PARA Arguments Continue

3/6/17 Caucus & 3/8/17 Council Meeting

PERTH AMBOY – The subject of school buses parking at the train station has been a very sore point, especially by residents. Business Administrator Adam Cruz was happy to report that a majority of the buses will be relocated to a private lot by 3/30/17. “The remaining few buses will remain until the end of April because of payments that already have been made.”

R-96-3/17 – Overriding the Mayor’s Veto of an Ordinance entitled: An Ordinance amending section 99-3 of the City Code entitled Redevelopment Agency.

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez said he had just received a document pertaining to this resolution. “I haven’t had a chance yet to review it. How long do we have for an override?”

Council President Bill Petrick reminded Gonzalez that it was done in February. “If we don’t do anything tonight, then we accept the veto.”

Councilman Gonzalez responded as he has done in the past, “I would like to eliminate PARA altogether. It has served its purpose. I would like the elected Members of this Council to do this. We get blamed for everything anyway. I am concerned about Kushner. People on these Boards have no responsibility to the citizens. Let’s take over the responsibility.”

Councilman Joel Pabon was frustrated and said, “Let’s just vote on the Resolution.”

Councilman Fernando Irizarry asked, “If the Council chooses the Commissioners, it will not be voted on by the public anyway.”

When it came time to vote on R-96-3/17 it was moved by Councilman Fernando Gonzalez and seconded by Councilman Joel Pabon. Petrick, Gonzalez, Pabon and Irizarry voted “Yes.” Councilman Jelmin Caba voted, “No.” Motion Passes.