Ridgewood News Letter: Will parking deck pay for itself?
DECEMBER 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Will parking deck pay for itself?
To the Editor:
The results of the recent election have indicated that there is a need for a parking garage. The village website provided inadequate information. Of the three designs only one was shown.
The consultants have stated that the bond can be retired from the projected revenues. However, there is no evidence of the reliability of these projections.
The design that is favored by many is one that has brick panels. It is pleasing aesthetically. The design is more expensive to build and more expensive to maintain in this climate. No financial considerations appear to have figured in this design. In addition, there is only a small building in the vicinity that has some brick exterior. If the construction bids come too high, will the architect redesign the project at no additional fee?
The revenue projections are based on increased meter fees. When fees are raised, occupancy tends to go down. The financial report cites one case where this happened. If sufficient revenues are not generated, the town residents will be left holding the bag. The consultants and the council members will be long gone.
There is no urgency to build a large deck given the uncertainty of revenue projections. I therefore suggest that the project be built in two phases.
DECEMBER 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Tree lighting was another success
To the Editor:
We cannot thank everyone enough for coming out to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Ridgewood’s tradition — Downtown for the Holidays Tree Lighting.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce would like to publicly recognize and thank everyone who generously supported and sponsored this year’s event.
Shopping and dining locally is the best way to say thank you to the Ridgewood’s business district. Thank you to all residents, families and friends who shared the 2015 tree lighting. In alphabetical order, thank you to:
Annie and Mike Hull; Art of Motion; Atlantic Stewardship Bank; B. Witching Bath Company; Bagelicious; Boiling Springs Savings Bank; Bow Tie Warner Cinema Theatre; Canines Can Do; C&C Iacono; CareOne Ridgewood Avenue; Carlo’s Bakery; Christ Church; CC Van Emburgh Funeral Home; ConnectOne Bank; Country Pancake House & Restaurant; Columbia Bank; Cup Cakes by Carousel; Daily Treat; Downes Tree Service and Staff; Duxiana;
Elf on the Shelf; Emily’s Singers; Family Chiropractors; Femmebot; Freedom Bank; From the Top Music Studio; Gold Fish Swim School; Hillmann Lighting; Huntington Learning Center; Lazarath & Williamson; Little Ivy Learning Center; Lt. Ron Gimbert; Life Opportunities Unlimited; Marge Downs; Mark Manke; Mayor and Council; Mr. & Mrs. G. Negrycz; Panico Salon & Spa; Park West Tavern & Loft; Party’s Unplugged; Patty Herman; Pearl Restaurant; Pink Bungalow; PNC Wealth Management; Porch Light Productions
Residents, Friends, Families; Richard Bassler and Family; Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce; Ridgewood CBD; Ridgewood Library; Ridgewood News; Ridgewood Party Rental; Ridgewood Women Gardner’s; Ridgewood YMCA; RHS Marching Band; RHS Orchestra; RHS Carolers; Ridgewood Boy Scouts Troup 7; Ridgewood Police/Fire/Parks/Signal/EMS/DPW; Rob Dowling; Santa Claus; Serene Therapeutics; Sullivan Associates; Taekwondo All In; The Conservatory; The Office Beer Bar & Grill; The Valley Hospital; Ulrich, Inc.; Van Dyk Healthcare; Village of Ridgewood; West Bergen Mental Healthcare; Westside Nursery School; Woman’s Club of Ridgewood
Please stop by and say “Hi” to Santa in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square on Saturday, Dec. 12 and 19 from noon to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
The Chamber of Commerce apologizes if we missed anyone, we certainly appreciate everyone’s dedication to Ridgewood.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and best wishes to you and your families. Please shop and dine locally, Ridgewood.
DECEMBER 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood Council on Wednesday unanimously introduced a $12.3 million bond ordinance for the construction of a proposed parking deck at the Hudson Street lot.
A public hearing on the bond ordinance is scheduled for Jan. 6.
Despite the governing body’s full support of the ordinance introduction, two council members expressed their reservations about certain aspects of the parking garage proposal, most notably the lack of a definitive plan.
Councilwoman Susan Knudsen, who was concerned that the public may not know all of the details of the potential parking garage, said that she supported the ordinance introduction “with the understanding that I’m doing a reach out and getting a lot of information and public input as to their understanding of the structure, and making sure the financials are absolutely intact.”
Councilman Michael Sedon also noted his desire for additional information to be distributed among Ridgewood residents and members of the Central Business District (CBD).
“Once a concrete plan is in place with rates and enforcement times, I’d like to go out to send a letter to the business community letting them know exactly what the plan is, so if there are any questions or blowback, we can deal with that beforehand, and not after the fact.”
He further explained his reasons, recalling a Village Council decision several years ago to increase the sewage discharge fees assessed to CBD businesses. According to Sedon, “nobody seemed to know or care about [the fee increase when it was discussed].
“Once the bills hit the mailboxes,” he added, “there were 50 or 60 angry businesses owners here.”
Sedon said he hopes to avoid a repeat occurrence of that.
Loft 41 Jewelry
Jewelry Store
There are plenty of stores to go to for traditional jewelry but only one Loft 41Jewelry Studio. Opened in October 2012 under a different name, the store has evolved into what is now Loft 41. It’s where you’ll find a carefully curated collection of iconic pieces by the most talented artisans and designers, personally sourced and chosen by our owner, Yvette DeGannes.
Address: 41 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone:(201) 444-9200
The Office Beer Bar & Grill
Local chain with weekday specials offering a large selection of craft beers & American eats.
We bring in fresh ingredients on a daily basis to ensure the best meal handcrafted by our team members. Each location selects local and seasonal craft beers based on availability and their guest’s preferences. Don’t see something you like, just ask we will see what we can do.
Address: 32 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Davidoff Lounge
Tobacco Shop
Huge selection of cigars, pipes, and accessories. Upstairs smoking lounge. Member only Davidoff lounge. Owners are extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
The Davidoff lounge is truly a sight to see. The nicest place to enjoy a cigar and watch a football game. Very tranquil which is great after a long day at work.
Their pipe selection is diverse. The store owner, Gary, took time with me to find the perfect that fits my face and style. Also gave me an informative lesson about how to pack, light, and maintain my new pipe, which really helped me out.
Address: 10 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone:(201) 447-2204
With a $150 purchase at the Loft enjoy Free Beer and appetizers at the Office and a free cigar at the Davidoff Lounge Tuesday December 15th 6-9pm RSVP required by December 12th to the office 201 652-1070
Ridgewood NJ, Last night was a huge success for residents in that village , the Village council committed to doing the four studies on the high density issue. Without the pressure from residents, this would not have happened. The meeting went late and there were no big outbursts or excitement.
Village council agreed to 4 comprehensive, independent impact studies regarding the high density housing .The 4 comprehensive independent impact studies are financial, school, traffic, infrastructure.
Mayor Aronsohn made it clear from the git-go that all four studies would happen. Deputy Mayor Pucciarelli switched sides like a Gemini – while he was completely opposed to the four studies in September 30, now he is in full support. This is all good, and will delay the high density housing for awhile longer. The hearings on the housing ordinances are continued until February 10. In spite of Aronsohn’s early declaration that the four studies would happen, public comments went on for about 2.5 hours, with 20 people speaking against the housing and often tying it in with not wanting the garage. Seven others had spoken against the housing in the first 1/2 hour comments session.
Also the Village Council Public Meeting was the introduction of the Bond Ordinance supports the largest garage as depicted in the images and as decided on by council majority (3-2). The garage details include parking for 405 cars (net gain of 305) totaling 136,550 square feet, height of 49’2” to the parapet and the tower height at 68’4”. The garage requires the elimination of all on-street parking along Hudson Street, elimination of some on- street parking along South Broad Street and the rerouting of Hudson and Passaic Street traffic.
The introduction of the bond for the garage was 5-0 in favor. This, mind you, is just the introduction. There is a pretty good indication that Susan and Mike will vote it down then, forcing Atilla the Aronsohn to head straight to the county to float the bond. We shall see.
The public hearing and vote on the Bond Ordinance is scheduled to occur in January 2016. In the meantime, Council Woman Knudsen is seeking public input regarding the proposed Hudson Street garage as shown in the simulations [email protected] .
At the bitter end, From 12:02 until almost 1AM, the Schedler people spoke, 9 of them. They asked for studies to be done around Schedler as they are being done in the CBD. They want traffic studies, air quality, noise, etc. one guy had an audio tape that he played of the deafening noise there from 17. A cardiologist explained the serious health risks to children who exercise in polluted air. There was a funny exchange where Gwenn attempted to undermine the doctor’s assertions of respiratory risks when running around in bad air, and she even suggested that maybe no one should even live over there.
Other Highlights for Last night:
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3515 – Bond Ordinance – Construction of Hudson Street Parking Deck ($12,300,000) – Appropriates this money for the construction of the Hudson Street parking deck
ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3509 – Amend Various Salary Ordinances
3512 – Amend Valet Parking Ordinance
3513 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance
3514 – Management Salary Ordinance
ORDINANCES – CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
3489 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish AH-2 Zone District
3490 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish B-3-R Zone District
3491 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C-R Zone
3492 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C Zone District
3493 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Amend Various Sections – Multiple Zone Districts and General Affordable Housing Regulation
file photo by Boyd Loving one of many pedestrian accidents in the Village
By JANE E. BRODY DECEMBER 7, 2015 5:45 AM
While distracted driving has commanded lots of attention (albeit not a commensurate amount of correction), another digital hazard — distracted walking — is on the rise, with sometimes disastrous consequences.
We’ve all seen it, and often felt it, as people looking down to text, tweet, read or play games on their smartphones crash into us, typically as we walk in a straight line and they don’t. A study by Eric M. Lamberg and Lisa M. Muratori at Stony Brook University found that distracted walkers veer off course by as much as 61 percent while texting and walking.
When about to collide with a distracted walker, I used to politely say, “Excuse me,” to get the person’s attention. But I’ve become so annoyed by this behavior that I now harshly proclaim, “Watch where you’re going!” My friends of a certain age are frankly scared that they will be knocked down and injured by a distracted walker.
Distracted walking is most common among millennials aged 18 to 34, but women 55 and older are most likely to suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, according to a 2013 study in Accident Analysis & Prevention. Visits to emergency rooms for injuries involving distracted pedestrians on cellphones more than doubled between 2004 and 2010 and continues to grow. Among more than 1,000 people hospitalized after texting while walking, injuries included a shattered pelvis and injuries to the back, head and neck.
DECEMBER 7, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015, 11:11 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Planning Board members continued their review of the village master plan at last Tuesday night’s meeting, focusing much of the discussion on the housing element of the plan.
As part of his presentation, Village Planner Blais Brancheau explained the review process, noting that the state mandates that municipalities update their master plans at least once every decade.
“State law requires that planning boards, at least every 10 years, require a re-examination of the master plan of the village,” he said. “The purpose is to make sure that those documents are still current and not dated.”
However, he said that the plan should be updated more often than what is required.
Brancheau also went through Ridgewood’s master plan, explaining a few changes he recommended to the board.
“The purpose of the re-exam is not to identify every possible solution to the direction that we would like to pursue, but to identify what we can in the time that we have,” he said. “This doesn’t preclude identifying additional changes or issues when the re-exam is finished.”
Santa will be Checking his list this Saturday in Van Neste Square in Ridgewood
December 7,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police and Firefighters escorted Santa who arrived on a firetruck last Saturday at Columbia Bank on South Broad Street.
Santa will host a breakfast at the Office Bar and Grill 32 Chestnut St, 8:30 am at Ridgewood, NJ 07450 call for reservations 201-652-1070. YWCA Bergen County will be participating.
Santa will be in the Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E Ridgewood Ave and Oak Street, Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Ridgewood NJ, Mayor Aronsohn moves to recommend that we push back our consideration of the 5 housing amendments until February .
It is well documented that the Village council agreed to 4 comprehensive, independent impact studies regarding the high density housing .The hundreds of residents were present on September 30th and the thousands watching at home remember very clearly the council voting in favor of doing 4 comprehensive independent impact studies (financial, school, traffic, infrastructure). While Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli voted against the new impact studies ,Gwenn Hauck, Susan Knudsen ,Michael Sedon and the Mayor Paul Aronsohn all agreed to do the 4 comprehensive studies.
Other issues based on the September 30th meeting is the residents understanding that these 4 comprehensive studies:
1) will not be based on any previously done studies.
2) will include the 4 multifamily developments, the Hudson street Garage and the North Walnut Street redevelopment zone.
3) will be handled by a single independent firm outside of the village’s jurisdiction.
The Mayor has since been walking back the vote and currently seems to feel he voted for 1 impact study with the possibility of the others or to study the idea of studies.Residents have become alarmed as to whether the Mayor and the Village council are committed to doing what he voted for on September 30th.
3489 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish AH-2 Zone District
3490 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish B-3-R Zone District
3491 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C-R Zone
3492 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C Zone District
3493 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Amend Various Sections – Multiple Zone Districts and General Affordable Housing Regulation
RESOLUTIONS
15- Approve Village Cash Management Plan
15- Designate Official Newspapers for 2016
15- 2016 Annual Meetings Statement
15- Establish Interest Rate for Non-Payment of Taxes, Assessments or Other Municipal Liens for 2016 and Set Grace Period
15-Establish Interest Rates for Delinquent Payments to the Water Utility for 2016 and Set Grace Period for Payment of Water Utility Bills
15- Establish Interest Rates for Delinquent Payments for Significant Sewer Discharge Bills for 2016
15- Approve Budget Transfers
15- Approve 2016 Temporary Budget
15- Title 59 Approval – Servicing and Repair of Electric Source
15- Award Contract – Servicing and Repair of Electric Source
15- Title 59 Approval – Furnishing and Delivering Sludge Dewatering Polymer
15- Award Contract – Furnishing and Delivering Sludge Dewatering Polymer
15- Title 59 Approval – De-Silting and De-Snagging of Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and Saddle River
15- Award Contract – De-Silting and De-Snagging of
Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and Saddle River
15- Title 59 Approval – Laboratory Analysis Services – Ridgewood Water
15- Award Contract – Laboratory Analysis Services – Ridgewood Water
15- Title 59 Approval – Dewatered Sewer Sludge Hauling Services
15- Award Contract – Dewatered Sewer Sludge Hauling Services
15- Award Contract – Financial Computer Software
15- Award Contract – Preparation of 2016 Village Council Meeting Minutes
15- Award Contract – Valley Hospital, Department of Community Health – Public Health and Nursing Services
15- Award Extraordinary Unspecifiable Services Contract – Field Investigation Study and Purchase of Replacement Parts for Non-Potable Water System – Water Pollution Control Facility
Ridgewood NJ , Here’s a question for those so eager to sink millions of taxpayer dollars into the construction of a massive parking garage in Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD):
Why not offer any developer who would like to build luxury (not high density) housing in the CBD, an incentive of some sort if public parking is included as a component of their project?
If the need for public parking is as bad as those promoting the construction of a taxpayer funded garage say it is, wouldn’t it make sense to have each developer offer public parking in their respective buildings? Especially any developer(s) who want to build near the train station and/or concentration of restaurants along Oak and Chestnut Streets?
DECEMBER 4, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood Council this week weighed in on a proposed parking garage to be built at the existing Hudson Street lot, and each member offered reasons why they supported one of the three options over the others.
Three members of the council supported option A, a notion that most of the public commenters agreed with, while the other two were in favor of option C.
Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck, who was in favor of the largest-sized and most-expensive option available (option A), explained that her decision was based upon three different factors: finances, aesthetics and intangibles.
“Economically, if you bought into the idea of the garage at all, option A is the one that makes sense; that provides the service that everyone has been clamoring for,” she said, noting that while the first two levels of the garage will cost $10 million to build, the next two will only cost a total of $2 million, allowing the village to save some money while meeting greater demand.
Hauck also explained that current interest rates are favorable, and that taking advantage of a 3 percent rate is the smart thing to do. A bigger garage, she said, means more rentable spots, which will allow the town to pay off the garage faster.
Addressing aesthetics, Hauck said she wanted the garage to be “an experience.”
“I think any substantial detailing that we can have to improve the look and strengthen it, we should have,” she said.
In terms of intangibles, Hauck explained that any large project involves a lot of risk, but that the risk is necessary for the reward.
Re: “Planned garage a plus for Ridgewood,” The Ridgewood Blog, November 29.
Mr. Don Delzio’s letter fails to state the obvious; the reason there has been no progress for decades on the construction of a parking garage in downtown Ridgewood is the repeated inability to cost justify such a project. And the current plan to fund a new garage by significantly increasing metered parking rates and extending the times during which municipally provided parking must be paid for, has not yet been fully vetted. This leaves a very strong possibility that Ridgewood’s predominantly residential taxpayer base could wind up footing the bill for a project that would do absolutely nothing to increase residential property values.
With regard to a controversial “anonymous mailer” that opposed construction of the garage, Mr. Delzio failed to mention that the hundreds of lawn signs and flyers promoting construction of the garage, displayed at publicly and privately owned properties throughout Ridgewood, were also anonymous in that no sponsoring individual, organization, nor business name was printed on any of them. Only after Election Day was it revealed that those printed materials were paid for by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. And despite Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn’s claim that “no one was willing to take responsibility for the mailer . . . ,” at least one (1) individual who contributed to its production and distribution has come forward publicly on two (2) separate occasions.
Finally, Mr. Delzio’s suggestion that no member of the Village Council should consider voting anything but yes to bond a parking garage because there was “overwhelming voter support for the project,” implies that there is no room in Ridgewood for dissenting opinions. I say let those who we elected base their decisions on the facts and data at hand and not be swayed by opinions from voters, some of whom may have been misinformed, or who voted based on perceptions, not facts.
Ridgewood NJ, Don’t these photo simulations look a lot like the ones on the “anonymous mailer” Mr. Aronsohn can’t seem to shut up about?
More, and more importantly:
During the Wednesday evening, December 2nd Ridgewood Village Council Work Session, Mayor Paul Aronsohn vowed that the parking deck (garage) will be built, even in the absence of a 4 vote “super majority” vote of the Village Council, which would be required to bond the debt service.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli revealed that “they” have already discussed an alternate (and completely legal) plan of having the Bergen County Improvement Authority (BCIA) issue bonds for the project if the 4 vote “super majority” isn’t obtained.
At a minimum, this would add an additional $750k in BCIA fees to the project, plus an as yet to be determined interest fee each year for 30 years.
The staff of The Ridgewood Blog will attempt to keep you fully abreast of developments along this front, although we are sure a person or persons at Village Hall will do everything in their power to keep information away from us.
Retail Store Sales Fell 10% Thanksgiving Weekend as Online Gains
Lauren Coleman-Lochner LaurenLochner
December 1, 2015
U.S. holiday shoppers spent more of their time last weekend online and less in line.
Consumer spending at brick-and-mortar retail locations in the U.S. fell 10 percent to $20.4 billion over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, according to ShopperTrak. The Chicago-based research firm gathers sales and traffic data from receipt information and devices in stores.
Retailers cut back on Thanksgiving hours, rolled out discounts earlier this year and ran more of their bargains online, putting less pressure on consumers to rush out for discounts after their turkey dinners or the next morning. The strategies also contributed to a 26 percent increase in online sales over the weekend, according to International Business Machines Corp. But even after the brick-and-mortar drop, ShopperTrak maintained its forecast that those sales will rise 2.4 percent this holiday season.
“The success of the holiday season doesn’t hinge on the performance of a single day,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak’s founder. “Seven out of the top ten sales days still remain, and December is anticipated to be strong.”
ShopperTrak’s forecast for the holiday season is weaker than that of the National Retail Federation, which has predicted a 3.7 percent sales gain for November and December.
Spending Less
The shoppers that did hit the mall last weekend may have kept a lid on spending. About half of Americans shopped on Black Friday this year, similar to last year, the International Council of Shopping Centers said Tuesday. But 55 percent said they spent the same or less than last year, according to a survey of 1,016 adults the trade group commissioned from Opinion Research Corp.
Janeen Price, who was shopping with her daughter in Greensboro, North Carolina, over the weekend, said she was a more serious Black Friday bargain-hunter in previous years. Now, her kids are grown up and she doesn’t feel the need to butt heads with other shoppers, said Price, 50.
