PERTH AMBOY – 9/25/13 Council Meeting – Resolution R-446 – Endorsing the Morris Habitat For Humanity, Inc. Grant Application from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief Neighborhood Enhancement Program for 440 Lawrie St. Habitat For Humanity Home.

Resident Stanley Sierakowski was puzzled as to why 440 Lawrie St. would be approved for a Humanity Home when this is not a disaster area. He wondered why the Council did not ask more questions about this property.

Councilman Fernando Irizarry

There were representatives from the Morris Habitat for Humanity, Inc. who attended the 9/23/13 Caucus Meeting and answered several questions presented to them by the Council pertaining to the Lawrie Street property.

During the Caucus some of the questions asked by the Council included the criteria for those who will be chosen to occupy the house, if there would be a preference for City residents, how was the project advertised, and who would be involved in the decision making, and the general process, etc.

Some Council Members took exceptions to the remarks made by Resident Stanley Sierakowski when he said the Council did not ask enough questions about this resolution before they voted “yes” to approve it.

Councilman Fernando Irizarry said, “For someone to come here and say we don’t ask questions should look at the tape of those meetings we had pertaining to low income housing. We have no control over Federal Property.”

Councilman Kenneth Gonzalez said, “We are well informed on the agenda items and do a lot of discussion before the regular meetings.” Gonzalez urged residents to come to the Redevelopment Meeting on October 8 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. “We are all sensitive to the concerns of this project.”

Councilwoman Lisa Nanton

Before voting “yes” on Resolution R-446 Councilwoman Lisa Nanton said, “I am voting “yes” on this resolution because its a single family home, but we can’t keep subsidizing affordable housing.” She went on to say that the developers are the ones who benefit the most from these projects. Taxpayers living in the same neighborhood may be paying more taxes than those living in comparable affordable housing units.

Housing Authority Chair Dot Daniel, said, “HUD is limited in what they can do. They encourage you to partner with other non-profits. The Perth Amboy Housing Authority has no authority to choose occupants of these units. We have family self sufficiency programs to advise families on how they may seek financial solutions, when it comes to buying a home.”