Perth Amboy, Woodbridge and Metuchen were discussed at the last Perth Amboy City Council Meeting. This is due to the fact that the Council is trying to decide about how they want to approach an ordinance dealing with Rezoning and Land Redevelopment.
Because of the redevelopment that has taken place in downtown Metuchen, and the transit village plans that Woodbridge Township will be developing, Perth Amboy has been compared to these two towns. Each town is unique. What works in one town cannot necessarily be successful in another town.
At the last Perth Amboy Council Meeting on 6/13/18, Perth Amboy Resident Alan Silber said something that was very telling. He said he goes to Metuchen around once a week to the Whole Foods Store, but to his wife, there is nothing there for her.
When you look at a town, there’s a lot of factors as to what business will be successful, like they say: supply and demand. If it’s what the people want, they will come.
Some people will come to a certain town because it reminds them of their own country and/or they have relatives that are already living there. If a town reminds them of their own culture, it’s more likely that an individual may relocate there.
Another important aspect, although many will not acknowledge it, some towns offer many more social services than other towns.
No matter which way you look at it, Woodbridge Township has much more land to redevelop.
I used to jokingly tell people that I think years ago that someone from Woodbridge changed the boundaries in the middle of the night the lines to make Woodbridge larger. The township includes: Woodbridge Proper, Colonia, Iselin, Port Reading, Sewaren, Fords, Avenel, Keasbey, Hopelawn, and Menlo Park Terrace. 10 Communities under one roof.
That’s a lot of land to work with.
When it comes to the average salaries of families living in Woodbridge and Metuchen, it’s a sure bet it’s much higher than the average Perth Amboy family.
Although all three town share a rich history, this is what Perth Amboy needs to capitalize on the most. I don’t know how many times we have to repeat that we have been deemed as one of the most historical cities in the United States. I do believe that people do want to have a home here, especially if you have a large family. Perth Amboy has a walkable downtown and as a whole the City has many places within walking distance. Our public transportation has always been convenient and accessible.
I think we missed a golden opportunity when an organization wanted to bring a train museum here.
When it comes to a transit village, you have to start by making the train station ADA compliant. I am very happy to see the northbound stairs repaired.
Everything will eventually fall into place in due time. We understand that the Council must come to a decision on the matter of Rezoning and Land Redevelopment. In the meantime, I know that Mayor Diaz mentioned some of the codes need to be updated and that should be a priority. There are many approved projects that are coming into fruition which is a positive.
In the meantime, businesses who wish to make some positive improvements should still pursue them, but you have to go through the proper channels to see if it’s possible.
While we are waiting for the final decision to be made by the Council, we are happy to see the companies that are filling those warehouses on outer High and State Streets. We’re also happy to see the former Gerdau Ameristeel being redeveloped. The more eyesores we get rid of, the better it is for Perth Amboy.
In conclusion, we’re looking forward to all the Summer activities coming up, especially the July 3rd Celebrate Stars and Stripes Fireworks and first time Patriotic Boat Parade. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
C.M. & K.M.
