Perth Amboy Mayor Highlights Progress and Success

PERTH AMBOY – Mayor Helmin Caba, as well as his municipal directors, highlighted growth and achievement over the past year during the recent 2024 “State of the City” address. They spoke of ongoing initiatives to enhance public safety, spark economic growth, and revitalize parks and public spaces throughout the city.

“As we continue our journey through 2024, we embark on several pivotal initiatives,” Caba said. “These efforts are designed to enhance our local economy, elevate our community services, and generate new opportunities for all who reside in Perth Amboy.”

During the speech at Perth Amboy High School, the city directors reported about success stories in their departments, which the mayor said, “is a testament to our collective effort toward building a vibrant, flourishing Perth Amboy.”

“So, let’s move forward together, celebrate our progress, and engage in shaping our city's bright future,” Caba said. “Together, let’s continue to make Perth Amboy a place we’re proud to call home.”

The mayor noted that when he stepped into office in 2021, the city’s financial conditions, budget deficit, and the public health emergency of COVID-19 were alarming. “They threatened our city's finances and services to our residents, including our water and infrastructure,” he said. “We have emerged stronger than ever. Today, we have transformed our city together and built a Perth Amboy where everyone can thrive.”

Caba made a special acknowledgment to city employees. “Your dedication to meeting the needs of our community does not go unnoticed,” he said. “The work you do every day not only enhances the quality of life in our city but also embodies the spirit of a truly connected community. You deserve our heartfelt applause.”

Finances

Since taking office in 2021, municipal taxes have been stable, maintaining a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Standard & Poor’s recognizes sound financial management, reaffirming the city’s "A+" long-term rating.

“This rating not only reflects our stable fiscal management and budgetary flexibility but also enhances our purchasing power and improves our borrowing conditions with lower interest rates,” the mayor said.

Public Safety

Perth Amboy has made significant progress in reducing crime, expanding the police force, and enhancing capabilities with the latest technologies.

“Today, we have more officers than ever before, each equipped with cutting-edge tools such as fiber networks and advanced security cameras,” Caba said. “These strategic advancements have greatly bolstered our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal activities, ensuring our officers can perform their essential roles with the utmost safety.”

The mayor also highlighted “incredible strides” in the Perth Amboy Fire Department, which added a new fireboat, two new engines, and a ladder truck. The city is also planning for a second firehouse to better serve our community as it grows.

“This year, we also celebrated a groundbreaking achievement—promoting Arielle Bonilla as the first female Latina captain in our department's history,” Caba said. “Arielle's promotion isn't just a win for diversity; it's a testament to her exceptional leadership and the progressive spirit of our city.”

Economic Development

Progress is spearheaded by Tashilee Vazquez and the Office of Economic and Community Development team, alongside the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency, planning and zoning board members, and city council. The city's infrastructure is enhanced, from utilities to road systems, and expanded public safety measures.

A testament is the upcoming redevelopment of the 44-acre Gateway site, a once-neglected area that will be revitalized into a bustling, vibrant hub. After nearly two decades, the city was able to execute an agreement with Viridian Partners, turning a long-time eyesore into a prosperous zone that will attract both residents and investors at the gateway of our city.

“We can also see the fruits of our labor on a site that was once the American Smelting and Refining Company on outer State Street,” Caba said. “Left idle since its closure in 1979, this site has been transformed thanks to our concerted redevelopment efforts. It now houses two new warehouses that will not only provide 1,000 jobs but also contribute significantly to our tax base and our affordable housing fund.”

The contributions from Bridge Industrial are particularly noteworthy:

$1 million towards enhancing Rudyk Park;
Improved sidewalks and connectivity, linking Harbortown to the project and enhancing accessibility and safety;
$500,000 towards a new fire engine, boosting our firefighting capabilities;
An additional $500,000 funding vital public health initiatives.

Business Improvement District/Urban Enterprise Zone

In the last three years, Perth Amboy allocated more than $2.5 million, mainly in grants, to significantly improve the safety, visual appeal, and economic prosperity of the business district. Projects such as the ongoing façade grants, the renovation of the Five Corners pedestrian plaza, and the acquisition and development of the only pocket park located on Smith Street are just a few examples of this investment.

Moreover, the recent introduction of a free bike share program at the waterfront marina exemplifies our commitment to promoting health and wellness while encouraging residents and visitors to explore Perth Amboy’s local commerce.

“Looking ahead, we are poised for the largest expansion of the BID since its inception nearly three decades ago,” Caba said. “This expansion will significantly enhance our support to our merchants citywide, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. We are rolling out new grant opportunities, enhancing security, improving street aesthetics, and ramping up marketing efforts to ensure our commercial districts flourish.”

In parallel, re-establishing the Urban Enterprise Zone has brought nearly $5 million into our city. This funding fuels initiatives such as the Seasonal Clean Team, the soon-to-launch trolley service, an upcoming micro-loan program that will provide local small business owners with forgivable loans up to $50,000, and future Business Training Programs in partnership with Middlesex College.

Cultural and Recreation

Perth Amboy has seen progress across various sectors, such as the creation of new green spaces like the Middlesex County Pocket Park, the dedication of the John Mazurek Basketball Courts, and cultural celebrations to showcase the rich diversity of the community.

“From enhancing public safety to sparking economic growth to revitalizing our parks and public spaces, every initiative in 2023 has been about making our city a place where everyone can thrive,” Caba said. “We are creating six new parks and making significant upgrades to 11 others, including our youth sports complex.”

The city also offers educational programs like the Success Bound Youth Academy Program at Middlesex College and new fitness zones, like the Gametime Fitness Center at Bay City Park, that encourage residents to lead active, healthy lives.

“I am proud to see how these efforts collectively enhance the fabric of our city, making Perth Amboy a beacon of cultural richness and recreational vitality,” Caba said.

Infrastructure and Sustainability

A major initiative, "Smooth Roads Ahead," includes more than $10 million in grant funding to improve streets, drainage, and accessibility, ensuring smoother commutes and safer journeys for both pedestrians and vehicles.

The city is investing more than $200 million in the water system, focusing on modernizing and upgrading our facilities, including the vital Runyon Water Treatment Plant in Old Bridge. New traffic measures are also in place, such as at Smith and Goodwin streets where the city is replacing the old traffic light system, as well as plans to improve the Fayette Street Bridge.

By strategically using development fees, Perth Amboy has allocated significant resources for rehabilitating key housing projects. This includes a million-dollar investment to upgrade heating and hot water systems across 115 apartments, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing utility costs, benefiting 281 residents.

Recognizing the Spirit of Perth Amboy

Chris Brito is a remarkable athlete whose journey from the fields of Perth Amboy to professional baseball embodies the spirit of determination. From winning the 2018 Greater Middlesex Conference Player of the Year to breaking records at Rutgers University and joining the Kansas City Royals, his accomplishments are a beacon of inspiration for our youth, proving that with hard work and dedication, dreams can be realized.

Equally inspiring is Lorenzo Cardona, whose exceptional talents behind the soundboard earned him a Grammy for the song "Rockstar" by Post Malone. Lorenzo's achievements not only bring pride to our community but also serve as a powerful reminder of the global impact one can make from right here in Perth Amboy.

The community's strength is also reflected in the achievements of our student-athletes like Elizabeth Adebola and Aaliyah Matias, who excel both in sports and academics. Abedola’s success as a state wrestling champion and Matias’ remarkable placements in state competitions, coupled with their impressive academic performances, underscore the dynamic capabilities of our young people.

Perth Amboy is also recognizing Milinda Cruz and Detective Jeremy J. Harris, whose acts of bravery and quick thinking have saved lives and made our community safer. Their courage and selflessness exemplify the best of Perth Amboy’s spirit.

Moreover, the extraordinary efforts of our police departments from Perth Amboy and Sayreville, particularly during a critical incident on Victory Bridge, highlight the importance of compassion and teamwork in safeguarding the lives of our residents. Officers have been nominated for a “Valor Award” from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Celebrating achievements extends into the realms of sports and community spirit, as demonstrated by our Perth Amboy High School Cheer Team. Their recent triumphs in the New Jersey Cheer and Dance Association State Championship reflect athletic prowess.

“Looking ahead to 2024, we're poised to move Perth Amboy forward with an unwavering commitment to pedestrian safety, economic prosperity, and environmental initiatives,” Caba said. “We'll see the continuation of groundbreaking projects like E-Port 2, the expansion of community murals, support for community health projects like Habitat for Humanity, and enhancements to our water infrastructure. Our commitment to enriching our city through the arts, heritage, and culture will continue to foster a vibrant community spirit.”