5/9/22 Special Public Meeting Continuation of 5/2/22 Meeting
By: Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – R-219-5/22 – Authorizing the suspension/revocation of Plenary Retail Consumption License held in the name of Royal N. Inc. t/a the Courthouse Inn, d/b/a El Patio Bar at 417 Fayette Street.
The only council members present at this meeting were Council President William Petrick, Councilwoman Rose Morales, and Councilman B.J. Torres. The meeting started shortly after 4:30 p.m. Council President William Petrick stated that the Prosecutor was supposed to give us a video showing a recent incident that happened at this bar. “As of today, we have not seen that video. The only one we have was supplied by the El Patio owners. We may have to continue this meeting to a later date.” Petrick talked about the possibility of having the meeting on May 12, 2022, at 6 p.m. Petrick continued, “If we don’t get the Prosecutor’s video before that date, we’ll have to get the video from someone in the police department who was involved in reporting of that incident to appear before the council.”
The meeting was then opened up to the public (in-person first).
Ms. Curry who lives at the Senior Building located at 415 Fayette Street (across the street from the El Patio Bar) says all she hears is the noise and fighting. “When I go to bed, I want to rest. All this noise goes on even when the weather is bad.”
Alberta Victoria who also lives at the Senior Building came up next, “Last night (Mother’s Day May 8th) at about 12 o’clock there was a yellow van and a truck that had a lot of lights on it. At 1:35 p.m. they were outside on the sidewalk and across from the building. I’ve called the police and they never showed up, so why should I bother calling? It’s stupid that they let this happen. You get worked up and you can’t get to sleep. When you come to this country, you should respect the law or don’t come here.”
Councilman B.J. Torres responded to Ms. Victoria’s comments. He told her not to be discouraged. “It is important to hear all the complaints so we can make a case against this bar.”
Ms. Victoria responded, “I’m glad I came here because I learned a lot.”
Councilwoman Morales said, “I want to wait to see the videos before I make any comments.”
Torres ended the discussion, “I want to wait to see the videos to see all the people that were involved (in the incident).”
No one spoke from Zoom.
The meeting ended at 4:56 p.m. and will continue Monday, May 23rd at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers and on Zoom on the El Patio Bar Hearing only.
