South Amboy Council

5/15/19 Council Meeting

By: Carolyn Maxwell

SOUTH AMBOY – Before the Public Portion began, the Council made a few comments about some of the Agenda Items. Councilman Tom Reilly wanted to acknowledge Councilman Brian McLaughlin regarding the amendment pertaining to the Code of the City of South Amboy Chapter 46-3, to waive certain fees and charges for qualifying volunteers. Reilly stated, “McLaughlin had a lot to do with this.” Reilly also wanted to thank those involved for being proactive about attacking the illegal housing situation in town. 

Reilly also urge everyone to see the current art exhibition by a local artist.

Reilly then congratulated the outstanding job the students did, and he was happy to see that the kids were interested in serving the City in some capacity. He thanked Student Advisor Barbara Falvo for her work with the Students and extended well wishes to Councilman Brian McLaughlin (absent because of undergoing surgery).

Councilwoman Zusette Dato said she wanted to give a late greeting and salute to all mothers. She also congratulated City Clerk Laura Kimble, Tom Reilly, Mayor Fred Henry for the great job they did working with the students. She also wished all a great Memorial Day. 

Council President Mickey Gross stated that the kids did a great job. He also thanked Laura for the great job she did. He sent his prayers to Councilman Brian McLaughlin. 

Mayor Henry praised the Students, their parents, and the Board of Education for the job they done helping prepare the Students for this day. “As a former History Teacher and being involved in English and Political Science, I want to thank all those who were involved which included the Council and Administration. I also want to especially thank Tom Reilly.”

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski mentioned that the first art exhibit was very successful. He also reported the building located on the corner of Broadway and John Streets will be demolished sometime in June. “There will be a Meeting coming up on May 31st to discuss repaving lower Main Street.”

The Meeting was then opened up to the public. 

Ed Scully who lives on lower Scott Avenue, Sayreville was concerned about the Cambridge Pavers which is located on lower Raritan Street and Melrose Street. He read a statement, part of which included complaints of annoying noises about this company that is continues for 14 hours. “Those noises are penetrating the walls and windows of the houses in surrounding streets. That company operates 7 days a week with multiple shifts operating  from 7 a.m. to about 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. We have contacted the South Amboy Police Department about this problem. This has greatly affected our families. We cannot enjoy any peace or tranquility. We insist that the South Amboy Council take action. I have spoken to the residents on all the streets affected by this noise. There is also the banging of truck tailgates that goes on until between 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. in the morning. The environmental health department is investigating this.”

Council President Mickey Gross responded, “I’m aware of the complaints against Cambridge Pavers. I may be in conflict regarding this since I am in one of the departments who will be involved in investigating the complaint. I have nothing to do with the reports. The Environmental Health Department said they (Cambridge Pavers) were in compliance. I will have the inspector address the problems that are going on dealing with the hours between 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.”

Another resident from Sayreville who lives on Raritan Avenue came up to complain that the biggest problem associated with Cambridge Pavers was the grinding and grumbling noises. He mentioned that he had recently spoken to one of the investigators about Cambridge Pavers. He said, “The Investigator that I have been talking to had been at the old Cambridge Pavers building. The new buildings are like echo chambers. The Investigator also told me that he believes the stone crushing equipment was causing the problems.” The resident then suggested that maybe they (Cambridge Pavers) could use a new process. He went on to state, “We are not antibusiness, but the annoyance is what is bothersome.”

Council President Gross suggested that the residents call the Environmental Department every day if necessary. 

The Sayreville resident told the Council, “I’ve provided you with environmental health numbers. Everything is factual.”

A resident who lives on Raritan Avenue complained that he’s been talking about this for the last three years. “In the past, everything at this company closed down at 11 p.m. My kids have to keep their windows closed.”

A resident from 77 Scott Avenue, Sayreville came up and complained, “It’s going to get worse.”

The first resident who came up to speak from Sayreville said, “As far as the equipment, the rumbling, the vibrations, and the buzzing sound are penetrating our wall. I don’t know what equipment your readings pick up. An Octavin Analyzer might work.”

Councilwoman Christine Noble then asked, “Does the County know when the Inspector will show up?”

Council President Gross responded, “No.”

The same resident from 224 Raritan Avenue then asked, “Did the police shut down Cambridge Pavers after a noise complaint?”

Gross responded, “I don’t know.”

The resident responded, “The police did not shut it down.”

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski responded to those who came to complain about Cambridge Pavers, “We are limited in enforcement. Call the County hotline continuously. The squeaky wheel gets the attention.”

The resident then said he had called the Environmental Health Department to have all the documentation of actions taken. The dust situation is bad. They have sand that is uncovered. The dust is on my end table, on my porch, and my truck is dirty from the sand. They put in water tankers to cut down on the sand, but now it’s a fire hazard.”

Council President Gross went on to explain that the inspectors do not live in South Amboy. “They are the ones who determine if violations have occurred.”

The resident from Scott Avenue in Sayreville said, “I had called the police at 10 p.m. one night. The inspector came at 11 p.m. that same evening. I have called the South Amboy police about the Cambridge Pavers  noise at least 8 to 10 times.”

Another resident from 224 Raritan Street addressed Council President Gross, “Did you know about the complaints? Why do we always have to call? I invite you to come to my house while this noise is going on so you can see for yourself.”

Gross then spoke up and explained that calibrated readings are taken. “They (The Environmental Health Department) can only take action if they find violations. They will go to the address of the person who is complaining and take readings from that location (on the street).”

The resident continued, “They said that this (Cambridge Pavers) was going to be a soundproof building.”

Gross responded, “I will do the best that I can.”

Law Director Francis Womack stated, “When the new Cambridge building was put up, there were restrictions on the approval.”

Councilman Brian McLaughlin was not present at the Meeting for medical reasons.