Business Administrator
Jillian Barrick

PERTH AMBOY – At the 2/11/15 Meeting there was an ordinance authorizing an agreement with the County of Middlesex for transfer of real property for the development of a County Park.

Resident Reinaldo Aviles wanted to know, “When and who decided that this area should be a park? Were other things pursued for this land besides a park? It was originally looked at for housing and retail.”

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez said, “Barry Rosengarten  was in court for 10 years on fighting Kushner on this land. This property has been an eyesore for years. At least Barry was paying some taxes on it.”

Councilman Bill Petrick said, “This property was always intended be a park since I’ve been on the Council. And we need more parks. I’m surprised so many people are upset about giving the County a park to develop.”

There were also concerns about the property not being fenced in while it’s waiting for development.

B.A. Jillian Barrick said, “I am working with the County to get this done.

Resident David Caba wanted to know, “What was the appraisal value?”
Barrick responded, “That is something that is done only if it is sold to a private owner. Because this property is very contaminated, what can be built is limited.”

Barrick then answered Aviles’ question about other uses for the property, “We always looked at alternatives when deciding what to do with any vacant properties within the City.”