The Kushner Companies are scheduled to appear before the Perth Amboy Planning Board on Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the YMCA Building, 357 New Brunswick Avenue. The developer will be seeking Major Site Plan approval, making this a pivotal moment in our effort to secure a professional archaeological dig at the Thomas Mundy Peterson homesite before redevelopment begins.

Our request is simple, reasonable, and responsible:

• Allow archaeologists to conduct a short, focused excavation before construction begins.
• Document and preserve any remaining physical evidence associated with the home of Thomas Mundy Peterson, the first African American to vote under the 15th Amendment.

We are not trying to stop development. We are asking that history not be erased in the process.

We strongly encourage everyone who cares about history, preservation, civil and voting rights, and African American history to attend this meeting and let the Planning Board know this issue matters. Even if nothing is ultimately found, requiring an archaeological investigation would cost little, would not delay development, and would demonstrate good faith. It would earn meaningful goodwill by showing respect for the legacy of the people and communities connected to this site.

Now is the time for the community to show up.
A packed room sends a clear and undeniable message that this history matters—not only to Perth Amboy, but to people across New Jersey and beyond.

How you can help right now:

• Attend the Planning Board meeting on January 7
• Share the petition widely
• Invite friends, family, educators, students, community groups, and civic organizations
• Encourage others to attend—even if only to stand in solidarity

We are stronger together, and our collective voice is impossible to ignore when we show up united.