Bayonne resident Corrado DiVincenzo is concerned about the gateways into the city and specifically about the John F. Kennedy Boulevard entrance.
DiVincenzo’s concerns were aired at the Dec. 10 City Council meeting where he spoke in the public portion at the beginning of the meeting.
He cited graffiti, garbage, un-mowed grass, and even a fallen telephone pole that has not been tended to as creating an eyesore.
“It’s a gateway important to our city, so it’s important that we maintain it,” DiVincenzo said.
His suggestion: a mural painted by local artists.
“Coming off the [New Jersey] Turnpike, we have a ‘Welcome’ sign,” DiVincenzo said. “That would be a perfect place to put it.”
While not an artist himself, DiVincenzo said the idea came to him after learning that lawmakers in Peru approved a similar measure.
The idea is to let people use their artistic talents in a positive way, finding a place in town where those with a painting urge could put it to use. A constructive part of the program would be talking to youth about graffiti.
While the officials at the meeting were receptive to DiVincenzo’s concern and ideas, some informed him that because the area he discussed was Kennedy Boulevard, the city’s hands are tied.
“It’s a gateway important to our city, so it’s important that we maintain it.” – Corrado DiVincenzo
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“That’s a county road, that’s the dilemma,” said Business Administrator Joseph DeMarco. “It’s their responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the area. There’s also a county park there.”
Councilman Thomas Cotter also said that the overpass there might be something that Conrail or the state would have to be contacted about.
Third Ward Councilman Gary La Pelusa, the ward in which the discussion centered on, said that area is the property of the New Jersey Turnpike, and that a proposal has been made to put new telephone poles there.
“We’ll talk to them about that one,” La Pelusa said.
Council President Sharon Nadrowski thanked DiVincenzo for bringing the matter to the council’s attention and making his suggestion.
Resident John Sebik noted that Jersey City has partnered with Conrail on a number of similarly painted murals across that city. He said that that contract also included the painting of such equipment as electrical boxes.
At the meeting’s end, Councilman at Large Juan Perez thanked DiVincenzo for bringing the problem and a solution to the table.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.