Wishing to have 'ghost town' back
South Jersey Commentary
philly.com
Aug 21, 2006
Readers' responses to a "Community Voices" invitation to discuss the impact of illegal immigration on them, and their reactions to articles on a Riverside ordinance that holds businesses and landlords liable for dealing with illegal immigrants.
Ronaldo Empke (Commentary, Aug. 2) said Riverside had been almost a ghost town until the new wave of immigrants. I would like to have the ghost town back.
Traffic has increased immensely, with cars with Pennsylvania plates. Are the drivers of these vehicles legal? Do they have insurance? If they reside in Riverside, why don't they have New Jersey plates?
Yes, this town was settled by immigrants, as Empke stated, but my grandparents and others like them were detained at Ellis Island and checked before being allowed into this country.
With all the attention given to protecting our borders, it bewilders me to find out how easy it is to get into this country.
I can tell you the majority of Riverside residents are decent, hardworking people concerned only about the quality of life and the costs associated with the influx of illegal immigrants.
Before you pass judgment on our community, please consider what it would be like to live here yourself.
Gail T. Persichilli
Riverside
Harsh, unfair laws
Harsh, unfair pieces of legislation such as the ordinances adopted in Hazleton, Pa., and Riverside force businesses and landlords to demand proof of citizenship from people they do business with and, in Hazleton, prohibit city business from being conducted in any language other than English.
Immigrants contribute to the economy and cultural diversity of Riverside, Hazleton, and countless other towns. They are part of the fabric of America.
My mother came from Lima, Peru, and worked 14-hour days in a factory in hopes of becoming a citizen. She now votes.
Instead of politicizing immigration, local governments must urge Congress to pass fair and practical reform that ensures hardworking immigrants a path to earned citizenship.
Tony Simone
Deputy director
People for the American Way
Northeast Regional Office
New York
Economic steamroller
Property development is swiftly changing Riverside.
The demolition of the old warehouse structure at Fairview Street and River Road soon will bring a seven-story townhouse-condominium complex with retail space.
In the works is the refitting of the Watchcase building from factory space to townhouses and possible assisted living.
NJ Transit opened its River Line through town.
These are all very convenient happenings for people with a keen eye on property values and money to throw around.
