Paterson City Council approves bar’s dance and entertainment licenses
The Paterson City Council approved two licenses for a bar closed about two years, despite questions about the site’s history and new ownership.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — council approves dance hall and entertainment, public participation instructions (pre-application), and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
At the Paterson City Council, members asked whether the new operator would be a good neighbor; the business administrator said prior licensing penalties were resolved.
A closed bar’s history shaped questions about its new licenses. The Paterson City Council approved a new dance hall license and a new entertainment show license for Nagto Sports Bar LLC. The business administrator said the entertainment license would allow music, bands and DJs. Members discussed the difference between the two licenses and references to dancers in the application. The site had operated as a different bar before closing about two years ago.
Alex Mendez and another councilmember raised past complaints, alleged activity at the former bar and its proximity to a school. They asked about the new owner and whether the business would be a good neighbor. Maritza Davila questioned whether a previous operator might still be involved. She suggested waiting for more information but said she was prepared to vote if the Paterson City Council proceeded.
The business administrator said the prior alcohol-license issues and required penalties had been resolved. He described the applicant as a new owner seeking a new license and said the premises had received cosmetic improvements. Ruby Cotton and another councilmember questioned whether calls for service listed in the application packet could be tied to a bar that had been closed for two years. Michael Jackson said the applicant had gone through committee review and the alcohol-licensing process. Alex Mendez said raising the item for discussion did not mean denying it; he wanted a conversation with the new owner. The Paterson City Council proceeded with approval.
Public Participation Instructions (Pre-Application)
Before its first application, the Paterson Planning Board reviewed how people could take part in its virtual meeting. The vice chair gave the call-in number, 973-321-1579, and meeting ID, 8326. Callers were told to press *1 to listen or *3 to join the speaker queue. The city website and a video stream offered other ways to follow the meeting.
The Paterson Planning Board then tried to open public comment. The secretary reported that people were waiting in the queue, but attempts to connect them did not produce a speaker who could be heard. One caller appeared to be muted. The vice chair and secretary tried again and asked callers who wanted to speak to press *3.
No public comments were successfully taken during that initial check, and the Paterson Planning Board moved to its first application. The connection trouble occurred before the application began. Public testimony came later, during the comment period for that application, rather than during the opening attempt to reach callers.
Paterson City Council adds two taxi registrations
The Paterson City Council approved two additional livery registrations for Eric Taxi Car Services LLC. Michael Jackson again requested taxi-enforcement reports and information on violations, arguing that the city should change its reporting practices before approving new or additional registrations.
The approvals add vehicles to a taxi fleet while questions about enforcement reports remain unanswered.
Paterson City Council awards general engineering contracts
The Paterson City Council approved contracts with multiple vendors for general engineering services under RFQ 2026-32. The recorded discussion included a motion, a second and a roll call, but no substantive debate about the vendors, work or contract terms.
The contracts authorize vendors to provide engineering services, though the recorded discussion did not describe specific projects.
Paterson City Council fills housing authority seat
The Paterson City Council appointed a commissioner to the Paterson Housing Authority for the remainder of an unexpired term. Members congratulated the appointee and spoke about community-focused service; the source did not identify the appointee by name.
The appointment fills a Paterson Housing Authority seat for the rest of its current term.
Paterson City Council approves two more livery registrations
The Paterson City Council approved two new livery registrations, one for an individual applicant and one for Gonzalez Transportation LLC. Members discussed documentation for off-street parking as well as taxi enforcement and reporting before the approvals.
The registrations allow two more livery vehicles while parking documentation and enforcement reporting remain council concerns.
- Paterson Planning Board. Residents raised concerns about parking congestion, potential impacts to a newly paved road and utilities, and requested a barrier to block headlights and lighting from the parking area facing a neighboring home. The applicant agreed to add a fence/wall buffer, adjust lighting, and relocate the trash/recycling area.
- Paterson Planning Board. Residents raised concerns that the two-family buildings with tandem parking would worsen severe on-street parking conditions on Lawrence Street and that garages are often not used for cars. One caller stated they could not see plans while participating by phone; staff noted plans were available at the Planning Board office and via YouTube.
- Paterson Planning Board. During public comment on the 43 Grand Street application, a resident raised concerns about difficulty finding the meeting listing on the City website, the number of variances, and argued that subdividing lots harms surrounding property values and residents’ financial interests. The Board and counsel responded on process and legal standards.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Paterson had 38 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEOrdinance authorizing tax collector to purge 2025 taxes and interest for Block 4802 Lots 23 and 24 (Morris Chapter Inc.) (public hearing and adoption). Council held a public hearing and adopted an ordinance authorizing the tax collector to purge 2025 taxes and interest for Block 4802 Lots 23 and 24 pursuant to NJSA 54:4-3.6, owned by Morris Chapter Inc. Members stated the property qualified for exemption and taxes were charged incorrectly. The ordinance was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Luis Rodulfo Abinad Corona in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a resolution honoring Luis Rodulfo Abinad Corona in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The resolution was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Junior Feramine/Ferman in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a resolution honoring Junior Feramine/Ferman in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. A member referenced the honoree’s work ethic and service on the planning board/board of adjustment. The resolution was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Assocon Cultural Passion Peru New Jersey in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a resolution honoring Assocon Cultural Passion Peru New Jersey in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. A member expressed hope the group would perform dance at the celebration. The resolution was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Murtha Perez in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a resolution honoring Murtha Perez in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The sponsor described the honoree as born and raised in the Second Ward, a city employee for 20 years, and someone who helped keep City Hall and downtown looking good. The resolution was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Tiffany Rodriguez in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a resolution honoring Tiffany Rodriguez in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The sponsor referenced the honoree as a parent volunteer and involvement at East High School. The resolution was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Joanna “Jodi” Delgado in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a resolution honoring Joanna “Jodi” Delgado in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Members referenced “six strong” and looked forward to celebrating honorees. The resolution was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Marisella Ramos in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a resolution honoring Marisella Ramos in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. A member referenced an October 9 celebration date. The resolution was adopted.
- GOVERNANCEResolution commending September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Council approved a resolution recognizing September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month and recognizing survivors, families, and health care professionals. The resolution was adopted.
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