the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood is currently considering Ordinance #4052, which would rezone a residential area on North Maple Avenue to accommodate a 5-story, 24/7 assisted living facility. While we absolutely support high-quality care for seniors, this proposal raises serious concerns about spot zoning, long-term zoning precedent, traffic, height, neighborhood impact, and tax burden.
Residents are strongly encouraged to attend and speak at all upcoming meetings as this ordinance moves forward.
🤔 What is Spot Zoning, and Why Does It Matter?
Spot zoning is when a single parcel is rezoned in isolation from the surrounding zoning district—often inconsistent with the Master Plan and existing land use rules. Courts frequently invalidate spot zoning as “arbitrary, capricious, and unreasonable”, especially when it benefits private developers at the expense of the public good.
Two Critical Reasons to Oppose Ordinance #4052
1️⃣ Rezoning is Permanent — and Sets a Dangerous Precedent
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If the developer truly believes this site is uniquely suited for assisted living, they can apply for a use variance through the Zoning Board of Adjustment — a legal, case-specific path.
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Instead, they are seeking to create a new S-1 Overlay Zone, rewriting Ridgewood’s zoning map altogether.
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That isn’t a “one-time exception.” It creates a precedent for future commercial or institutional creep into protected residential neighborhoods.
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Bottom line: If this is really about one building, use the variance process. If it’s about opening the door to more development, you rezone.
2️⃣ School Tax Exemption = Long-Term Financial Loss
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The developer is expected to seek a school tax exemption either through a nonprofit loophole or a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes).
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There is no legal requirement for Ridgewood to grant this — it would be a choice by Village officials.
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The cost? Potentially six-figures in lost annual school revenue — every single year — while the facility still relies on our roads, water, sewer, police, EMS, and DPW services.
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Even if the facility doesn’t send children to our schools, school taxes support Ridgewood’s overall quality of life — and should be shared fairly by all.
📣 Our Message to Village Officials:
Reject Ordinance #4052.
Spot zoning for private gain is not smart planning — it’s policy drift.
Giving away school tax revenue while increasing infrastructure strain is not fiscal responsibility.
📍 Make Your Voice Heard
Attend upcoming Planning Board and Village Council meetings. Bring neighbors. Ask questions. Demand transparency.
🗣️ Ridgewood only works when residents stay engaged — let’s stand together for thoughtful planning and fair taxation.
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Not bothered by the zoning change, but playing games with taxes is a no go.
Keep Evan away from the negotiations, he thinks everything is free.
I haven’t seen anything about what’s really important here
– Who is (was?) the owner of these properties at the start of this?
– Have the properties been sold?
– If so, to whom? For how much?
– If not, is there a sale contingent on this zoning change succeeding? For how much?
Saw number of opposing yard signs around town. Where can I get one? Is there an organized/coordinated effort? Remember fight against expansion of the S. Van Dien facilities years ago.
It’s too late for precedent setting. The four existing high density monstrosities were all created through spot zoning. Heck, the property right across from this site was created through spot zoning. Elections have consequences. Enjoy your new assisted living high rise. The spot zoning argument is a loser. This deal is done. Attending meetings and speaking out is a big fat waste of time. Stop voting for sleazy sellouts.
You got that right.
Ridgewood residents asleep at the wheel as usual.
“Stop voting for sleazy sellouts.”
Bingo.
It will just be another stop on the Vagianos Magical Mystery Tour, so whoever voted for this joker has to realize that this is what you are going to get more and more of. Look at who this person associates with
developers and other sleazy landlords in the CBD. This was a back room deal if ever there was one. Has likely been signed, sealed and delivered already too.
The village is done, starting at to be a little Hackensack
Pushing through big deals like this signals that PeeWee isn’t going to run for another term. Hopefully residents think a little bit before voting in the next municipal election.
Now is the time for individuals who have views opposite of this council’s to plan their run for council. There are so many residents who are a.) not on Facebook b.) not engaged in the day to day issues like development of the CBD and c.) easily led to vote by name recognition only. It would be a great idea for those who plan to run to get out there and meet residents who are not otherwise engaged on social media and try to gather support for the next election. Voting the current council out and replacing with smart, capable individuals is the best chance Ridgewood has for it’s future.