PERTH AMBOY, NJ – Middlesex County and Perth Amboy officials announced plans to demolish the County Office of Public Works Garage located on Fayette Street in Perth Amboy to develop the site into a pocket park, primarily designed for passive recreation. The announcement was made during a press conference on November 9 at the site.

Sharing the significance of this pocket park project for the community of Perth Amboy and the County, speakers included Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios and Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba.

“Middlesex County is committed to creating and preserving parks and open space throughout the County and is excited to be working together with Mayor Caba and his team in developing this site from its current use as the home of a County Department of Public Works garage into a pocket park,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “Pocket parks are little pockets of green space that brighten up neighborhoods and can be enjoyed by everyone. In this case, it will be the people of Perth Amboy, as well as anyone else passing through this part of the County.”

“This investment by Middlesex County plays a significant role in improving not only the appearance of the neighborhood, it also enhances public safety with its physical improvements and helps promote a neighborhood identity,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “These are all quality-of-life ideas expressed by our local residents and businesses. Thank you again, to the Middlesex County commissioners for their commitment to provide a safe, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable park and recreation services that respond to our residents’ diverse interests, backgrounds, and abilities.”

The design for the “pocket park," or small urban open space, is anticipated to be completed in the next 18-24 months, pending any environmental remediation which may be identified.

Photo: from left, Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba; County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios; County Commissioner Charles Kenny, chair of Transportation Committee.