Mayor's Blog
On Thursday, December 18th, the Planning Board heard the application from West Street Partners, LLC for 405 Main Street, commonly known as the “triangle.” The applicant’s team gave a very professional description of the intended project. Over a dozen residents voiced their concerns which centered around lot coverage, density, parking issues, and traffic. As the Mayor I was not allowed to vote on the project, but as a citizen I was able to voice my opinion. In my opinion this was not a benefit to the area or to the city. My concerns echoed those of the residents. As with other projects such as Dunkin Donuts and 7 Eleven, the Planning Board listened to the applicant and the residents and ultimately voted against the project. They used their judgement based on everything that was presented and felt that this was not a good fit for this area. I thank everyone at the meeting for being very respectful.
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Mocco Property Update
There has been some concern recently about the Mocco property which is located behind Pupek Road. I wanted to let the residents know that the Business Administrator, David Kales, and I have met with the prospective buyers of the property and listened to their proposal. Their proposal consisted of a series of townhouses and some affordable housing. To gain access to this property, the prospective buyers wanted to move the corner park and basketball court. We informed them that this area is zoned as a single family and that these moves were unacceptable. Also, Pupek Road could not handle this additional traffic. Also, a substantial part of the area was deemed to be wetlands by the DEP. The prospective buyers left the meeting and understood that they would need to work on another proposal.
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Back to School Backpack Giveaway
On August 8th, 2024 the South Amboy YMCA hosted a backpack giveaway which was sponsored by News 12. It was a great event for our young students. Other organizations participated in handing out many “goodies” to all who attended. Besides News 12, I would like to thank the City of South Amboy, the South Amboy Police Department, Bridge of Books Foundation, the South Amboy Library, Carvel, Optimum, WellPoint, and Liberty Dental Plan for setting up their tables and handing out information along with school supplies for the upcoming school year. The “Y” did a great job as the host and hundreds of our school-age residents got a jump on being prepared for September. Again, thanks to all the volunteers.
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John Street/Broadway Building Demolition
I would like to thank New Jersey Transit and Center State Engineering for the demolition of the eyesore building which was on John Street and Broadway. After many years, we were able to purchase the property and immediately put in plans to take the building down. It has always been my intention to build a parking lot there to help alleviate the parking problems for our business district. All the details have not been finalized for the configuration of the lot, but we do not want it for commuter parking, but for the businesses and residents of the area. We believe that this is in the best interest for the residents and businesses in South Amboy. I would like to thank everyone for their patience throughout this project. Let the progress continue!
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South Amboy Arts
Congratulations to Synergy Studios on their 1st Annual South Amboy Short Film Show held on Saturday night at the Broadway Arts Gallery. The event was well attended and very entertaining! Please check the South Amboy web site or contact [email protected] for additional programs which will be produced in the future.
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NJ State Firemen's Association Wildwood Convention
Congratulations to the South Amboy Fire Department and First Aid Squad for their excellent showings in Wildwood this weekend. They again showed why South Amboy has the best volunteers in the state! Their professionalism makes South Amboy proud. It was also my distinct honor to accept flowers on behalf of the Celecki family in remembrance of Gerald "Bear" Celecki who passed away in the line of duty. The memorial ceremony was a great tribute to him and the other firefighters who passed in the line of duty. I would like to thank all of our first responders for their contributions in keeping the citizens of South Amboy safe. Your service does not go unnoticed. Thank you.
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NJ Transit Raritan River Bridge Replacement Project
On Tuesday, September 27, 2016 NJ Transit will hold an information session about the Raritan River Bridge Replacement Project. It will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the City of South Amboy, City Hall Council Chambers. It will provide the public opportunities to obtain information, become more knowledgeable, and ask questions about the project.
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9/11
Thank you to the South Amboy American Legion for the very moving ceremony at the Waterfront Park honoring those who died in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. And thank you to all those who attended and remembered the sacrifice of so many on that terrible day.
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Forget-Me-Not Historical Society brunch
This Saturday, January 16th, the Historical Society of South Amboy will host the "Forget-Me-Not" brunch honoring our veterans. Reenactors from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II, and the Gulf War will make presentations about their respective topics. The event will begin at 10:00 with the serving of brunch. A donation of $5 is requested but any veteran donating a photo of himself/herself in uniform will get in free! Come to the Senior Center on Stevens Ave. and join the fun.
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2016
Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, and safe New Year.
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Eugene "Hack" Szeszko
Condolances go out to the family of Hack Szeszko who passed away recently. He was a former city council member and First Aid Squad member. I would like to thank him for his service to his country (he served in the army during the Korean War) and his city.