The Bloomfield Council voted unanimously to create an “unconscionable rent increase” ordinance at last night’s conference meeting, following months of discussion of the inequities in rent increases in rental properties in the township.
Although Councilman Robert Ruane had pushed to reinstate a rent control ordinance throughout the past months, the idea had been consistently voted down by the majority of the council.

Last night’s proposal was made by Councilman Bernard Hamilton, who had done research on New Jersey’s unconscionable rent increase laws as laid out by the Department of Community Affairs. He explained that according to New Jersey law, a tenant may refuse to pay an increase he feels is excessive, and can then go to court over the matter. The burden of proof is then on the landlord to show that the increase is not “unconscionable,” meaning that it is an amount that would shock the conscience of a reasonable person. Other factors taken into account include how the new rent amount compares to rents at similar rental properties, and the landlord’s expenses and profitability.

Hamilton moved to create an ordinance requiring that rent increases be tied to the CPI, and capped at 5 percent. The motion passed unanimously. Councilman Ruane said that it had been “a long road” to get to this point, but that he was glad the council is doing something to protect the renters. Councilman Joanow agreed that the ordinance is fair and reasonable.

In other business, Councilman Joanow proposed that the township pass a “pay to play” ordinance in order to be in full compliance with New Jersey law. Although Bloomfield does comply with state pay to play requirements, it does not have a specific ordinance covering the subject, and contractors who bid for municipal projects are allowed to donate to political candidates as long as they disclose the donations.

The discussion became contentious as Joanow said that such donations could influence decisions made by the council. Joanow stated, “Making it public doesn’t make it right.” The council voted against creating the ordinance by a vote of 4 to 3.

Councilman Ruane read a letter sent by Susana Sotillo of Halcyon Park, requesting that the council name Halcyon Pond after the late councilwoman, Victoria Burnett, who was instrumental in refurbishing the pond and the surrounding park. Bernard Hamilton said he would reach out to the Halcyon Park Neighborhood Association to make sure the neighborhood was in agreement with the request.

The council went into closed session at 8 p.m. to discuss litigation and personnel matters, including a proposal that unrepresented employees and department heads receive a cost-of-living increase (COLA). Ruane had wanted to discuss it in open session, but since it involved personnel matters, it was moved to closed.