5/6/19 Caucus

By: Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – An Amphitheater was discussed during the presentation regarding the PILOT for 225 Elm St. Councilman Fernando Irizarry questioned if this structure would be enclosed.

Business Administrator Frederick Carr replied, “No. It would be an open area with tiered lawn seating.”

Law Director Peter King then made additional comments, “I spoke to Director of Recreation Ken Ortiz. We had a meeting 3 weeks ago. Nothing will be done until you (the Council) approves. It would also need the City’s approval. Councilman Caba and Councilman Pabon were also at that meeting.”

Irizarry continued, “The reason I asked that question is because Director of the Community Theater wanted to know. She also wanted to know if there will be sound and lighting equipment, because that is what she wanted. I thought it would be like Roosevelt Park’s theater in Edison. They have lighting, a sound stage, and fitting rooms there.”

Carr responded, “This (the Amphitheater) is separate from the PILOT.”

Council President William Petrick spoke up, “I thought it (the Amphitheater) was part of the PILOT.”

Carr responded, “There are two separate agreements.”

Petrick then continued, “Will there be a concrete pad with covering? We (the Council) or the Community needs to ask for more.”

Irizarry then spoke again, “Is the Developer’s agreement is subject to change?”

King replied, “That is why I’m talking to Ortiz.”

Petrick concluded the conversation commenting, “Everything should be included except for the sound system.”

There was a discussion on Ordinance No. 2 – (no public discussion) regarding Loading Zones – application and fees.

Business Administrator Frederick Carr stated, “We had to review this ordinance pertaining  loading zones. We had to look at the needs and current practices. We’ve had many zones removed. We want to make sure that trucks could not park there all day.”

Irizarry said, “When I’m looking at what’s in the paperwork, it says anybody can park in loading zones. If a truck comes to make a delivery and someone is parked in that loading zone, it would force the delivery truck to double park.”

Councilwoman Tejeda spoke up next. “This should be no parking (by the general public) in loading zones during the stated hours on the sign.”

Councilman Irizarry asked, “Were some business owners abusing this?”

Carr answered, “Yes.”

Councilman Caba spoke up, “We are wasting time because the Department Head is not here to explain this ordinance.”

Council President Petrick ended the conversation stating, “We should pull the ordinance. It’s irresponsible for the Administration not to have Department Heads to be here.”