Teaneck Approves Controversial “Special Event” Ordinance to Regulate Protests

file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, after months of debate, the Teaneck Township Council passed a controversial “special event” ordinance last week by a 5-2 vote, aiming to increase regulation of protests while attempting to safeguard First Amendment rights. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the township following ongoing demonstrations linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

What the New Ordinance Does

The ordinance, six pages long and revised several times since first proposed in February 2024, was approved during the April 22 Township Council meeting. It introduces specific updates to how Teaneck manages protests, parades, and other events held on public property:

Key Changes Include:

• Definition Expansion: “Special events” now include those held on public property, and parades are officially recognized under the ordinance.

• Permit Response Time: The township will now respond to event permit applications within three days, up from the previous two.

• Event Time Window: Permitted events may now run until 10 p.m., instead of the earlier 8 p.m. cutoff.

• Protester Buffer Zone: Demonstrators must remain at least 100 feet away from religious institution property lines (previously 200 feet).

• New Permit Requirement: Protests now require an event permit, to be filed seven business days in advance, though this can be waived in response to breaking news events.

Township Attorney Scott Salmon explained these revisions during the council session, calling them “four specific discrete changes.” However, some council members and residents argued that key elements—like the seven-day permit requirement—were not clearly presented ahead of the public vote.

Mixed Reactions from Council and Residents

The ordinance drew sharply divided reactions both from the public and council members. Councilwoman Danielle Gee and Deputy Mayor Denise Belcher voted against the measure, voicing concerns about transparency, rushed public notification, and potential government overreach.

“I’m just really concerned that we haven’t thought this through,” said Gee, warning that leaving waiver decisions in the hands of a few township officials could lead to **“unintended bias and potential subjectivity.”_

Public Testimony:

• 27 residents spoke during the 72-minute public comment session.

• 11 supported the ordinance.

• 9 opposed it.

• 5 spoke broadly about the importance of free speech protections.

Some residents were also frustrated that the final revised language was only made publicly available four days before the vote, via the April 22 council agenda.

Ongoing Tensions in Teaneck

Teaneck, home to sizable Jewish and Muslim communities, has become a frequent protest site since the October 2023 Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza. Demonstrators on both sides have previously gathered outside places of worship, including Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, fueling debates over how best to ensure safety without infringing on constitutional rights.

Council Defends Vote Despite Pushback

Supporters of the ordinance—Mayor Mark Schwartz, Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen, Hillary Goldberg, Michael Pagan, and Elie Katz—argued that delaying the ordinance further wouldn’t change minds.

“We can push this off by a month, by two months, by three months, and those same people are going to not be in favor,” said Mayor Schwartz.

Deputy Mayor Orgen added that public officials, not hired consultants, are responsible for answering community concerns.

What’s Next for Teaneck?

Although the ordinance has passed, debate is far from over. Critics continue to raise concerns about potential legal challenges, especially regarding free speech, public assembly, and governmental discretion in approving permits.

For now, the ordinance is expected to guide how Teaneck handles public demonstrations, particularly in response to ongoing political and religious tensions.

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