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Multifamily housing hearings dominate Ridgewood 2014 headlines

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Multifamily housing hearings dominate Ridgewood 2014 headlines

January 5, 2015    Last updated: Monday, January 5, 2015, 9:45 AM
By Darius Amos
Staff Writer |
The Ridgewood News

In October 2011, developers publicly detailed an application to rezone a prominent Ridgewood property to allow for an extensive multifamily apartment complex. Originally presented as an individual proposal dubbed The Dayton, those plans today make up a portion of a larger request from multiple developers.

That request has been the source of controversy and debate throughout the past 12 months, pitting neighbor against neighbor, resident versus developer, and past against the future.

For those reasons, the ongoing public hearing on the master plan amendment to rezone parts of the Central Business District (CBD), thus permitting high-density multifamily housing, is The Ridgewood News’ 2014 story of the year.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/housing-hearings-dominate-ridgewood-headlines-in-2014-1.1186256

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Get Ready Ridgewood Restaurant Week 2015 is Coming

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Ridgewood Restaurant Week 2015
Sun, January 18, 2015 – Thu, January 29, 2015
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ridgewood NJ

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce presents Restaurant Week 2015
Sponsored by Valley Hospital

What a great way to start the New Year-
RESTUARANT WEEK in RIDGEWOOD @ $25.15

Sunday-Thursday
January 18-22, 2015
January 25-29, 2015
Fine dining at $25.15

For these ten days, participating restaurants and caterers are offering you the chance to “experience” dining in Ridgewood and or your home, plus a wonderful selection of wines.

Each Chef is preparing a tantalizing 3-course, prix-fixe menu at $25.15
Please add a wine that will enhance the cuisine.

Visit the following participating restaurants and caterers. Call for reservations and details.

A Mano Neopolitan
24 Franklin Ave.
201-493-2000

Bella Notte Italian Bistro
14 Oak St.
201-445-7222

It’s Greek to Me
21 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-612-2600

Latour Restaurant-LUNCH ONLY
6 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-445-5056

Le Bon Choix
11 Godwin Ave.
201-689-0400

Mediterraneo
23 N. Broad St.
201-447-0022

Novo
37 Chestnut St.
201-444-4910

Park West Tavern
30 Oak St.
201-445-5400

Pearl Restaurant
17 S. Broad St.
201-857-5100

Raymond’s
101 E. Ridgewood Ave.
201-445-5125

Restaurant Memoire
16 Chestnut St.
201-857-8899

ROOTS Steakhouse
17 Chestnut St.
201-444-1922

Sakura Bana Japanese Restaurant
43 Franklin Ave.
201-447-6525

The Office Beer Bar & Grill
32 Chestnut St.
201-652-1070

Village Green Restaurant –
36 Prospect St.
201-445-2914

Home Dining and Specialty Wines

Chestnut Catering
25 Chestnut St.
201-445-3031

From Scratch Ridgewood
www.fromscratchridgewood.com
201-986-6316-Will deliver

Super Cellars Fine Wines & Marketplace
32 S. Broad St.
201-444-0012

The Wine Seller
6 W. Ridgewood Ave.
201-444-3300

Beverages, tax and tips not included. Regular menu will also be available.

FREE Parking all day Sunday and Monday-Saturday after 6:00pm

For more details, please call us at 201-445-2600 or email info@ridgewoodchamber.com www.experienceridgewood.com

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Ridgewood will pay the price if zoning changes are approved

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Ridgewood will pay the price if zoning changes are approved

January 2, 2015

Village stands to pay the price

To the Editor:

If the Ridgewood Planning Board grants the proposed zoning changes to allow for higher density buildings in the Central Business District, that would be a financial bonanza. But for whom?

If one answered the developers, he/she is correct. More allowed units per property increases scale and return on capital. With the approval, even before the developers dig an ounce of dirt, the land they own will be worth quite a bit more. The developers could even flip the plots for a profit.

In the world of commerce, one of few things could happen when there is financial windfall. The best case is the virtuous win-win. If what the developers build, on net, benefits the town in terms of life and finances, that would be win-win.

Another possibility, the darker alternative, is that the case becomes a zero-sum game. In such an instance, there will be a clear winner and the winnings are transferred from a losing counterparty.

By allowing for higher density buildings in downtown, Ridgewood risks increased traffic congestion and fewer available public parking per resident. Moreover, Ridgewood faces potential crowding at its schools, which impacts the quality of education and drains the town’s budget. As for benefits, there is none convincing as any increased tax revenues are unlikely to be enough to pay for additional infrastructure and resources necessary to accommodate the gap up in the number of residents.

If the Planning Board passes the zoning changes, there will be a clear winner: the developers. On the flip side, Ridgewood will be the loser as it will have to pay the price to enrich the few developers whose core objective is to exploit attractive rental cap rates at historically favorable funding. So why does the Planning Board think the proposed zoning change is a good idea? Why are select members of the board open to granting a financial bonanza to the developers at the town’s expense?

Steve Kim

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/mobile/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-will-pay-the-price-if-zoning-changes-are-approved-1.1184844

 

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Harding Pharmacy & Liquors Auction

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Harding Pharmacy & Liquors Auction

Ridgewood NJ, All of those glowing tributes to Myron Lesh as he closed Harding Pharmacy & Liquors, now it turns out he owed a lot of money?  Anyone Know that this is all about?

https://www.ajwillnerauctions.com/auctions/contents-pharmacy-liquor-store

https://www.ajwillnerauctions.com/auctions/ridgewood-nj-d-liquor-license

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Ridgewood parking changes aimed at opening up more spots

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Ridgewood parking changes aimed at opening up more spots

DECEMBER 26, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Ridgewood’s not taking its New Year’s parking resolutions lightly.

Come Jan. 1, new changes are officially going into effect.

Every 12-hour meter in the downtown lots, with the exception of the train station lot, will be recalibrated to a three-hour time limit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The new rate for the lots will be 50 cents an hour, not 25 cents. Also, repeat parking in the same space will be even more strictly enforced than it is now (meaning, more tickets).

The goal?

To open up parking spaces for shoppers.

A special half-hour public meeting was held on Monday night to enact the final changes.

According to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, the official recalibration of the meters will be done around Jan. 2 and 3.

After this point, she said, all meters in downtown Ridgewood will be three-hour meters, with two exceptions: 15-minute meters and meters in the train station’s Station Plaza lot, which will remain 12-hour meters.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/changes-aimed-at-opening-up-spots-1.1181432

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BIG CHANGES FOR PARKING IN VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD EFFECTIVE 1/5/15

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BIG CHANGES FOR PARKING IN VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD EFFECTIVE 1/5/15

-ALL parking METERS AND LOT PARKING will have 3 HOUR time limits
and cost 50 CENTS AN HOUR (including municipal lots)

More time to shop and dine for customers

 – REPEAT PARKING WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

–*Employees can buy a **monthly pass at Village Hall for parking at-
(**monthly passes can be shared among employees*)
Ken Smith (which is next to the NJ train station/east side) and Cottage Street lot (which is behind The GAP) .*The cost is $80 per month.  Spaces are limited. Credit cards accepted.
*Call Village of Ridgewood 201-670-5500 x200 for the details.  *When you have the monthly pass, you do not pay the meters during the day.*Hang tags only good in lots.

Send your concerns to info@ridgewoodchamber.com

Customers now can shop and dine for 3 hours and not worry about the meters.
50 cents and hour is what most towns charge for parking.

Please tell your employees and customer about the changes!

Coffee.clubshow?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=363195

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Village of Ridgewood New Parking Regulations and Options

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Village of Ridgewood New Parking Regulations and Options 

Effective January 1, 2015, the Village of Ridgewood will be implementing several new parking options and regulations all aimed at achieving the most efficient use of parking resources for residents, commuters, central business district employees and visitors to our downtown.

These changes represent months of public discussion of our parking challenges and opportunities.

Metered parking on all streets and lots will now allow up to 3 hours from 10am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday at a rate of $.50 per hour. Repeat parking – in the same space — is prohibited and will be enforced.

Ridgewood Parking Permits (RPP) for Ridgewood Residents are available at an annual rate of $750 to provide unlimited parking in all parking lots. A Ridgewood Resident Sticker is required and available for free when purchasing the RPP.
Ridgewood Parking Permits (RPP) for Non Residents are available at an annual rate of $1,500 to provide unlimited parking in the Cottage Place lot or the Rt. 17 Park and Ride lot.

Central Business District Employee Permits are available on a monthly basis for $80 to provide unlimited parking from 6AM to 2AM at the Ken Smith property or Cottage Place lot.
Important Notes:All permits can be purchased at the Village Hall Reception Desk (Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM) by cash, check or credit card.The cost of the parking permits (outlined above) will be prorated as appropriate.

Similar to the situation prior to 2011, extended parking – beyond 3 hours – generally requires one of the permits outlined above. (Several 12-hour coin-operated meters, however, remain at the train station for Ridgewood resident commuters.)

For more details – concerning documentation requirements and the process for obtaining permits — please visit our website atwww.ridgewoodnj.net or call us at 201.670.5500 ext. 203.

We are making a major effort to share this important information with all who park in Ridgewood on a regular basis. Please share these facts with your friends, neighbors and co-workers.

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Parking Changes in Ridgewood – January 1, 2015

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Parking Changes in Ridgewood – January 1, 2015

Effective January 1, 2015 there will be Parking Changes in Ridgewood – including metered street and lot parking; Ridgewood Parking Permits and Central Business District Employee Parking.

Click Here

We are making a major effort to share this important information with all who park in Ridgewood on a regular basis. Please share these facts with your friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Coffee.clubshow?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=363195

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TONIGHT VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING 7PM

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TONIGHT VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING 7PM

December 22, 2014 @ 7PM

The Village Council will hold a Special Public Meeting on December 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room of the Ridgewood Village Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to hold a Public Hearing on and consider for adoption Ordinance #3455, changing parking meters in the Central Business District parking lots to 3 hours. Formal action will be taken by the Village Council at this Special Public Meeting.

Coffee.clubshow?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=363195

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OpusXmas at Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood

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The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood | 10 Chestnut Street | Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

Phone: 201-447-2204 | Email: info@tobaccoshop.com

Special Holiday Hours
Thursday December 18 • 10:00AM-8:30PM
Friday December 19 • 10:00AM-7:00PM
Saturday December 20 • 10:00AM-5:30PM
Sunday December 21 • CLOSED
Monday December 22 • 10:00AM-7:00PM
Tuesday December 23 • 10:00AM-7:00PM
Wed. December 24 • 10:00AM-4:00PM
Thursday December 25 • CLOSED
Friday December 26 • CLOSED
Saturday December 27 • 10:00AM-5:30PM

Wishing you a very
Merry Christmas!

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Restaurant review: Roots Steakhouse in Ridgewood

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Restaurant review: Roots Steakhouse in Ridgewood

DECEMBER 5, 2014, 7:50 AM
BY ELISA UNG
THE RECORD

No Ridgewood restaurant screams luxury like the six-month-old Roots Steakhouse.

First, a valet parked my car, a relief on a busy Saturday night. A hostess escorted me into the clubby dining room, which featured dark wood paneling, a stunning engraved ceiling and charming prints of vintage fashions. All around me, well-dressed customers dined on gleaming seafood platters, brawny steaks and towering desserts.

And once my meal began, it was clear that Roots has much to offer, including some excellent red meat and a first-class crabcake. But while Roots has some steaks that are prime and some steaks that are dry-aged, it offers none that are both, which may turn off many steak purists.

https://www.northjersey.com/food-and-dining-news/restaurant-reviews/sink-your-teeth-into-this-1.1147302

Roots Steakhouse in Ridgewood
17 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 444-1922

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Questioning of Ridgewood planner coming to close

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Questioning of Ridgewood planner coming to close

DECEMBER 19, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Planning Board got a chance to question the village planner about multifamily housing this week.

The past few hearings have been devoted to resident questions about Village Planner Blais Brancheau’s testimony on multifamily housing, which discussed the benefits for Ridgewood as well as some factors of concern to residents.

In a four-hour hearing in Benjamin Franklin Middle School on Tuesday night, about 10 residents asked remaining questions, followed by queries from Planning Board members.

This hearing, during which several questions were raised, brought the Planning Board a step closer to the eventual end of the year-long proceedings. These hearings analyzed a proposed amendment to the master plan, available on the village website, that would allow high-density multifamily housing in three downtown zones.

The next hearing will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 6 in Ridgewood High School, said Planning Board Chairman Charles Nalbantian. Board questions will continue, followed by attorney cross-examination.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/questioning-of-village-planner-coming-to-close-1.1169562

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Apartments would change village

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Apartments would change village

To the editor:

Thank you to all who planned and worked, mentally and physically, to ring in the Christmas season, attract and please all the faiths in town, make everyone feel welcome, and spread friendliness and joy.

The music, speeches, tree decorated, Santa on his way, shops waiting a busy time … and then it rains.

My family and I moved to Ridgewood in 1950. I have led a very active volunteer life and was often involved with outdoor events, so I well know that awful feeling about the weather, so my heart goes out to all who were in charge for the lovely Christmas tree lighting event. Again, thank you to all.

After having raised a family in a house here in town, I moved to a then-brand new apartment near the railroad station and for years have enjoyed a view of the tree from my living room, so I have shared with so many the beauty of our village at Christmas.

Every week, I read your paper regarding the plans and dreams of the brave people who volunteer to tackle the past, present and not tested problems of the future. I would like to warn that going the way of a lot more apartments is going to change the feeling of the town, not only in appearance but the people whom would be interested in occupying them.

I do not know whether the apartments will be rentals or condos. They would draw different people. Really, neither would be particularly interested in the life of the town particularly if they commute to work. In many cases, if the tenants or owners are retired, there is a good chance they would have a second home some place other than New Jersey.

Children need their “own” special place, and a roped-off area with swings etc. is not the same as “my yard.” I have seen this happen.

Since I am really old, I do not think any place catering to people who need wheelchairs or visible showings of infirmities is exactly the environment you want on a main street of a village. I can imagine some of the comments people are thinking reading this, but let’s face it, you are thinking big changes for the town. Everything has to be put on the table. I do not think Ridgewood wants the reputation of catering to the elderly. God bless us, the elderly.

Thanks again to all.

Barbara B. Eaton

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-apartment-proposals-would-change-village-1.1152576

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Kidville Hosts Grand Opening Celebration for Ridgewood, NJ Location

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Kidville Hosts Grand Opening Celebration for Ridgewood, NJ Location

Ridgewood, NJ; December 10, 2014) Kidville — named ‘best of’ by New York Magazine, WINNER – 2014 Parents Magazine Best Birthday Party Places and given a five star “extraordinary” customer rating in The Lila Guide: New Parent Survival Guide — will open its doors at The Old Post Office, 38 Oak Street, Ridgewood, New Jersey on Saturday, January 17, 2015.  Owners Michael and Jessica Pickholz, Ridgewood residents, have organized a day full of free festivities for the public including live Rockin’ Railroad concerts, a magic show, art table fun, open play in Kidville’s state-of-the-art children’s gym, a bouncy house, giveaways and refreshments.  The Celebration starts at 10:00 am.

“We are thrilled to bring Kidville to Ridgewood, and to give the community a safe, creative, upscale haven for our children to learn, play and grow,” said Mr. Pickholz.  “Our facility will be the second largest Kidville in the United States.  Centrally located in the historic Old Post Office building on Oak Street in downtown Ridgewood, the facility will have space for multiple art and dance studios, a theater room, a parent lounge with a flat screen TV and free wifi, a state-of-the-art gym and a unique retail boutique with products designed to enhance and foster all aspects of early childhood development including physical, mental, emotional, and social growth.  Our facility and programs encourage and allow children to engage in educational, fun and stimulating activities with top-quality music, art, dance and physical education instructors in a bright, clean, nurturing atmosphere.”

Kidville offers a range of classes for children ages 0-6.

On Saturday January 17th, Kidville will host a grand opening celebration from [10:00am – 5:00pm], kicking off with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event is open to the public and includes complimentary live Rockin’ Railroad concerts, a magic show, art table fun, open play in Kidville’s state-of-the-art children’s gym, a bouncy house, giveaways and refreshments from healthy mama® brand, East Coast Burger and Max Brenner Chocolate Bar.

“As residents of Ridgewood and the parents of two girls, both of whom are Kidville alumni, Michael and I are delighted to bring the versatile Kidville concept to our neighbors and other local families with young children. We are providing programs, classes and events that parents, like ourselves, want our children to experience and in which to participate,” said Mrs. Pickholz.

Kidville offers a wide range of developmental classes including Rockin’ Railroad, which features a live 4-piece band. Other signature programs include Run Wiggle Paint & Giggle, My Big Messy Art Class, Big Muscles for Little Babies, Kidville Gymnasts, Kidville Sports and Kidville University (Kidville’s Pre-School Alternative Program). The Ridgewood location features multiple studios, a state-of-the-art indoor playspace, retail boutique, and 16 different blowout birthday party themes including the Ultimate All-Star Gym Party, Royal Princess and Knight Party, Superhero Birthday Bash and the Sizzling Spectacular Science Party. Silver Membership is free with enrollment in any Kidville class, and upgrades to Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels are also available.

About Kidville
Kidville operates large, upscale facilities, catering to young children and their families. In addition to offering a wide range of developmental classes for newborns through six year olds, including Rockin’ Railroad, Run Wiggle Paint & Giggle, My Big Messy Art Class, Big Muscles for Little Babies, Ballet Tea Party, Kidville Gymnasts, Kidville Sports, Camp Kidville and Kidville University (Kidville’s Pre-School Alternative Program), Kidville also features an indoor playspace, birthday parties for children up to age nine, and a retail Boutique. Silver Membership is free with enrollment in any Kidville class, while upgrades to Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels are also available.

Kidville operates locations across the globe including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto and Dubai.
Visit Kidville on the web at www.kidville.com/ridgewood.

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VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING 3 HOUR PARKING – December 22, 2014 at 7PM

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VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING – December 22, 2014 @ 7PM

Public Hearing on and consider for adoption Ordinance #3455, changing parking meters in the Central Business District parking lots to 3 hours

The Village Council will hold a Special Public Meeting on December 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room of the Ridgewood Village Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to hold a Public Hearing on and consider for adoption Ordinance #3455, changing parking meters in the Central Business District parking lots to 3 hours. Formal action will be taken by the Village Council at this Special Public Meeting.