Ongoing Illegal Palate Operation Still a Problem, 

Proposed Project on Roosevelt Street Questioned

3/17/21 Council Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – The council approved the consent agenda.

Council Comments: Vice-President Christine Noble and Councilman Brian McLaughlin wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Councilman Tom Reilly wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. He thanked the food pantries and first responders. He then directed his attention to the illegal palate operation. “It is getting worse. I was there tonight. It is not going anywhere.”

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that the palate operation was issued summonses and was in court.

Reilly insisted, “The pallets are sky high!” Reilly then asked about the status of the crackdown on illegal housing.

B.A. Skarzynski stated that there was no update, but he feels that great progress has been made.

Councilman Reilly then asked about the planned project on Roosevelt Street. “It’s my ward.”

Councilwoman
Zussette Dato

B.A. Skarzynski answered Reilly, “The proposal is for a rental project. It is going through SARA (South Amboy Redevelopment Agency).

Reilly asked Councilwoman Zusette Dato for more information, “As far as I know, there has been no presentation to the Redevelopment Agency,” stated Dato.

Reilly continued, “The people of that area are impacted have not been notified at all. My concern is about a PILOT.”

Dato answered Reilly, “I found out from some people in Lighthouse (in the Second Ward) were advised. I was not the point person.”

Reilly then asked, “Why can’t we advertise to the entire town?”

Council President Mickey Gross then ended the conversation, “We are way ahead of ourselves. No one said anything about any PILOT! No one said anything!”

Reilly answered, “I want to know about it ahead of time.”

Reilly then asked about the possibility of helping seniors with late water/sewer payment fees.

Law Director Francis Womack stated he would draft something up to be put before the council.

Councilwoman Zussette Dato gave a strong statement against the targeting of Asian people. The Amboy Guardian reached out to Councilwoman Dato who provided her comments:

“As we have all heard recently there have been numerous vicious attacks against Asian people. Some of these attacks have resulted in serious injury and even death. National Public Radio reported a few days ago of an accomplished NY musician who was so severely attacked that he may never play again. Why was he the subject of the attack?  Because his attackers thought he was Chinese. In fact, he is of Japanese origin.  Another NY woman reported that as she walked down the street someone began to mutter “Covid, covid, covid” and then began to spit at her.  Her 8-year-old son asked if they were going to be stabbed.  Last night in Georgia a young man targeted Asian woman working in spas and five of them are now dead.  Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who is married to a Korean American woman, reports that his family has felt the sting of discrimination during the corona virus pandemic. This is horrible. 

This spike in hate crimes aimed at our Asian population seems to have spiked shortly after references to the “China virus” and “kung fu flu” and other incendiary comments began to be heard.  While COVID19 may have started in Wuhan, China the entire Asian population should not be blamed for the pandemic.

On Broadway here in South Amboy we have two Asian restaurants.  During the dark days of COVID, I noticed that Hibachi Express was not open at all, not even take out.  I think they were afraid to open, fearful perhaps that they would be targeted.  To this day, I believe they are only offering take-out and delivery.  I don’t think they have reopened to in person dining.  

I find this very troubling.  We are a city of inclusion and we do have a diverse population.  On a positive note, we have an Asian police officer on our police force and in my opinion, this is a good thing as the Police Dept. should reflect the diversity of the community.  As the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and Ukrainian father, I applaud diversity and think America is great because we are a melting pot.  

I bring this to your attention to ask that we all consider the importance of inclusion and protect all ethnicities so we can live together in harmony and peace.  

That concludes my comments Council President.” 

Council President Mickey Gross wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. “Get vaccinated!”

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated, “I want to thank Asw. Lopez for her donation to our food pantry of 300 meals. Next week, the Lucas Family will supply 300 meals to the pantry. I would like to thank them, too.” Skarzynski then stated, “There is a new program for rental assistance in the area. Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Saturday is the first day of spring.”

Law Director Francis Womack said, “I want to thank Councilwoman Dato. Our hearts go out to all of the victims.” He then offered his condolences to the victims of the recent attack by two pitbulls in Carteret resulting in the death of a child.

Councilman Brian McLaughlin noted that the Lucas Brothers went to St. Mary’s High School. “As a contractor who came over and did one or two jobs, they came out and donated. I was in Carteret today. They put money into their waterfront.” McLaughlin stated that South Amboy should look into getting more money for the waterfront. 

No one spoke at the public portion. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m. All council members were present. Mayor Fred Henry was not in attendance due to a conflict.