Tag: CBD

Posted on by — 27 Comments

Why I’ll Just Say “No” to the Parking Garage

parking garage cbd
October 28,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, With the prospect of being out of State on Election day, I mailed my absentee ballot in so that my voice will be heard on the parking garage “referendum” question. My vote was a resounding NO for some very obvious reasons.

–        The property is not suitable for such a large structure

–        Cost overruns are inevitable

–        On street parking rates will escalate to $1.00 per hour and enforcement will be until 9PM

–        Cost of meter enforcement is drastically understated

–        A single structure at the west end of the business district will not relieve the parking issues on lower Ridgewood Avenue. Those attending the movies will not scramble up to Hudson Street to park

–        The restaurants will cut “deals” for valet parking in the garage thereby skewing the cost justification estimates presented

–        We, the taxpayer, will subsidize any and all shortfalls in revenue to pay the multi decade debt service
So what is the real answer to the “parking issue”….. those of us who have been in the Village for many years and have seen the constant drone of ” Oh my God, I had to walk a least a block to get to my pedi/mani  appointment and it started to rain on my freshly painted toes on the way back to my car…..OMG my day was ruined because of the parking situation in Ridgewood”

The answer… one level above grade open parking structures at Cottage Place, Walnut Street and Hudson Street. No fancy 4 story facades. Do the numbers…we can have 3 simple structures for the price of one 4 story behemoth on Hudson Street. And, parking will be readily available for the ENTIRE business district not just the few well connected restaurant owners. If this plan moves forward get ready to present your 8:49 PM parking tickets to the three amigos…. Maybe they can chip in to pay them for you…it’s a good thing at least some of them have a day job!

Posted on by — 19 Comments

Plans for Ridgewood parking garage presented as vote nears

parking garage cbd

OCTOBER 27, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015, 1:33 PM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

As the November vote on the non-binding referendum question regarding the construction of a parking garage on the Hudson Street lot approaches, the village held its first of two parking forums last Wednesday night.

After a presentation by representatives from Desman Design Management and S&L Architecture regarding the latest garage renderings and another by Chief Financial Officer Bob Rooney and Financial Advisory Committee chair Nancy Johansen, the public was free to speak with the officials one-on-one in a more informal setting.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn began the meeting by giving background on how the village got to this point.

Aronsohn said the Hudson Street lot was chosen because the village already owns the land, and it is near the train station as well as many of the downtown restaurants. Environmental and site surveys were completed before design and architectural firms were hired to bring the proposal for the garage to the table.

A non-binding referendum question will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot asking residents if they support building a deck and bonding up to $15 million in public funds. The garage is expected to be paid for entirely through parking revenues.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/plans-for-parking-garage-presented-as-vote-nears-1.1442234

Posted on by — 19 Comments

Readers call Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee Conclusion on Hudson Street Parking Garage Questionable at Best

Hudson Garage

Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee Concludes Hudson Street Parking Garage can be funded entirely by parking revenues. Well maybe they would like to sign a contract that they will be financially responsible for any shot falls of the garage for the term of the bond. That board both past and presents members are all tied in to the 3 amigos.

Timing alone of this released opinion is more than questionable.let them release the Data or withdraw these Statements.NO ONE GETS CALLED OUT ON ANYTHING IN RIDGEWOOD.We are talking Millions in underfunded liabilities including New village Emoloyees and associated Liabilities also for their Employment and Benefits Costs.

The scary issue is what utilization the garage has to achieve to cover its fixed cost ( salaries, debt service, etc.). If it covers with 50 % of spaces occupied during the day that might be OK, but if it takes 90%+, then we’re probably looking at a money pit.I don’t see where this issue was addressed by the FAC. As others have said, “can” is not the same as “will” or even ” will probably”

Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee Concludes Hudson Street Parking Garage can be funded entirely by parking revenues
This title is misleading. Maybe it “can” be funded by parking revenues, but maybe it cannot. Maybe it “can” be if the rates go up town-wide, if the hours of paid parking are extended, if the lot is occupied 24/7…….or maybe even then it cannot be.

“We recognize that while parking revenues should cover the cost of the garage, funding the garage still creates an additional financial obligation for the Village, which would need to be met by other sources in the unlikely event that parking revenues fell short. However, we think the substantial benefits offered by a garage support taking on that obligation. * * *”

SHOULD is not the same as WILL. “IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT PARKING REVENUES FELL SHORT” – If the economy tanks as it did in 2008, parking revenues WILL FALL SHORT and taxpayers will be stuck paying for this money pit.

Why wouldn’t they recommend a public private partnership (PPP) between the Village and business owners in the CBD? If it’s so beneficial to the Village’s core, wouldn’t business owners want to contribute to the cost of the garage? Village taxpayers will get better cost oversight from private business people than if it’s just the Village engineer overseeing it… $500,000 golden toilets anyone?

Posted on by — 12 Comments

Pending projects in Ridgewood call for compromise

20151022_115458

Calling for compromise

OCTOBER 23, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Print

Calling for compromise

To the Editor:

Pending projects in Ridgewood call for compromise.

1. Development in the Central Business District: So many people have weighed in on this issue and the overwhelming majority want to scale back the proposed housing density change from 35 units per acre to approximately 24, when 12 is currently allowed. At a low estimate of 800 total people speaking out at recent meetings, sending emails and signing petitions, multiplied by 20 (a standard political statistic for surveying public opinion), 16,000 people spoke against the higher density change.

That number represents just about every adult resident living in town. This is a mandate. No further discussion is needed. The council should take the vote off the table and revise the resolutions.

2. Parking Garage: The projected costs are huge and people are concerned. Former Mayor Pat Mancuso suggested two parking tiers at several locations throughout the CBD. Many thought this was a great idea.

This solution would be much easier to manage and possibly a benefit to those wishing to park a bit closer to their destination.

3. Schedler: This is not the place for a 90-foot baseball diamond. The neighborhood will be adversely affected for a multitude of reasons including its close proximity to Route 17. The integrity of the historical house is in jeopardy and we lose 4.5 acres of woods.

Friends of Schedler are in favor of a smaller field which will allow for the trees to be saved and protect the house with meaningful land abutting it. A playground similar to the one at Ridge School would be a wonderful addition for all of Ridgewood’s children. It is the right thing to do and the most practical.

In addition, I believe the compost facility should be considered as a location for the larger baseball field. The facility had been problematic and the neighbors might prefer a playing field. The site is level on land we own, it is on the west side of town, convenient to get to and we don’t have to remove acres of trees.

I also propose hiring additional people in the Shade Tree Division, which has been decimated over the years, and get back in the business of planting and maintaining our trees. We moved here for the schools, the town and the trees.

Linda McNamara

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/ridgewood-news-letter-calling-for-compromise-1.1439342

Posted on by — 12 Comments

The November 3rd election is just two weeks away. That means our campaign to build a downtown parking deck is entering its final stretch.

paul Aronsohn

file photo by Boyd Loving

From: Paul Aronsohn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2015 10:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Parking Campaign — Three Things

Dear Neighbor –

The November 3rd  election is just two weeks away.  That means our campaign to build a downtown parking deck is entering its final stretch.

To generate both education and excitement … I recommend the following three things:

Parking Forum:  This Wednesday (10/21), we will be holding an interactive forum to discuss the proposed parking deck.  Meet and talk with representatives of our design firm, Desman.  Meet and talk with Village CFO / Parking Utility Director Bob Rooney.  Ask questions.  Get answers.  Village Hall 4th floor Council Chamber at7:30pm.  Please join us.  Everyone is welcome.

Questions & Answers:  Attached is a two-pager that addresses questions that have been asked of me.  I hope you find it useful.

Draft Parking Deck Rendering:  Attached is a draft rendering of a Hudson Street Parking Deck.  It’s a work in progress that reflects input from several people, including members of the Historic Preservation Commission.  Take a look.   Share your thoughts.   Your input is wanted.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Hope to see you on Wednesday.

Thanks,

Paul

Paul Aronsohn, Mayor
Village of Ridgewood
@paularonsohn

Posted on by — 3 Comments

Demarest Resident Falls Victim of Credit Card Fraud in Ridgewood

Credit card fraud
October 21,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on Monday, October 19, 2015, a Demarest resident reported his/her credit cards taken from his/her wallet while in Ridgewood.

The victim realized that the cards were missing after being contacted by the issuer regarding suspicious activity at several local high end retail stores.
Detectives were able to obtain surveillance photographs of a male and female suspect presenting the victim’s stolen credit cards to make fraudulent purchases. The matter is under investigation by the detective bureau.
Posted on by — 16 Comments

Village Authorizes Non-Binding Referendum for Hudson Street Parking Garage for Nov 3, 2015 Ballot

parking garage cbd

Hudson Street Parking Garage

Two important forums scheduled in Village Hall – 4th Floor Court Room – to discuss the proposed Hudson Street Parking Deck: Wednesday, October 21 and Monday, November 2 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Village professionals as well as the design team from Desman Associates will be on hand to discuss all aspects of the proposed parking deck, including the design and financials. All are welcome to attend. All questions are welcome!

Walker Parking Preliminary Financial Analysis – October 2, 2015

Walker Parking Consultant Study – July 5th, 2015

Walker Parking Floor Plans

Resolutions

Resolution 15-222 : Non-Binding Referendum – Nov 3, 2015 Ballot

Resolution 15-303 : Desman, Inc.

Ordinances

Ordinance 3480

Posted on by — 6 Comments

The design team from Desmond Associates to Share Insights on Hudson Street Parking Garage at Village of Ridgewood Forum

hudson parking garage

Important Village of Ridgewood Forums – October 21 – November 2 – Hudson Street Parking Deck

Two important forums scheduled in Village Hall – 4th Floor Court Room – to discuss the proposed Hudson Street Parking Deck: Wednesday, October 21 and Monday, November 2 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Village professionals as well as the design team from Desmond Associates will be on hand to discuss all aspects of the proposed parking deck, including the design and financials. All are welcome to attend. All questions are welcome!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Driver Loses Control and Knocks out Signal at intersection of Franklin Avenue and Oak Street in Downtown Ridgewood

12068489_444791295706909_1402853424210899324_o (1)
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

Driver Loses Control and Knocks out Signal at intersection of Franklin Avenue and Oak Street in Downtown Ridgewood

October 16,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The driver of a Subaru Forester was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital with non-life threatening injuries following early evening crash in Ridgewood on Friday, 10/16 in which the Subaru mounted a sidewalk and felled a traffic signal at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Oak Street.

Ridgewood FD personnel attended to a minor crash resultant fluid spill and an electrician from the Ridgewood Traffic & Signal Bureau disconnected power and disassembled the downed light assembly. A flatbed tow truck removed the vehicle. No other injuries were reported in the crash. Ridgewood PD, EMS, and Emergency Services also responded to the scene.

Posted on by — 14 Comments

Drugs ,Fights ,Just another Exciting Week in Downtown Ridgewood

Honda-Civics-collide-Ridgewood-Police-Ridgewood-Fire-Deparrtment3-300x225
file photo by Boyd Loving 
Welcome to Hoboken ?
October 12,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Not sure if this is a sign of things to come or just a sign of the times but these types on incidents seem to be growing in number . Ridgewood Police reported that on Saturday, October 3, 2015, a Long Branch resident reported being assaulted by another patron while dining at Fish Urban Dining in the central business district. The victim refused medical attention and did not wish to pursue criminal complaints against his/her attacker at that time.

On Monday, October 5, 2015, Detective Douglas Henky responded to a report of a woman in distress in Van Neste Park. Marissa E. Purdy, 19, of Monroe, New York was subsequently arrested and charged with possession/being under the influence of narcotics and possession of narcotics paraphernalia. Ms. Purdy’s companion, Jason J. Brown, 23, of Pomona, New York was also charged with possession/being under the influence of narcotics and possession of narcotics paraphernalia. Both parties were released on their own recognizance pending court appearance.All defendants are considered innocent until found guilty in a court of law

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ridgewood Planning Board accelerates master plan reexamination

clock_cbd_theridgewoodblog

OCTOBER 12, 2015    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015, 9:41 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

With just a few months remaining to complete and adopt its state-mandated master plan reexamination report, village officials acknowledged the need to accelerate the process and tackled its next subject at last Tuesday’s Planning Board meeting.

The master plan reexamination report, which is an evaluation of a municipality’s master plan and its development regulations, is required to be undertaken by the Planning Board at least every 10 years. Ridgewood’s reexamination report is due in early February 2016.

With Planning Board meetings often dominated by higher-profile topics, such as the multifamily housing hearings, which wrapped in June, the reexamination has appeared sparingly on board agendas this year.

Village Planner Blais Brancheau expressed his opinion to the board that, due to the compressed timeframe, a “minimum requirement” examination be completed to satisfy state requirements before delving in depth into the numerous issues that need to be addressed.

“I think it’s important we get this adopted,” Brancheau said. “It’s not intended to limit discussion. We can continue discussion once we’ve adopted the reexamination. In fact, it’s my personal feeling a number of sections of the master plan really should be updated and we’ll get into that more as we move forward.”

If Ridgewood fails to meet the state’s deadline, it will be opened up to possible exposure in a legal challenge involving the village’s regulations.

In litigation, a village’s regulations are presumed valid and the litigant bears the burden of proof to show otherwise. Without a properly adopted reexamination report, the burden shifts to the village, said Brancheau.

Chairman Charles Nalbantian asked if the board could simply note, as part of the reexamination report, where the areas in the master plan are that warrant in-depth work.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/board-accelerates-reexam-process-1.1430654

Posted on by — 14 Comments

The Rules only Apply for Some People : First the planters, then the sign, now this?

parking vote

October 11,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Anyone else would be issued property maintenance and motor vehicle summonses for driving multiple vehicles up a curb, over a public pedestrian walkway, and parking in front of a commercial establishment.

But, of course, no summonses ever issued here.

I wonder why?

Posted on by — 6 Comments

Key Points from the Village Council commissioned parking study prepared by Walker Associates

hudson parking garage

File photo by Boyd Loving

Key verbatim assumptions/findings taken from the Village Council commissioned parking study prepared by Walker Associates:

Easing crowding does not, in and of itself, create a new revenue stream; it transfers revenue
from other metered spaces in the Village. The garage will likely encourage people to come
downtown who have been avoiding it due to parking constraints, but this is not a quantifiable
revenue stream and is not included in our analysis. More conservatively, we project the
following net new revenue streams for the garage:

• The 72-space Brogan Cadillac lot on South Broad Street at Essex Street and at the 92-
space Ken Smith Motors lot just east of the train tracks and north of Franklin Avenue are
going to be demolished for development. Both of these dealerships have closed and
lease out their parking. The Ken Smith Lot is permit parking for downtown employees.
The Brogan Lot accommodates commuters during the day and is leased out for
restaurant valet parking at night. We anticipate these demand streams would transfer
to the garage.

• We understand from Village staff that there are other restaurants downtown that use
valet services in private lots that would use the garage instead (probably doing away
with valet service since self-park options would be easier).

• The Village used to have 120 non-resident commuter permits, but doubled non-resident
permit rates because there was not enough space for these commuters. Currently
there are very few non-resident commuters parking in the train station area. The Village
plans to reduce the non-resident commuter rate to $875/year to increase that demand
stream again.

It is typical in downtowns that the revenue stream in a given garage is not sufficient to cover its
operating costs and debt service. Downtown parking systems are just that – systems – that rely
on pooled revenue from all resources, and especially the on-street meters (which tend to
have the highest turnover), to cover the higher cost associated with building and operating a
garage. This is the case in Ridgewood, where the net new revenue projected for the garage
is not projected to offset its expenses.

Therefore, our revenue projection includes all downtown revenue and all expenses associated with the parking system.

To operate the garage and have a revenue-positive parking utility (with funds available for other parking lot
maintenance projects), we project that the Village will increase meter rates as follows:

• In 2016, meters will be extended until 9 p.m. and meter rates on key downtown streets
will increase to 75¢.

• In 2017, 75¢ meters will be increased to $1 and the rest of the on-street and off-street
meters will increase to 75¢.

• If needed, rates would increase by 25¢ after five years.

• Commuter permit rates would increase by $25 in 2021 and 2025.

Posted on by — 8 Comments

Finances, design of Ridgewood garage are detailed

Hudson_street_parking_theridgewoodblog

Rich, thanks for the pointer to page 24.“Given that the new demand stream is not anticipated to cover debt service for the garage, the parking system will need to increase revenue on existing spaces if it is to be self-supporting.”

OCTOBER 9, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015, 9:09 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Designs and architectural renderings for a potential parking garage on Hudson Street were presented on Wednesday, providing the public an opportunity to view different proposals for the deck. A financial review was also presented.

Representatives from Desman Design Management and S&L Architecture Studio offered three different options with varying degrees of size and parking efficiency, along with distinctive architectural structures.

All three design ideas were for a four-story building with five levels of parking, one of which included a building that stayed within the footprint of the site while the other two explored taking some of the right-of-way from Hudson Street.

The Hudson Street site does have some constraints, said Desman Design principal Tim Tracy. The first option for a garage did not explore any unique solutions and contained angled parking and side ramps at the western and eastern ends of the building, which resulted in a 124,000-square-foot building and a net gain of 236 parking spaces.

The second option tinkered with the footprint of the site on the western side and resulted in a slightly larger facility at 130,000 square feet and a net gain of 253 spaces.

A third design expanded further on the idea of extending the lot and building a cantilever over the sidewalk, which would give the village a net gain of 317 spaces and a building that is 139,000 square feet. This option enables the village to get 330 square feet per car, which Tracy said is within the industry standard and also allows the access easement on the eastern end to be retained.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/garage-finances-design-detailed-1.1429249