Passionate, Transparent, Solution driven
Welcome
As a wife, mother, resident and business owner 4th Ward Lets Do This!
"Let us move forward together unleashing our true potential as a vibrant, conscientious, community for all to enjoy!"
Goals for the 4th ward
Traffic Safety
Traffic Safety
Traffic Safety
Improved traffic flow and safety for our children, bikers, and drivers can be significantly enhanced through an in-depth comprehensive study of traffic flow across all wards.
By integrating Vision Zero, real-time assessments, and future projections based on new development and infrastructure improvements, we can create a more accessible, safer, and efficient traffic patterns.
This approach allows for the identification of high-risk areas, the implementation of targeted interventions to reduce accidents, and the development of infrastructure that supports the diverse needs of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Through these measures, 4th Ward and Montclair as a community can not only improve the quality of life for residents but also moves us towards a more sustainable and resilient transportation system.
Housing
Traffic Safety
Traffic Safety
Affordable housing is a cornerstone of inclusive, sustainable urban development, with several benefits to communities and residents.
In places like Montclair, where the 4th Ward carries a disproportionately high share of affordable housing, it's important to implement a diverse set of strategies to ensure equitable distribution and access across the wards and town.
Here’s my vision as to how affordable housing benefits the 4th ward community and how to make it sustainable for everyone
Economic Stability
Affordable housing provides economic stability for working families, allowing them to allocate more resources to food, healthcare, and education, which in turn can reduce financial burden
Diversity and Inclusion
The cornerstone of Montclairs appeal. Ensures a diverse community, supporting social inclusion by enabling people from various socioeconomic backgrounds to live in the town.
Health Improvements
Reduces stress, diseases, and poor health outcomes associated with unstable, living conditions.
Strategies for Expanding Affordable Housing
Inclusionary Zoning
Incentivise developers to include a percentage of affordable units in new or rehabilitated projects such as Lackawanna Plaza. This approach helps ensure that affordable housing is distributed throughout the town, including areas outside of the 4th Ward.
Land Trusts(CLT)
Establish a community land trusts to purchase land and develop affordable housing. This method can keep housing prices stable and within reach of low and middle-income residents over the long term.
Property Tax Incentives
Offer property tax incentives, grants or stipends to landlords, many of which provide or convert their properties to affordable housing units. This can encourage the preservation and expansion of affordable housing across Montclair.
Public-Private Partnerships Engage in public-private partnerships to leverage funding, buildout of existing properties, and expertise. This method can facilitate the development of affordable housing projects that might not be feasible through public or private efforts alone. Implementing models like low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) or housing vouchers as part of the partnership agreement to ensure affordability of the projects.
Utilize Vacant Properties
Not everything needs to be built from scratch! Turning empty or rarely used buildings into affordable homes is a smart way for our Ward to solve several big problems at once. This approach not only addresses the urgent need for housing among diverse populations, including unhoused individuals, single parents, and seniors, but also contributes significantly to the revitalization of neighborhoods without environmental hazards and inconveniences that accompany new development .
Financial Assistance Programs Expand financial assistance programs for generational families and individuals wanting to stay in Montclair, such as down payment assistance and Property/neighborhood beautification assistance to landlords in order to make renting more accessible and cost effective.
Flexible Zoning Laws
Adapt zoning laws to allow for a wider range of housing types, such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes, and co-housing. This diversification can increase the affordable housing supply. The town has initiated some of these options, but we need structure, organization and townwide cross communications on these properties. Additionally, Assess single family properties for their potential to be converted into multi -housing.
Montclair we can work towards a more equitable distribution of affordable housing. This will not only benefit seniors, working-class families, and generational Montclairions, but it will also enrich the community as a whole' by fostering a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive town.
Business
Traffic Safety
Business
Support our local businesses and ensure that they have the resources to thrive in our community.
Streamline The Process
We must work to streamline the permitting and licensing processes for new businesses, making it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to start and expand their operations.
Local Business Incubators
Convert some of the identified underused properties into business incubators or co-working spaces, specifically tailored for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs
4th Ward Business District is ideal for this type of program.
Create Local Supply Chains
Local Procurement Policies Implement policies that encourage or require municipal projects and funded organizations to procure goods and services from local businesses, helping keep the money within the community.
Support Local !
Support local farmers' markets, craft fairs, and other events where local businesses can showcase and sell their products directly to the community help to generate economic sustainability.
Financial Support
By establish a local business support fund that offers grants, low-interest loans, or even microfinance options specifically designed for small businesses, including those owned by single parents and seniors. This can be done in several ways. Ideally
encouraging local businesses to invest back into the community supports cross marketing and solid business health.
Open Spaces
Festivals, seasonal markets, pop-ups and community focused events allows residents to come together in open venues, such as public plazas, parks, and neighborhoods.
Seniors
Young Trailblazers
Business
Develop housing that incorporates universal design principles, making it accessible for seniors regardless of their physical abilities.
Promote Shared Housing
Arrangements that allow seniors to live with peers or caregivers in a supportive and communal setting, reducing living costs and fostering social connections.
Integrate On-site Health Care Services within senior living communities, including regular wellness checks, physical therapy, and emergency medical care, to ensure timely and convenient access to health services. Facilitate access to in-home support services, such as meal delivery, housekeeping, and personal care assistance, enabling seniors to live independently for as long as possible.
Implement Safety Measures Emergency preparedness plans specific to the needs of seniors, including easy-to-use emergency alert systems and regular safety drills ensures the confidence our seniors need for a stress free quality of life.
Young Trailblazers
Young Trailblazers
Young Trailblazers
We need to serve our young community with creative, innovative ways of expressing themselves. Making sure the infrastructure of the 4th ward and community schools have a healthy fresh air and safe classrooms and environment for learning.
I Have A Dream
"The Hive"
Bridging the Gap
"The Hive is an innovative visionary center aimed at bridging generations, bringing together youth and seniors through the exciting worlds of gaming, robotics, arts, music and agriculture and beyond. It fosters an environment where the entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured alongside an adaptive self-sustaining agricultural system. This initiative encourages intergenerational learning, allowing seniors to share their wisdom and experiences, while also embracing new technologies. By blending the vibrancy of youth with the insights of age, The Hive cultivates a community where every member, regardless of age, is empowered to contribute, learn, and thrive."
Lifestyle
Young Trailblazers
Young Trailblazers
"My vision is to create spaces where the arts and community thrive side by side, enriching the lives of everyone in the 4th Ward and our community at large!"
Montclair offers a lifestyle enriched with activities like biking, walking, concerts, a diverse dining experience and a holistic quality of life unique to Montclair.
The 4th Ward should be poised to become our Arts District/community, a hub where affordable housing for the arts community meets the innovative spirit of future creative expression. This initiative is designed to blend comfortably with the organic feel of the 4th ward community, building a sense of togetherness within our parks and other proposed locations. Here, creativity flourishes, and residents of all ages can connect with the vibrant cultural tapestry that makes Montclair unique.
Montclair Back to Basics 101
Montclair Back to Basics 101
Montclair Back to Basics 101
It's time to get back to basic!
"As your 4th councilor, I will ensure we set a budget that includes the fundamental needs of the 4th ward. This involves setting a budget that supports my commitment to the 4th ward, thereby enhancing our community with essential services that cater to everyone's needs."
This includes not only efficient trash removal and waste management (composing), but also ensuring our ward remains clean and sustainable with proper maintenance of storefronts and residential homes.
My commitment to family inclusion is reflected in the continued improvements to parks and recreational facilities, making them safe and fully accessible and enjoyable for individuals with disabilities and beyond.
Expanding our green spaces and/or a green conservatory dedicated to promoting sustainability to provide a fresh air environment, mental healing, relaxation and self-care for all 4th ward residents.
Continued and additional support for those facing food insecurity and shelter.
Tailored educational services for students with delayed learning.
Prioritize providing inclusive LGBTQ2+ services, fostering a welcoming community atmosphere.
My goal is to meet the basic and evolving needs of the 4th ward affirming that the 4th ward receives the same level of services and opportunities as the rest of the community, enhancing the quality of life and ensuring our town thrives as a green, inclusive, and supportive community.
It's time to focus on unlocking the full potential of our ward, ensuring it receives the attention and resources it needs to thrive alongside the rest of Montclair.
Together we can make the Fourth Ward shine!
next Steps
Next Steps forward for the 4th Ward:
Upcoming Events
April 7th @ Montclair Local
April 9th @ Radio Free Interview
April 25th @ Women's Club Forum
April 26th @ Studio Air hosts Holistic Moments with Zina Floyd
May 2nd @ Meet the Candidates - Chat, Brew and Chew hosted by Cafe MOSO @ The Montclair Brewery