Readers begin to face prospect of declining Real Estate Values
If your scenario plays out take whatever money you win and put it towards moving costs since it will not be worth staying in a town that gives into a group that lies, manipulates figures, distorts, deceives, etc.
What they are asking to do defies logic, and then another group(PB) agrees that it is o.k. to insult both their intelligence, and the people that they are representing ?
Simply put, the bad press will only get worse if this gets past the PB.
Reader says the Village should Follow the rules that are in place to protect all of us. Valley Hospital, developers, and tax paying residents!
Follow the rules that are in place to protect all of us. Valley Hospital, developers, and tax paying residents!
It’s not East vs. West. When you change H-Zones, Master plans, and variances…you are asking for future problems. Double Valley’s size, allow heights too high for the CDB, etc. You will get higher taxes, due to the need for more services. Traffic is bound to increase and cause problems getting to any side of town.
The answer has always been no to these requests. Why would the current board or council even entertain any of these requests? Your job and elected jobs are to follow the rules and in force them. Stop the nonsense. Logic and reasoning will prevail?
The master plan needs to be changed so that developers cannot ask for ‘spot zoning’ to suit them.
Leave the zoning as is, and make everyone, whether Valley, or an apartment developer have to operate within the current zoning, and get variances approved.
It keeps everything more within reasonable sizes, footprints, etc. As it currently is, allowing someone to change zoning is a lottery ticket for the speculator who bought the land.
Reader saysFailure to turn the Ken Smith lot into a parking garage with some kind of overpass walkway to get to and from it would be to miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fix much of the parking problem, at least for commuters, for once and for all. VILLAGE COUNCIL–HELLO–THIS IS IMPORTANT. Take out a bond and pay it back with parking revenue.
Other readers disagree and say It will never become a government operated parking garage. They don’t want to lose the property tax revenue.
Others sarcastically argue toAdd a few more buildings to vacant lots and soon no traffic at all! The perfect solution to our parking and traffic problems. Why didn’t we think of this earlier?
And finally one reader observers Although only 3 applicants are currently before the board, the Ken Smith site’s property still will fall within the new high density zone. Apparently that property owner is buying up more land surrounding what they currently own. Probably a smart tactic to sit on the sidelines while others duke it out. Either way any zoning benefit will be realized on this site as well.
JUNE 6, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014, 12:31 AM
Issues with road project Kira Semler
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
With regard to the article that appeared in the Friday, May 30, 2014 edition entitled, “Road project moving ahead,” I am in agreement with the thoughtful editorial letters submitted by Ridgewood residents regarding the fiasco with the paving of the road under the railroad bridge. I would like to add my comments:
1. The decision to reduce the lanes to one each way is ridiculous and seems to lack even a small thread of common sense.
2. Concerned residents attended this meeting with a panel of Village of Ridgewood employees and council members. Residents’ opinions/concerns fell on deaf ears.
3. How much are the cameras going to cost for the monitoring of this insanity? How about the extra manpower? Another cost the residents of the Village of Ridgewood will have to bear.
4. Will any cost overruns for later modifications be borne by the Village Council and the village manager? You know the answer to that question: There is no accountability and costs will come out of the pockets of the residents of the Village of Ridgewood.
5. What about the impact on the CBD? Of course, no one even gave that a thought.
6. I do not believe there was a study done on this project. No one heard about it until it was printed in the newspaper two weeks ago. The reason this project was not previously announced is simply because the village council did not want to hear any feedback.
Traffic engineers testify on Ridgewood housing proposals
JUNE 5, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014, 3:40 PM BY LAURA HERZOG STAFF WRITER
Echoing the earlier findings of a consultant hired by the village, traffic engineers testifying at the latest multifamily housing hearing said that their proposed use would result in less additional downtown traffic than other allowable uses.
About 15 residents, including several leaders of the grassroots group opposing unrestrained development, Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR), attended the hearing on Tuesday in the Benjamin Franklin Middle School auditorium.
In the case of The Dayton, where 106 units are proposed for the abandoned Brogan Cadillac site (currently used as a commuter parking lot), an expert said a residential use would generate less traffic than the current use.
“What’s proposed would not result in a detrimental traffic impact … I think that’s important to understand,” said The Dayton’s traffic expert Karl Pehnke, an associate for Langan Engineering. “The applicant could actually produce less traffic than could otherwise be expected.”
The 52-unit Chestnut Village complex proposed for Chestnut Street, on the site of a former vehicle inspection station, would also generate less traffic than other permitted uses, including medical offices, an expert for the developer said.
Where is the vision for the current leadership of our community?
JUNE 2, 2014 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2014, 5:38 PM
Letter: Our future as an inclusive community Martin Walker
To the editor:
Congratulations to the winning candidates of our recent council election. We are extremely fortunate to have had three such talented and committed villagers running, but I am dismayed that not one of them articulated a vision of Ridgewood’s future as an inclusive family community, one that includes and fosters all generations.
Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon rightfully insisted that village planning must shift from ad hoc responses to individual developer’s proposals, but our village politics as a whole seems stuck in the “tail(s) wagging the dog” syndrome. Some folks don’t like taller poles, our council must respond. Other folks don’t like construction, our council must respond. Others don’t want trees cut down, our council must respond. Still others don’t want public land fully public, but instead devoted to their kid’s favorite sport … ditto.
Now we read that one Planning Board member objects to a Walnut Street downtown location for assisted living because of “traffic.” Earlier objections reported have been “height.”
When will Ridgewood ever progress beyond the “not this, not that” level of leadership in community development? At what point can we break away from Washington, DC’s politic gridlock mentality by fully acknowledging that “NO” is not a plan?
Leadership requires elaborating on and then acting on choices. The greatest level of authority in community leadership accrues to those whose vision encompasses the widest sectors of a community projected the farthest into the future. Leadership for property value enhancement via educational excellence only looks as far into the future as the high school graduation dates of our current school population.
Leadership for family-oriented community includes allowances for the possibility that babies being born into our community could live out their lives and also die here. I see no plan addressing whether or not our children should have the ability to live here at all. I see no plan addressing whether or not our Ridgewood community should even include grandparents. No plan addressing whether Ridgewood should be a place to retire to versus retiring from.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-our-future-as-an-inclusive-community-1.1027823#sthash.8zWkLHY0.dpuf
Reader says this past election was a mandate against Valley and overdevelopment of the CBD
For anyone with any doubts – this election was a mandate against Valley and overdevelopment of the CBD. This was also a wake up call for the Mayor, Mrs Hauck and Mr. Pucciarelli.
As for Mrs. Hauck’s outrage over a political divide, well, maybe you should look yourself in the mirror to see who created it. You’ve alienated everyone that does not see things the way you do and you only make things worse for yourself by commenting publicly. Remember the one about the Library being as important as the Police Department? Oh yes, and make sure to air all of your views in social media.
The Mayor and his team have had this “we know what’s best and we know better than you” attitude which has clearly put reasonable people off.
If anyone wasn’t sure about what most people feel are the most important issues in town, read the election results. Valley needs to be put in its place and there should be no Master Plan amendments to allow for over development of the CBD.
Architects detail designs for proposed housing developments in Ridgewood
MAY 16, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014, 12:31 AM BY DARIUS AMOS STAFF WRITER
Though planning and school impact considerations, among other areas of concern, have stimulated more scrutiny than building design, the architects of three downtown multifamily housing proposals were put through cross examination and public questioning at last week’s Planning Board meeting.
Board members are currently hearing three developers’ combined application to amend Ridgewood’s master plan to essentially rezone portions of the Central Business District and permit high-density apartment complexes as an acceptable use of land.
Last Tuesday’s hearing was the latest meeting in a process that stems back more than two years. It also bridges the course to a June 3 meeting, where traffic experts for each proposal are expected to begin testimony.
Enclave design
Architect Bruce Englebaugh explained the details of the Enclave, which his firm Minno and Wasko Architects designed for developer 257 Ridgewood Avenue LLC. The Enclave, as proposed, includes 52 dwelling units and approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space built along North Maple Avenue on property currently occupied by the Hallmark Floor Company and Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
“We tried to go through downtown Ridgewood and analyze the architectural vocabulary. We took that, analyzed it and put it in our building,” Englebaugh said, explaining the varied design elements. “We started with a homogenous façade. Through feedback, we started to subdivide the façade to make it look more like buildings in downtown Ridgewood.”
According to Englebaugh, one of the key elements was the reduction of the Enclave’s fourth story. The adjustment, he said, makes the building’s top level unnoticeable when viewed from the ground level on North Maple Avenue.
Property owner John Saraceno and Englebaugh reviewed the site’s projected parking layout. Both testified that the proposed plan incorporates 134 parking stalls, 56 of which will be reserved for public use. In comparison, the site currently boasts 74 parking spots with roughly 14 of those reserved, Saraceno said.
Ridgewood’s Project Pride Day Saturday, May 17th, 9:30 a.m. All Ridgewood residents, church groups, local social service agencies, students, scouts, and those with or without green thumbs, are invited to join the leaders of Project Pride in a community effort to beautify our Village. Volunteers are to meet on Saturday, May 17th, at 9:30 a.m. near the Clock Tower (corner of Oak Street and Ridgewood Avenue). Located throughout the Central Business District of Ridgewood are many large containers that are filled with blooming flowers and foliage which line East and West Ridgewood Avenue and the side streets of Oak, Walnut, Chestnut, Broad and Franklin Avenue. This beautification project is accomplished with the assistance of volunteers each year, and the enhancement of our local parks, business district and downtown brings about a true sense of community and pride. This community building effort also provides ownership, accountability and respect. The Project Pride Committee is responsible for the summertime floral hanging baskets, the winter’s illuminated kissing balls, presentation of the HomeScape Awards, and maintenance of local pocket parks and seasonal garden plantings. If interested in obtaining Project Pride membership, or to obtain further information, please contact the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Tax Assessor’s office, Village of Ridgewood Proposals For the Long Term Ground Lease for Development On Village Owned Property May 15,2014 Boyd A. Loving 12:16 PM
Ridgewood NJ, Today at 11:00 AM, proposals were opened in connection with the Village Council’s plan to develop VOR owned property on East Ridgewood Avenue between Gilsenan Realty and The Gap. This property now serves as a metered, surface parking lot.
It is the Council’s intent to lease the property to a developer, with the expectation of collecting ground lease fees and property taxes on any structure constructed thereon. Council members envision that a developer might wish to construct a 2-story building with retail on floor one and office space above. The developer would be responsible for finding suitable tenants and leasing/managing the property.
Two (2) proposals were received today. Submitters were:
Langan Development 200 Riverfront Boulevard Elmwood Park, NJ https://www.riverdrive.com/overview.html
Initial ground lease fees = $75K per year
Tantum Realty LLC 66 York Street Jersey City, NJ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tantum-Realty-LLC/434182256712388
Initial ground lease fees = $30K per year
VOR staff members will shortly begin the process of reviewing each proposal to ensure conformity to established criteria and then forwarding compliant proposals to the Village Manager and Council for review
Ridgewood officials mull plan to address abandoned properties
MAY 16, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014, 12:31 AM BY LAURA HERZOG STAFF WRITER
Ridgewood officials will soon have new guidelines to refer to when dealing with owners of abandoned commercial and residential properties.
The Village Council introduced an ordinance on Wednesday to adopt the state’s “Abandoned Property and Rehabilitation Act” for Ridgewood’s own village code.
The council has been discussing abandoned properties in Ridgewood since the issue was raised by Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck earlier this year. Hauck discussed the guidelines with the council at a meeting in March.
Hauck said she knew of a few locations within Ridgewood, which she did not name, where owners have let their properties go into disrepair, and she believed that putting the state’s guidelines in Ridgewood’s code could help village officials put more pressure on these individuals.
“We have to create a system whereby people know that they’re on record as being a problem,” she said at last Wednesday’s council meeting.
Village of Ridgewood May and June Planning Board Meetings
PLANNING BOARD AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
Special Public Meetings: May 20, June 2, June 3, June 9, June 17
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled special public meetings for:
? Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center at Ridgewood High School, 627 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, at which time the Board will continue the public hearing on the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment to the Master Plan.
? Monday, June 2, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, at which time the Board will continue the public hearing on the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment to the Master Plan.
? Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, 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.
? Monday, June 9, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, at which time the Board will continue the public hearing on the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment to the Master Plan.
? Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center at Ridgewood High School, 627 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, at which time the Board will continue the public hearing on the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment to the Master Plan.
The Board may take official action during this Work and Public Meeting
MAY 8, 2014, 11:14 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014, 11:32 PM BY REBECCA D. O’BRIEN AND MICHAEL PHILLIS STAFF WRITERS THE RECORD
New guidelines designed to determine how much affordable housing will be needed in New Jersey’s 565 towns over the next 20 years are already being criticized by housing experts as insufficient and opaque less than two weeks after they were unveiled to the public.
Some have even said the proposed rules, which estimate that more than 50,000 homes need to be built, could violate the state constitution, because they rely on calculations that have been struck down by the state Supreme Court.
What’s next
The proposed regulations for affordable housing are subject to review by the Office of Administrative Law and will be published next month in the June 2, 2014, New Jersey Register. A public hearing on the proposed rules has been scheduled for July 2. The final rules are supposed to be adopted in October and take effect Nov. 14.
The rules approved by the Council on Affordable Housing on April 30 are New Jersey’s latest effort to meet the state’s constitutional mandate that towns allow for construction of affordable housing. In addition to the new construction, the guidelines also identify more than 62,000 homes currently occupied by low- and moderate-income families that need to be fixed up.
But the mandate has existed only in the abstract in recent years; Governor Christie tried to disband the council in 2011, calling it broken and ineffective. The Christie administration also had its eyes on millions in towns’ affordable housing funds that would have been turned over to the state because they had not been used.
Last summer, the state Supreme Court overturned Christie’s bid to disband the council and in September ordered the council to approve new affordable housing obligations that take into account unfulfilled obligations from decades past, houses in need of rehabilitation and future demand.
Ridgewood Planning Board sends changes to redevelopment plan to council
MAY 9, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014, 12:31 AM BY LAURA HERZOG STAFF WRITER
A Planning Board discussion elicited further comments on pending amendments to the redevelopment plan for the village-owned section at the corner of North Walnut Street and Franklin Avenue.
The comments will be sent to the Ridgewood Council for review, according to Village Planner Blais Brancheau.
“We’re just going to send them a letter,” Brancheau said. “If the council reads the comments and says, ‘Let’s change it,’ they could.”
The council has already discussed amendments to a previous redevelopment plan, drafted by Brancheau with the help of the Planning Board. A second reading is expected at a council meeting on May 14.
The Planning Board approved its amended plan for council introduction in March. Those amendments include some added allowable uses, including an assisted-living facility, which could be incorporated into a parking garage structure. Allowing this use in the plan would not guarantee that an assisted-living facility would be built at that location. It would, however, allow the village to consider any assisted-living developers’ proposals that might come in, should the village adopt the amendments and draft a request for proposal (RFP).
Assisted living has been proposed by several developers for that location, ever since a presentation on a facility, with ground floor retail, was made last June to the council by Kensington Senior Development. The firm also offered to build a parking garage nearby.
The original redevelopment plan was created in 2007, following a village resolution labeling the area “in need of redevelopment.” The plan includes several objectives for the redevelopment. Primarily, the village is seeking to establish a parking garage, and secondarily, it is looking to encourage more retail in that location (which may be incorporated into the garage structure at street level).
An RFP was drafted for that plan, but the council rejected every consequent proposal, prompting the need for a reinvigorated look at the plan.
Hawthorne sets a new era of smaller-scale business development along two thoroughfares
MAY 7, 2014, 8:17 PM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014, 8:24 PM BY MINJAE PARK STAFF WRITER THE RECORD
HAWTHORNE — The door was already shut on Wal-Mart coming to town, but borough officials — at the urging of opponents of the planned supermarket — locked it for good measure on Wednesday night.
Wal-Mart announced in March 2013 it would scrap plans to bring a supermarket to Wagaraw Road after its application was met with fierce resistance from some residents, who argued the supermarket undercut community aspirations for a better development suitor.
On Wednesday night, the council — which had argued Walmart would bring in much-needed tax ratables — unanimously adopted a zoning ordinance that forecloses the possibility of any big-box developments returning to a stretch of Wagaraw Road, including the 8.6-acre lot where Wal-Mart planned to locate.
The vote follows a series of public hearings on the ordinance that borough officials and Walmart opponents alike said were productive.
“This new ordinance was negotiated with extensive public input and without a pending project to shape it,” said Joe Osborne, president of Hawthorne Deserves Better, the non-profit that led the charge against Wal-Mart. “That’s how it should be. We’re very pleased.”
Mayor Richard Goldberg said, “I don’t know anybody who’s not happy with what we’re doing.”
“All in all, it should be a win-win for all the residents in the borough,” he said.
The ordinance is aimed at making it “a little easier for businesses to open up,” Goldberg said, by establishing two new business districts on parts of Goffle and Wagaraw roads. Officials hope the districts will attract bakeries, electronics stores, grocery stores, restaurants, offices, health clubs and other businesses.
The new ordinance is expected to end the lawsuit against the borough, the developer and the Planning Board brought by Hawthorne Deserves Better, which had claimed previous zoning ordinances, dating to 2000, had been adopted without public notice, and that a 2011 ordinance was adopted to benefit the Wal-Mart project.
