8/8/18 Council Meeting

Annie Hindenlang

PERTH AMBOY – Exec. Dir. Office of Economic and Community Development PARA Annie Hindenlang presented a short slideshow at the 8/8/18 Council Meeting.

During the presentation, Councilman Fernando Gonzalez asked, “Can the King High Garage Area (outer State Street) be a possible truck stop?”

Hindenlang responded, “Yes.”

During the public comments, Resident Stanley Sierakowski questioned, “Who owns the 100 acres of the Gateway Area? If 400 rental units are built, will there be any space for schools? There should be components for zoning to set aside acreage for schools. Look at what Johnson & Johnson did in New Brunswick. To have developers be required to pay in lieu of taxes is disingenuous. It should be a requirement to set aside acreage for schools.”

Stanley Sierakowski

Annie Hindenlang then spoke about the Sayre Avenue Redevelopment Property. “There are 4 owners on that Gateway property. You have to do a physical impact on the schools.”

Council President William Petrick had a couple of comments stating he’s never seen an impact study on schools that were done when any presentations were made. “In the 1990’s, there were more concerns about schools in new developments. Our schools are bursting at the seems now. The SDA (School Development Authority) said they didn’t want schools in highly contaminated areas.”

Sharon Hubberman

Resident and Businesswoman Sharon Hubberman came up to speak next, “Was the presentation shown tonight available online? It would be helpful. We are already overcrowded, and our infrastructure is not up to date. Open space money should go into a trust. We should have an open space presentation account like other cities have. The BRIDGE Project was the worst deal for the City because it was a PILOT and they flipped the land for a profit. This will lead others to take advantage of the City. If we want to spur the economy, we need more commercial (businesses coming in). If you leave it to the City, we will have a bigger administration and less for the citizens.”

Resident Ken Balut came up next. “Professionals (such as former Law Director Arlene Quinones) hired by the Mayor made bad deals. Kushner Properties were supposed to be ownership and not rentals. I don’t see the Board of Education here talking about the impact of schools (traffic, location of new school by the firehouse). What happened to the school and the firehouse that was supposed to be built at Harbortown? What about the impact (new developments) on emergency services? You should ask the Board of Education to come here?”

Resident Jeremy Baratta came up to speak and stated, “You’re going to get at least 200 kids from 400 units. It’s going to be a real draw on services because of extra toilets, showers, etc.”

Annie Hindenlang concluded her remarks stating, “The City Council always has to be involved in Redevelopment.”