Master of Ceremonies Lissette Martinez introduced Former NJ Governor James Florio who introduced Mayor Wilda Diaz at the State of the City Address. *Photos by Paul W. Wang

3/1/16

By Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – In a crowded Perth Amboy YMCA auditorium, people awaited the State of the City. After a performance of the national anthem by Tiffany Granger of God’s Army Ministry and invocation by Pastor Jesus Gomez of the Living World Church in Perth Amboy, Chief of Staff Lissette Martinez, Master of Ceremonies welcomed introductory speaker Former NJ Governor James Florio.

Former NJ Governor
James Florio

Mayor Wilda Diaz

Florio began his welcoming of Mayor Diaz, “The State of the City is good and it’s going to get better. She (Mayor Diaz) is the Chair of the Urban Mayor Association. She does well because she understands two things: 1.) a commitment to safety and 2.) Education is especially important. For good or bad, education is important. If you think the cost of education is high, try the cost of ignorance. The Mayor appreciates the importance of getting involved. She is involved, engaged and informed. Projects are successful. Your Mayor has shown the way to make democracy work.”

Former Governor Florio introduced Mayor Wilda Diaz who now had the floor. Mayor Diaz began, “Times are changing. We’ve come a long way from eight years ago. We are eight years stronger.”

She mentioned a few citizens who recently passed away and held a moment of silence for them.

“Perth Amboy now has a better credit rating than the State of New Jersey. We have fiscal integrity. We never fail to meet the needs of the community. We have reduced millions of inherited debt. We are moving forward. For another year there will be no tax increase – that was no accident. We are committed to seek to increase a tax base. There are two new companies who have invested in Perth Amboy: Viridian Partners has a parent site on High Street. With the increase of demand for a port, Perth Amboy was the only location other than New York (for a port). They (Viridian) are building an E-port Logistics Center worth $50 million. They changed reality in 2011, five years ago. They are later celebrating a great success. Phase#1 is an investment valued at $180 million which will create 200-400 jobs. Phase#2 will quickly follow and add 68 acres to a total of 174 acres to be completed by 2017. Buckeye is the largest taxpayer in Perth Amboy and has added $160 million in rateables. With the Harbortown expansion, we will add another $30 million in rateables.”

Mayor Diaz (2nd Left) with her son, Greg Jr., daughter, Samantha, and husband, Greg Sr. *Photos by Paul W. Wang

Diaz continued, “There are also some small economic projects including 7-11, Ameristeel and the Hobart Street Complex. The Gateway entrance on Smith Street and Convery Boulevard has remained vacant for 20 years. A long awaited developer will begin shortly. This will create over 150 jobs in an additional investment of $100 million on development of the former Celotex property with the redevelopment of Landings and the Rosengarten Project. I’d like to thank the JRF and PARTNER for seeking grants to develop the Willow Pond Complex.”

Mayor Diaz continued, “I’d like to thank the Perth Amboy Housing Authority who has reached an agreement (with the Board of Education) and the building of a new $160 million Perth Amboy High School which is fully financed by State Dollars. The new facility will accommodate every child.”

“Our goal is to enhance the environment for residents and commuters. The BID has invested $40,000 in a façade. The BID continues to hold seminars to help local businesses. 13 new small businesses have joined the BID, getting them on the map. There will be a pedestrian plaza and bands in the business district. The UEZ continues to make $14.1 million in investments. We are creating hundreds of jobs in the City. It’s what mobilizes us. It’s continuing to support shopping and dining in Perth Amboy.”

Dianne Roman, Mayor’s Aide, Irving Lozada, Newark Deputy Mayor Jackie Quilles

“There were upgrades to the Jefferson Street Parking Deck and a decrease in parking tickets. The Parking Utility has a surplus of $60,000. There will be 13 new solar powered pay stations in our lots.”

“For our beautiful Waterfront we have invested $17 million for recovery and stabilizing our Waterfront after Superstorm Sandy. There are improvements to Sadowski Parkway. To improve our Waterfront there will be more tennis courts, a volleyball court and boat ramp. Our goal is to make Perth Amboy a destination. The Bayview Park area is being fixed due to the damages from Superstorm Sandy.”

Diaz then thanked the City Workers in all departments but singled out the Department of Public Works and Code Enforcement, “They help keep our City clean. Code Enforcement works 7 days a week. They work hard all year round. We have over 50,000 people who live in this City and it starts with all of us to keep the City clean.”

Diaz turned focus to Sustainable New Jersey, “Of 189 New Jersey Towns, in 2014 we reached the bronze level of Sustainable New Jersey. We have Community Gardens and Clean Community 500 mini-grants.”

A large crowd listens to Mayor Diaz’ Speech

Mayor Diaz thanked the Fire and Police Departments. “There is a reduction in fires; there is a 14% decrease in crime thanks to the PAPD.”

Diaz was excited to mention the new City ID Program, “In addition, Congressman Frank Pallone will be opening up a satellite office in Perth Amboy to serve our needs.”

Diaz emphasized the importance of the Federal Lunch Program who served 56 meals to kids this summer. She then mentioned that there is a new center open for Veterans at Olive Street and that the Public Library is now open. She also mentioned the opening up of the Surveyor General’s Office soon.

“The Fireworks Spectacular is July 1, 2016 in conjunction with South Amboy. Barry Rosengarten will chair. We will create lasting memories and good times with our families.”

Diaz concluded her speech, “We know we have an incredible team. I will never forget where I’ve come from. Every part of me is committed to the City. The reality is we have changed the dynamics of the entire City. We address your needs day in and day out. God bless the City of Perth Amboy.”