Vince Mackiel *File Photo by Joseph Kuchie

Before moving to Perth Amboy, Vince Mackiel resided in South Amboy for over 30 years. As a resident in South Amboy, you could always count on Mackiel to attend all of the South Amboy Council Meetings. Unfortunately, Mackiel’s home in South Amboy was a victim of the wrath of Superstorm Sandy which destroyed his home. I know a piece of his heart still lives across the bridge.

The reason I’m bringing up Mackiel’s name is because  he was mentioned at the 2/18/15 South Amboy Council Meeting. Business Administrator Camille Tooker spoke about Resolution R-56. This Resolution was approving the settlement agreement and release between the City of South Amboy and Amboy Aggregates and Lower Main Street Development LLC.

Every city has land that is viewed as an eyesore. The property owned by Amboy Aggregates was South Amboy’s eyesore. Vince Mackiel was the catalyst that ignited the fire under the Council to have that property developed in a way to benefit South Amboy.

In the 8/22/12 issue of the Amboy Guardian, there was an article written about the Amboy Aggregates. The header read: “South Amboy: Mackiel Argues Amboy Aggregates Resolution.” In this resolution R-139-2012 it stated that the property would have certain restrictions while it remained active. Mackiel was concerned on how strict those restrictions would be and how they would affect the City of South Amboy. He was concerned about the environmental issues and would suggest to the Council that they should be more active in calling upon all government officials to help with funding projects. Amboy Aggregates wanted to continue drudging for another 10 years for the purpose of Sand Mining. This was evident in documentation Mackiel received a few years ago.

Vince is the type of person that whenever he came before the Council, he always had the  documentation to back up his arguments. While living in South Amboy, he was always passionate about the quality of life which is why he ran for Mayor or Council several times.  He ran for office as an Independent wanting to be his own man.

I’m pretty sure he’ll be very pleased that the arguments about this property over the years  was recognized by the B.A. The eyesore that he fought against will finally become something that South Amboy can be proud of.

Often times an individual may not think they can make much of a difference. Mackiel proved that if you stay on top of a case, you eventually will be heard.

I run into Vince in Perth Amboy every once in a while and he always has a big smile on his face and has a very content disposition. Every time I stop to speak to him, I know it will always be a very interesting conversation. While living in South Amboy, Vince was also a member of their historical society. He even submitted an article to the Amboy Guardian on the history of South Amboy.

Vince’s family is well known in the City of South Amboy. You can learn a little about Vince’s dedication to South Amboy  when he was spotlighted in the 2/8/12 issue of the Amboy Guardian.
Whenever you think you can’t make a difference, just remember Vince Mackiel did. See you around town, Vince.   C.M.