Apartments would change village
To the editor:
Thank you to all who planned and worked, mentally and physically, to ring in the Christmas season, attract and please all the faiths in town, make everyone feel welcome, and spread friendliness and joy.
The music, speeches, tree decorated, Santa on his way, shops waiting a busy time … and then it rains.
My family and I moved to Ridgewood in 1950. I have led a very active volunteer life and was often involved with outdoor events, so I well know that awful feeling about the weather, so my heart goes out to all who were in charge for the lovely Christmas tree lighting event. Again, thank you to all.
After having raised a family in a house here in town, I moved to a then-brand new apartment near the railroad station and for years have enjoyed a view of the tree from my living room, so I have shared with so many the beauty of our village at Christmas.
Every week, I read your paper regarding the plans and dreams of the brave people who volunteer to tackle the past, present and not tested problems of the future. I would like to warn that going the way of a lot more apartments is going to change the feeling of the town, not only in appearance but the people whom would be interested in occupying them.
I do not know whether the apartments will be rentals or condos. They would draw different people. Really, neither would be particularly interested in the life of the town particularly if they commute to work. In many cases, if the tenants or owners are retired, there is a good chance they would have a second home some place other than New Jersey.
Children need their “own” special place, and a roped-off area with swings etc. is not the same as “my yard.” I have seen this happen.
Since I am really old, I do not think any place catering to people who need wheelchairs or visible showings of infirmities is exactly the environment you want on a main street of a village. I can imagine some of the comments people are thinking reading this, but let’s face it, you are thinking big changes for the town. Everything has to be put on the table. I do not think Ridgewood wants the reputation of catering to the elderly. God bless us, the elderly.
Thanks again to all.
Barbara B. Eaton
Ridgewood
















