October 22, 2026

Greetings, Good People:

There's a lot happening in Jersey City, and I want to make sure you're informed—not just about the decisions being made at City Hall, but about how those decisions affect you, your family, and your neighborhood.

Last night's City Council meeting was another reminder of why community engagement matters. Residents showed up and spoke out about property taxes, public safety, housing, sanitation, and the basic services they expect from their city government.

And I hear you.

We're facing serious financial challenges, but those challenges cannot become an excuse for leaving our neighborhoods behind. If residents are being asked to pay more, they have every right to expect transparency, accountability, and quality services in return.

My position remains the same: Every neighborhood deserves the same level of attention, investment, and respect. Whether you live on Monticello Ave, Martin Luther King Drive, Ocean, Bergen, or the waterfront, your concerns matter.

We're going to keep asking the tough questions, demanding answers, and working toward solutions. That's what you elected me to do.

As always, help is coming—but we're going to keep working to make sure it gets here.

Be great on purpose,



Councilman Frank "Educational" Gilmore

FEGILMORE@JCNJ.org

www.ThePeoplesWardF.com

Property Taxes & Accelerated Tax Lien Sales: Protecting Homeowners Must Be a Priority

Last night, the City Council voted to move forward with an accelerated tax lien sale involving unpaid property taxes and municipal charges.

While the administration has explained the financial importance of this collection process, I remain deeply concerned about the impact on homeowners—particularly seniors, longtime residents, and working families already struggling with rising property taxes.

Let me be clear: A tax lien sale is not the same thing as an immediate foreclosure, but it is a serious matter that homeowners cannot afford to ignore.

Our office is pressing the administration for a clear, immediate plan to inform residents about available installment agreements, payment arrangements, and other assistance before their accounts reach a lien sale.

We want answers about when notices will go out, how residents will be contacted, what payment options are available, and how the City intends to reach our most vulnerable homeowners.

We should not be putting people at risk of losing the homes they've worked their entire lives to maintain without making every reasonable effort to connect them with assistance first.

Our priority is simple: Keep residents informed, protect homeownership, and prevent unnecessary displacement.

If you're behind on your property taxes, please don't wait until a lien sale notice arrives. Contact the City's Tax Collector at 201-547-5125 to discuss your account and ask what payment arrangements may be available.

Mental Health Crisis Response: An Important Step Forward

The Council approved Resolution 26-718, authorizing the use of competitive contracting to seek services for a community mental health crisis response program.

This is an important development in the effort to create a more appropriate response to behavioral health emergencies, particularly situations where trained crisis professionals may be better equipped to assist residents.

For years, community advocates have pushed for a system that treats mental health crises as health emergencies rather than automatically as law enforcement matters.

I have supported this effort because our residents deserve compassionate, effective crisis intervention. But approving a procurement process is not the same as delivering a functioning program.

We will continue monitoring the timeline, community participation, service model, and implementation to ensure this initiative produces meaningful results.

Monticello Avenue: Residents Deserve More Than Promises

Monticello Avenue residents made their voices heard at last night's meeting, raising concerns about public safety, litter, vacant properties, illegal activity, and declining neighborhood conditions.

The West District Commander reported several enforcement measures implemented following community meetings, including increased patrols, dedicated walking posts, surveillance resources, and coordination with quality-of-life enforcement teams.

Those efforts matter, and I appreciate the officers and residents who have remained engaged.

But the community's message was unmistakable: We need measurable improvements, consistent enforcement, and a plan that residents can actually see working.

Our office will continue working with the Friends of Monticello, public safety officials, and the administration to identify priorities, establish accountability, and support resident-led solutions, including exploration of a neighborhood block watch.

Monticello Avenue deserves the same attention and investment as every other commercial and residential corridor in Jersey City.

The Garbage Can Pilot: Cleaner Streets Should Be the Goal

Another issue raised over the past few weeks has been the City's removal of public trash receptacles from certain streets as part of a Department of Public Works pilot program.

Residents have raised legitimate concerns that removing trash cans may contribute to litter and deteriorating street conditions.

I understand the City's concern about people improperly using public receptacles for household garbage. But removing trash cans without demonstrating how streets will remain clean is not a complete solution.

We should be solving the problem of illegal dumping—not creating new problems for pedestrians, families, and business owners.

Our office supports evaluating the pilot based on actual neighborhood conditions, including litter complaints, sanitation needs, and resident feedback.

We will continue asking the administration for the pilot's evaluation criteria, its timeline, and opportunities to reconsider locations where public trash cans are clearly needed.

If a trash receptacle has been removed from your neighborhood and conditions have worsened, please let our office know by emailing LTrent@jcnj.org.

Environmental Justice Film Screening & Van Keuren Discussion

Join the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance and community partners for a free evening of dinner, film, and discussion about environmental justice and the issues affecting communities near industrial facilities.

Thursday, October 22 | 6:00 PM

City Hall Annex, 39 Kearny Avenue, Jersey City, or via Zoom.

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/VanKeurenOctTalk

State of the Streets: Episode 3

Hudson County Complete Streets invites residents and advocates to its autumn fundraiser, bringing together people who believe our streets should be safer, more accessible, and better designed for everyone—whether walking, cycling, driving, or taking public transportation.

Thursday, October 22 | 6:30 PM

The View, 201 Lincoln Park, Jersey City

Tickets: $50 | Light refreshments included; drinks available for purchase.

RSVP: https://hudcostreets.org

An Evening of Poetry Honoring Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham

On this National Day of Recognition of Systemic Repression Against Police Brutality, join #JusticeforDrew and the Drew Cubed Project for an evening of spoken word and reflection honoring the social justice legacy of Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham.

Featuring acclaimed poet and playwright Reg E. Gaines, the evening will celebrate the power of art, advocacy, and community voices in the continuing fight for justice and accountability.

Thursday, October 22 | 6:00 PM

Café Nostalgia, 409 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City

Come out, support our local community, and help keep the conversation about justice and accountability alive.

Stay Connected. Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.

Government works best when the people it serves remain informed and involved.

Whether you're concerned about rising property taxes, public safety, housing, sanitation, or neighborhood development, our office wants to hear from you.

We're not going to agree on everything, but you will always know where I stand: With the people, for the people, and accountable to the people.

Thank you for continuing to stand with Ward F.

Frank “Educational” Gilmore

Ward F Councilman

Jersey City Municipal Council

HELP IS COMING.

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