Reader asks Why would someone leave a Manhattan 1 bedroom for a Ridgewood 1 bedroom?
Why would someone leave a Manhattan 1 bedroom for a Ridgewood 1 bedroom? It would add an hour commute, Manhattan is just as safe, and the public schools in Manhattan are, in many cases, better. The reality is different from your view.
https://downtownridgewood.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/RidgewodRumorVsReality.pdf The enclave: 2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths 1000 sq. ft. Monthly rent: Monthly rent: $3000
It costs me less than that to own a 4br home in the Ridge school area with a 15 yr 5% mortage. You’d have to be a moron to pay 3k for rent.
Ten Reasons to Welcome The Master Plan Amendment (With questions and rebuttals)
•Additional housing choices will retain residents who outgrow their homes (But your study says that owning a $550,000 house costs about the same. Is this place for families that are downsizing or upsizing?)
•The proposed developments create lesser traffic than any other development option (Please cite specific references and back your claim up with actual data)
•Minimal additional school children (Really? I believe that this comes from yet another less-than-believable “study” funded by the applicant. Please we all just sat through 7 years of Valley “studies” and we’ve kind of had it)
•Height and mass would be the same if commercial use (But commercial buildings don’t house as many people with cars and school children as your proposed building does.)
•Parking self-sufficient (Based upon how many cars per unit and how many cars per resident? If there are no kids in your building there will be more grownups with cars. Pick one.)
•No requirement of town services (Great – then you’ll agree put down a sizable deposit against which the town can draw if you’re wrong?)
•Contributions to traffic improvement (Isn’t this from that other less-than-believable study that said that traffic will improve if we allow this building to be built?)
•$1.5 million annual net fiscal benefits to school budget and general budget (Seems light. I’d like to see the math here)
•Planned parking structure will ease clog (How does parking ease whatever “clog” is?)
•Resolves affordable housing threat (Sorry, you don’t get this one both ways either. Affordable housing will draw families with school age kids.)
•Solidifies land use in the town with minimal yield (Really? How?)
Reader says No one is against development, just gross and stupid over-development.
Number 1 Sure — very simple. One option, the developer who purchased the property follows the existing code — which will include some apartments and some single family homes as well as some business. Another option, the Village condemns the property using eminent domain and turns it into a park.
No one is against development, just gross and stupid over-development. You have exactly made the point as to why the developers are all wrong. Your argument is in effect, we need to approve the hundreds of units the developers want to build or we will have urban blight. Just the opposite is true — say no to over-development and the master plan as written will allow more sensible building with no need for amendments to the master plan or zoning adjustments.
Why do you suppose the speculator who bought that property is happy to have junky trucks sitting there now? Its exactly to bait people into voting for change without realizing the problems change will bring.
Now that you have heard these alternative solutions, I suppose you will agree with one of them?
Copied from CBR Facebook page:Can this town handle 50 units an acre?
We need more members of the public to attend this meeting tomorrow night at RHS.(Sept 16, 7:30pm) There are only a few meetings left before the planning board comes to a decision on higher density housing in Ridgewood. Can this town handle 50 units an acre? What happens next? Will more developers seek the same zoning benefits? Will our town have to grant those requests or else fall victim to “spot zoning” claims and expensive litigation brought on by other land owners seeking the same density increases? Once this new zone is created, there is no turning back. 50 units an acre that cover 10 acres of our town. Our planning board needs to proceed cautiously and settle on a number that makes sense. This is what planning boards do. Planning Boards plan for communities and amend master plans to ensure a better quality of life for the residents. At what number should the density increase, in order to stimulate development, yet still compliment existing structures and not fundamentally change the character of this town? This whole process is like a walk on a tight rope. The answer lies in a delicate balance. We are hopeful that our planning board finds that balance and does not fall. Please come tomorrow night.
Change of Location : Special Public Meeting for Planning Board – September 16
PLANNING BOARD
AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
Special Public Meeting: Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Change of Location
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting and work session for TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014, in the RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CENTER, 627 E. RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning AT 7:30 p.m.
The Board may take official action during this Special Public Meeting at which time the Board will continue the public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to the Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan which would recommend changes in zone district classifications and boundaries within the Central Business District and surrounding area including AH-2, B-3-R, C-R and C Zone Districts.
The proposed master plan amendment and related exhibits are at the office of the Secretary of the Ridgewood Planning Board on the third floor of Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey and are available for public inspection Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The amendment and exhibits are also posted as a courtesy on the Village’s website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Reader says It is time to just say no to Urbanization
Mr. Wrubel is right — the new housing will be a great accommodation for those looking to live in a more urban environment.
But he’s wrong in suggesting Ridgewood should be the site of that migration. The thing is, those of us not looking to living a denser environment are being asked to foot the bill for developers hoping to increase their profit. Those of us who have worked and paid taxes to maintain the standards of our Village are being told we need to open up the downtown for others to come in and enjoy the benefits of what has been built.
Mr. Wrubel’s basic premise is entirely backwards looking. Its been said many times on this blog before and it is worth repeating: A downtown exists to serve the town and not the other way around. If the functionality of Ridgewood’s downtown has reached a historic end, because its been replaced say, by Route 17 shopping, then the downtown parcel should revert to open space or single family homes in keeping with Ridgewood’s community purpose. The death of the downtown should not be allowed to kill off Ridgewood altogether, and that is what a lot of well meaning people seem to overlook.
Let’s look to the future and beyond the self interest of the developers and the yarns they have spun: Young families continue to want to live in a safe, suburban environment in the long desirable Village of Ridgewood — why are folks in such a rush to take away that opportunity? Why is our Planning Board and Council even considering allowing that to happen?
“crumbling infrastructure” : Reader asks what will be the ultimate cost to the Village taxpayers
What is perhaps most interesting about this article is the fact that when he has testified about the effect of adding 500 new families to downtown with the apartment projects, Ruitshauser has not been concerned about the effect on infra structure. For instance, at one hearing he noted that new sewer pipes would need to be dug under the streets downtown to accept the flow of sewage from the projects, and these would feed into the old pipes. But, then he suggested there would be no effect on the existing decades old pipes that flow to the sewage treatment plants.
Its clear as the apartment projects move forward and as we hear remarks about “crumbling infrastructure” that we really don’t know what the ultimate cost to the Village taxpayers will be. The projects are going to be an eyesore as well as a pocketbook sore in years to come.
September 12, 2014 Last updated: Friday, September 12, 2014, 9:28 AM
Print
Support for housing proposal
Arthur Wrubel
To the Editor:
The higher density housing proposed for downtown Ridgewood is in accordance with its historical development. The downtown has changed, adapting to the needs of its growing population.
The area used to be a pedestrian-oriented destination which could supply its population with food and services. Shop owners once lived above their stores. The proximity to the surrounding residential area encouraged walking to shop and take the train to jobs.
The proposed changes to the master plan permit these ideas to flourish again. Further, there is a national trend to living in higher-density urban areas to satisfy people who want to be close to shops, work and services.
The Planning Board and others have studied the various impacts of the development, such as traffic generation, school children, water supply, fire and safety, etc. The studies indicate little or no impact. The traffic in particular is reduced compared to commercial development.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014, 2:39 PM BY LAURA HERZOG STAFF WRITER Print
Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the crumbling pipes, are calling for repair in Ridgewood.
According to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, who detailed the issue in her manager’s report at last week’s Village Council meeting, Ridgewood recently discovered that many of its sewer drainage pipes are “crumbling.”
The problem, she said, was discovered when a contractor employed by PSE&G was doing gas main work around Downs Street and Pearsall Avenue in August. The contractor noticed that the “pipe material was crumbling” in some nearby sewer drainage pipes.
The pipe cost about $1,300 to replace, she said.
According to Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser, the now-deteriorated, aluminum-corrugated metal pipes in Ridgewood’s sewer drainage system were installed 35 to 40 years ago, and are located “all over” the village. But “it’s hard to say” what percentage of the pipes – all in the storm drainage, not sanitary system – are made of this material and need replacement, he said.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn expressed concern when the pipe issue was raised at the meeting on Sept. 3.
“You’re saying this type of pipe, that crumbles at the touch, is all throughout the village,” he said. The mayor also asked Rutishauser if he was concerned.
Parking solutions sought as former bank building in Ridgewood gets new tenant
SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014, 4:18 PM BY LAURA HERZOG STAFF WRITER THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
As the Village Council continues fishing for a parking garage, a big catch – FISH – has entered the discussion on Ridgewood’s parking needs.
FISH, a high-end eatery from Asbury Park, is opening a second location in Ridgewood’s long-empty Bank of America building, and bringing with it as many as 225 new diners.
“They’d like to open somewhere between December and February,” said the building’s landlord John Saraceno, who said he was contacted by FISH six months ago. “They’re a great use for the village.”
The new restaurant, expected to attract many new diners, and cars, is also adding even more urgency to the village’s ongoing search for better parking options in the Central Business District (CBD), a search being done partly with awareness that more popular chains and anchor stores could help revitalize Ridgewood’s downtown but necessitate more parking options.
But luckily, FISH’s plan to valet park its cars will provide some relief.
Finally – A parking solution that makes sense
September 11,2014
Boyd A. Loving
2:18 PM
Our prayers have been answered – Hallelujah!
Village Manager Roberta Sonnenfeld announced on Wednesday, 09/10/2014 the Village’s intent to lease a portion of the former Ken Smith Motors property, on Franklin Avenue near North Broad Street, for purposes of providing parking for the employees of businesses operating in Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD). It is believed that the proposed private/public partnership endeavor will free up many parking spaces on streets in the CBD for shoppers and restaurant goers.
No formal agreement had been reached as of Ms. Sonnenfeld’s announcement, but was revealed that Village parking enforcement agents will patrol the lot for violators, and that the Village will receive 10% of gross revenues. More details are expected to be released once a formal contract is signed. No word on the Village’s contribution, if any, to expenses such as building demolition, line striping, etc.
The announcement came with this advisory – the solution will not be long term in nature because the property owner wishes to develop it at a later date.
Village’s plan to lease Gilsenan/Gap property falls flat September 10 ,2014
Boyd A. Loving
11:17 PMRidgewood NJ, The following resolution was unanimously approved by Village Council members on 09/08:
#14-219: Reject Bids for Lot 12 – The Gap Parking Lot – Rejects the bids for this project due to the fact that revenues did not meet the Village’s financial expectations and there were too many zoning variances required for both bids that were received.
In a nutshell, there will be no building constructed on the Village owned property between Gilsenan Insurance/Realty and The Gap. Those who were interested in the lease proposed offering way too little in terms of annual rent, and wanted to build a structure(s) much larger than what the Village Council had envisioned.
Village Council members, and select Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce members, had hoped a real estate development firm would step forward and offer big bucks to construct a 2-story retail/office building on the property. The revenues would have been earmarked for the construction of a parking deck at the Hudson Street parking lot.
This is the second complete failure associated with this plan
FISH is located in Asbury Park’s Post Building, one of the region’s most beautiful and historic structures built in 1885, FISH has quickly attracted the attention of both local and regional audiences.Seeking unmatched quality, superior service and can’t-wait-to-return dining experiences. FISH offers a creative menu featuring the freshest seafood and seasonal, sustainable and locally grown foods.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014, 1:21 AM BY CHRIS HARRIS STAFF WRITER THE RECORD Print
RIDGEWOOD — The village will be getting some much-needed parking along North Walnut Street under the terms outlined in a 42-page bid soliciting potential developers for the downtown’s redevelopment zone.
A new Request for Proposal and Qualifications, or RFP, has been issued by Ridgewood officials and seeks the redevelopment of 10 properties the heart of the Central Business District.
The 2.07 acres — some of it municipally owned — was designated a “redevelopment zone” by officials in 2007, which permits mostly retail and restaurant uses.
The redevelopment zone — currently the site of an ice cream shop, an 89-space parking lot, a mechanic’s shop, restaurants and retail stores — further allows for residential developments and is already being considered by at least one developer for a future assisted-living facility for seniors.
The RFP states that all proposals and plans from interested developers must be submitted by December and must include some manner of parking garage.
While an issue for decades, the village’s lack of parking has become an increasing concern for businesses and residents.
NOTICE – Special Public Meeting for Planning Board – September 16
PLANNING BOARD
AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
Special Public Meeting: Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Change of Location
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting and work session for TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014, in the RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CENTER, 627 E. RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning AT 7:30 p.m.
The Board may take official action during this Special Public Meeting at which time the Board will continue the public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to the Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan which would recommend changes in zone district classifications and boundaries within the Central Business District and surrounding area including AH-2, B-3-R, C-R and C Zone Districts.
The proposed master plan amendment and related exhibits are at the office of the Secretary of the Ridgewood Planning Board on the third floor of Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey and are available for public inspection Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The amendment and exhibits are also posted as a courtesy on the Village’s website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
