Title
Dept/ Agency: Administration/Office of the Business Administrator
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Removal of Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission Member
Purpose: To request a Hearing to remove Richard Partyka from the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
Name of Appointee: Richard Partyka
Appointment Term: Re-Appointed in 2022 for a term ending on January 9, 2025
Sponsor:
Additional Information:
body
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 2:10-3 established the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 2:10-3.1 states the Declaration of Purpose and Public Policy and states that purpose is to a) effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation and use of such improvements, landscape features and districts which represent or reflect elements of this City’s cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history; b) safeguard the City’s historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in such improvements, landscape features and districts; c) stabilize and improve neighborhood areas; d) foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past; e) protect and enhance the City’s attractions to tourists and visitors and the support and stimulus to business and industry thereby provided; f) strengthen the economy of the City; and g) promote the use of landmark sites and historic districts for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the City; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 2:10-3.3 established the Commission within the Department of Economic and Housing Development which shall be known as “ Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 2:10-3.4 states that the Membership shall be in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-107 and shall consist of unsalaried members and two alternate members, all of whom have demonstrated interest, competence and/or knowledge in historic preservation; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 2:10-3.4 states that the members shall be selected as follows: a) Two Class A members consisting of persons knowledgeable in building design and construction or architectural history and who may reside outside the City; b) Two Class B members consisting of persons knowledgeable or with a demonstrated interest in local history and who may reside outside of the City; c) Five Class C members consisting of citizens of the City who shall hold no other municipal office, position or employment except for membership on the Planning Board or Board of Adjustments and; d) Two alternate members who shall meet the qualifications of Class C members; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Legistar file 13-1524 Richard Partyka was appointed by the Mayor to the Newark Landmarks and Historic Commission for a term ending 01/09/13; and pursuant to Legistar file 15-2063 Richard Partyka was reappointed for a term ending on 01/09/17; and pursuant to Legistar file 17-1255 Richard Partyka was reappointed for a term ending on 01/09/21; and pursuant to Legistar file 22-0697 Richard Partyka was reappointed for a term ending on 1/9/25; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 2:10-3:5 states that any member of the Commission may, after public hearing, be removed by the Municipal Council for cause; and
WHEREAS, Richard Partyka has engaged unnecessary and unsupportive communication regarding the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge project; and
WHEREAS, there is mutual agreement that the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge project is neither located within a historic district nor will the project impact a historic structure and therefore, the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission has little to no official role; and
WHEREAS, the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge project meets four of the purpose areas set forth in § 2:10-3.1, including 1) stabilize and improve neighborhood areas; 2) foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past; 3) protect and enhance the City’s attractions to tourists and visitors and the support and stimulus to business and industry thereby provided; and 4) strengthen the economy of the City; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. If requested by Richard Partyka, a public hearing is scheduled to be held on January 23, 2024, in the Council Chamber beginning at or after 10:00 a.m. for the purpose of considering the removal of Richard Partyka of Newark, New Jersey from the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission in accordance with § 2:10-3:5, which states, in relevant part, that any member of the Commission may, after public hearing, be removed by the Municipal Council for cause.
2. The removal resolution, if adopted, shall be effective immediately.
STATEMENT
This Resolution hereby authorizes a public hearing for the purpose of seeking the removal of Richard Partyka of Newark, New Jersey from the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.