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Ridgewood adds an extra hour to parking meters

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Ridgewood adds an extra hour to parking meters

OCTOBER 24, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Shoppers and diners will now have an extra hour of parking in Ridgewood.

The Village Council voted on Wednesday to convert all of Ridgewood’s two-hour meters to three-hour meters.

Business leaders have advocated for the change, noting that the switch will give customers more time to leisurely shop and dine without worrying about a parking ticket.

Some concerns about the three-hour limit were previously raised by Councilwoman Susan Knudsen, who argued that four hours was more leisurely. The council ultimately settled on three hours, citing varied reasoning, including the fear that four-hour meters would entice part-time workers to use those spots rather than shoppers.

“It’s never going to be perfect,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said, noting that the meter time could be changed again. “We’ll have to monitor the situation.”

This plan to convert two-hour meters to three-hour meters comes in tandem with a larger discussion about short-term parking solutions. These solutions being discussed would serve as a temporary balm to Ridgewood’s parking woes while the village explores its long-term options, including a proposed county-funded garage (see story on page A1).

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/extra-hour-added-to-meters-parking-1.1117078#sthash.6Bq5I4M8.dpuf

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New water meters lead to much higher bills for some in Ridgewood

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New water meters lead to much higher bills for some in Ridgewood

OCTOBER 24, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER | 
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — A move to upgrade thousands of water meters throughout the village has been a shock for some business owners and residents who have received larger-than-expected bills.

Some residents have received water bills that are thousands of dollars higher than they’ve been used to paying. A number of businesses have paid hundreds of dollars more for their water.

The bigger bills, officials said, are the result of accurate readings on actual use. In recent years, estimated water and sewer discharge bills were based on predicted or past use.

The village has stepped up efforts the past month to replace all of the water meters in Ridgewood, according to officials.

Meters that were installed several years ago have since become obsolete, requiring installation of so-called radio-read meters.

The updated meters emit low-level radio frequencies, easily detectable using specialized hand-held instruments; such meters eliminate the need for readers to enter homes or businesses.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/new-water-meters-lead-to-surprises-1.1117227#sthash.93rgXbKh.dpuf

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What constitutes “repeat parking” and why is it banned?

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What constitutes “repeat parking” and why is it banned?
October 24,2014
Boyd A. Loving
9:31 PM (6 hours ago)

“Repeat parking” is the act of feeding a parking meter beyond the maximum permissible time posted for parking at a specific location.  Example:  if the posted time limit for parking at meters on East Ridgewood Avenue is 3 hours between 9AM and 5PM, it is unlawful to leave your vehicle in place at any meter there for longer than 3 hours during the noted time period, even if you’ve put additional money in the meter.

Why is “repeat parking” banned?  “Repeat parking” is banned to facilitate turnover in parking spaces.  Retail merchants in particular believe that people are more likely to patronize stores when parking spaces are readily available nearby.  If there were little to no turnover in parking places, merchants believe patrons would become frustrated and spend their money in communities other than Ridgewood.

This is how “repeat parking” is described on the Village’s official PARKING GUIDE:

REPEAT PARKING/FEEDING METER
Is not permitted. Once the maximum time on the 
meter is passed, the vehicle must be moved not 
only out of that spot, but out of that lot or to a 
new street.

https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/20131127PM.pdf

YOUR OPINION WANTED:  Does it make sense to permit the movement of a vehicle to another lot, or to another street, once it has been parked for the maximum permissible time, or does this defeat the main objective of creating turnover so that parking spots are readily available?  Please weigh in below.

Esurance

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Restaurant review: S. Egidio in Ridgewood

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Restaurant review: S. Egidio in Ridgewood
October 17, 2014    Last updated: Friday, October 17, 2014, 11:33 AM
By Elisa Ung
The Record

S. Egidio
17 N Broad St
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

The menu: mostly pizza. The setting: tiny. The phone: often ignored. The wait for a table: sometimes an hour.

And no wonder: Ridgewood newcomer S. Egidio is a local novelty, an Italian restaurant run by a newly arrived Italian chef with food that is both authentic and creative.

Its menu is simple: Italian cured meat, imported cheeses, salads, a few appetizers, and Neapolitan pizzas that are blasted for a minute in a 1,000-degree oven until blistered and bubbling. Occasionally, there are pasta specials; sandwiches are served at lunch.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/food-and-dining-news/restaurant-reviews/restaurant-review-s-egidio-in-ridgewood-1.1111604#sthash.t1ihxFGP.dpuf

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“Significant discharger” fees may have been billed in error

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“Significant discharger” fees may have been billed in error

ATTENTION:  Owners/operators of Ridgewood businesses at which water meters were upgraded to “radio read meters” may have received bills for “significant discharger” fees in error.

If you received an unusually high water bill due to prior use of “estimated” readings, the Village of Ridgewood’s accounting department may have mistakenly thought you were a “significant discharger” and billed you as such.

If you believe you may have been billed in error, you should contact Ms. Mary Jo Gilmore, Village of Ridgewood Tax Collector, at 201-670-5500 extension 225.

YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE –  The Village seems to be leaving up to business owners themselves to determine if a billing error took place; i.e., no effort is being made by the Village to find out who might have been billed in error.

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Panel discusses ways to energize Bergen County downtowns

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Panel discusses ways to energize Bergen County downtowns

OCTOBER 16, 2014    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014, 1:48 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Ridgewood, Fairview, Hackensack and Paramus may have very different community identities, but they do have one thing in common: They all care about the development of their economic centers.

This was clear when officials representing each of these communities spoke on a Bergen Community College panel on Oct. 7 about the challenges and triumphs they have encountered during ongoing efforts to support their economic centers.

The discussion, titled “Reviving and Refocusing Suburban Downtowns and Regional Economic Centers,” attracted about 40 attendees, many from the Bergen LEADS leadership course.

On the panel were retired Fairview Police Chief Frank Del Vecchio, a Ridgewood resident and Fairview Chamber of Commerce member; Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce President Paul Vagianos; Paramus Regional Chamber of Commerce President Fred Rohdieck; and Hackensack Chamber of Commerce member Francis Reiner, the community’s urban design, planning and redevelopment consultant.

The forum was meant to explore how changing demographics are affecting distinct Bergen County municipalities’ economic centers, and in turn, their “community identities,” which are often shaped by these economic hubs.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/business-leaders-agree-rising-tide-lifts-all-boats-1.1111089#sthash.VbU6ZXv4.dpuf

 

Next Village of Ridgewood CBD Discussion Meeting – October 29 at 7PM

Wednesday, October 29th the Village Hall Court Room, 131 N. Maple Ave, from 7PM to 9PM – the conversation will continue regarding the Ridgewood CBD. There will an opportunity for comments from attendees and at 7:30PM a Panel will discuss the role of arts in the Central Business District.

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Business to Ridgewood

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Business to Ridgewood 

GRAND OPENINGS IN RIDGEWOOD
the town is filled with great businesses to visit…
PLEASE WELCOME

Grand Opening Party
Anik-Ridgewood
119 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Saturday, October 18, 2014, 6-9pm
6:00pm ribbon cutting
***
Grand Re-opening
Super Cellars
32 South Broad Street
Saturday, November 1, 2014 @ 3:00pm
ribbon cutting at 3:00pm
Super Cellars has doubled in size!
***
GRAND OPENING
PINOT’S PALETTE
25 Oak Street
Saturday, November 1, 2014 @ 4:00pm
ribbon cutting at 4:00pm
*****
Grand Re-Opening-new location
The Couture Baby
new location 66 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Ribbon Cutting at 12Noon
bigger and better than ever!

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Warns Village Business owners on New Parking Rules

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Warns Village Business owners on New Parking Rules 

To all business owners and employees in Ridgewood
important notice about parking!

Please read carefully.
Effective November 1, 2014
The Village of Ridgewood will begin strictly enforcing
REPEAT PARKING VIOLATIONS – on that date the police department will begin issuing tickets to vehicles that remain in a parking space beyond 3 hours.
This means that you will no longer be able to extend the time at the parking meter by adding additional quarters to the meters at the end of the time allowed.
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Ridgewood have arranged for a limited number of employee parking spaces at the former Ken Smith Motors Lot (at the corner of N. Broad St. and Franklin Ave)
Beginning October 20, 2014, PARKING PERMITS maybe purchased at Village Hall (first floor receptionist desk)-for $80 per month – Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm – you must have proof of employment and your driver’s license with you at the time of purchase – cash/check and/or credit cards accepted.
For additional information call
Village Hall 201-670-5500 x 200
Spaces at Ken Smith are extremely limited.
PLEASE REMEMBER YOU WILL BE TICKETED FOR REPEAT PARKING VIOLATIONS.
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Ridgewood tables housing proposal to receive public input

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Ridgewood tables housing proposal to receive public input

OCTOBER 11, 2014    LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The Planning Board tabled discussion on a possible master plan amendment permitting multifamily housing downtown until next month, when residents will get their first chance to weigh in on the proposal.

Talks will resume at the board’s meeting on Nov. 3, when the village’s planner, Blais Brancheau, is expected to present his own analysis on the potential master plan changes.

The proposed amendment is being sought by three developers, who want to build multifamily housing complexes in Ridgewood.

Brancheau will likely face questions from the public after giving his report next month, and almost certainly will face cross-examination by attorneys for the developers, who all have active applications pending before the board.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/village-tables-housing-proposal-1.1107241#sthash.X74DFhNn.dpuf

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Ridgewood News editorial: Parking plan needs more input

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Ridgewood News editorial: Parking plan needs more input

OCTOBER 10, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Print

Officials took notice of public outcries over the Garber Square project this summer and PSE&G’s utility pole installation in 2013, and they learned that everyone should have a say when an impactful undertaking moves toward the horizon.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-editorials/parking-plan-needs-input-1.1106605#sthash.homSBShO.dpuf

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Ridgewood housing hearings to continue as planned

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Ridgewood housing hearings to continue as planned

OCTOBER 9, 2014    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014, 5:06 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Planning Board hearings on multifamily housing will continue moving forward as they have been.

The board announced on Tuesday that it would not be taking the mayor’s suggestion to bifurcate a proposed amendment that would allow for multifamily housing in four downtown zones.

Creating multiple amendments out of the one currently proposed amendment – to allow the board to vote to approve or reject multifamily housing in some but not necessarily all zones – is not totally off the table, but the idea is set aside, since it could have rendered some already-delivered testimony unusable.

The board will again consider amendment modifications, like bifurcation and other ways to split the amendment, once the current process comes to a close, following the village planner’s testimony at the next hearing.

The suggestion that the Planning Board should split the amendment into two – one that would consider housing in the Central Business District’s (CBD) “core” (East Ridgewood Avenue and Franklin Avenue) and another that would consider housing in the CBD’s “periphery” (south of East Ridgewood Avenue and north of Franklin Avenue) – was raised by Mayor Paul Aronsohn at a board meeting last month.

Aronsohn also suggested that the board reduce the proposed allowable density.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-housing-hearings-to-continue-as-planned-1.1106340#sthash.H5OkK9kA.dpuf

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Freeholder chief checks Ridgewood parking shortage

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Freeholder chief checks Ridgewood parking shortage

OCTOBER 8, 2014    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Residents, officials and business leaders all seem to agree on one thing when it comes to the village: parking is scarce.

On Tuesday afternoon, Freeholder Chairman David Ganz took a quick tour of the downtown area, to survey the village’s parking situation.

Village officials have spent the last year talking with representatives from the Bergen County Improvement Authority about the possibility of the county financing, building and operating a parking deck in Ridgewood.

First, the freeholders would need to authorize the expenditure of $100,000 on a comprehensive study of the village’s current parking situation.

“We recently included Chairman Ganz in that conversation,” said Mayor Paul Aronsohn, “because the freeholders would have to approve BCIA’s use of transit funding for such a study.”

The funding issue could be discussed at the freeholders’ next meeting on Oct. 22.

– See more at:  https://www.northjersey.com/news/freeholder-chief-checks-ridgewood-parking-shortage-1.1104416#sthash.K0CobFFL.dpuf

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The Stable in Ridgewood closes, will become small-plates restaurant

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The Stable in Ridgewood closes, will become small-plates restaurant

OCTOBER 6, 2014, 3:59 PM    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014, 4:04 PM
BY ELISA UNG
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

The Ridgewood rodizio restaurant The Stable held its last dinner service last night, says owner Marcello Czernier. He is now remodeling it to become a small-plates restaurant called Finca (“estate” in Spanish). Czernier says it will generally have a different menu than his other Ridgewood restaurant, Cravings Tapas Bistro, though some dishes may be available at both spots. He hopes to open in about six weeks.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/food-and-dining-news/the-stable-in-ridgewood-closes-will-become-small-plates-restaurant-1.1103615#sthash.Ro3mzTFF.dpuf

 

see https://theridgewoodblog.net/lunch-at-the-stable/

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Fall Fashion Sidewalk Sale Day in Ridgewood

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Fall Fashion Sidewalk Sale Day in Ridgewood
Thu, October 09, 2014 – Sat, October 11, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

East Ridgewood Avenue and sidestreet, Ridgewood NJ

FALL Fashion SIDEWALK SALE DAYS IN RIDGEWOOD!

October 9, 10, 11th
*WIN A $500 SHOPPING SPREE in Ridgewood
Ladies Day & Night Out
*Thursday, October 9, 2014 – OPEN Late
Pick-up your sale/punch card/map at
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave.
open 9am

Bring this card to all stores, card to be punched. Return to Bookends by 9:30pm Thursday night to be entered to win $500 shopping spree.
You do not have to be present to win.

The following stores are participating-details,
address promotions –

*Alba- Thr: food and Trunk Show 2-7pm, sales all 3 days inside/out sales,
10 S. Broad St.

*Aleana’s Bridal-Thr beverages-sales inside & out
46 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Alex & Ani -Thr Food.- special Give Away with Purchase of $100 or more, while supplies last.
134 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Anik-119 E. Ridgewood, Thr Food-3 sales days & Promotions.

*Ann Taylor-Thur food-3 days of sales
240 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Art of Motion- offering drop in discounted Pilates. Yoga, jazz and ballet classes for children/adults $10. call for schedule
17 Chestnut St. 201-652-5800.

*Arthur Groom-Thr Food-$100 gift cards for $80.
262 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Beauty Plus Salon-Thr food-3 sale days
25 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream-10% off all
purchases all 3 days
104 Franklin Ave.

*Biltmore Tuxedo’s – Special Sales
36 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Bookends-Get your sale punch card & Map here
on Thurs from 9am-9:30pm-3 sale days
211 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*D”Moni-Thr food-3 days sales
48 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Double Take Consignment-Thr food-3 sale days
189 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Duxiana-*Thur open late-3 sale days
63 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Eat Your Spinach-3 sale days
42 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Femmebot Clothing- Thur party-3 sale days-open late
203 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Fox’s-Thrs food-3 sale days
230 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Gardiner & Co. Thr only Specials close at 5:30pm
10 Van Neste Square

*Gattinolli Designer Thur Fashion Show 7-9pm –
3 day sales
256 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Gypsy Warrior Boutique-Thr food-3 sale days
125 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Interior Distinction-Thurs featuring pastries by Sook 4-6pm- 3 sale days
26. S. Broad St.

*Just Our Shoes/Mephisto-Thr. Food-Sales 3 days
16 N. Walnut St.

*Kate Spade-3 sale days-open late
202 E. Ridgewood Ave

*Leapin Lizards Thr food-3 sale days
250 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Learning Express-3 sale days-visit by Anna& Elsa
111 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Loft41 Jewelry Studio & more-Thr food & 3 day Specials
41 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Lucky Brand-3 sale days
67 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Markosian FAJ-5-9pm Thr food & beverages,
Specially priced “Fine Art Jewelry”-Cheers!
7 N. Broad St. Lower Level-take elevator

*Northeast Vein Laser Institute 2nc floor-rear entrance-*Thr Food & FREE Demo Viora Body sculpting skin tightening.
257 E. Ridgewood Ave.

P. Smith-3 Sale Days in store until 5pm
65 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Pangea Coins & Jewelry-6-9pm Special food-beverages – “Diamonds with David”- 3 sale days
35 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Panico Salon & Spa-3 sale days
185 E. Ridgewood

*Pink Bungalow-Thr Food-3 days of sales
185 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Northeast Laser Vein Institute-Thr Food/FREE Demo Viora body sculpting skin tightening treatments
257 E. Ridgewood Ave. Elevator to 2nd floor

*Red Velvet Luxe-Thr Food-3 sale days inside
59 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Ridgewood Bootery – Thur Food-3 sales days
200 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Ridgewood Running Company-Thr special program and sales 6-9pm
258 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Salon diLuna – Thr Food-3 day sales
44 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Savvy Chic Consignment-Thr food, special cookies inside & out Sales on 3 days
30 Cottage Place.

*Second Time Around-Thr Special Sales-open late
204 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Secret Studio Store-Thr food-3 sale days
11 S. Broad St.

*Shoe-Inn-3 sale days
53 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Suite 201- -3 Day specials
11 S. Walnut St.

Tapestry Hair Salon-Complimentary Blowout by
appointment-201-670-4416
30 S. Maple Ave.

*The Couture Baby-3 sale days
82 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*The GAP-3 sale days
235 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*The Travel Center/American Express-Thur Food
Specials in store.
50 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Town & Country Pharmacy-Thur Food-give aways & makeovers-food
60 E. Ridgewood Ave.

*Victor Men’s Store-3 sale days
55 E. Ridgewood Ave.

Wostbrock Rug & Interiors- Thur Food-Party 6-7pm- 3 sale days
225 Goffle Road-Ridgewood

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Ridgewood considers parking upgrades

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Ridgewood considers parking upgrades

OCTOBER 5, 2014    LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Village officials unveiled several parking proposals they hope will attract visitors to the downtown business district and also ease parking for residents.

One proposal offered at Wednesday’s council meeting would standardize parking hours, fees and durations throughout the village.

“All downtown meters would run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” according to the proposal, altering the current 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. range.

Also, all downtown meters would offer three- or four-hour parking, as opposed to the current limit of two hours.

“All downtown meters will cost 25 cents per half-hour,” the proposal states, adding existing 15-minute parking spaces would remain.

“This will make parking easier and simpler for shoppers and diners, enhancing the overall downtown experience,” according to the plan.

Another proposal seeks to restrict long-term parking passes — currently sold to residents and non-residents on an annual basis — to Ridgewood residents only. At present, about 120 out-of-town commuters pay the same amount as residents for long-term parking passes, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said. An alternative proposal would have non-residents pay twice as much for the long-term pass.

“There is a parking scarcity in this town,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said at the council’s meeting Wednesday, adding it has taken out-of-the-box thinking to determine ways of improving it.

The issue of parking in Ridgewood has been front and center in recent weeks at public forums organized by Deputy Mayor Al Pucciarelli. At these gatherings, residents and business owners have keyed in on parking as the village’s biggest hindrance.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/council-considers-parking-upgrades-1.1102744#sthash.HV1B1AFh.dpuf