Perth Amboy BID Approves Grant to the
City’s Art Planning Initiative
Also, BID Appoints Interim Executive Director
and Announces Fireworks Display on July 3rd
Press Release 3/1/19
PERTH AMBOY – Perth Amboy’s Business Improvement District (BID) approved a $15,000 grant to the City’s Art Planning Initiative during its recent monthly meeting.
The art planning initiative presented its plans for establishing a cultural district in the downtown area. The overall mission of the arts initiative is to create an environment to foster art and culture in the community. The second goal is provide visual and performing artists with venues to display their artwork or perform in the downtown business district. The third objective is to attract more visitors to the City’s center and waterfront, and they may enjoy the arts while shopping, dining and strolling in the area.
Two representatives from the City’s arts planning initiative presented their concepts for outdoor cultural exhibits, streets performances this summer and mural painting. Kenneth Ortiz, Director, Department of Human Services, and Dianne Roman, Deputy Department Head – Social Services, explained that the program has the potential to form a vibrant arts district in the downtown area with PopUp galleries and public art displays. The activities will help showcase the City’s culture as well as its outdoor spaces while attracting more people to the main shopping and dining areas.
In discussing the BID’s grant, Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, “Our community is taking action to offer more opportunities to local artists, beautify the downtown and boost the local economy. We are grateful for the BID’s support of the innovative arts initiative, which will make the shopping and dining district more welcoming. The generous funding will help us quickly move the project along.”
In other action, the BID’s Board of Directors unanimously appointed Randy Convery as the organization’s Interim Executive Director. Mr. Convery, who has served the BID as its Field Coordinator, brings years of experience assisting local businesses in many ways. His activities include helping companies build or reinforce their presence online and digital marketing capabilities.
During the meeting, the BID also presented a plaque of recognition to Gary Rumpf, who has actively served on the Board of Directors. Mr. Rumpf generously volunteered his time, served as the chairman of the BID’s Façade Committee and participated in many special events and programs. He is retiring from BID’s board.
“Gary Rumpf has served the City and the BID with distinction,” said BID Chairman Barry Rosengarten. “He consistently focused on making Perth Amboy a model community where businesses may thrive, families raise their children and guests are welcome. We will deeply miss his dedication, guidance and insights.”
Announces Annual Independence Day Fireworks
Mr. Rosengarten also announced that the BID is joining with the city and the nonprofit Celebrate Our Stars & Stripes group to present the annual fireworks display and marine parade. The events celebrating America’s Independence Day will be held on July 3rd.
For more details about the BID, visit the Facebook page or contact Acting Executive Director Randy Convery at 732-826-0290, ext. 4050, or by email at Rconvery@perthamboynj.org.
