At its monthly meeting on October 15th, the Historic Preservation Commission met with representatives from Desman Associates regarding the proposed parking garage on Hudson Street and Broad Avenue. Many people realize Ridgewood’s need for such a facility as part of our infrastructure.
However, the commissioners were, and remain, primarily concerned with the visual impact of this multi-story structure on the streetscape. For example, a strictly functional, concrete construction—such as the new parking garage in Hackensack—would not only present a modern, monolithic contrast to the small-scale, older-style buildings on those streets, but also would create a visual barrier from the opposite street sides.
What is needed here is an architectural design that acts as a seam, harmoniously joining together the sides of both streets, and thus maintains the character of the district. Happily, one architectural design—the one we endorse—offers an excellent complement to the streetscape. Its brick façade, varied surface dimensions and upper sightlines; the streetlevel, arched pedestrian walkways; and corner tower combine to produce an edifice that works. It incorporates elements of what already exists in nearby buildings, thereby complementing what is there, while cleverly muting the reality that it is a parking garage.
Also, the design team has agreed to return to an HPC meeting for its review of the final plans to enable us to ensure the compatibility of the garage with its neighborhood.
Taking all of this into consideration, the Historic Preservation Commission supports approval of the parking garage and encourages all residents to vote “yes” for the November 3rd referendum.
Vincent N. Parrillo,
Chair Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission
Dear Roberta, Please immediately remove the Historic Preservation Commission letter, dated 10/23/15, from the Village website. (reference: https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2015HPCPGLStatement.pdf)
The letter does not accurately reflect the Historic Preservation Commission meeting held on October 8, 2015. Minutes and audio are available from Michael Cafarelli or I can send a direct link to access.
As you know from the email we received today at 2:57 PM, Vince Parrillo stands by the letter and has affirmed through polling all of the HPC members today (one could not be reached) that they all agree that the letter truly reflects the HPC position.
Thanks, Roberta
Best regards,
Roberta
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203
I can add one point/question – why do all of our major choices about development projects in Ridgewood come down to a yes or no on something that is just too big? Valley – needs to modernize, not double in size. Sealfons, Ken Smith and Brogan sites – need to be developed but not at triple the current density. Schedler Property – can be improved to serve the people of the village that owns it but without cutting all the trees down. Parking – we need to improve the parking situation in town but not with a multi-story structure that will be as big as the churches across the street and around the corner.
It seems that both the Planning Board and Council have failed to “get it”. Valley has been shot down on multiple occasions. The apartments are on hold because an angry mob showed up to shout the Council down before they could vote on it. The neighborhood east of 17 is resolved to vote any Council person out of office as they come up for re-election. And now this parking behemoth comes before us.
Our Council bears a healthy dose of the blame for all of this. In each case they appear to have made up their minds far in advance of finishing any impact or financial studies and even farther in advance of weighing public opinion. In addition there always seems to be some cozy relationship between one or more Council members and the applicant. Our Mayor is sending out personal appeals to vote “Yes” on the parking structure just as the (less than complete) “studies” are released. I always feel like the Council is rushing to get things pushed through and approved before the public has a chance to digest what’s being decided.
It’s with a healthy dose of skepticism that I’ll vote NO on Garage-zilla. Back to the drawing board folks – please present us with some smaller options.
OCTOBER 28, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015, 12:10 PM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A resolution has not yet been reached in the matter of the façade color of East Ridgewood Avenue restaurant Tito’s Burritos.
The matter before the Planning Board has been carried to the first meeting in December.
The applicant, Sonic Wave ll, LLC seeks a minor site plan application to keep the restaurant’s blue exterior, which the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) contends is at odds with the guidelines set forth in the village code that aims to preserve the village’s historic downtown area.
David L. Rutherford, the attorney for Tito’s Burritos, said his client had met with the village’s Historic Preservation Commission in September, but noted that “consensus was not reached” at that meeting.
Owner Michael Caldarella said the issue boils down to “visibility” for Tito’s Burritos. The restaurant’s façade is somewhat obscured by the set of stairs that sit on the western side of the building. The navy blue exterior allows the business to stand out and draw customers in, he said.
Clearly you are not aware of the backstory. If you were, I am sure you would understand that CBR had to pay a lawyer for almost 3 years to attend every meeting for every hour to represent their and ultimately our interests as residents. I am sure you understand how much lawyers charge per hour and the amount they bill when they are doing research aside from meetings. I am sure you realize they did fundraise but ultimately there is a big gap that they filled personally for years. How much did you contribute?
Ultimately CBR was holding our council responsible and paying a fortune out of pocket for what our elected officials should do as standard operating procedure. We are at the point now with the clock running out on this council. Hopefully residents are now paying attention and will be putting pressure on so the right studies are done and responsible decisions are made.
I assure you there is nothing beyond that. No promises of anything else.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
Note: Of course, no mention of design & construction costs, increased parking fees, displaced street parking, etc.
From: Paul Aronsohn <[email protected]>
Date: 10/11/2015 9:56 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: [email protected]
Subject: Parking Campaign — Help Make it HappenDear Neighbor,Our campaign to build a downtown parking deck is gaining momentum.
All of this is leading to election day. On November 3, Ridgewood voters will have a chance to express their support for a parking deck … a widely-shared goal that has eluded our community for generations.
There are several ways to support this campaign:
ü Learn: If you would like to see parking proposals/studies dating back to 1945 … please visit the library archives<https://www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/#!ridgewood-resources/ctia>; and see the attachment. If you would like information about our current effort – including a brand new study that outlines our parking challenges and ways we could finance a parking garage without taxpayer money – please visit the Village website<https://www2.ridgewoodnj.net/main_recent.cfm?ArticleID=1740>;.
ü Discuss: I would welcome the opportunity to come talk about our parking garage plans with you, your friends, your neighbors and your colleagues. Please contact me to schedule a date and time. Also, we will continue to discuss this initiative in public meetings. Please see Village website<https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/> ; for dates/locations.
ü Promote: In our effort to generate awareness and excitement, we have law signs, posters and palm cards to distribute. (See design is below.) If you want some … just say the word, and we will deliver them to you.
ü Share: Please share this email with friends and neighbors.
ü Vote: On November 3, you will have the chance to express your support for a downtown parking garage. Please vote. And please encourage your friends and family to vote, too.
Together, let’s make history.
Thank you.
Paul
Paul Aronsohn, Mayor
Village of Ridgewood
@paularonsohn
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
