Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clifton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
26 issues
School expansion at iLearn facility on Clifton Avenue
A memorializing resolution will formalize earlier approval of an 8,800-square-foot, two-story addition to the existing school building, along with sign and parking variances including tandem parking.
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.
City Council Election
Clifton's upcoming city council race is packed with 19 candidates vying for just 7 seats. These winning officials will hold the keys to local budgets, city development, and everyday neighborhood services.
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.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Ordinances
New no-turn-on-red restrictions on Van Houten and Valley Road, school crossing designations, and a batch of handicapped parking changes all moved forward.
Solar feasibility and city budget pressure
A $5.8 million solar project — mostly canopies at City Hall and toward the COSA center — could zero out the city's electric bill, with roughly $6 million back in federal grants and SREC credits. The council will bring Talva Energy in for a full presentation.
Health Insurance Broker Switch Under Fire
Kolodziej voted against keeping Marsh McLennan, claiming the advertised $1.1 million savings are built on inflated stop-loss numbers while health benefit costs rose $5.5 million. The majority and the city manager defended the contract, touting $2.4 million in new prescription self-funding savings.
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.
Crossing Guard Privatization Problems
Two weeks in, the privatized crossing guard program has open posts and pay complaints — one veteran guard says she was offered less money and wasn't paid. The 60-day grace period ends November 4, after which the city pays for any police officer filling a post.
ICE Enforcement Operations in Clifton
Nine people were taken by ICE from Botany Village the day of the meeting, and speaker after speaker demanded the council respond — from requesting due process protections to condemning the operation. Others defended enforcement. The council debated its limited local role as the election nears.
Disabled veteran property tax refunds
The city canceled and refunded half of a disabled veteran's first- and second-quarter 2026 property taxes — $1,766.35 total — after approving his 50% exemption.
Firefighter hires and EMT training
Clifton won a $2.1 million federal grant, but it was written for 16 firefighters while the council only approved seven positions — and councilman Kolodziej warned of future tax hits when the grant expires.
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.
Non-owner-occupied dwelling registration fees
Councilwoman Sadrakula wants a rental registration and inspection program to catch illegal apartments and unsafe conditions. The city will draft its own ordinance, adding complaint-based inspections to the model.
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.
Master Plan Zoning Ordinances (Conditional Uses)
Seven proposed amendments to the city's zoning code covering general standards, bulk requirements and conditional uses in business and industrial zones were reviewed and found consistent with the Master Plan.
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.
Styrofoam Recycling Program Economics
The county-donated styrofoam machine may be losing money where it sits; the council wants a full cost analysis before charging businesses a drop-off fee.
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.
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.