November 16,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, once again the Schedler Property in Ridgewood seems to be in play. Rumors are swirling on the east side of route 17 ,that the current tree clearing is really to make way for more ball fields .
Jacqueline Hone commented on Facebook on Ridgewood History, “There has been an ongoing debate about the Schedler property in Ridgewood. Artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary war were discovered on this property. Here is a British Lieutenant’s sword, dated 1747, found at Schedler. Also, a letter written by the same man describing his approach to battle on this site. Our Village Stewards are moving towards converting this historical, untouched, wooded area into another ball field. Many felt the area should be preserved historically and left as a nature/discovery walk. How do you feel about this? Does anyone have pictures, stories or artifacts related to Schedler?”
Mayor Susan Traina Knudsen also commented on Facebook saying , “The previous plan for a 90′ field required clear cutting the lot to accomodate a 300′ outfield, plus a practice area, seating, parking lot, bathroom/concession and more. That plan also included the removal of the historic house plus a 60’H x 300’L errant ball net along route 17….my recollection of the size.
This Village Council unanimously voted to repeal the plan for the 90′ baseball field at the location and subsequently appointed an ad hoc committee to look at how to best proceed with the property.
It is fair to say the Schedler neighborhood is very well represented on the Ad hoc committee. Other members include two VC ,VoR staff, representation from both Wildscape & parks/rec, and residents.
This Village Council is committed to doing better and preserving one of the last remaining historic Dutch frame houses in New Jersey…the Zabriski/Schedler house has a Certificate of Eligibility for historic recognition and is listed in the Historic element of the Village of RIdgewood Master Plan.
To date, no new plan has been presented for VC review; however, I anticipate one or more plans will be forthcoming in December.
Matching grant money has been awarded for both the house restoration and property. Work on the house requires appropriate historic restoration and will begin early spring-ish 2018. Non-historic structures will be removed including the garage and severly damaged shed. Additionally dead and fallen trees will be removed allowing for new, healthier growth on the ground beneath the tree canopy.
I hope and anticipate a compromise will include a neighborhood children’s playground, a smaller practice/playing multipurpose field, and walking nature paths – all while maintaining a healthier, densely wooded lot.
Doing nothing leaves a blank slate for future plans. Development and implementation of a thoughtful plan, accomodating a variety of interests, is important for the entire community.
In closing, there has been significant resident input in this process including council meetings, public meetings, public hearings at both the Village and county level, emails, neighborhood meetings and more.”
Why Making The Schedler Property in Ridgewood Into A Ballfield Is Dumb
https://theridgewoodblog.net/why-making-the-schedler-property-into-a-ballfield-is-dumb/
I have suggested to the council in writing, that Schedler be modeled after the wild wooded area in Central Park , NYC. In other words with paths , but otherwise preserved , pristine nature, in all its grandeur. And life giving to plants and animals and us, keeping out pollution, trees providing oxygen, and an inspiration to us all. Here is the link: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/a-secret-section-of-central-park-will-soon-re-open-to-public-after-82-years-051016 It is called the Hazlett Nature Sanctuary. The area is now open to the public.
Dead trees in Schedler which attract insects provide food for birds and are called snags. They could be allowed to lie along the ground, if pose a danger of falling.
But there are enough residents in town who want to destroy Schedler.
After all there is plenty of open space, around town right, around Bergen County, around the country around the world. Who needs it. Above all and most importantly WHO NEEDS NATURAL BEAUTY, nature. If you want beauty go the the central business district in Ridgewood and see all the stuff that is for sale.
Oh do not forget, BE SURE to add a Starbucks on the Schedler property when you develop it properly.
“politics” is everywhere. You can not trust anyone anymore.
I thought participation in baseball was on the decline. How has the town survived these past several years without another 90 foot field??
I thought Mayor’s explanation is reasonable. If it was up to me I would go with what 9.38AM says but if that is not possible then it is better to go with her solution. To add another sports field in RW is just dumb and actually I have come to realize that this town doesn’t suffer from a lack of stupidity. Common sense seems to be a rare thing around here.
Bruce and all. Mayor’s comment doesn’t address the historical wooded area, which is what the post refers to. She needs to explain what if anything was done to secure and preserve the Revolutionary War Histroy beyond the house.
The property is a dump. If you don’t want a ball field then rip down the house, clean up the property by removing the garbage and dead wood, and let the healthy trees grow. There are plenty of legitimate Revolutionary War History places elsewhere. Calling the Schedler Property Historic is trying to put lipstick on a pig.
NO to ball fields, they are not needed.
Pave the 12 most neglected village roads even if they have to bond the project or God forbid
find some of the money within other projects.
this has little to go with the PSEG ASSAULT..Roads were unsafe at any speed…sewers now sinking Into the bowels of the earth,
Sell it.
PUT A GINORMOUS GARAGE THERE….
or
SOME LOW INCOME HOUSING
.
Pave the roads!!!!
Dirty dirty dirty