Last Monday 2/3/14 the City of Perth Amboy was paralyzed due to the winter storm and a lack of cleaning of the sidewalks and streets of most of the Perth Amboy Business District. Another Winter Storm hits the City on Wednesday 2/5/14 with more slippery conditions and snow accumulations. Most of our handicapped and Seniors receive their Social Security checks on the 3rd of every month and near that time, it’s when they go out to the banks, cashier, post office, etc. inside to pay their bills. So once they have a chance they leave their homes to do so before the weekend storm arrive as they leave their homes early Thursday morning to do their errands, sometimes the last thing in their minds is to put a quarter in the meter once the prior quarter time has expired.
It’s so hard for them to live off a monthly check to check mode, so that when they are done paying their bills to return to their vehicle to find a $30 ticket on their windshield even though the winter conditions, and slippery sidewalks are against them despite the handicap license plates.
We have to consider the State and City Staff, but how does anyone consider the less fortunate. Even Gov. Christie said not to be outside, but these people have to go out once they have the opportunity to pay bills and get their basic needs. I could understand a ticket during regular weather, but it upsets me greatly when it’s done in-between storms especially if they are a Senior or handicapped.
Please have some consideration because one day it could be even you that is reading this message. This happened to me at 9:22 a.m. on Smith Street on 2/6/14. I packed and placed the quarter at 8:15 a.m. after taking my handicapped child to school.
-Nilda Rivera
