I have resided in Ridgewood for 35 years, and the first whiff I got of the drastic underpass plan was on May 23, 2014. David Shaw
Lane change an unpleasant surprise
David Shaw
Very few people appreciate unpleasant surprises. Fewer yet appreciate being blind sided.
The May 23 issue of The Ridgewood News supplied the citizens of the village an amplitude of both. I have yet to find anyone in my neighborhood who knew that one lane-each direction automobile traffic under the bridge was soon to be irrevocably in their long-term future, nor did they understand why such a thing would be contemplated.
The article stated that the plan had been fully vetted by the council and the DOT, the Ridgewood engineering and police departments, as well as the Citizens Safety Advisory Committee. Critically and significantly, there was no mention that the taxpaying residents of this community were in the vetting loop. Is it unreasonably inquisitive to ask why the people most affected by this decision weren’t included, or, for that matter, even aware of the plans? Could this be construed as government by fiat?
Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh was quoted as saying “the project and the Complete Streets program was formulated many years ago and is coming to fruition now.” It may have been formulated eons ago, but it surely was not communicated. I have resided in Ridgewood for 35 years, and the first whiff I got of the drastic underpass plan was on May 23, 2014.
Traffic was backed up past Heights Rd on West Ridgewood again this morning and there are still two lanes open eastbound under the overpass.
This is an obvious disaster in the making and anyone with common sense, in a position to stop this plan before the damage is done should do so.
However, unfortunately our mayor and council are unable or unwilling to admit that they have made a mistake.
This project will be reversed at a taxpayer cost of an additional $500k within a year or two.
Let’s hope they see the light regarding high density projects and mega hospital complexes in a residential neighborhood before they are fait compli.
traffic calming – traffic calming – traffic calming – traffic calming
keep repeating this mantra until you too are brainwashed into thinking that automobiles are the root of all evil and must be stopped.
have they learned nothing about lane closured from our governor?
More than anything, this is an issue of residents not caring to engage in local government to hear about plans like this when they are discussed, reviewed and voted on in council meetings. The opportunity is there for all of us to participate in local government — without yelling insults.
This was not discussed, reviewed and voted upon in open meetings.
One of the council memebers was sent to the hall to stand in the cornerwhile th ebig boys decided what to do.
they should of just repaved the area. and 90 % of us would of bin very happy.
You are still missing the point.
They don’t want to make 90% of us happy.
They have an agenda and they will follow their ideology – voters and residents be damned.
Just received this email,
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AT THE VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT @ 7:30! The Council will be discussing a change in the Underpass Construction plan whereby the oversized 8’ median will be narrowed to 4′. This will provide the flexibility for Ridgewood to reinstall the lost automobile traffic lanes if their plan does not work either now or in the future. Essentially, it is a contingency plan spurred by interest and action from Residents. It’s not perfect, but at this point it’s a compromise we need to make sure happens.
Please come to the Council Meeting to SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS NECESSARY CHANGE. We need to ensure that we have the capability to amend traffic lanes if undesired results in safety and traffic occur.
IT’S THE FIRST ITEM ON THE AGENDA after Public Comments, SO YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO STAY LONG. And yes, there will be some opportunity to speak at this meeting.
Here are the DETAILS:
WHAT: Ridgewood Village Council Meeting
WHY: Discussion on Important Revisions to the
Underpass Lane Closure Plan
WHEN: TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, 6/4
TIME: 7:30pm
WHERE: VILLAGE HALL, 3rd Floor Hearing Room