Resident asks Perth Amboy council for temporary handicap parking; council hears broader parking concerns

At the March 2, 2026 Perth Amboy public portion, resident Gracia Abro of 398 Washington Street requested a temporary handicap parking placard or space ahead of scheduled knee surgery on March 17. Abro said she submitted medical documentation and the surgery date but was denied because the block already has two handicap spaces; she asked the council to review the denial and to grant temporary relief.

During her three-minute public comment, Abro described mobility difficulties and said she has lived at the address for 25 years and pays local taxes. She said the doctor supplied paperwork but did not provide a definitive duration for recovery, and she asked the council for a short-term accommodation while she recuperates.

A council member acknowledged Abro's request and later in the meeting, after returning from closed session, raised a broader concern that parking in the city has become a premium. That council member proposed forming a working group composed of council representatives, the police department, public works and code enforcement to study resident-only parking permits, eligibility guidelines, and other measures.

Separately, public commenter Anthony said downtown flower pots and receptacles had been removed over the previous year and not replaced, causing litter and unsanitary conditions. Mr. Le (city staff present) responded that the pots had been abused and that city cleaning crews and an ambassador perform ongoing clean-up; he said the city is aware of the issue.

The council recorded the public comments and indicated staff would review Abro's temporary parking request and follow up with the resident. The working-group idea was proposed for further study rather than adopted as formal policy at the meeting.