(L to R) Celebrate Perth Amboy and BID Chair Barry Rosengarten, B.A. Adam Cruz, Asm. Craig Coughlin, Mayor Wilda Diaz, Congressman Frank Pallone, Sen. Bob Menendez *Photo by Bob Ned
10/15/16
PERTH AMBOY – The ribbon cutting of the reopening of Bayview Park took place on 10/15/16 after had previously been postponed from 10/8/16. Congressman Frank Pallone, Assemblyman Craig Coughlin and Senator Bob Menendez were among those who offered remarks. Business Administrator Adam Cruz was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced all the speakers.
Senator Menendez thanked Pallone and Coughlin for all the work they’ve done locally to help Perth Amboy make this happen. “The community came together and every community needs a leader. I want to thank Mayor Diaz for her leadership. Perth Amboy was devastated with millions of dollars of destruction. The community helped to get the City back in shape. Volunteers came out to help, even though some of them had major destruction to their own personal property. The unity shown by the volunteer community is what makes America great. Pallone and I bought Federal Disaster Money into the City. I’m also thinking about those on the southeast coast (Who had damage and loss of life from Hurricane Matthew). Working together, we are stronger than the storm.”
The Official Ribbon Cutting of the Reopening of Bayview Park
*Photo by Carolyn Maxwell
Frank Pallone made some remarks. He remembered the destruction from Sandy. “The boats, the Armory and the Barge – this vision that we see today is from the Mayor and City Council (who work together). It’s more beautiful than ever. The Mayor and Senator Menendez were able to get $4.7 million from the State which was matched by Federal money. The State, Federal and Local Governments work together. Economic renewal and what was built to be more resistance to the next storm. No one has done more after the aftermath of the storm (Sandy) than Senator Bob Menendez. This included beach replenishment and more.”
BID Chair Barry Rosengarten spoke next, “It’s getting better and better and all the speakers were correct. I’m in my 76th year and it’s all about you and about us and about the changes and grant opportunities that we have.”
Rosengarten talked about the Pink Ribbon Walk-a-thon which preceded the Ribbon Cutting, “It’s important that we find a cure and fund the programs year around (to combat cancer). My cousin was just diagnosed.”
Rosengarten praised BID Executive Director Roxana Troche, “She’s a leader in our City. She does a lot on her own. I will do whatever she feels is right.”
He also thanked his Personal Secretary, Yolanda Flores, “She does a lot for the community. I saw the devastation. The people who helped the City should be applauded. The Mayor appointed a Waterfront Redevelopment Committee. The Mayor was part of the Committee and did follow-ups on the progress. The Waterfront is not complete (Work still needs to be done).”
The newly renovated Bayview Park as seen by Front Street
*Photo by Bob Ned
PARA Board Member and Waterfront Redevelopment Committee Member Alan Jacobs spoke next. “I went out here today and remembered shortly after Sandy hit and the destruction. What a difference today! This is great! The Mayor had asked me shortly after Sandy to be part of the Waterfront Redevelopment Committee. Some of the other Committee Members include Barry Rosengarten, Michael George and Mike Keller amongst others. We held public meetings to see what people wanted. This Waterfront is going to stand out.”
He praised the work of Hatch Mott MacDonald PE, CME, Senior Vice President Robert C. Mainberger and his people. “You did a great job helping to rebuild the Waterfront and some of the amenities put in such as exercise stations, etc. 80% of what the Redevelopment Committee recommended has been done. We did not have a Protected Harbor or Naval Academy. Now that we have the facilities for a Protected Harbor and we have Senator Menendez and Congressman Pallone present. I ask that they go to Washington to ask that Perth Amboy become a Naval Academy Destination.”
Robert Mainberger came up to speak, “I have been working on projects in the City of Perth Amboy since the 1990’s. We’re concentrated on recovery, redevelopment and resiliency when doing the renovation so that the Waterfront stays the crown of the urban development. Before working on the project, the FEMA elevation was eight feet, but Perth Amboy was only on street level.”
Assemblyman Craig Coughlin was the last one to make remarks. He talked about how the community came together and praised the volunteers and the leadership to bring the Waterfront back. “In my opinion, Perth Amboy has the most beautiful Waterfront,” he said.
He also thanked those who walked in the Pink Ribbon Walk that took place earlier in the morning.”
The afternoon activities continued after the ribbon cutting with a hayride tour of Perth Amboy’s historical sites by City Historian Anton J. Massopust for all ages and children’s activities.
*Photos by Bob Ned & Carolyn Maxwell.
