Yes, Perth Amboy did have two meetings on the same day (May 28, 2014). The Caucus was at 4:30 p.m. and the Regular Council Meeting was at 7 p.m. This is normally not the case, but because of the holiday on the 26th, both meetings  were held on the same day.

The residents who always come to the meetings were there. Those residents still voiced their concerns of what they viewed as inappropriate actions by the administration of some of the Council Members.  Although those concerns are not to be taken lightly, there is a project that may be taking place in Rahway that will affect not only Perth Amboy Residents, but those towns where the Raritan River runs through.

Read carefully the story on the top of the front page. This meeting that I went to which knocked off the May 28, 2014 Caucus/Council Meeting stories was held at a local restaurant in Perth Amboy.

This meeting was held by the Citizen’s Campaign which is headquartered in Metuchen, New Jersey. The Citizen’s Campaign gives regular citizens the power to get results on the issues they care about thereby helping their community. There are classes and seminars offered to interested individuals.

The Citizen’s Campaign has several projects and programs in place and some that are pending in Perth Amboy. There are several Perth Amboy residents who are part of the Citizen’s Campaign. Their intention is to help Perth Amboy realize its full potential as a historic and cultural hub.

The Rahway Arch Project includes an area in Carteret that was already polluted by chemical waste and is still being cleaned up. This contaminated landfill may affect the Arthur Kill which is a vital part of Perth Amboy’s Waterfront. If the Arthur Kill is opened up to additional containments, not only will it have  a detrimental effect on our waterways, but it can also affect our environment.

Andrew Voros was one of the  speakers who appeared at this meeting held on Thursday, 5/29/14. Voros is a research scientist who was formerly on the staff of Columbia University, New York.

When he spoke about the project known as Rahway Arch, you could hear a pin drop and almost see everyone’s jaw drop in the room.

It was as if I was hearing something in a science fiction movie that unfortunately could become a reality.

In his presentation, Voros clearly showed how projects come into fruition and how politics can enter into the equation; sometimes in a good way and sometimes not. It is up to you after reading the article on the front page if you think it was worth holding off what was said at the Council Meetings for one week. There will be a meeting taking place before the City Council in Manhattan to discuss The Rahway Arch Project.

As you can see in the story, there are several people in different professions who are against this project.

When I look at those listed, it is quite impressive. The project itself initially may have looked feasible, but looking deeper, it appears that it may be more of a profit making venture – but not for the communities involved.

I and others that attended the meeting on 5/29/14 approached Voros after he made his presentation and suggested he speak before the Perth Amboy Council.

The Rahway Arch Project is too important to ignore. First and foremost, I am a resident of Perth Amboy and I not only do I want what is best for myself, but what is best for the town as a whole.

When it comes to a serious problem of possibly putting your constituents at risk, profits should not be at the top of your list.

As always, we welcome your point of view.

– C.M.