The city of Paterson, New Jersey, is suing the City-Council-appointed Board of Adjustment in a dispute over using in-house planners versus contract planners.
"The city [of Paterson] has filed a lawsuit against the Paterson Board of Adjustment alleging that the zoning board improperly appointed an outside consultant to serve as its planner," reports Joe Malinconico.
At issue is an $11,500 contract with consultant Gary Paparozzi, hired by Board of Adjustment. According to Malinconico "Mayor Jose 'Joey' Torres has said that using in-house planner would save the city money. But zoning board members have asserted that hiring an outside consultant would provide for independent input on applications, and they say a city staff member would be more likely to back the mayor’s position on issues."
FULL STORY: Paterson sues its zoning board in battle over appointment of planner
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