SOUTH AMBOY – Snow on the corner of Augusta and Broadway

By: Mariyah Wojcik

SOUTH AMBOY- Citywide snow removal problems, as well as the proposed South Amboy Shop Local Program, were debated at the Feb. 11 council business meeting.

As snowfall continues to inundate the city, many pathways and crosswalks are not safe for pedestrians. Snow has not been cleared in many cases, resulting in icy conditions and treacherously high snow banks for citizens to navigate.

“I live on a corner and I clean my sidewalk and the area by the crosswalk,” said Council President Joe Connors. “Clearly residents are either neglecting to shovel their sidewalks in some cases and there is confusion as to who is supposed to clean the city crosswalks.”

Among the council members present, there seemed to be disagreement about snow removal as well.

Business Administrator Camille Tooker said, “The city is responsible for clearing away the snow from all of the crosswalks where a crossing guard is present and on main streets.”

Looking down Broadway, it is evident that the confusion over snow removal needs to be resolved sooner rather than later. At the corner of Augusta Street and Broadway, pedestrians have to navigate a large snow pile just to cross the street. This intersection is just steps away from the city council building itself.

In a move to bring in more business for local shop owners, Tooker introduced the Shop Local program to the council. The program is an economic strategy that she hopes will entice both residents and visitors to buy goods locally, rather than from large chain stores.

“The businesses would have to be on board,” said Tooker. “The businesses would offer customers a discount for purchasing items in their store. In return, the residents would receive a tax reimbursement.”

While those who own the building that their business is housed in will receive a tax deduction, renters will receive a check for the amount of their discounts. This money will be dispersed to the businesses quarterly.

Tooker spoke highly of the program, saying, “Businesses realize more revenue from repeat customers that they may not have had.”

If approved, the Shop Local program will begin later this year.

*Photo by Mariyah Wojcik