David Del Vecchio said goals for this year including focusing on infrastructure, traffic, Connaught Hill and the city’s new community center, which is still under construction.
By: Linda Seida
LAMBERTVILLE Mayor David Del Vecchio was sworn in to a fifth term New Year’s Day, using the occasion of the city’s reorganization meeting to outline Lambertville’s goals for 2004.
With his wife, Karen Kominsky, by his side, the mayor took the oath of office, placing his hand on a Bible held by Ronald Pittore, a local attorney and son of former Mayor Philip Pittore. Sandwiched between Mr. Del Vecchio’s large hand and the Bible was the small hand of his son, Alex, 6.
Mayor Del Vecchio thanked his wife and son "for their understanding when I’m away from them performing city functions."
He said, "I want to thank the voters of this city who, for the fifth time, have placed their trust and faith in me to serve as their mayor. It is truly an honor that the citizens continue to allow me to serve in this capacity."
Family surrounded Mr. Del Vecchio as he began another term. His parents, Katherine and Patsy Del Vecchio of Virginia, were present for the ceremony. The mayor’s cousin, Sister Sandra De Masi of the Newark Diocese, said a prayer of blessing for an inauguration.
Mayor Del Vecchio marked the occasion by saying such an event is all about "a peaceful transfer of power."
He added, "It’s what separates us from the rest of the world. To me, that’s what makes us special as a country. That’s what sets us apart."
As he enters his 13th year in office, he acknowledged, "Here, it’s me transferring power to myself," drawing laughter from the assembled citizens and officials.
Also during the reorganization meeting, City Council President John McManus was re-elected to the position by fellow council members. His daughter, Erin Keyes, held the Bible as he took the oath of office.
Goals discussed by the mayor for the upcoming year focus on infrastructure, traffic, Connaught Hill and the city’s new community center, which is still under construction.
Infrastructure goals will include the reconstruction of Swan Street in late spring from Route 165 to Route 518. The work will incorporate traffic calming measures, the mayor said. Buttonwood Street also will undergo reconstruction and include traffic calming measures. The work should begin this summer, according to the mayor.
City Hall will receive an elevator to better accommodate persons with disabilities.
"We have a subcommittee meeting with architects in January looking to make a recommendation to the governing body in February," Mayor Del Vecchio said.
Goals for traffic include going over the city’s new traffic plan during City Council’s meeting Jan. 19.
"In addition, we have requested funding from the (Delaware River) Joint Toll Bridge Commission so local taxpayers will not bear the costs of implementing the plan," Mayor Del Vecchio said. "This plan will be the most proactive action the city has taken with regard to traffic."
He added, "In the near future, we will be opening the new court-community center that will house our court and its operations, our council meetings as well as the meetings for the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustments. I have asked Councilman (Steven) Stegman to form a committee of local residents to develop a plan for this facility for the 20 evenings a month when no activities are planned. It could be activities for our older residents or for our youth. If you are interested in serving, please contact me or Steve, and you can help us develop and implement plans for the community center."
As for Connaught Hill, the city recently announced plans for the construction of four new Habitat for Humanity Houses there. Coming this month is the introduction of an ordinance to install a pocket park in the neighborhood.
Also addressed by the mayor was the issue of property taxes.
"As we all know, property taxes are oppressive to property wealthy, cash-poor residents, and aside from the value of their property, ignore their current economic situation," the mayor said. "In my new position as third vice president of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, I will work with my colleagues and the McGreevey administration to come up with potential solutions for this vexing problem."
Also during the meeting, the mayor and council members presented a plaque to Tim Carmody in recognition of 30 years of service in organizing the annual Memorial Day parade.
"I don’t deserve this," Mr. Carmody said as he accepted the plaque.
He preferred to give credit to the other volunteers.
"I’ve seen the work that he does, and he really deserves way more than that," said Councilwoman Cynthia Ege.