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Butting heads

6/24/15 Caucus &Council Meetings &7/6/15 Caucus Meeting

disagreement_bangingheadsPERTH AMBOY – A bar located at 223 Smith Street was a topic that started a passionate conversation between the manager and residents on Maple Street.

A Resident came up to complain about the loud music.

Business Administrator Jillian Barrack addressed that comment, “There had been recent enforcement activity that took place at that establishment and last year the Police had shut them down.”

Acting Deputy Police Chief Larry Cattano came forward to give an update on the situation. “Construction was done illegally and that’s why the bar was shut down last year. This year they fixed the problem. This is the first time we’re  hearing about shattering windows. We (The Police Department) have issued many summons to this establishment.”

The Resident responded by saying, “You should hit them in the pockets where it hurts the most.”

The managers of the bar came up to speak and they pointed to Councilman Fernando Irizarry. They were concerned because Irizarry had taken pictures of the outside of their establishment. The bar’s managers said, “There is one person (A Resident of Maple Street) who is constantly complaining.” The managers continued, “We don’t want to bother anyone or cause any trouble. We went to the Police Department and filled out an application to hire an Off Duty Police Officer to help with the problems and complaints. The neighbors get riled up when we are doing the right thing. The people complaining are doing so because their religion doesn’t agree with what we are doing.”

Another Maple Street Resident came up to voice her complaints about the bar. “The music from the bar is loud and it causes vibrations. This problem started 2 years ago, but it got worse. With a lot of liquor stores and bars comes alcohol and drugs and it’s affecting the children. We all have an opinion, but let’s all work together.”

During the Council comments, Irizarry responded to comments made by residents at this meeting and past meetings. He started out by saying, “Damned if we do. Damned if we don’t. Sometimes when I say something, my words are twisted. I didn’t say anything about the video (Dixon Rodriguez case) because I didn’t see a knife. Yes, I went to the bar (on 223 Smith St.) because of the complaints of loud music and mattresses in the back. It has nothing to do with religion or race. I didn’t do anything illegal by taking pictures.”

Councilman Joel Pabon commented, “I was there (at the bar), but you probably didn’t see me. But I did take pictures. I kind of knew what you (the bar managers) were trying to do with the mattresses. I didn’t think the music was too loud when I went, although Mr. Irizarry said it was loud when he was there. I know the business wants to be there and the residents also want it to be quiet.”

Pabon also mentioned another problem that people were complaining about. “There are people loitering at the train station and they’re going up to people and asking for money.”

Acting Deputy Police Chief Larry Cattano gave an update on the bar at the 7/6/15 Caucus Meeting. “The patrons cannot consume alcohol behind this establishment. What the owner built in the back cannot be used. We will advise Officers who patrol to make sure that the back area is not in use.”

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