Mayor Quattrocchi Cites Transit Village Exploration, Emergency Management Revamp as Priorities for 2012

At Garwood Mayor Patricia Quattrocchi gave her State of the Borough address pointing to a new Transit Village Study Committee and revamps to the Office of Emergency Management amongst her priorities for 2012. The mayor also discussed upgrades for Garwood's communication systems and plans for the borough's upcoming 110th anniversary in 2013.

Mayor Quattrocchi began by commending the council for its work in 2011.

"Though the past year was a tad tumultuous, what came out of this room can only be viewed as what was believed to be in the best interest of the borough overall," said Quattrocchi. "Rarely does any group of adults with such varied educational and career backgrounds, as well as philosophical leanings blend together perfectly and see all issues in same light. This council certainly is not an exception to that rule, but it should be recognized that a very gallant and heartfelt effort was certainly put forward."

Mayor Quattrocchi also thanked the borough employees for making her transition into the mayorship a smooth one. "A change of administration after so many years can be a daunting challenge and everyone on our staff without exception accepted that challenge and was supportive in executing a mostly smooth transition, and I am very grateful," said Quattrocchi.

Quattrocchi then mentioned the challenges 2011 brought, citing last winter's snow, Hurricane Irene, the Aug. 23 earthquake, and the Halloween snowstorm among some of the natural disasters the borough was tasked with. The mayor commended the Department of Public Works for their efforts in the aftermath of such events.

The mayor then recognized some of council's biggest accomplishments of 2011 before laying out priorities for 2012.

"We labored to bring our municipal budget within the new parameters set by Trenton, swore in a new police chief and captain and are making strides to see a field of dreams become a reality," said Quattrocchi. "All in all, 2011 was exciting to say the least, but looking forward is what Garwood must do to remain the independent heart of Union County that we are."

The mayor then discussed the new Transit Village Study Committee she created and appointed former Councilwoman Kathleen Villagio to lead.

"That committee will grow as needed over the course of the coming year and is to be charged with the job to carefully review and explore redevelopment options and transit village possibilities on our North and South Avenue corridors," said Quattrocchi. "[Villagio] will be continuing her work with New Jersey Transit, not only on the rail issue but on the new Rapid Transit Bus project that was introduced this year as well."

Revamping the borough's Office of Emergency Management is another priority for Quattrocchi in 2012.

"It became painfully obvious during Irene that we'd be faced with some major hurdles should a real catastrophic situation befall the borough," said Quattrocchi. To that end, the mayor appointed longtime Garwood resident and former Irvington Deputy Fire Chief and Arson Investigator Glen Sytko to Director of the Office of Emergency Management. Quattrocchi stated that satisfying new demands from FEMA and acquiring funds for emergency equipment were essential for the borough.

In addition, Quattrocchi stated that this year she will be "endeavoring to bring much-needed upgrades to borough information systems and enhancements to the borough website." The mayor also plans to improve residential outreach through cost-effective telecommunications and suggested that residents make a point to check the marquee at Borough Hall.

The mayor ended her list of goals for 2012 with plans to publicly celebrate Garwood's 110th anniversary in 2013, calling on the Celebrations committee to work with public organizations and business establishments to get the ball rolling this year.

The mayor ended her address by promising her availablity and responsiveness to residents. The mayor said she welcomes drop-in visitors, phone calls and emails and is happy to schedule individual meetings. Quattrocchi also said she will be bringing back Mayor's Saturdays, making herself available at Borough Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon starting in February.

In closing the mayor said that Garwood is a wonderful place to live, and she encourages those who travel North and South avenues and only see Garwood as North and South avenues, to take the time to turn off of those arteries and explore.

"You're going to find a whole different world of suburban streets with manicured lawns, homes, wooded areas and hidden oases where quietude prevails," said Quattrocchi.

The mayor closed by saying it has been an honor to serve as mayor this year, she looks forward to the next three years and wishes residents a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Watch video of the full address in our gallery, right. Read about the rest of the reorganization meeting including mayoral appointments and the swearing in of reelected councilmembers,