Scortino's pizzeria in Perth Amboy, N.J. (Louis Seminski Jr.)

Dear Preservation 911,

Earlier this month, the city of Perth Amboy, N.J., informed home and business owners that it would take over a city block for more parking spaces for a proposed public safety complex, library, and fitness center.

The residents and business owners are very upset, to say the least. This area of town has always been considered the Little Italy section of the city. One family, the Sciortinos, which have owned and operated several businesses on the block for more than 70 years, have begun a valiant fight against the seizure. They have been featured on WNBC news in New York and local radio stations and newspapers. You see, one of their businesses, a pizzeria, uses a turn-of-the-last century coal-fed oven which is clearly part of history. The immense oven is a marvel of masonry work and craftsmanship.

This issue holds an important place in my heart; I am the great-grandson of the original business owner. Although my last name is not Sciortino, this business is still my family's livelihood. I want the oven to be preserved. My family has worked for nearly 75 years to make this neighborhood what it is today, and I have spent all my afternoons and nights from grammar school, high school, college, and most recently, law school working at that oven. Please help us in our fight.

Sincerely,

Louis Seminski Jr.
Sayreville, N.J.

Contact Perth Amboy's mayor or e-mail the writer with advice, comments, or commiseration.

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