Paterson council approves $70M loan to fix ‘Math Problem’

Sharp exchanges over board appointment and finances dominate Paterson meeting

PATERSON, N.J. – A special meeting of the Paterson City Council on March 25 moved briskly through routine approvals but was marked by a tense dispute over a board appointment and a detailed discussion of the city’s finances, including a $70 million borrowing measure to stabilize cash flow.

The virtual session opened with six members present and three absent, quickly advancing into resolutions ranging from redevelopment studies to public works purchases. While several items passed unanimously with little resistance, a prolonged debate over a rent leveling bo...