>The subject of creating a redevelopment district to facilitate rapid construction of a parking garage again surfaced. Council members seem intent on finding a legal method of distancing themselves from the word “condemnation.” Block 3806 (Oak/Walnut between Franklin & Maple) is the targeted redevelopment district
Although in agreement that NJ Transit’s plans for a $27 million ADA upgrade to Ridgewood’s train station make no fiscal sense whatsoever, Council members agreed that conceptual plan number three would be the lesser of three evils. An appropriate resolution is being drafted and will be forwarded to NJ Transit.
To appease taxpayers living near Linwood Avenue and Sollas Court, Council members agreed to formally request the County of Bergen not to bring their planned bike path extension onto Village of Ridgewood owned property north of the Wild Duck Pond area.
It was revealed that the Planning Board is estimated to overspend their 2006 budget allocation by $66K. Council members were less than amused at the news that legal & other professional services fees exceed plan. Note: Mayor Pfund and Councilwoman Ringler-Shagin sit on the Planning Board but seemed surprised by the news also. Duh?
Plans to expand the Village Hall parking lot by 13 spaces were approved. The additional parking area will be located near the northeast corner of the building.
Council Members grilled Building Department Director Tony Merlino for over 45 minutes regarding his progress, or lack thereof, in implanting recommendations made last year by an external auditor. Clearly, those on the dais were not happy with Mr. Merlino’s progress report.
The Village’s Health, Building, and Tax departments will be folded into a new “Department of Community Services.” A Director is will be recruited (most likely from within).
Plans to discontinue use of a water meter reading system based on use of telephone lines were approved. Replacement water meters will be read using a two way radio system.
A revised commercial filming ordinance will be introduced.
The 2007 Village Calendar theme will center around famous people from Ridgewood. “Pioneering Women” was originally suggested as a theme; it died a quick death at the suggestion of Councilwoman Kim Ringler-Shagin.