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Controversy over Historic Preservation Commission Letter on Village Website Grows
October 23, 2015
At its monthly meeting on October 15th, the Historic Preservation Commission met with representatives from Desman Associates regarding the proposed parking garage on Hudson Street and Broad Avenue. Many people realize Ridgewood’s need for such a facility as part of our infrastructure.
However, the commissioners were, and remain, primarily concerned with the visual impact of this multi-story structure on the streetscape. For example, a strictly functional, concrete construction—such as the new parking garage in Hackensack—would not only present a modern, monolithic contrast to the small-scale, older-style buildings on those streets, but also would create a visual barrier from the opposite street sides.
What is needed here is an architectural design that acts as a seam, harmoniously joining together the sides of both streets, and thus maintains the character of the district. Happily, one architectural design—the one we endorse—offers an excellent complement to the streetscape. Its brick façade, varied surface dimensions and upper sightlines; the streetlevel, arched pedestrian walkways; and corner tower combine to produce an edifice that works. It incorporates elements of what already exists in nearby buildings, thereby complementing what is there, while cleverly muting the reality that it is a parking garage.
Also, the design team has agreed to return to an HPC meeting for its review of the final plans to enable us to ensure the compatibility of the garage with its neighborhood.
Taking all of this into consideration, the Historic Preservation Commission supports approval of the parking garage and encourages all residents to vote “yes” for the November 3rd referendum.
Vincent N. Parrillo,
Chair Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission
Dear Roberta, Please immediately remove the Historic Preservation Commission letter, dated 10/23/15, from the Village website. (reference: https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2015HPCPGLStatement.pdf)
The letter does not accurately reflect the Historic Preservation Commission meeting held on October 8, 2015. Minutes and audio are available from Michael Cafarelli or I can send a direct link to access.
As you know from the email we received today at 2:57 PM, Vince Parrillo stands by the letter and has affirmed through polling all of the HPC members today (one could not be reached) that they all agree that the letter truly reflects the HPC position.
Thanks, Roberta
Best regards,
Roberta
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203
Tempest meet teapot. Let’s argue about the shape of the table not the issue that is in front of us.
The letter should be taken down the moment the HPC comes forward and says that it doesn’t represent their position. How many times and ways do they need to say that they agree with a Yes for Parking? Clearly what is there is what they think. Instead of trying to silence them, let’s argue the merits of the project.
And yes, letters about this project, for or against, from all village boards and commissions should be posted to the village website. That’s what we have there already.
I have just sent the following email to the Village Council:
“Dear Members of the Village Council:
I have just filed a police report, with Officer D’Amico, concerning the theft of the pro Parking Garage sign from the front of our house. At least seven other signs from our immediate neighborhood were also stolen.
Putting up a sign expressing my views on a political matter is protected as free speech under the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Whoever stole my sign is trampling on my Constitutional rights, and I will do what I can to see that he/she is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Ridgewood politics continues its descent to a new abyss. Richard Nixon must be looking up, from wherever he is, with a big smile on his face: Dirty tricks are alive and well!
Thank you
Rurik Halaby”
I would follow up with the Chief of Police tomorrow. I suspect they will solve your case right after they solve whomever illegal dump the concrete at the leaf dump. In the mean time do not despair just call your friend the Mayor Im sure he has a few thousand of those sign at his house.
Hey Rurik: The disappearance of your signs is most likely related to Cabbage Night and Halloween, not any sinister plot to deprive you of your Constitutional right to free speech. Think before you write Rurik, please.
My Schedler sign was taken off my lawn. I am assuming it was Trick or Treaters. Not much Cabbage Night activity but signs on property are easy targets. All and all the kids that came to our house were so cute and polite.
Rurik, You are really losing it fella. No one cares about your stupid sign that was paid for by Paul Aronsohn. I bet it was taken by a bunch of kids out whooping it up on Halloween weekend. Or maybe it was taken by Paul himself, in order to cause more headlines about this ridiculous project. You need to calm down. Involving the police in this matter and threatening full prosecution, wow, you really do not have a grip on reality, do you.
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Dear Roberta,
You are starting to look like a tool. The letter should not be on the village website – unless you plan to post ALL letters about the garage.
Roberta once again shows her naivite of being Village Manager,
Dear Roberta, you are starting to look like a tool and a fool.
Mr. Parillomreferenced a date on which a meeting did not even happen. Yea, really credible sir.
BOGUS LETTER EQUATES TO BOGUS GOVERNMENT! RECALL ARONSOHN, HAUCK, AND PUCCIARELLI NOW!
Tempest meet teapot. Let’s argue about the shape of the table not the issue that is in front of us.
The letter should be taken down the moment the HPC comes forward and says that it doesn’t represent their position. How many times and ways do they need to say that they agree with a Yes for Parking? Clearly what is there is what they think. Instead of trying to silence them, let’s argue the merits of the project.
And yes, letters about this project, for or against, from all village boards and commissions should be posted to the village website. That’s what we have there already.
I have just sent the following email to the Village Council:
“Dear Members of the Village Council:
I have just filed a police report, with Officer D’Amico, concerning the theft of the pro Parking Garage sign from the front of our house. At least seven other signs from our immediate neighborhood were also stolen.
Putting up a sign expressing my views on a political matter is protected as free speech under the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Whoever stole my sign is trampling on my Constitutional rights, and I will do what I can to see that he/she is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Ridgewood politics continues its descent to a new abyss. Richard Nixon must be looking up, from wherever he is, with a big smile on his face: Dirty tricks are alive and well!
Thank you
Rurik Halaby”
Its all a plot to silence you Mr. Halaby. I would notify the FBI.
Hey Rurik did you get the mailer about voting no for the garage? If not I can send you one.
I would follow up with the Chief of Police tomorrow. I suspect they will solve your case right after they solve whomever illegal dump the concrete at the leaf dump. In the mean time do not despair just call your friend the Mayor Im sure he has a few thousand of those sign at his house.
Hey Rurik: The disappearance of your signs is most likely related to Cabbage Night and Halloween, not any sinister plot to deprive you of your Constitutional right to free speech. Think before you write Rurik, please.
While your at it Rurik, make sure they take the illegal signs down on Village owned property. For once I agree with you.
Go Rurik you are so right !!
Rurik at this time of the year missing a lawn sigh is to be expected.
Happy Halloween
My Schedler sign was taken off my lawn. I am assuming it was Trick or Treaters. Not much Cabbage Night activity but signs on property are easy targets. All and all the kids that came to our house were so cute and polite.
Rurik, You are really losing it fella. No one cares about your stupid sign that was paid for by Paul Aronsohn. I bet it was taken by a bunch of kids out whooping it up on Halloween weekend. Or maybe it was taken by Paul himself, in order to cause more headlines about this ridiculous project. You need to calm down. Involving the police in this matter and threatening full prosecution, wow, you really do not have a grip on reality, do you.
Good luck, Rurik. Some fellows will surely be thrown into jail for this outrage.
Can they take down the illegal planters in front of It’s Greek to Me??? They’ve been blocking pedestrian traffic for years.