By JACQUELINE DURETT
Correspondent
SOUTH AMBOY — Mayor Fred Henry’s State of the City address focused on past results, as well as a future that could look rather different from the South Amboy of today.
“Last year I closed my remarks with the challenge that we as a city pursue a positive path and do the right thing. We set goals that were in the best interests of the citizens of South Amboy, and I am here today to relate to you the results of those pursuits,” he said.
Henry told attendees on April 20 that he has run a fiscally responsible administration, and, thanks to the support of city officials and staff, South Amboy fiscally is in strong shape, with more than $1 million in surplus. Currently, the budget is still on track to only carry a 1-cent tax increase, he confirmed.
During the speech, Henry mentioned improvements made to city infrastructure, including road paving, sewer and water line repairs and the installation of new signage. He also covered recent emergency services investments — a firetruck and a new radio communication system — and forthcoming new police and fire department vehicles. Henry also said the city has received water-rescue equipment from the county.
Henry pointed out examples of what he called “positive change” around the city, such as business openings and expansions and the construction of new housing, particularly where older, dilapidated structures once stood.
He also gave updates on some of the bigger projects in the city, including Manhattan Beach Club on the former Amboy Aggregates site, pointing out there has been a change in developer. Matrix Development Group has taken over the mixed-use development project from O’Neill Properties.
He also said all of the projects for the city’s Southern Waterfront Redevelopment Plan, such as The Venetian and the surrounding new housing, are now complete or in progress. He thanked all of those involved with these efforts, including former mayor John O’Leary, “who continues to stay involved for the good of the citizens of South Amboy.”
He also said the ferry, which has faced numerous delays over the past eight years, continues to move ahead, adding, “We have stated many times that the ferry is coming and we know there are still skeptics out there!”
The delays, he said, have been challenging for all involved.
“There is much behind-the-scenes work being done in this long process. I’ve said before that the ferry is coming, but with stringent regulations dealing with expending federal funds and so many different approvals needed it has been a difficult — and at times frustrating — task, but our resolve remains the same.”
Assistance, he said, is coming from the county, which has agreed to assume responsibility for the work to improve Main Street, which is a county road, from Broadway to Radford Ferry Road. That will help the city dedicate the bulk of the state funding to the ferry terminal.
Also on the horizon are three programs focused on improving business and the quality of life in the city. The city is moving ahead with the purchase of GovPilot, municipal-focused software that enables residents to handle administrative issues and report concerns to city officials. In addition, a Shop South Amboy program, which would promote resident spending at city businesses by giving them a property tax credit when they do so, is in progress.
Finally, a new arts district is underway.
“The goal of this initiative is to build South Amboy’s identity and image as an arts-rich community that includes music, film, performing and visual arts,” he said.
Henry said the success the city has seen to date plus the plans for the coming years are only possible because city officials are working together for the benefits of the residents — which he said is as it should be.
“This is what good government is all about,” he said. “We have made things happen, and I believe that we are on the right path and we will continue to do what is in the best interest of South Amboy and its residents.”