Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clifton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues with medium priority
Ukrainian Cultural Center use approval
A resolution will formalize approval allowing a cultural center and non-profit charitable organization to operate in two existing buildings on one lot at 35 Hazel Street.
Rabies Alert
A rabid fox was caught in nearby Little Falls, and Clifton health officials are telling residents to keep kids and pets away from wildlife. The practical advice: don’t touch strange animals and make sure pets’ rabies shots are current.
Early Voting
Early voting for the 2026 General Election starts tomorrow in Clifton, and you can cast your ballot in person at any Passaic County early voting site before Election Day. Basically, if you can't make it on the actual day, you've got options—no excuse to sit this one out.
School Board Election Op-ed
A Clifton school board candidate is pitching budget accountability and new elementary school programs to voters. If you care about where your local school tax dollars go, this one’s worth a look.
City Council Candidate Op-ed
John Thomas, a Clifton City Council candidate, is taking his case straight to voters with an op-ed that leans on his public-service record ahead of the election. It’s a campaign pitch, not a policy announcement, so expect more biography and positioning than budget details.
Brown water and Third River flooding
The infamous 'Gates of Hell' outfall was only 70% inspected and cleared. A proposal from American Water to finish the job is coming, part of a bigger push to fix flooding in Dutch Hill and other neighborhoods.
Commercial Vehicle Overnight Parking
Residents keep complaining about work vans and buses hoging residential street parking. The current 8,000-pound rule isn't cutting it, and the police worry any change will snag big personal SUVs. The council wants vehicle weight data and a permit-style compromise before drafting new language.
Main Avenue Streetscape Project design contract
The council was scheduled to award a professional engineering design contract to Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. for the NJDOT-funded Main Avenue streetscape project. Streetscape work can mean nicer sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks along a busy corridor.
Candidate Election Op-eds
Local City Council and Board of Education candidates are using op-eds in The Clifton Times to make their case before Election Day. It’s a quick way to see who’s asking for your vote and what they’re promising. Worth a skim if you want to cut through campaign slogans.
Election Poll Worker Recruitment
Clifton needs poll workers for the General Election, and it’s a paid gig if you want to help run Election Day. It’s a straightforward way to earn money while keeping local voting running smoothly.
Election Voting Information
Clifton just released the official 2026 General Election guide, so if you're planning to vote, this is your cheat sheet for deadlines, polling places, and registration rules. It's a quick read that could save you from showing up at the wrong spot or missing a key date.
Water Bills for the Adult Opportunity Center and City Green
The Clifton Adult Opportunity Center, which serves developmentally disabled adults, wants the city to cover about $4,800 a year in water bills for its new building, as it does for older buildings on the campus. Council will take it up next meeting.
Stormwater Compliance with NJDEP
The city is under violation notices from environmental regulators and hired Artheon for $40,000 to bring stormwater plans up to state requirements — potential fines loom if it stalls.
Third Street Sidewalk and Curb Improvements Phase 2
The city got the green light to advertise bids for new curbs and sidewalks with ADA upgrades on Third Street, funded by NJDOT state aid.