Op-Ed by Stephanie Brisita, Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission Board Member
As a preservationist and lifelong resident of the historic City of Perth Amboy, I would like us to consider the fate of the old Police Station and First Aid Squad Buildings set for demolition. The area is set to be redeveloped into over 600 rental housing units. I would like to propose an alternative: rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the old police station as a community center. We have enough new high end housing coming that has been approved, we need a community space in the waterfront area and we need to celebrate and preserve our history.
At over 100 years old, the old Police Station building on the corner of Fayette and High St was once the Main Technical Office of The Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Company which in 1911 was considered the largest manufacturing works in the City of Perth Amboy and the greatest producer of chemicals in the world. Its importance was so great that it warranted an expansion that was proposed to include six new buildings, including the office building that still stands today. As the largest manufacturer in the city at the time, it employed hundreds and with its expansion, it would eventually employ many more. The office building and the other 5 buildings were constructed by the George W. Mercer Construction Company and shared basic principles of construction including plenty of light, good ventilation, high-ceilings, and fireproof brick construction.
In 1935, the Perth Amboy Police Department acquired the building from Roessler and Hasselacher, having outgrown its small space in the Perth Amboy City Hall. With help from the Works Progress Administration, a few changes were made, including the creation of a police pistol range.
2026 is the semi-quincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Proprietary House in Perth Amboy is one of ten sites in New Jersey that has been given distinction for its role in the Revolutionary War, putting the historic site and the historic City of Perth Amboy in the spotlight. There will be an influx of heritage tourists to the city. I believe the city needs to prepare to welcome this influx, avoid the potential traffic-related chaos, and promote the businesses and heritage tourism of the city. The old Police Station and First Aid Squad Buildings are well posed to fulfill this purpose.
The buildings are along one of the most historically decorated avenues in the city: High Street. Within immediate walking distance, tourists will be able to see 3 nationally recognized historic resources: The Simpson United Methodist Church, the Ferry Slip, and City Hall, which are all listed in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places for their importance in our collective history.
Beyond this, Market Square has two monumental churches and High Street is lined with historic Victorian Era houses that tourists love seeing. From High Street, tourists can wander and see the various historic buildings peppered throughout the waterfront and downtown areas as well as see the other historic sites: the Proprietary House, St. Peter’s Church, and Kearny Cottage.
And given the walkability of the city, the short distance from the old Police Station to the downtown areas, will help boost commerce for businesses as visitors will stop by at many of the delicious eateries that the city has to offer.
Additionally, with all these historic amenities on High Street, the old Police Station and First Aid Squad Buildings are ideal launching points for a trolley tour. The site has ample space for parking and additional parking can be acquired across the street at the old Day Care Center, if needed.
I believe investment in these historic buildings will be an investment in our city, in our near and distant futures. Though it may seem far away, 2033 will be upon us faster than we know it. By investing today, this welcome/community center will also be ready for the 350th anniversary of the founding of our beautiful historic city.
These buildings can give back to the community. A large population lives in the area with no community center. I believe having these buildings as a community center can provide citizens with needed extracurricular activities, event space, polling place, etc., reestablishing the buildings’ once important role in servicing the community. This alternative solution is a sustainable one as reuse is also more environmentally conscious.
Finally, looking to the city as a whole, another apartment complex is not necessary; two new luxury apartment buildings are being constructed in the city, one on the corner of Convery Boulevard and Sayre Avenue, and the other on Riverview Drive. Together, these apartment complexes will add an additional 695 units to the city. Additionally, the blocks adjacent to the site of the old Police Station and First Aid Squad buildings already have condos and apartment buildings. Why demolish these buildings when the potential to function as a communal event space exists that is desperately needed for quality of life.
I once again urge the residents of Perth Amboy to express their opinion on this matter at the City Council meetings on August 14th or to write a letter to the city expressing your opinion. Do we need another apartment complex at the waterfront/in the city or would you prefer a center that can give back to you and your community?
