SOUTH AMBOY – Louisa Falk from Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s Office presents a check for $1,300 to the First Presbyterian Church of South Amboy for their Food Pantry from Bowl For Hunger (L to R) George Schaefer (form the food pantry), Louisa Falk, Mary Porcello (Director of the Food Pantry) Mary Porcello will be honored as the Grand Marshal in the 2023 South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. *Photos by Katherine Massopust
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – At the beginning of the meeting, there was a presentation of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s Office from Bowl For Hunger. Asm. Speaker Coughlin was unable to attend, so Louise Falk presented a check to the Presbyterian Church Food Pantry. There was a second photo taken with Dan Harris (from Coughlin’s Office) and the Food Pantry. The minutes, bill list, and consent agenda passed with no discussion.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly had several questions. “It is good to see Mary Porcello here tonight. Mary is very instrumental with the food pantry. To make that food pantry work, you need volunteers.” Reilly asked, “What is the status of the Government Club?”
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that it is being initiated by the new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Williams.
Reilly congratulated the South Amboy Fire Department for winning five trophies at the New Jersey State Fireman’s Convention in Wildwood. He reminded everyone of the fundraiser for Veterans, the “Buy a Brick” fundraiser which was making great progress. He encouraged everyone to buy a brick. Reilly then asked about the miles per hour signs in the alleys.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that they are supposed to be put there.
Reilly then asked about seniors in buildings during the cold weather and who moves them. B.A. Skarzynski stated that the staff of the buildings do that. “The seniors that live in our buildings, we are working on that.”
Reilly ended his comments asking everyone to support their local businesses.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin congratulated the South Amboy Fire Department and congratulated Tom Bukowski for the Little League Fields.
Council Vice President Christine Noble said, “I attended the field dedication on Sunday. My brother (Brian Noble), Glenn (Skarzynski) and the Council – it is so appreciated in the community.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “The (traffic) ordinance – I want to thank our Clerk, our Traffic Safety Officer, for their work in the South Amboy Athletic Association, the County of Middlesex which has given $1.5 million for the field of dreams in South Amboy. It was really special. Also, the Arts Festival from Convery and her team. Congratulations to the Fire Department and to Mary Porcello.”
SOUTH AMBOY – Dan Harris (Left) from Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s Office poses for a photo with Mary Porcello (Center) and George Schaefer (Right)
Council President Mickey Gross said, “Hats off to the Fire Department – you do a great job. Mary we couldn’t pick a better Grand Marshall (2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade). You make us proud. The Irish Festival is October 1st.”
Mayor Fred Henry said, “I want to thank the South Amboy Fire Department in Wildwood, you always do an amazing job cleaning the vehicles and marching. The Allie Clark Sports Complex – great job Brian Noble. I want to thank the Allie Clark family. I want to thank County Commissioner Director Ron Rios. And I want to thank the people involved in the Arts Festival. There was another well attended Lunch & Learn. Check the city’s website to see what’s happening. I want to thank Craig Coughlin’s Office for the Food Pantry Check. People talk about the overcrowding in our school system. We do our due diligence that includes buildings going up that are not conducive to add children in schools. In 2020 the number of school students was 1105 – less than in 1998. This type of smart growth we are doing so over the number of students has not changed in 20 years. Right now, there is no problem.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that construction has begun on lower Main Street walk-through up to the Ferry. The city has received a whopper of a grant.
Public Portion:
Resident Greg Babolack asked if Station Bay was 90% filled.
B.A. Skarzynski answered that 250 units are filled.
Babolack asked about Building#2’s permits.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “They have not filed for permits, yet. At this time, they intend to do so. They are installing electricity with JCPL.”
Babolack made some comments about the student body size stating there was a letter written that there were too many students.
Councilman Reilly stated that he got a letter from the Superintendent about the impact of the students.
Babolack stated, “Only 260 apartments rented. There will be 1850 apartments. I’m talking about the future.
The Vice President of the Board of Education Anthony Conrad came up to speak. He congratulated the Fire Department for all they do and thanked Mary Porcello, and the council members for their great job on the fields. “The School District numbers the mayor mentioned are dead on. The numbers have not changed. Woodmont and the other developments are included and are 90% rented except those set aside for affordable housing. As of right now, the data speaks for itself.”
The council went into closed session at 7:29 p.m. with no further action taken. All Council Members were present.
