the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Another bombshell uncovered as a result of a recent Open Public Records Act request –
In an e-mail dated July 27, 2016 from Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser to Bill Gilsenan, the Subject of which is: “Van Neste Park,” Mr. Rutishauser writes:
“We are thinking of renovating the brick walkways, relocating some of them, installing a small protective fence along the South Walnut Street wall area (so no one falls off the wall), maybe crate [sic] a small stage area, upgrade/add water fountains, and maybe even turn the monument eagle to the correct orientation.”
No “small stage area” was ever mentioned during the Village Council Work Session of August 3, nor during the Village Council Public Meeting of August 10, nor is a “small stage area” included as part of a proposed project plan diagram prepared by the Village of Ridgewood Engineering Division, Christopher J. Rutishauser, P.E. (initials J.M. also noted on the plan). However, the aforementioned plan does indicate that walkways now located in the center of the park will be removed, creating a moderately sized, circular shaped, open/vacant space.
The staff of The Ridgewood Blog surmises that this open/vacant space is the intended location for the “small stage area” referenced in Mr. Rutishauser’s July 27, 2016 e-mail, and that for some as yet unknown reason, this fact was kept under wraps – not mentioned to Village Council members, not included as part of a project plan diagram, and definitely not mentioned during two (2) separate open public meetings.
What is the intent of this “small stage area” and why was it never mentioned? Did Mr. Rutishauser himself come up with the idea, or was it brought to him by someone else? Fenced off park, small stage area – it would seem this sets the stage (no pun intended) for concerts/performances/shows to be regularly held at this location. If this is the case, what organization(s) will be sponsoring them? Might this explain the need to build an $11.5 million parking garage two (2) blocks away?
I think your reading too much into this. Perhaps between the time of the email and the meeting the concept of a small stage was nixed. I can’t imagine Van Nest accomodating any performance big enough to warrant a 350 spot parking garage, can you?
First of all why is Christopher Rutishause e-Mailing plans for the park to Bill Gilsenan? Why is Gilsenan getting involved in the park? Im tired of all the so called Demigod running this Village. Paul Vagianos, John Saraceno Ed Sullivan, Tom Hillman and now Bill Gilsenan. Their names were not on the Village ballot for council. This council has to watch very closely what goes on because there has always been a small group self proclaimed Demigod who try to run this town from behind the scenes. Simply voting out the 3 Amigos is not going to stop
this because its Systemic. VM, Assistant to the VM, HR, Village Engineer, Superintendent of Parks and Rec. and the above named are running this town not the new council. Poster just need to reflect back to some of the fiascos that have happen in the last 4 years to find the common thread. Wise up new Village Council and get a grip on this. Don’t let them distract you while they plan or plot.
There are often performances and speeches in the Park. A small stage is fine.
Actually these plans do not seem over the top.
This is NOT a priority for Ridgewood. Why are they continuing with the idea? Does Ridgewood carry enough insurance if one of the small children playing on that “small stage” gets injured?
The small stage area is clearly a euphemism for a dais from which all Village residents must pledge their eternal allegiance to the Clinton cartel.
Why is Bill Gilsenan getting emails from Chris???? What’s really going on here?
I don’t remember his name being on the ballot last time around.
Madam Mayor. It’s time for you to take control.
Concerts and plays can take place outdoors at the band shell. There is NO NEED for a stage and fencing at Van Neste. Follow the money. Who is getting the fencing contract? The ugly concrete sidewalks contract?
Van Neste is fine. No concrete, no fence, no stage, etc needed. Just mow the place and put some weed killer down.
Park is SMALL. Stop filling everything up. A stage when not in use (i.e., 99% of the time) would co-opt open space. We need more of it, not less. Everybody seems to think their kids are future Broadway stars. Get with the program–amateur performances are for the performers. Noise in the middle of town would just drive people away. What happened to peace and quiet? You can’t even just sit on a park bench any more without acres of concrete? Even sitting in the dark on a summer night is nice. No need for Klieg lights. How about Strobes?
” A small stage is fine.” Yes good for skateboarding.
The email was sent on July 27. Plans from engineering were dated August 1. That’s not a lot of time to change plans.
I think it is time to look around at all the empty stores in Ridgewood and realize there is a need to revamp the CBD. Soon all the shops will move to malls and replaced by housing; think…..is that what you want? Someone, most likely a shop keeper , is going to come up with ideas to improve the town, what is the problem. Make your own suggestions, welcome those of other residents, and have a discussion rather than complain. Get real people you are losing your central business district!
Linda shops moved to malls in the 1970’s , and shopping has moved online since 1994 when Al Gore discovered the internet . If you are worried about empty stores talk to the land lords not tax payers. What you should be asking yourself is how could a bureaucratic organization like NJT fix the trestle, raise the tracks , and renovate the train station while preserving and improving its historic nature in a relatively short amount of time. How could NJT do all that yet Valley Hospital , a handful of developers, and a cadre of council members could not get anything done at all what so ever.hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm????