August 12, 2002

CORZINE TOURS RAHWAY WITH KENNEDY, COUNCIL

RAHWAY, NJ – U.S. Senator Jon Corzine spent the morning of August 9 touring downtown Rahway with Mayor James Kennedy, Freeholder Rick Proctor and members of the City Council and gave his approval to the city’s continuing growth in the central business district.

Corzine first visited the new waterfront park planned along the Rahway River by Essex Street where Kennedy briefed him on the many redevelopment plans on tap for the downtown.  He then met with some local merchants along Irving Street and stopped in to tour the Arts Guild of Rahway and the Union County Arts Center.  He also visited the old Hamilton Laundry site on Hamilton Street and pledged to work with the Mayor and Council to redevelop it as a regional performing arts center and independent film theater.

The Senator then examined some of the decaying Amtrak rail trestles and concrete walls that run through Rahway’s central business district.  Kennedy is seeking the Senator’s aid in having safety and cosmetic repairs made to the trestles and walls, which have been deteriorating since they were completed in 1913 and are further complicated by Amtrak’s financial troubles in recent years.

Corzine was later hosted by over 50 seniors at Golden Age Towers, where he engaged them in a lively debate over prescription drug costs and the future of Medicare.  He wrapped up his day in Rahway with a visit to the JFK Center on East Hazelwood Avenue by Fourth Ward Councilman David Brown.

“I’m glad that Senator Corzine has heard the many great stories coming from Rahway and asked to see what we are doing here in town,” said Kennedy.  “I’m optimistic that he will be able to help us continue to make our city a fine place to live and work.   I am particularly concerned about the safety of residents and commuters in and around the train tracks that bisect our city, and hope that with Senator Corzine’s help, we can work out a deal with Amtrak that protects our citizens while beautifying our downtown.”

CAPTION FOR PHOTO:

Senator Jon Corzine, Mayor James Kennedy and representatives of the Union County Arts Center and Arts District tour the historic Union County Arts Center downtown.