War of words
Hot topics enrage Jersey City residents

by Sonia Owchariw
Reporter staff writer
May 15, 2011

A heated argument erupted Thursday night between Jersey City resident Yvonne Balcer and Councilwoman-at-Large Kalimah Ahmad.

The City Council (9-0) approved a 30-year tax exemption for a low- and moderate-income affordable housing project being built by Pacific Landing Urban Renewal Company. The vacant lot where the property will be built is at 319 Pacific Ave., a few blocks from Liberty State Park.

Balcer shouted from the podium during the public portion of the meeting, ?We are drowning in taxes in Jersey City. It?s another burden for taxpayers. You?re adding more costs to the schools and taking more open space.?
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?We are drowning in taxes in Jersey City.? ? Yvonne Balcer
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Balcer complained about the project not paying regular taxes, and said that because it will bring in more families, it will add more costs for police officers and schools.

At one point, Balcer was directing her comments at Ahmad, who responded by telling her not to speak to her in that manner.

Read more: Hudson Reporter - War of words Hot topics enrage Jersey City residents