South Amboy Council Gives  Update at Business Meeting

By: Joseph L. Kuchie

SOUTH AMBOY – The destroyed C-Town property located on Bordentown Avenue is moving closer to being demolished, according to the South Amboy City Council.

Councilwoman Zusette Dato again raised concerns about the facility after initially bringing the matter to the council’s attention last month. City Attorney John Lanza explained that the court was making progress in getting the money freed up to demolish the building.

“There’s a court order where the money is coming in from the insurance company,” Lanza said. “The money is coming to do it and [Owner Edmund Paczkowski] plans on cleaning it up and taking it down.”

Mayor Fred Henry noted that Paczkowski has been very cooperative while this process unfolds and he is going through the necessary steps to make sure the building gets torn down when the money is received.

“He has received bids for demolition and he has gone through the process getting the permits,” Henry said. “He’s been very cooperative in what he needs to do. The money hasn’t been released yet but the order is there.”

“He’s been very cooperative,” added Tooker. “I have to say nobody wants that building cleared anymore then he does. Every time he passes there it’s a reminder of a family business that’s gone.”

Dato had also raised concerns last month about the fencing that is surrounding the remains of the building. Tooker noted that the conversation was had and the fence will be getting pushed back.

“He is going to push that fence back to allow people to walk on the sidewalk,” Tooker said. “The night of the fire the police and fire department were there and I guess right after they wanted something to be far away from the building just in case things fell, that’s why the fence was put there.”

One of the other big issues holding up the process is the Prosecutor’s Office investigation of arson. There has been much discussion regarding whether or not the case was closed, and the building cannot be torn down until it is made official.

“According to our Police Department they were told by the County Prosecutor that their investigation is done,” Tooker said.

“The Middlesex County Fire Marshall said it was okay to knock down the building but please check with the prosecutor’s office and please check with your own local construction official,” Council President Mickey Gross added.

All members of the council were in attendance. The South Amboy city council will hold their monthly council meeting next Wednesday, August 19th at 7:00 p.m.