'Green' incentives on council agenda
The hottest topic at tonight's Jersey City City Council caucus seems to be several "green" ordinances that push local agencies to become more environmentally conscious by purchasing hybrid vehicles, "greener" supplies and materials, and making renovations and new construction conform to higher standards.
John Mercer, Jersey City's assistant business administrator, last night gave a presentation on the proposed ordinances during the council's caucus.
Councilmen Steve Lipski and Steven Fulop were absent.
One of the ordinances provides a cash incentive for developers who meet LEED certification, with more money given for higher levels of certification. If 50 percent of projects next year achieve LEED certification, the city would refund about $437,000, Mercer estimated in the presentation.
Councilman Michael Sottolano asked why developers can't be required to meet LEED certification rather than be given incentives.
"The administration thought it was better to incentivize rather than compel," answered Jersey City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis.
"This is our effort - the administration's and our effort - to say, this is where we stand," said Council President Mariano Vega.
The ordinances will be voted on at tomorrow's 6:30 p.m. City Council meeting.
AMY SARA CLARK
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