Teaneck Proposed Protest Ordinance Fails to Pass, Heads for Legal Review

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, a controversial ordinance proposing new regulations for special events and protests failed to pass at Tuesday’s Township of Teaneck Council meeting, as it lacked enough votes for approval. However, the council agreed to have an independent constitutional attorney review the ordinance for its legality before further action is taken.

Ordinance Overview and Council Vote

The six-page ordinance, which outlines permit requirements and restrictions for special events, was proposed by Mayor Mark Schwartz, Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen, and Councilman Elie Katz. They were the only three members to vote in favor of introducing the measure.

• Deputy Mayor Denise Belcher and Councilwomen Danielle Gee and Hillary Goldberg abstained from voting.
• Councilman Michel Pagan was the only member to vote against it.

The ordinance, detailed in the Feb. 25 agenda (Pages 22-27), seeks to establish guidelines for the time, place, and manner of public demonstrations, parades, and other special events.

Intended Purpose vs. Council Concerns

Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen defended the ordinance, emphasizing that it aims to protect First Amendment rights rather than restrict them.

“It’s meant to be protective, not restrictive,” Orgen said. “It’s meant to establish time, place, and manner regulations.”

Despite this, several council members expressed concerns about potential constitutional conflicts.

“I’m just looking at Dr. King’s statement about the only weapon that we have in our hands this evening is the weapon of protest,” said Deputy Mayor Denise Belcher. “So we want to be sure that whatever we do, it’s constitutional.”

Key Provisions of the Ordinance

The proposal includes several new permit and conduct regulations for special events:

• Permit Requirement: Special events, including parades, would require a permit issued at least 10 days in advance.
• Weapon Ban: Carrying weapons at events would be strictly prohibited.
• Noise Restrictions: Sound equipment would be banned between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Location Restrictions: Events cannot take place in police, fire, or township-owned buildings, in front of private residences, or within 300 feet of religious establishments.

Additionally, town officials would be prohibited from interfering with peaceful demonstrations, and non-participants must be allowed unobstructed access to businesses and sidewalks.

What’s Next?

Mayor Mark Schwartz remains optimistic about the ordinance’s future.

“I think when that constitutional lawyer comes back and gives a blessing, we will have a 7-0 unanimous vote,” he said.

The legal review will determine whether the proposed regulations align with constitutional protections for free speech and assembly. Until then, the ordinance remains on hold.

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