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MEDIA ADVISORY 
June 10, 2021

OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING AND PARK NAME DEDICATION FOR THE FUTURE 2ND STREET PARK
State, County, and City officials celebrate beginning the work on the future site of 2nd Street to be named after 65th Infantry Regiment, "Borinqueneers Park"

WHAT—State, County, and City government officials alongside residents will help break ground on the 2nd Street site in Perth Amboy. This six-acre former brownfield will be remediated into a world class ‘smart’ waterfront park. In addition, the event will host the official park naming dedication after the after 65th Infantry Regiment, "Borinqueneers," who was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

WHERE: Entrance at 46 2nd Street Park, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, Comfortable shoes and masks recommended. Parking available at the end of 2nd Street (1 2nd Street Public Parking).

WHO: Featured speakers include:
Shawn LaTourette, NJ DEP Commissioner
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, NJ Assembly, 19th District
Helmin J. Caba, Mayor, City of Perth Amboy
Ervin Machado, PFC of 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, "Borinqueneer"
Joel Rosa, Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency Chair
Kenneth Ortiz, Director of Human Services, City of Perth Amboy
Leigh Anne (Annie) Hindenlang , Principal + COO, Topology

WHEN: Friday, June 11, 2021, 11:00AM
Arrivals: 10:30AM
Welcome:  11:00AM
Pledge of Allegiance by students of Robert N. Wilentz Elementary School
Singing of U.S. National Anthem
Invocation
Speakers: 11:10AM-11:30AM
Park Name Dedication, Plaque Dedication, and Singing of Puerto Rico's National Anthem:  11:30AM
Ground Breaking Ceremony:  11:45AM
Benediction
Closing Remarks
Light refreshments: 12:00PM
Site Tour with NJ DEP Commissioner, Shawn LaTourette, following program

WHY: The Perth Amboy Second Street site is located across from the Robert N. Wilentz Elementary School between Patterson Street and the Raritan River waterfront,  a  former scrap metal facility, the site is located at the western end of the Perth Amboy riverfront promenade which connects to numerous city open space and recreational areas.  This new park will create opportunities for programming and activities for the entire community and restore part of the City's natural coastline. The strong growth, attractiveness and demand for the City of Perth Amboy's open space will be enhanced with cutting-edge technology to help promote the health and safety of all users. The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advise on environmental issues, perform additional site testing and engage in public outreach.   Rutgers University's Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability and Bloustein School of Urban Planning ran a 8-month process that results in a concept plan directed by over 300 local students.  In the past 5 years, with assistance from the NJDEP’s Community Collaborative Initiative (CCI) Program, the City and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency acquired over $7 Million in funding for final design, remediation and construction of the park from NJDEP.  Park programming is organized into three main zones: a play-mountain with a skate park, a flexible recreational park, and a restored coastal landscape. These features pay tribute to the riverfront legacy of Perth Amboy, utilize modern green infrastructure practices to continue proper stewardship of the Raritan River all while encouraging creative play.

On April 28th, the Perth Amboy City Council passed a resolution to name the site “Borinqueneer Park.” The Borinqueneers were formally known as the 65th Infantry Regiment: the last and longest-standing segregated military unit in U.S. history that fought and commanded exclusively by Puerto Ricans. In 2014, the U.S Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment under President Barack Obama to recognize the little-known, impressive and valiant role the Borinqueneers played throughout the Country's entire military history.  When finished, the Borinqueneer Park will offer a rare opportunity to strengthen neighborhoods and make drastic improvements in pedestrian and transit infrastructure through the new open space.

For more information, contact Mayor's Office | (732) 826-0290 x4005 | [email protected]
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