TNN-A heated demand for South Ward Councilman George Muschal's resignation and investigation was made at Trenton City Council's July meeting behind his noncompliance to put down a gun in an episode with Trenton police.

The call comes in the shadow of the police shooting of unarmed 29 years old Black man Jajuan Henderson in February this year. Councilman Muschal and Police Director Wilson were silent when confronted with demands for an investigation and that Mr. Muschal was not shot like young Mr. Henderson because he was a white man.

The resolution introduced by West Ward Councilwoman Robin Vaughn failed in 3 to 3 vote.

It follows that there was skeptical debate about approval for additional funding for invisible community foot policing.

What stood out among other ordinances that were defeated was for new protective equipment for firefighters. A requirement for local businesses to provide recyclable shopping bags in response to the new state law prohibiting use of plastic bags was withdrawn to be introduced later as an amendment to a previous ordinance concerning the plastic bag prohibition.

Also of note, during the presentation by Trenton Housing Authority regarding their extended revitalization efforts in the North Ward, was the determination that the Donnelly Page Homes is now part of the west ward. The complex inclusion will expand the authority of whoever wins the West Ward council seat in November's municipal elections.

The winner will hence access and command major funds and initiatives in an area which appears to be a major focus of development in Trenton in no small part due to what seems to be the capable efforts of THA staff lead by Executive Director Jelani Garrett. Mr. Garrett and company appear to have spearheaded community have spearheaded community engagement and subsequent benefit at an impressive level. It remains to be seen why the west ward expansion happened and whether what is being planned will result in actual revitalization and inclusion for the existing community or if, as has been the usual case, it's gentrification in the guise of revitalization.

A second presentation out of what is known at this time to be five bids for redevelopment of Roebling Block 2 was also heard.

Concern was expressed that the developer's plan had too much residential development rather than a mix of retail and corporate space that is needed to rebrand the city. It was pointed out that too many developers come to Trenton and build housing with promises of supportive corporate and retail space, then take the money and run after completing the residential phase without fulfilling that part of the development plan. Over 40 people were present for the virtual six hour marathon meeting with a lot of time spent meeting with a lot of time spent with the all too common insults, sarcasm and condescension.