12/16/20 South Amboy Business & Council Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – After a presentation by Kevin McManion on a PILOT for a warehouse property on lower Main Street, there was a brief discussion.

Councilman Thomas Reilly had a few comments: “The Woodmont project sold at $43 million. We gave them a 30-year PILOT. We are bringing in 50-70 jobs. I’m glad it is not residential. We need a traffic light down there. I think there is a lot of good things to this.”

Councilwoman Zusette Dato added her thoughts on the project, “Currently the project is providing $99,000 in taxes. I think we will get over $200,000. We are revitalizing blighted property. With a PILOT, all the money is not going to the Board of Education. If the Board of Education needs funding, there is a way to give it to them. It’s a very good project.”

Councilman Reilly added, “$200,000 is a nice gesture. We also are giving a favorable PILOT to the developer.”

Mayor Fred Henry said, “It is 100% a great project. It will have no impact on the school population. There will be 100% union labor. I think this is a win all the way around.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the project.

Council Comments:

Zusette Dato said, “We have to remember we are blessed. Be kind and generous. Be thankful. It is wonderful to be generous to the food pantry. There is so many in need now. Support the local businesses. Happy Holidays!” 

Council Vice-President Christine Noble said, “Be safe out there. Merry Christmas and have a Happy, Healthy New Year!”

Councilman Brian McLaughlin said, “Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! I want to recognize the Friends of South Amboy. Be aware of the Second Wave of Corona. Thank the First Responders.” He then asked about the status of the fire chief’s vehicle.

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “We are obligated to adhere to state rules. Based on information we have available; we are compelled to go out to a sealed bid. The best way is to include in the budget two vehicles.”

Councilman Reilly thanked the Whaller family for donating the tree (in the train station plaza). “I want to thank the first responders. We are in the second wave of the pandemic.”

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski gave a status report on the audio of the December 2018 meeting, “The audio engineer has completed her work. It is being sent overnight. I will be putting it over to a transcriber (with approval).”

Councilman Reilly asked, “When the pandemic is in the second wave and the food pantries are supplying many, we should ease up late fees.” Reilly then added, “We need to revamp the bamboo ordinance.”

Council President Mickey Gross stated, “We need to discuss this as a council.” 

Reilly then asked for an update on Venetian.

Law Director Francis Womack answered, “The last documents were considered. We have a ruling on Friday.”

Reilly said, “We need this thing resolved.”

Council President Mickey Gross said, “I want to thank all the first responders, the DPW employees and the County Health Department. They are at a test site tonight making sure the tents don’t collapse.” Gross continued, “We went through hell and high water with these last 9 months. Don’t get me wrong These fools say they don’t need to be vaccinated -We as leaders in the city need to go and need to go and get vaccinated. I really mean it!”

Mayor Fred Henry said, “Sign me up! I also want to thank the first responders. Merry Christmas! I want to thank the public workers who set up the tree and Mark Whaller and family for donating the tree.”

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “I want to express my gratitude to those who donate to the food pantry and thank those who donated gift cards. Thank all of you and Happy Holidays to everyone!”

Law Director Francis Womack said, “From a legal perspective, I’m with Tom Reilly. It was an impressive year from South Amboy’s perspective. The PILOT you approved today is good. The fire department – there are not many municipalities that could have pulled this off like you did. For me, very impressive.”

Public Portion: 

Dave Zankowski, Second Assistant Fire Chief had some remarks, “I hope this issue which has been going on for 4 years has a conclusion. Happy Holidays!”

The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. All council members were present.