PERTH AMBOY — At the Caucus Meeting, The BID representatives Barry Rosengarten and Virginia Lugo made a presentation of a proposed planter program on Smith Street.

Rosengarten said, “The planters (on the ground) would enhance the appearance of the business district and we have the money saved for this program and we are willing to implement it with the Council’s approval.”

Virginia Lugo said, “The planters will be about 250 lb after filling. They will have BID stickers on them and have perennials. Three landscapers will maintain them.”

Councilman Kenneth Gonzalez raised his concern that they will be a receptacle for litter.

Virginia Lugo said, “The businesspeople who are a part of BID will donate money towards maintaining the planters. There will be more maintenance done in the spring and the winter.”

Barry Rosengarten said, “Our committee will keep eyes out on the planters.

Director of Public Works, Frank Dann said he has issues with maintenance and vandalism with planters. There is a potential for spray painting and toppling over of the planters. “Our department already has enough work to keep us busy without taking over any additional responsibilities. The public will be calling us if there is any problem with these planters. We need a contact number for your committee.”

Rosengarten said, “We may have to call on Public Works to help with some problems, but if we see anything that doesn’t belong in the planters, we will remove the item and dispose of it properly.

Lugo said, “We have to take a risk at improving the City’s appearance.”

Rosengarten also said that the BID’s budget for this project is $8,300. “It will be used to maintain this program. We have kept our budget under control using unexpended funds from prior years. Planters will also be placed to discourage jaywalkers.”

Lugo said, “We have worked with the police to make sure planters do not interfere with crosswalks, fire hydrants, etc.”

UEZ/BID Coordinator Roxana Troche said, “The plans are to have 60 square planters and 3 long ones on Smith Street from Convery Boulevard to High Street.”

During the meeting, the subject came up as to why hanging planters were not considered. Rosengarten said, “It would be too costly because it would involve a vehicle, a water tank and a pump. We did not create a fund for hanging plants.”

Councilman Kenneth Gonzalez asked Frank Dann if he agreed with Barry Rosengarten’s assessments. Dann said, “I will have to do further studies.”

Gonzalez said, “With the presentation of the maintenance and program presented by the BID, I am confident for voting for this program.”

Councilman Fernando Irizarry said, “I have faith that the residents will not vandalize or litter the planters.”

Resident Linda Cruz spoke after the BID made their presentation. She congratulated Barry Rosengarten and the BID for the great job they were doing to beautify the City. She also hoped that the new utility does the job as well the old Port Authority did.

Cruz said that the main reason she was here was to talk about the new garbage cans. She spoke about how they adversely affected her neighborhood. “The new garbage cans are not working for me. We are going to beautify the City, but the new blue and green garbage cans are despicable. Do what’s good for the City and not Public Works. I have called Public Works about problems with the new cans. It is especially hard for the elderly to manage. On Gordon, Market and Water Streets there is nowhere to put the cans. They are very cumbersome and hard to store. Some people just leave them on the sidewalks or on the streets. To see all these garbage cans on the streets, it looks horrible. It may be good for some neighborhoods, but not mine.”