Good Evening:

Welcome to the 2014 State of the City address – Council President, Council Members, Congressman Frank Pallone, Barbara George Johnson, Clergy, Directors, employees and most notably, residents of the City of Perth Amboy. Thank you all for joining me as we reflect on our accomplishments.

Tonight, I want to give you a clear understanding of the future of this City and the steps we are taking to get there!

This is NOT about comparing ourselves to other communities, nor is it about building political agendas, rather it is about achieving something even more obvious– that is to create a home that all of our residents are proud of and one that they are willing to uphold.

The goal of my administration has been to build a firm foundation by setting a standard of excellence in service and account-ability in our government.

So, I stand before you to report on the state of our city– to show how far we have come in every aspect important to our community– public safety, development, our local economy, education, policy and social growth.

FISCAL IMPROVEMENTS

As we wrapped-up the end of the year, Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency, for the second year in a row, rewarded our budgetary makeover with a two-level upgrade from an A- (with a positive outlook) to an A+ with a stable outlook.

In fact, S&P said it best when they stated—

“The stable outlook reflects Standard & Poor’s opinion of Perth Amboy’s improved financial management practices. It also reflects our view of the city’s very strong liquidity position and strong budgetary flexibility and performances.”

This upgrade represents the commitment and respect we have for all of our residents and property owners— knowing that their future depends on our decisions, whether good or bad. And there was a need to address these concerns even if it was generally thought of as an intangible benefit to the public.

Our budget allows for every recreational program, clean-up service, government facility and staff member to continue serving YOU. It is the basis of our government, the same as it is in your very household.

The 2013 Calendar Year budget of $71 million dollars was cut by $4.1 million over the past 4 years. My administration, through much hard work has created a Surplus Rebuilding Plan, a Financial Management Plan, a Debt Management Policy and a Capital Improvement Program which have all contributed to the City’s fiscal achievements.

And even so, while having reduced our overall debt from $250 million dollars to $199 million by the end of 2014, we’ve incurred $17.1 million dollars in bonding for the overdue repairs and future mitigation to the Perth Amboy waterfront.

WATERFRONT RECOVERY

After the devastation of Sandy– this year we are finally going to see our beautiful waterfront free of fencing, where you and your loved ones can enjoy the length of our walkways.

Additionally, insurance funds and $4.3 million dollars in FEMA recovery monies have been designated for repairs and replacement of the marina, bulkheads, fishing piers, floating docks, ramps, benches and light poles.

With the expert recommendations from the members of the Waterfront Redevelopment and Recovery Advisory Committee and the American Planning Association of New Jersey, design and construction have been in progress for the past year to help restore value to our residents’ homes and properties. But most importantly, for the safety of the public.

On the southern side of the Bay, we will soon hold a ribbon-cutting for the completion of Phase 3 of the Brighton Avenue recreational facilities. It will be open this Spring, including the adult and children’s tennis courts adjacent to the Community Center and a community garden complete with plant beds and seating for outdoors classes.

We also continue to improve and expand our recreational grounds.

Just 2 weeks ago the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a $5 million dollar investment and purchased a large tract of vacant property located on High Street, directly across from the Middlesex County Vocational-Technical School, to build a state-of-the-art county park and open space recreation area.

Middlesex County’s parks have always been well utilized and they provide a broad-range of recreational activities for all! Now, our residents and the residents of Middlesex County will have new grounds and facilities to help them stay fit and healthy, as they enjoy historic Perth Amboy and our beloved waterfront. I want to thank Freeholder Director Ronald Rios, Deputy Director Carol Baret-Bellante and all the freeholders for their initiative in providing this amazing opportunity.

Also this past summer, along with KABOOM, Foresters, JRF and several departments we built a new playground at Francis Street Park, in one day with hundreds of volunteers and residents.

As recreational facilities increase for residents, I have initiated a project for their pets. Last week, I located a site for a future dog park and we will begin the planning stages in the next few months. Additionally, services in the Animal Shelter have been upgraded with pet-friendly events, minor facility repairs and improved customer service which has created a welcoming environment.

Our harbor is an integral part of our history ever since the first homes were built here in 1683. It’s a vital recreational, natural and economic asset that is experienced in a multitude of ways including dining, concert-going, walking, fishing and boating. More importantly, it is a vital element of the city’s identity.

All-in-all, these recreational goals will meet the redevelopment initiatives in the master plan and will create greater access to the Arthur Kill and Raritan Bay. While working with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Public Access Plan being prepared will create NEW and BETTER opportunities for waterway access and usage.

Buckeye Partners and Viridian Partners have recognized this quintessential asset, as they expand their businesses and take advantage of our water ports and proximity to the New York harbor. Viridian’s demolition is complete. They will soon be shovel ready and seeking tenants. While Buckeye has purchased all Hess sites, our site is one of the largest multi-modal terminals in the region.

The projects represents a coalition in which Perth Amboy has promoted the redevelopment of underutilized land with the objective of creating quality local jobs and improving the landscape of this historic, industrial community.

To ensure that Perth Amboy benefits from the economic expansion, last February, I held a meeting with all the local union representatives and corporate reps alike in one room so that our residents and locals are priority for job opportunities.

My administration is committed to creating a working relationship between these parties. I commend the laborers for their willingness to work together with the City of Perth Amboy. I also want to thank Kevin Duncan, President of the Middlesex County Construction and Building Trades Council for sharing my vision of uniting all labor unions for future partnership.

When creating a successful business environment, we all need to work together. Our small businesses are a vital part of the City– By-and-large, they contribute to the overall urban character of Perth Amboy.

Already, we are working with the Jewish Renaissance Foundation in a planning project to create ways to improve our downtown area and Gateway neighborhood. This area is 42 square blocks of property covering regions in the vicinity of Convery Boulevard, Fayette Street, First Street and the Raritan River.

This location is also the home of 36 acres of prime property that has remained vacant for over 20 years—the Celotex property, which has recently piqued the interest of several developers.

Additionally, a grant funded by “Together North Jersey,” of $90,000 dollars will allow us to develop planning activities promoting sustainable, livable, and transit-oriented development. Over 20 local, county and state officials; including Assemblyman Craig Coughlin toured our waterfront and business district at the end of February to begin implementing our development goals.

This brings me to my next priority– the Perth Amboy Train Station! We want to build an area plan within half a mile of the Train Station. The plan will be used to support the goal of creating a transit oriented development to achieve “Transit Village Status.” Objectives include increasing transit ridership, addressing growth, and encouraging investment in the transit-accessible area.

This is not only a matter of economic development or preserving a historic treasure. It is also a matter of safety!

The Department of Transportation Commissioner, James Simpson and several other officials visited Perth Amboy last summer and witnessed firsthand the difficulties that hinder commuters from utilizing the Perth Amboy Train Station, specifically those traveling with children, seniors or persons with disabilities.

Just a few months later, I found myself in a similar situation, because the station was not conducive to something as simple as traveling with luggage. There is no reason why you should not be able to enter and exit the train in your own City.

As such, our goal is to increase accessibility for all visitors and commuters, which will in turn create economic opportunities that can serve as a source of revitalization for our city’s core.

An active, attractive and accessible train station is a major economic driver for urban centers.

For this reason, NJ Transit awarded $2 million dollars in funds to complete the train station design and engineering services for our Train Station’s accessibility improvements. The renovations include barrier-free accessibility and overall facility improvements. The funds will allow for the completion of the design in approximately 10 months.

Development and population has increased—so, mass transit needs to be a viable option.

Six or seven years ago we didn’t have the housing or business that we now have in the area, like the Jewish Renaissance Medical Center,

• King High Plaza
• Expansions in Harbortown
• Landings at Harborside
• Raritan Bay Area YMCA
• Federal Hill at Camelot and
• Over 20 small businesses have also opened their doors in this area.

Additionally, the new Hobart Street mixed-use project was approved a few months ago. The project includes the conversion of existing office space to 36 residential apartments. The first floor will be transformed into retail space.

We are taking advantage of the City’s prime location within the transportation networks that link major markets in the tri-state area. As such, we are completing the first phase of funding and reporting requirements that will make us eligible for a grant in order to rezone the business district by the end of the year. This will support our efforts to revitalize the downtown and better utilize the train station.

Perth Amboy is truly a remarkable city with a growing community, history and culture unique to Central Jersey– it is only a matter of building on our value. I’m a firm believer that we are only able to achieve our goals in a united front—with creativity and ideas from our residents, the knowledge from our local business owners and the hard work and experience of our planners and employees.

All of these projects are working towards achieving ADA compliance- the community center, the train station and the public library.

Our historic buildings are being modernized to fit the needs of ALL residents and visitors.

This is how we fulfill the goal of making a HOME that our residents are proud of. Providing convenience for travel, ease of use and everyday living that helps them achieve their household and personal goals.

All of this planning and development contributes to the future success of our residents and in turn our City. We want to make it easier for YOU to appreciate and enjoy the wide-ranged amenities and resources surrounding our great City, like access to New York, Philly and the Jersey Shore, starting right here in the City by the Bay.

In light of this objective, just over a mile north of the gateway area on Convery Boulevard, the 15 acre Delany site was approved on March 5th to begin construction this summer. The Perth Amboy Housing Authority was awarded tax credit equity, HUD funds and a $5 million dollar Community Development Block Grant to construct 70 units of the family housing.

Through this renewal effort, we are beautifying our gateway with a housing design that highlights the neighborhood. Collaborating with the Perth Amboy Housing Authority and its Commissioners made way for the additional funding at this shovel-ready site.

With regard to the remaining 12 acres, an RFP is also currently under review and will be sent out in the upcoming weeks for commercial property. Again, this is another project in the City of Perth Amboy that will create construction jobs, ratables and housing.

Gerdau Ameristeel has also rebounded from the economic downfall in 2008. There is surely a positive future for this company that is building a facility to expand steel fabrication. Because of our geographic location, Gerdau is able to use our water-port for cost effective transportation of steel materials. They now have more than 40 employees. Production has increased and work shifts have expanded to satisfy demands for New York and New Jersey bridge renovations. (And there’s no need to worry, these bridges will remain open!)

With regard to our local commerce the Business Improvement District has continued to hold seminars, meetings and workshops to educate our business owners in this changing economy. These networking opportunities for our small businesses prepare them for future growth.

After Sandy, some business store fronts were damaged. As such, the Façade Improvement Project assisted in replacing 10 awnings throughout the waterfront, New Brunswick Avenue and Smith Street. Also, concrete planters were installed to beautify the business district and seasonal decorations adorned our central business area during the fall harvest and Christmas. I want to thank the BID for this initiative.

In an aggressive marketing campaign through English and Spanish radio stations, we teamed up with several local businesses this past summer and holiday season to attract visitors to “Shop and Dine in Perth Amboy.”

In fact, because of our efforts, American Express used Perth Amboy as a NATIONAL MODEL to promote “Small Business Saturday.”

We have also improved parking services downtown, with the renovations of the Jefferson Street Parking Deck, making it more available to the public to shop at our stores and dine in our restaurants.

In addition to parking maintenance, infrastructure investments have been extensive this past year. About a million dollars have been spent milling and paving roads, sidewalks have been resurfaced and repairs have also been made to some sewer lines.

Last December our City Council approved the “Complete Street Policy” to retrofit existing infrastructure during repairs and new developments to make our roads more accessible to all modes of transportation.

Another helpful tool in progress is the Capital Improvement Program, which was established to better serve residents by replacing outdated and overused City equipment, for the repair of potholes, garbage collection, public safety and public facility improvements.

We will soon implement automated garbage collection in the downtown district and in our parks as we have done in several areas city-wide. The pilot program has saved us over $300,000 dollars in labor expenses and increased funds through more recycling.

On this note, I want to thank our Department of Public Works for an outstanding job in the extensive clean-up during this harsh winter. Thank you!!!

In order to continue improving our communication and services, we will soon have project management software to monitor departmental performance and response time to public concerns. After several months of research, Spatial Data Logic will be implemented later this year for efficiency and effectiveness.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Already in the area of public safety, the Perth Amboy Fire Department has grown in personnel and apparatus. A new fire engine was purchased through our Capital Improvement Project last March. Additionally, a SAFER grant awarded in January by FEMA of nearly half a million dollars, supports for additional members and equipment to better serve our residents.

There has also been an increase in membership with 4 new hires and volunteerism, due to active recruitment. A total of 10 new volunteer members joined in 2013. All of the members of the Perth Amboy Fire Department have completed over 19,000 hours in multi-course training and programs.

With these changes in order, the unit is functioning more efficiently and making the most of its resources. All-in-all, I want to congratulate Acting Fire Chief Abraham Pitre for the success he has had in this department, serving in this capacity for over 6 months. At the end of March, he will be sworn-in as the first Latino Fire Chief in the history of Perth Amboy. I also want to thank former Fire Chief David Volk, for his years of dedicated service to Perth Amboy.

As for the Police Department, communication and response has not only improved, but we have been commended for the work of the department’s Nixle Notification System, by ABC 7’s feature –“Operation Save a Life” which aired on national television in January.

There were 11 replacement hires since last year along with 8 promotions, increasing our force to 110 uniformed officers. Our accredited department demonstrates commitment to law enforcement in policy using best practices. Our auxiliary officers have given nearly 9,000 hours in dedicated police surveillance and community assistance. Not to mention, that all of our officers commit to intensive professional and field training throughout the year.

As such I am pleased to announce that the crime rate has dropped 12 percent since last year. That is a remarkable accomplishment. I want to congratulate Chief Benjamin Ruiz and the entire police force for their work in protecting and responding to the needs of our residents.

I want to give all of our first responders a round of applause for their time and commitment in keeping our homes and families safe.

Also in law enforcement, it is also with great pleasure that I announce the newly appointed Presiding Judge, Maria Koch Del-Valle, as the first Latina to hold this position. With nearly 20 years of experience, I know that our constituents will be well-served. Congratulations Maria!

As president of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, public safety is one of the most important areas in the 7-Point Plan that we are enforcing. My vision is to continue building and creating a stronger bond between our leaders. It is important to learn from one another and share our best practices, while offering support and full participation in public policy input.

NJUMA is focused on economic development with a recent planning grant awarded to 19 municipalities, including Perth Amboy. I am extremely excited to be a part of this process, supporting the creation of new jobs and strategically attract private investment.

In fact, one of several policy movements that I supported was the “Raise the Wage” bill to increase minimum wage $1 dollar above the current rate of $7.50, which has been proven unlivable in the country, much less this State.

And my most recent support was for the “Sandy Bill of Rights” to assist home and business owners still, nearly a year and a half later struggling to seek funding to restore their properties and everyday living in the entire State of New Jersey.

The Affordable HealthCare Act also known as “Obama Care” is yet another resource that I supported for the sake of our residents and what it meant for some of them to have health insurance for the first time in their lives.

I wanted to ensure that we played a huge part locally in advertising and gathering volunteers. We are one of two cities in the entire State of New Jersey that have certified employees assisting residents step-by-step with the online application.

For those who do not have health insurance, I urge you to seek assistance before March 31st. I thank our employees, Pastor Bernadette Falcon Lopez and God’s Army Ministries of New Jersey for their time invested in changing the lives of our families from this day forth.

I know firsthand that it is important to address medical needs and health issues head-on to ensure proper care and wellness.

To address this challenge on a government level, we initiated the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign in Perth Amboy through the Office of Recreation— serving everyone from our active seniors to our children. And the “NO SMOKING ORDINANCE” passed by our council, is one more initiative that keeps our children healthy. Our logo presents whole health– body, mind and soul!

The goal is to execute this plan through fitness, nutritional workshops and mental wellness. This includes launching a program for teens about identity, body image and self-worth. Many of us have seen the impact and tragedies due to mental illness or how negativity in our daily lives can cloud our better judgment.

As a City we shine a light on potential suicides, particularly at the location of the Victory Bridge. As a community we want to uplift those who are in despair. Whether it’s by a physical barrier or by a helping hand, we try to bring hope and healing.

The tragic consequences of mental illness go far beyond the family. We stand in prayer as a community with the Rodriguez family. And we stand in prayer for the officers involved in the painful incident, which affected each and every one of us in the community last December.

Let me say this, I don’t know what is to be a MOTHER, who’s lost her son.

And I will never know what is to be an OFFICER, in a life-or-death situation.

But let me be clear when I say, that I am a Mayor who is committed to the people in this community and one who’s made public safety a priority for all of our families. I want to thank you for your patience, your prayers and I thank the officers for their professionalism and conduct .

My sincerest thoughts are with all the families in their full recovery.

However, before we can see a change in society we must first educate and involve our children and families, while supporting our education system.

Quite honestly, when it comes to educating our students, more must be done collectively, as parents, as school administrators and as a City. Last November, I went before the Senate to testify as an advocate of the Dream Act to give our students a fair chance at a college education and yet, some are struggling to graduate high school. I want to be a part of this resolution.

As you know well, I am an advocate for our children and their education. Perth Amboy High School is my alma mater and I have assured the school administration that I am available to assist in changing our future. I want to thank Diane Crawford, President of the Perth Amboy Federation AFT and Pamela Campbell District Representative of the AFT, for a very productive meeting in addressing the needs of improving academics. Our leadership must be progressive and combative to whatever is challenging their education, in order to secure their future success.

Though we are individual governing bodies– we must unite and do more!!!

For that reason we offer programs to enhance the education of all students, those attending public, private or charter schools. This includes:

– Educational partnerships with our public safety units,
– Summer youth employment,
– The Children’s Zone afterschool program and
– Recreational, arts and Special Needs programs.

We are implementing a summer reading program and another after-school program at the Brighton Avenue Community Center. We have also assisted our Charter School with facilities improvements to help their learning environment.

And I am looking forward to the library officially opening this Spring. It will offer a place of quiet study and educational tools that better serve our community. After much hard work and planning, I welcome everyone to utilize this resource.

Meanwhile, we’ve completed the recreational element of the master plan to expand and improve open space. Our children have also worked with the county to help promote, Speak-Up, a youth anti-violence campaign. And over 50 public events through the year help unite families. Through diverse programming and creative workshops they are able to learn everything from sports to problem solving skills. As a matter of fact, we’ve have grown so much that we serve an average of 52,000 healthy meals through summer activities. We have been recognized by the Department of Agriculture as a model program.

Additionally, the Alianza program is conducting focus groups to determine the needs of children with disabilities, as it relates to inclusive recreation opportunities. This will greatly expand our current offering and build a stronger community for all.

Art has expanded tremendously through various courses offered in music, performing and visual arts, including the Summer Art Camp. The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded us a planning grant that will assist us in furthering arts in the community, creating an arts council and identifying other arts and cultural opportunities.

And again, I am proud to announce that we will once again hold our FIREWORKS SPECULAR on July 3rd—in partnership with the Mayor Fred Henry and the City of South Amboy. I want thank my staff, Celebrate Perth Amboy and the business community for helping us make memories with our children.

This is how we gather a community and create a place called home.

Decades ago, Perth Amboy found its success in heavy industry. Our recent history sets great challenges before us and together we have created a whole new day for this City. With no-gimmicks, no pay-to-play investments, clean partnerships and incentives that are driven by resources true to this City, the future of Perth Amboy is continued to be built on unity—and that is one unshakable foundation we share together.

It is people like our beloved Principal Roland Jenkins, whose memory lives on as an educator and leader in guiding our students. And Gertrude Lincoln, mother of our Sheriff Mildred Scott, who knew the importance of advocating on behalf of the community and creating a home– Or Eddie Febles, father of one our firefighter Kenny Febles, a business owner who knew how to give back to the community.

They have made memories for us and their legacy lives on in the many lives that they have touched.

I also want to acknowledge organizations in this City that know what it is to make Perth Amboy a home for our residents –

• The Raritan Bay Area YMCA, thank you President Steve Jobin and your staff.
• The Board of Education,
• The Puerto Rican Association for Human Development,
• The Jewish Renaissance Medical Center and Foundation,
• The Raritan Bay Medical Center,
• The Royal Garden Club,
• The Domestic Violence Response Team,
• Renovation House
• La Casa de Cultura y Educación
• Our volunteer board members, and
• Volunteer public safety officials,
• All supportive library organizations and
• The Perth Amboy Police Chaplain Corps and all houses of worship.

Today, we continue our commitment to creating a place called home and moving our community forward. A few months ago, I hired Ms. Jillian Barrick to join my administration, who will soon serve as our City Business Administrator. Jillian is a true professional who will work with me, my staff and the City Council to best serve our residents and taxpayers. Her experience, knowledge and integrity will assist us in advancing our City’s vision.

I also want to take the time to say an early farewell to someone who stood along-side me in removing fiscal corruption of the past administration and revealing the need for major changes in the way we financially managed this city, for the sake of our residents. Greg Fehrenbach, thank you for your years of service and time dedicated to Perth Amboy.

It is with this in mind that, I thank my directors, staff and the City Council this evening for all of their hard work to this community. I want to thank the entire workforce, though few we have achieved much!

I want to thank my family for their love and support, my husband Greg, my daughter, Samantha and my son Gregory, who is not able to be here tonight, because he is away serving our country in Afghanistan.

AND I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU!

Tonight, I leave you with a Proverb– “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

I thank you for the honor of serving as your Mayor. God Bless you. God Bless the great City of Perth Amboy and God Bless the United States of America.

 

-Remarks as Prepared for Delivery-