Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bayonne public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in public safety
Coast Guard fire and EMS agreement
A new memorandum of agreement lets Bayonne firefighters respond onto the Coast Guard cutter Sturgeon Bay for fires, medical calls, hazmat, and confined-space emergencies.
Bayonne Housing Authority accountability
A housing authority resident presented an audit showing the BHA is operating with six commissioners when state law requires seven — including a state-appointed (DCA) seat that's been vacant. The administration confirmed the vacancy is real and said it will be filled.
TNR feral cat program
Roughly a dozen residents demanded the city restore a funded TNR program for feral cats, saying volunteers are paying out of pocket. The council said it supports TNR and a voucher program but inherited no plan or funding; Business Administrator Casais committed to investigating a claimed $70,000 set-aside.
Commercial helicopter noise litigation
Bayonne would join Hudson County, Kearny, Jersey City and Hoboken in a shared legal fight over commercial helicopter noise and overflights of residential neighborhoods, contributing up to $10,000 toward expert fees.
License plate reader purchase and surveillance concerns
A $453,354 UEZ-funded phase two will install new and upgraded cameras along Broadway from 5th to 55th Street — about $883,000 invested across both phases.
Division of Code Enforcement
A proposed ordinance would create a Division of Code Enforcement inside the Department of Municipal Services, with a public hearing set for September 16, 2026.
Livestreaming and remote public participation
The council confirmed livestreaming of meetings is now permanent policy — speakers cheered it and asked for the next step: letting remote viewers actually comment during public comment.
E-bike enforcement
Bayonne cleaned up its outdated bike laws to match new state e-bike rules — 750-watt cap, age 15+, registration/insurance requirements, and park restrictions — with a police enforcement plan of awareness, education, and enforcement.