the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, At the Village Council meeting last night October 23, Rev. Lemuel Brown from the Mount Bethel Baptist Church on Broad Street spoke. He stated that he had the “very esteemed honor” to visit the Kensington facility in Falls Church, Virginia. He said he was contacted by them, and they drove him around and they all went to lunch and quite by chance they met the mayor and a councilman (quite by chance, bulls–t). He didn’t actually say that they paid for his trip (or maybe they paid him to speak?) but it sure sounded like it. Rev. Brown came to the council meeting to sing the glories of Kensington.
Be very careful, people. Kensington wants into Ridgewood so badly that they are actually courting “influential” people on Broad Street (where they currently want to build) to schill for them. A few weeks ago, after the Council wisely said NO MORE CONSTRUCTION in town at this time, a guy who has never been seen before or since comes to a council meeting and pleads with them to change their minds. And then, of course, Jeff Voigt is strongly in favor, so what more do we need to hear to know that this is a SHAKY DEAL. Senior Housing – yes. Broad Street – not now with all the construction. Kensington – no way. Someone is behind them and they are trying to buy their way into town.
Back in June Kensington Senior Development presented a plan to the village council on Wednesday to build an 88-unit facility with 3,000 square feet of retail and a bi-level parking garage at the village-owned North Walnut Street parking lot off Franklin Avenue.
The developer has Ridgewood in its sights for constructing a huge assisted living facility that would bring the village retail opportunities and roughly 100 public parking spots in the heart of the Ridgewood’s central business distrcit.
Rev. Brown I have two question. What did they promise you and do you speak for your congregation ?
No more developments until we increase and improve water and services.
Follow the money.
Rev. Brown, on the take.
Huh? Who paid for the Reverend’s trips? Out of his own pocket, his congregation, Kensington, or someone on the Village Council?
Was there an overnight stay involved in Rev. Brown’s trip to VA? Was any attempt made to provide female company for the Rev. during his visit?
We miss Rev. Johnson.
No more hiding…
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Ridgewood is now squarely on the A-list of suckers and targets.
…they are coming and the pace will be relentless and voluminous
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no more hiding needs an emergency like botton James
good job james.. fall brings us all the promises made tanks and armored vans…with our taxes heading out of town on boondoggle projects
WAVES of realtor /licensed village officials and board members..
Bias to churn the housing stock ,,sell the former great VOR
SCHOOLS ACCESS ..and NOW rental stock being increased on multi family units..more kids ..higher costs to overall taxpayers..legal yes ..pushes seniors to sell..more churn..
more commissions..more kids..needing more school seats..rinse repeat and deposit those real estate commissions..Can’t all be coincidental …It harms older residents to age in place..taxes keep skyrocketing ..higher home prices fan the churn..
Unfortunately Kensington will get built here. The next council will approve or another one. Kensington will keep trying and future council members will approve. Sad but true. Every thing that destroys Ridgewood’s character and charm and turns the former Village into a dirty rat infested crowded city will get approved. Why, oh why. The reason is simple. Most Most Most people only care about money. Quick money. Sad but very true.