NJ Transit Could Charge Permit Fee for Monument

By Joseph L. Kuchie —

SOUTH AMBOY – New Jersey Transit could charge South Amboy $300 per year if a 9/11 memorial is built on the plaza outside the city’s train station.

Independence Engine & Hose Co. No. 1, located next to the train station on North Broadway, came to the city with a plan for a monument to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

However, city officials learned at last Wednesday’s business meeting that NJ Transit could charge a $300 yearly permit fee if the memorial were built on their property. That number would increase by two and a half percent annually after the first year as well.

Councilman Mickey Gross was disgusted by the possibility of the city paying to put up a memorial in their town. He praised the fire department for making this initiative and wanted the rest of the council to figure something out.

“Our fire department is good enough and kind enough to do what’s right by having a 9/11 memorial to remember the people who were possibly using our train station that day and maybe never returned,” he said. “They have the nerve to charge us $300? That’s a disgrace.”

Mayor Fred Henry noted that Wednesday was the first time any of the city’s officials had heard about this permit fee. He agreed with Gross that the permit fee was unacceptable and said the city would do what it takes to get the fee waived.

“Obviously we are going to let them know this is unacceptable,” Henry said. “We can start by requesting a waiver and see where we go from there.”

NJ Transit spokesperson John Durso confirmed that there is a fee but also recognized that this was a special use for the property. He said that NJ Transit would be willing to work something out with South Amboy.

“While it is true that NJ Transit’s standard permitting fee is $300 for the use of NJ Transit property, clearly South Amboy’s proposed construction of a 9/11 memorial qualifies as a unique circumstance,” Durso said. “To that end, NJ Transit is working with South Amboy to resolve the matter in a positive fashion and further facilitate the continued development of the memorial.”

Councilman Gross suggested that the council send a letter to Gov. Chris Christie to explain the situation and try to find a way to get rid of the fee. South Amboy and NJ Transit will continue to work to reach a solution and get the monument built.