, that needed some tender love and care, especially after nearly a decade of neglect.

Ah… Silver Lake. Ripe for revitalization, after supporting the existing light rail with parking, it will be perfectly positioned to become the charming, bustling business district Belleville has long deserved.

Franklin Street, with its existing commercial zoning, has the bones to become a vibrant downtown area that truly reflects the spirit of the neighborhood.

And that's why I'm honored to have with us tonight, Rashida Sawyer, from She's Cakes & Things. I met her during her ribbon cutting and she continues to be a voice for the Silver Lake Business District. BTW, her Cheesecakes are to die for! And with her help, and the help of her fellow entrepreneurs, I know we are going to get it done.

Let me be clear. I do NOT foresee large, residential mixed-use buildings in Silver Lake, rather lively streets, bustling with restaurants, cafes, and bars that attract both commuters and locals, possibly also transforming into a pedestrian-only zone on weekends to host live music and farmer’s markets. How’s that sound Rashida?

Immediate steps like enhancing public parking are underway, which will certainly begin to address parking and traffic concerns. Soon, I'd like to see enhanced property maintenance, a crackdown on illegal apartments and even a police substation anchoring the area.

And I believe we will have the perfect Partner to accomplish these goals in lifelong resident Patricia Inaugurato, who is a Council Candidate for the First Ward and has the support and backing of the entire municipal council.

With her 25 years on the Belleville Planning Board, as a member, vice chair and current Chairwoman, Patty's extensive experience is exactly what we need to steer Silver Lake into its bright future. Her expertise will be crucial in everything from new streetscapes to holiday decorations and zoning for outdoor dining.

Together, with a unified council, dedicated community leaders like Patty, and business owners like Rashida, we are poised to breathe new life into Silver Lake.

This is the perfect time to delve into the topic of redevelopment and dispel a trio of 'convenient' misconceptions..

PILOTs, which stand for 'Payment In Lieu Of Taxes,' are not tax breaks or abatements in the conventional sense. Instead, they replace traditional taxation with an alternative form of revenue for the municipality—hence the term 'in lieu.'

PILOTs act as catalysts, enticing developers to rehabilitate often contaminated or long neglected tracts of land, transforming them into ongoing sources of revenue for our township. Through PILOTs, we forge a partnership with developers, earning 12-16% of their gross revenue—a significant slice that offsets the absence of conventional taxes. Furthermore, these developers shoulder the burden of costly environmental clean-ups, eradicating blight and converting underutilized land into profitable, income generating assets for Belleville. These ventures are not just wins; they're grand slams for the Township.

The environmental upside cannot be overstated: lands once polluted are cleaned without municipal or taxpayer expense. And it's worth highlighting, especially regarding commercial properties, that these revitalized lands have no adverse impact on our school district.

Speaking of impact on our school district, let's clear the air: Yes, we've welcomed mixed-use residential projects, yet the idea that they exert pressure on our schools is entirely unfounded.

Why? Because our Redevelopment Team's strategic urban planning—has ensured the newly approved units are primarily one-bedroom and studio apartments, explicitly designed without dens or home offices. This thoughtful planning inherently limits the inclusion of school-aged children.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding—or, in this case, the demographic data of our newly leased residences.

Take the 58-unit building on Franklin Ave at the Nutley Border —zero children. Thank you, Mike P – This project featured Belleville’s FIRST rooftop amenity space. And I'm looking forward to your next project, on Washington Avenue, featuring a rooftop infinity pool, with cabana's, looking at New York City!!

Over on Union Ave, a stone's throw from Whiskey Priest, 21 units generating ZERO Students, but housing at least four young engineers earning $140k/year. Hats off to Mike O, - These are exactly the young professionals with disposable income to spend locally that we are looking for!

Last, Silver Lake, 248 units with a mere four children. This project BTW, just delivered their First Half Million Dollar PILOT Check, for which the Township keeps 95% of. And for the sports enthusiasts among us, does anyone know “Frank the Tank”? From Barstool Sports? Well, he lives there!

The narrative that our modern buildings are bursting the seams of our schools is a myth—a complete fabrication unsupported by the hard, indisputable facts.

Those who taught such misinformation are either blissfully unaware of the realities or, worse, intentionally deceptive to serve their own ends.

As for this municipality’s achievements, I will not allow them to be tarnished by falsehoods.

If we face overcrowding in our schools, look to the re-registration process that was neglected for the past Four Years or the repurposing of classrooms for all the new six figure administrators.

I call upon the Board of Education Trustees to re-take control of our District. This is the moment. The present situation—tax increases, test scores trailing state averages, and math proficiencies in the single digits—should not, and cannot, be the status quo. You’ve made great investments in our early childhood education, and I know it’ll pay off in the years to come, but we still need results today!

As you search for a new Superintendent, I for one, recommend getting back to the basics of… reading, writing and arithmetic. And while we are at it, let’s focus on regaining our financial independence by asking the State to remove the State Montior!

For I firmly believe that this Board would be much better at managing our affairs than unelected bureaucrats!

One last word on our luxury developments. It's crucial to clarify the timelines that shape our township's horizon. Each of these ventures undergoes an 18-24 month period of planning, design, and approval processes. Following this, a construction phase of another 18-24 months, and not accounting for unforeseen disruptions like a Global pandemic, which swept away timelines, or the subsequent supply chain challenges that rippled on for years.

Let's remember that most of the developments currently rising were birthed by decisions made in a previous administration. Not that I'm shying away from our economic successes, I'm certainly NOT!

After all, our Redevelopment Team has spared no effort in enhancing the projects passed down to us.

Our hard work has borne fruit in the form of new Public Spaces, enriching Belleville's landscape for all to enjoy. Picture the forthcoming promenade on Washington Ave, across from the Motorcycle Mall, which promises bustling retail spaces. And the future development behind the Starbucks on Franklin Ave, where plans include an amphitheater to host our community's social and cultural events.

My commitment to the great Belleville Police Department remains unwavering! As does their dedication to our community!

Under the leadership of Chief Mark Minichini, a dear friend, our police department has become a beacon of community relations, particularly in nurturing early and positive connections with our youth.

Yet, I recognize the shifting tides in our state and society demand a delicate balance between fostering community trust and upholding law and order.

Recently, we've intensified our focus on quality of life

concerns, honing in on nuisances such as parking infractions and the hazard of double-parked vehicles. The rise in enforcement is a welcome sight, echoing my discussions with, my friend, Mayor Dan Pronti of North Arlington about the Broken Window Theory, which states that visible signs of disorder in a neighborhood encourages further disorder, eventually leading to more serious crime.

Speaking of crime…. calls for service may have risen, but crime has not followed suit. We've seen a dramatic 70% reduction in robberies since 2013 and assaults have followed a similar downtrend. Burglaries have plummeted by 90% from 2016, and even compared to last year, we're down by 42%. Moreover, defying statewide trends, auto thefts in Belleville have dipped by nearly 4%, thanks in large part to our police department's proactive social media awareness campaigns.

But while our Police ensure our safety, we bear the responsibility of safeguarding our protectors. In terms of training, equipment, and technology, no council has invested more heavily in our officers as this Council has.

Nevertheless, we face a harsh truth: criminals are increasingly armed with weapons that our officers' current gear is not designed to withstand.

Speaking of their current level of protection….

Let me share a personal story with you. As a child, I would often sit on our front steps on Joralemon St with my father. And I thought it was the coolest thing, that every passing police car would beep and wave to my father. It wasn't until after my election in 2018, while moving into the Mayor's Office, that I found a plaque in my mother's basement.

It was given to him, from then Police Commissioner Pica, back in 1979, in recognition for his involvement in raising the funds for the Belleville Police Department’s first ever bullet-proof vests….

Tonight, I am sure my father could never have envisioned his son, now Mayor, addressing you all — nor could he have fathomed that those very vests would now fall short against the firepower faced today.

To be clear. Our brave officers are facing risks that they shouldn't have to.

Just a few days ago, I joined our officers at our outdoor range. I shot the new weapons in our arsenal and witnessed firsthand how their vests stand no chance against a high-powered rifle. The rounds I fired directly into a bullet proof vest, easily breached the front of the vest, and cleanly exited out the back!

Therefore, I feel a sense of duty to continue my father's legacy and make it my personal mission to outfit our police with the latest armor capable of repelling such threats.

And I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is.

In a gesture honoring my father and his dedication to our police force, I am proud to announce that, at this time, my beloved nieces will present a $10,000 check in their grandfather’s memory to the President of the Belleville PBA, Officer Gotto.

This contribution will fund new armor plates for every patrol car on duty including road supervisors, plates that can withstand the power of today's weapons.

And this is just the beginning. I will call upon our community to rally together in a fundraising initiative to ensure that every officer is equipped with this vital protection. For those who have already taken their safety into their own hands, we will seek to reimburse their personal investments. It's a cause that touches the heart of Belleville, safeguarding those who safeguard us.

In conclusion…. My friends the journey hasn't been easy; Afterall we've opted to face our challenges head on! And I'm proud to say, Belleville has stood resolute against every test and trial. We've weathered storms and braved the harsh winds of change, but through it all, we've remained steadfast.

The evidence is undeniable — our trajectory and momentum is unyielding. Belleville is truly evolving into a BetterBelleville—new services, vibrant programs, enhanced events, and landmark celebrations. And yet, as you've witnessed here tonight, this is but the beginning of things to come.

This spring, summer, and autumn will witness the blooming of pivotal projects that have been budding for years!

Our collective progress is a declaration for all who would heed its call. Belleville is NOT merely breaking ground; we are breaking new frontiers. This is the dawn of action, the rallying cry that our community, is not just awake but engaged.

We are neither reinventing nor reverting; we are reinvigorating. We are not the Belleville of yesterday nor the mirage of a new Belleville—we are simply the essence of a BetterBelleville!

This evening, I stand before you to propose a bold challenge: Let us amplify our efforts, for this is NOT the hour for rest—for this is the hour for resolve, for ambition.

There is a vast potential that lies ahead, and I extend an invitation to you all, to remain steadfast on this voyage with me!!

Will you hold the LINE? For if we remain united, I assure you, our future will be even brighter!

Together, we don't just aspire to a BetterBelleville—we are the architects of its certainty.

Thank you, Belleville. From the depths of my heart, Thank you!

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