Mayor Diaz speaks at the 1/14/16 Community Meeting at the Olive Street Community Center
*Photo by Katherine Massopust
Members of the Community were in attendance
*Photo by Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – Mayor Wilda Diaz spoke at the Community Meeting at the Olive Street Community Center on 1/14/16.
The majority of the attendees were by Perth Amboy’s youth and some concerned citizens. Council President Lisa Nanton and Bill Petrick also attended the meeting.
Mayor Diaz spoke about plans to build a firehouse in Harbortown. She also stated that there will be redevelopment in a one mile radius around the train station extending as far as Maple Street (not including the side of the street C-Town is on).
She spoke about the Municipal ID Program and encouraged the public to visit the Perth Amboy Free Public Library which is now open, although some renovations are still being completed. Diaz continued explaining that Bayview Park is now fenced off and getting ready to have an overhaul.
Diaz continued speaking about the Institute of the Arts and encouraged the public to visit the Art Gallery.
Department of Recreation Director Ken Ortiz spoke about the opening of the Brighton Avenue Building from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “Teen Night at the YMCA is on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Code Enforcement Director Frank Marrero spoke on quality of life issues.
PAFD Chief Abraham Pitre spoke, “Being a volunteer is a great opportunity. Now if you become a Firefighter you are certified anywhere in the USA. Pitre stated that more women should consider becoming firefighters and added, “It’s refreshing to see young people here.”
Deputy Chief Larry Cattano PAPD stated that there will be 13 new Police Officers sworn in (See Amboy Guardian 1/20/16 Issue, p. 7.) “It’s been more than 30 years we’ve had that many Police Officers. There will be Officers walking the beat. Now we are able to do what we couldn’t do in a number of years. We will double the amount of Special Officers. Quality of Life Issues affect everyone. We are breaking the barriers down. We participate in LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program.
Department of Public Works Director Frank Hoffman spoke about Perth Amboy’s new garbage truck that they hope to purchase and the services that the DPW offers.
A representative from the Parking Utility stated that the Pay Stations are replaced in six municipal lots.
Mayor Diaz then spoke about Shop and Dine in Perth Amboy and the use of social media to promote business in Perth Amboy. “Our goal is to maintain taxes and keep them flat.”
Mayor Diaz and the City Department Heads and Representatives then met with the attendees at the Meeting for any questions or concerns that they might have. The next Community Meeting is Thursday, January 28 at 7 p.m. at the Brighton Avenue Community Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
