Tag: CBD

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Reader says Ridgewood DOES NOT NEED A GARAGE

Pike Parking Garage Presentation for Ridgewood

This may be a great way to make money (or even “to fund a garage”), but it does not address the reality that Ridgewood DOES NOT NEED A GARAGE, especially this particular garage in this particular location.

Also, it would seem that this solution (while great for private investments) involves Ridgewood selling public property to private individuals.
Besides, if this is so lucrative, why doesn’t the village just retain ownership and rent out the spaces long term (daily, monthly, annually) like they do art the train station rather than the current garage plan to rent out the spaces short term (hourly parking fees)?

Finally, IF the rationale is that Ridgewood needs a three story parking structure due to unmet demand for parking spaces (an untrue premise, but we will assume it is true for this exercise) then this condo/privatized parking plan totally fails to meet its objectives.

This plan would reduce the number of parking spaces by a) building the condominiums in part of the area previously dedicated to parking spaces and b) giving the remaining parking spaces to the condominium owners which they will likely use at a high percentage thus removing them from public availability and allowing individuals to set rates which will result in price uncertainty and inconsistency of available parking.

As an investment model it has certain merits, as a vehicle to address (the imaginary) need for additional parking, it is a failure.

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Reader Feels the Village of Ridgewood is Anti-Business

Betsy the Sheep

As of Ridgewood regimen for 40 years I’m so embarrassed that this business owner received a summons for such nonsense. If this business owner summons is not thrown out by the village attorney prosecutor and judge mayor and council manager Building department zoning department then that will be a shit storm like I never seen before. Because then we’re going to get every major news network in the CBD in the village Ridgewood to ride around take pictures of all the legal structures that will put up by you know hoo and where .and by hoo. And upper officials let it slide by. Because of dirty politics in the village of Ridgewood slime balls

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How to fund the parking garage in Ridgewood ?

pike garage Melanie Whobin

November 5,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, So here’s a possible solution brought to our attention by a regular reader ;to funding the proposed parking garage in Ridgewood. Ridgewood  Real-estate agents pay careful attention .Construct the garage either partially or entirely as a condominium. That is, offer the parking spaces for sale to individuals, businesses, and/or investors. Those who choose not to use the space(s) they purchased can rent them out.

As investors, Buying individual parking spaces is a little known but extremely appealing real estate play for small investors like Ms. Jones. The obvious selling points are comparatively low prices, steady income, next to no maintenance, and wear and tear limited to the odd oil stain on the cement. Moreover, a growing number of parking apps is making it easier to rent out these spaces on a yearly, monthly, daily and even hourly basis  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/02/realestate/parking-spaces-that-could-make-you-rich.html

The spaces could be rented like airbnb , no noisy neighbors to worry about . SpotHero, an app that helps car owners locate spaces in the United States and Canada, lists mostly excess vacancies in hotel garages. But Larry Kiss, a founder of the company, said he has noticed more independent listers offering spaces on the site, whether it’s an extra space in their home garage or driveway or a space they have purchased. Another app listing an increasing number of one-off parking spaces, as well as storage space, is Spacer.   https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/02/realestate/parking-spaces-that-could-make-you-rich.html

we have to be careful though , Parking investors do face an uncertain future, though. If more people start driving electric cars, spaces without charging stations will be less desirable. Ride hailing apps and self-driving car services could also dampen demand.https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/02/realestate/parking-spaces-that-could-make-you-rich.html .

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Betsy the Sheep has a court date with the Village of Ridgewood

betsey

November 4,2017

the staff of the Ridgewoodblog

Ridgewood NJ, “Well once again it is about Betsy our Sheep. We have been summoned to court on November 9th @4:30pm by the town of Ridgewood because we had Betsy on the sidewalk in front of our store. The town deems her unsafe. It’s not like she is running around or grazing. She is an icon. Help Save Our Sheep! Come into any of our locations and sign our petition for the Ridgewood Mayor and Council to permit Betsy to adorn our store.”

Healthy Choice Organic Mattress of Ridgewood ,14 Wilsey Sq ,Ridgewood, New Jersey ,Call (201) 857-3245, sheep is being threatened with eviction.

While the wall still stands the sheep must go ? “What you say , And the town lets that terrible stone wall in front of Its Greek to Me stand, and continually bang every car door? I’d rather have a nice sweet woolly sheep! All the sidewalk cafes which make you run a gauntlet are ok, and the sheep isn’t allowed? baaaaa humbug!”

Readers ask “How does the Ridgewood Chamber feel about Betsy?Do you have their firm support….like your mattresses?”

Or is it , “all about who you know and how big of a player you are, not about fairness.”

By all accounts , ” stone planters are illegal if anybody gets hurt by one or hits one with your car they are responsible person Who installed it”

Will the Village through Betsey to the wolves , will that wall still stand ,stay tuned ……

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Reader not a fan of public street parking used for Valet service in Ridgewood

Valet Parking Program

file photo by Boyd Loving

I live in a neighboring town and often come to Ridgewood for dinner and shopping. The parking is always a problem but we never really mind walking a little further to get to the restaurant or store we are going to as it gives us a chance to window shop and smell the variety of foods being prepared so we can pick the next restaurant we try. I do not mind feeding a meter, but I am annoyed and offended that some of the more expensive restaurants are taking up public street parking for their Valet service. Must I eat at Roots ? Why not save some prime spots for Wild Ginger? Now I hear the town is implementing a large scale valet service for a fee. I personally like walking up and down Ridgewood Avenue. For me, the draw of your town is to have that open air experience which increases your appetite before you dine and helps you digest the sweet dessert you just consumed. Never mind that walking is GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH! I foresee Valet drivers rushing back and forth to park cars which poses its own danger. I think street and other public parking should be readily available for all those who intend on spending their hard earned money in your town.

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Reader says Glen Rock has Free Parking Because “Glen Rock is a Great Town “

parkmobile_meter (1)

Re: “How is it that Glen Rock has free on-street parking and free parking for 3 hours in the shoppers’ parking lot, while Ridgewood now wants to increase the price of parking yet again?”
.
Because Glen Rock is a great town.

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Reader asks How is it that Glen Rock has free on-street parking and free parking for 3 hours in the shoppers’ parking lot, while Ridgewood now wants to increase the price of parking yet again?

GlenRock-1

How is it that Glen Rock has free on-street parking and free parking for 3 hours in the shoppers’ parking lot, while Ridgewood now wants to increase the price of parking yet again? Ridgewood charges for parking, and it has a bigger parking problem than does Glen Rock, even though construction has limited parking in their shoppers’ lot.
Is the Village Ridgewood guilty of charging what they think the market will bear rather than what is reasonable and normal?
This long time Ridgewood resident now utilizes Ridgewood’s CBD less than ever before, and upcoming changes will only limit my use of the CBD even more.
Based on posts here and conversations with friends and neighbors, my family and I am not alone in this trend.

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Are Further Water Restrictions Coming to Ridgewood?

Ridgewood Water

November 1st 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water begins to prepare residents for further water usage cuts . On there Facebook page they posted, “a fun reminder to help conserve water? Ridgewood Water has 5-Minute Shower Timers available to customers at our office located in Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood. ”

First they restricted watering :Stage II restrictions (2 days per week irrigation) were imposed in June 2016 and are still in effect in Glen Rock, Midland Park, Ridgewood and Wyckoff.  Without these restrictions, the use of drinking water for irrigation will continue increasing toward levels that are unsustainable regardless of drought conditions.   To reverse this trend, an ordinance was approved by the Village Council on April 12, 2017 to amend the provisions governing Watering and Water Emergencies in the Village of Ridgewood Code.  Changes include:

Making 2 days per week irrigation permanent year round,
Restricting irrigation hours to limit losses to evaporation,
Restricting irrigation using private wells to 2 days a week,
Adding new exemptions, including drip irrigation and smart controllers.

With four major high density housing projects going up in the Central Business District is Ridgewood Water getting the Village ready for further water restrictions?

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Reader complained about these and other sidewalk barriers several years ago at a Ridgewood council meeting

Itsgreektome_theridgewoodblog

I complained about these and other barriers several years ago at a council meeting. Several sets of them are fastened to the sidewalks in violation of the ordinance allowing them. In my opinion the ordinance should be rewritten to require them to be similar to the ones in front of the Tappas restaurant by Wilsey Square, a light metal frame with cloth filler and that they be removed in winter when the outdoor seating isn’t available. The restaurant , Steel Wheels, at the train station also has barriers blocking the sidewalks aimed at pedestrians. That setup makes me feel like I am trespassing although I am on public property. I understand the rationale of allowing outdoor seating and don’t disagree with the concept but I feel it’s current application interferes too much with the publics ability to walk around the business district.

Here are some examples of the situation: https://www.flickr.com/photos/7495264@N02/albums/72157688598810954/with/37333160824/

Please note that the area in front of “It’s Greek to Me” appears to be a no parking area as shown by the yellow line so although I don’t like those barriers, I think singling them out is more about the owners politics. The ones on West Ridgewood Ave. by the pizza/Italian restaurant are basically the same. Also note the white latticework barriers are screwed down to the sidewalk, which is specifically prohibited.

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Resurfacing of Franklin Turnpike in Ridgewood to Begin November 1st

road work Ridgewood police

file photo by Ridgewood PD

Resurfacing of Franklin Turnpike

October 31,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Please be advised, Bergen County’s contractor, Della Pello Paving, Inc., will be milling and paving Franklin Turnpike from Racetrack Road to East Glen Avenue.
Work is scheduled to start at 7:00 am on Wednesday November 1, 2017 with milling.  Paving will start Thursday November 2, 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in one day, weather permitting. The project will utilize Village Traffic Control Officers.

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Readers Ask are we are suddenly worried about a sheep?

Betsy the Sheep

I never ever read such bullshit regarding the sheep. I frequently visit the village with my family to go out to eat . Did you ever try walking through this so I walk on broad in Ridgewood talk about fighting through way too many tables so I’m Broad Street to get to Ridgewood Avenue come on, someone’s barking up the wrong tree regarding the sheep there’s more foot traffic on the east side versus the Westside someone has their head up there Ass , Or the sheep’s ass.

Tables, walls, dogs sitting under the table, heat lamps at steel wheel, baby carriages, bench in front of the bagel store, and flowers, pumpkins, firewood, Christmas trees inverting of while foods, stop and shop and kings…and Adirondack chairs at back yard store, 30 kids in front of rite aid… And we are suddenly worried about a soft sheep… Haha but sad.

 

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Reader asks how can Paul get away with the walls in front of his business

Itsgreektome theridgewoodblog.net

i still ask this question; how can Paul get away with the walls in front of his business, without any permits? How it continues to be a thorn in many residents of town. Plus, I want to erect a wall in front of my house, all my neighbors are in favor of this just to see what the town does!. Pauls wall is over 3 feet high. Did he have a contractor put in footings to hold wall? Do unsuspecting visitors who park along the wall know that it could fall over? Why can’t we have these ugly walls be forced to be taken down?? The answer really is that the prior council ( which loved Paul) and the new council are just plain AFRAID of this business owner. Why?? This is our town, not his town. Get a grip council!
I personally have taken on a mission to do as President Reagan said ” Village of Ridgewood, Take down those walls )

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Reader Challenges Candidate Vagianos to Make His Views on “Affordable Housing” Clear

Paul Vagianos

Speaking of the wall, did anyone see the summary of Vagianos’ housing comments as they appeared in the Ridgewood News? I am hoping they were mis-reported, but as I read them, he won’t comment on his view of the multi-family housing debacle in our state because the Courts are dealing with it.

Has he never taken high school civics? Legislators legislate and judges interpret.

If he does not understand his role as a legislator in our tri-partite government, he should drop out of the race now and go back to school for a while.
I would like to hear Vagianous’ view on housing – – as well as the view of all the candidates – – and what legislation they would support or introduce to roll back these court ordered mandates that are threatening to strangle towns like Ridgewood.

We face the prospect of thousands of apartments being forced into our town and surrounding towns. Anyone running for office must have a view – – a firm view – – not a mealy mouthed missive about how they don’t view it as their job to protect the standard of living for which their fellow citizens worked so hard.
This is the single most important issue we face and we need decisive leadership on the issue, not dithering.

 

https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-council-candidate-voigt-supports-garage-that-fits-vagianos-demands-loyalty-oath-for-the-garage-mahal/

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Readers balk at Proposed Parking Rate Hikes in Ridgewood

parking_CBD_theridgewoodblog

If the rates go up, no one will come. Since I can’t park near a business I want to go to, I’m sure not going to pay $1.00 an hour extra for a cup of coffee. The Daily Treat will be among the first ones to suffer. That free parking for customers lot will soon be out lawed. Since the VC seems to be surprised by how much they have to pay so that Ridgewood customers can pay extra to park, what boondoggles will they not be prepared for next? Since they seem to expect that all the new housing will make a profit for the town, maybe that is all we should turn to for raising money? (of course that assumes that water will suddenly leap out of the ground, people will only want to walk so no traffic lights or changes, etc. etc.) Has anyone actually asked any business owner if they would be willing to pay an extra $5.00 per table to earn money at their site? The village just assumes they will be eager to provide free parking so more people will come. Their budgets are squeezed as tightly as they can be, and that’s a big chunk of ever reducing profits. maybe a crystal ball would be more accurate!

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Reader says Having the meters in service later into the evening did not work before and would not work now

PayByPhone_Meter

We are repeating history. Having the meters in service later into the evening did not work before and would not work now. As has been pointed out over and over, restaurant owners themselves–and whom else are we supposedly doing all this for?–said that customers were complaining. The end time of the meters once again dropped to 6 PM, where it should stay. (This applies also to the Short Line lot on Route 17, where parking to go into the city for the day costs enough already, and a 12-hour meter limit might not even be long enough to cover someone going for the day and evening.) Raising parking meter fees and increasing hours would just make people go elsewhere. Thus the claimed parking shortage might be mitigated by having nobody wish to go downtown. If that’s the goal, we seem to be heading for it.