South Amboy State of the City – 3/20/14

By Carolyn Maxwell & Katherine Massopust

Mayor Fred Henry.   Photo by Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – Mayor Fred Henry gave his annual State of the City Address. It was held on Friday, March 14, 2014 at 12 noon at the Charles A. Hoffman Senior Center located in the YMCA. The Mayor thanked all for taking time out from their busy day to attend. He acknowledged the City Council, Local and Middlesex County Representatives, City Employees and Department Heads, volunteers and community leaders. Henry gave an overview of some of the problems that the City has encountered in the past, what is now in place to correct some of these issues and plans for a promising economic growth.

He enlisted the help of Police Chief Darren Lavigne. Lavigne gave an overview of how the Police Department has worked with the community, the Council and the Mayor for the betterment of the City. Lavigne said, “Without any cost to the City, some of our members attended a specialized training course at Texas A&M dealing with Homeland Security. We developed lasting relationships with police departments from other states who attended the course at the same time. This training was invaluable.” Lavigne thanked NJ Transit for their assistance.

Mayor Henry acknowledged Councilman Mickey Gross for his work at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and said Gross will again head the City’s plans with Perth Amboy for a joint 2014 fireworks scheduled for July 3. The fireworks were cancelled last year due to Superstorm Sandy. “We are now in the first stages of planning the joint celebration. The cost to the cities will be the same as last time – none.” The plan is for the fireworks to be paid for by private donations.

Henry spoke about two important anniversaries coming up: the 100th Anniversary of the Sadie Pope Dowdell Library, and the 125th Anniversary of the South Amboy Fire Department. Mayor Henry thanked both organizations for all of their years of service.

Mayor Henry continued his speech, stating that all the Firehouses, City Hall and the Police Department now have generators in case of another disaster such as Superstorm Sandy. Henry thanked JCP&L (Jersey City Power & Light) for donating the generators. The First Responders now have a new rescue equipment truck where all their equipment is stored in one place. Congratulations were given to the South Amboy First Aid Squad who were number one in OEM (Office of Emergency Management) response.

Police Chief Darren Lavigne (R) and Captain Joseph Matarangolo (L)
Photo by Katherine Massopust

Police Chief Darren Lavigne acknowledged the passing of Detective Daniel Kudelka and others who served in the Police Department. Besides his own department, he acknowledged the heads of the Fire Department and First Aid Squad for their service. Lavigne said, “There is a new communications system in place for the Police Department. It was Mayor Henry who initiated getting the NIXLE System in place. The NIXLE system is up and ready and free to the public. South Amboy Public TV (Channel 15) is also used as a community bulletin board.”

The Chief also talked about how City Officials assisted during Superstorm Sandy. “Mayor Henry can be a tough taskmaster. I was with him 24/7 during the storm and afterward.” Lavigne thanked the Department of Public Works who jumped through hoops during the storm. “I want to thank the current and former Council Members for listening to us and meeting our needs. They always have open ears. I thank B.A. Camille Tooker for her tireless work in the City.”

Lavigne then thanked, “My Number Two.” Captain Matarangolo.

“As far as the concerns of our residents, some of our Detectives and Officers responded to and were successful in apprehending individuals dealing in illegal drug activity around the schools,” Lavigne said.

“There was an armed robbery and one of our Officers along with the assistance of the Sayreville Police not only apprehended the suspect, but recovered illegal handguns and other paraphernalia that was in the vehicle,” Lavigne said.

He cited other officers of the police department who successfully performed CPR to save a resident’s life.

“South Amboy is a tight knit community. Every radio transmission is recorded and reviewed.”

Lavigne spoke about recent burglaries of valuables left in parked cars. “The SAPD went on foot and worked with Councilwoman Zusette Dato handing out pamphlets. This is a message that we will not tolerate this kind of activity. But we need the cooperation of the public.”

Mayor Henry took the floor again and listed all the new businesses that opened up downtown.

“The Venetian Health Care Center which is practically across from the Y is scheduled to open June 2014.” He thanked Michael Jacobs, Vice-President of Windsor Health Care for bringing this multi-million dollar project and ratables into South Amboy.”

Mayor Henry then gave an update on the Ferry Service returning to South Amboy. “Phase I (the bridge) is done. Phase II (the road extension) is done. Phase III (the parking lot and terminal) – We are waiting to hear from the State.”

Henry then thanked the Redevelopment Agency. “Many facets make up a community.”

South Amboy Historical Society President Gerard Pizzillo also spoke. He gave an overview of the organization’s activities and their mission statement. He urged the residents to come to their open house on Saturday, March 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m at the Senior Center. “We want to pass our history to future generations.” He mentioned historic events that took place in South Amboy which included the first railroad in New Jersey that took place in 1833 between Camden and South Amboy. He also mentioned the First Airmail Flight which was between South Amboy and Perth Amboy and took place on July 4, 1912.

Mayor Henry gave an update about Superstorm Sandy related repairs. “We’ve received two million from FEMA to overhaul the walkway on March 24.”

The Mayor thanked the Middlesex Water Company who spent $5 million in the Rehabilitation of the infrastructure of the water system in the City.

“The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will provide the community a means to fulfill a wide range of needs. In September 2014 we will begin the Curb and Sidewalk Repair Program.” He was pleased to announce that the summer programs for the kids will continue as well as activities for Seniors that will be no cost to them.

Henry thanked City Clerk Kathy Vigilante and Linda Garnett from the Mayor’s Office for their service. They will be leaving soon.

A moment of silence was held for City Employees who recently passed away.

Henry presented two bouquets of flowers: one to his mother and one to his wife thanking them for their support.

In conclusion Mayor Henry recited a quote from President John F. Kennedy, “Change is the law of life. And those only look to the past and present are certain to miss the future.”