2019 did not end on the best of notes, worldwide, nationally, and locally. To top it off, 2020 continued with many losses and hardship.

But we must believe, like the change of the 4 seasons, that hope will spring eternal. As I have constantly said in the past, that is why I love experiencing the 4 seasons and how nature naturally replenishes itself.

We, as humans are complicated beings. As individuals, sometimes we think that everyone else should feel as intense as we are when it comes to certain subjects, especially when it comes to dealing with local issues. 

I remember at one of the Perth Amboy Council Meetings, one resident said that people will fill up the city council chambers only when a matter that affects them will be discussed. But, there are very few residents who even acknowledge when something is important to the city as a whole.

I remember when the residents of Harbortown crowded city hall chambers and protested outside before the meeting began. That was quite a while ago (Peter Jimenez was the Council President).

Today in 2020, there are some issues affecting public safety.

As a person who walks a lot, I’m always concerned at crosswalks when cars will not stop. One of my biggest pet peeves is the intersection of Jefferson Street and Madison Avenue. Sometimes I feel like carrying my own homemade sign saying: “Must stop for pedestrian at crosswalk!” I also have a fear of falling at sidewalks that have loose bricks or the bricks that have been upended. Take a look by Smith and Madison Avenue where Fink Park is. Then we have the divots in the roads which are very unsafe. Another hazard are the large delivery trucks which double park and block the crosswalks while unloading. We have seen this on Madison Avenue and many side streets. After 5 p.m., when cars can make a right-hand turn on some streets, they may not take into consideration that somebody might be crossing the street. Trust me, I’ve had a couple of close calls. There are also cars that turn right on a red light  either before 5 p.m. or even a sign says it can’t.

People are still living on the streets. The homeless problem is getting worse, and we need state officials to be more proactive. Local charities feed and provide resources, but are overwhelmed. They can only do so much.

The 2010 Census showed the Perth Amboy’s population to be 50,814. Census 2020 is here. We need to make sure our population is not grossly underestimated.

Local issues also include the abundance of garbage, overcrowding, illegal housing, lack of parking, etc.

There have been positive transformations in Perth Amboy, too. Over the past years, outer State Street is undergoing a major renovation. What was once an eyesore, is now becoming a major technological center.

The train station finally got the go for renovation. The new high school will has a projected opening date of 2024. A new park is being constructed on State Street. New companies have come to the city such as Target, The RealReal, Home Depot, and others. We are hoping to get that amphitheater up and running. It would be a huge asset to the city.

In March 2014, there was a study by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers, the State University. It was called “Perth Amboy Strategic Vision”. It is a 62 page report with 7 objectives, addressing the needs of Perth Amboy which included housing, public safety, infrastructure, water/wastewater, businesses.

It was a very extensive report. Some of the improvements have taken place, but there is still a lot more to be done.

Let 2020 continue the process of positive transformations in Perth Amboy. It can be done if people put their differences aside. If people want to take the time to volunteer to serve on boards and committees (and they qualify), let them serve. We need fresh faces and it doesn’t hurt to have another point of view.

In the November 2019 Election, a public question was passed. The candidate for office has to win 50%+1 of the votes. So far, we have 3 candidates running for mayor and perhaps a possibility of more.

Just a few thoughts.

C.M. & K.M.