H-Zone - Page 6 of 8 - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.

Posted on May 28, 2014September 13, 2021 by James — 7 Comments

Ridgewood Council newcomers have zoning on their minds

Ridgewood Council newcomers have zoning on their minds

MAY 28, 2014 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Two Planning Board issues took center stage during the recent campaigns for Village Council, which will soon include a pair of newcomers who were vocal opponents of overdevelopment.

And yet, how their sentiments shape their future decisions — and whether that will result in a fractured government — remains to be seen.

“It is striking and telling that this election was almost completely about two Planning Board issues and the process,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said recently about the May 13 vote.

Both Mike Sedon and Susan Knudsen — who are to be sworn in on July 1 — were endorsed by a pair of citizens groups, one organized to fight The Valley Hospital’s planned expansion and the other forged to oppose the three high-density, multifamily housing projects currently being pitched for the village’s downtown.

Both projects — which have been on the board’s meeting agendas for the last year and a half — require master plan amendments before they can proceed. Members of the council are tasked with making decisions about the master plan.

However, whether the pair’s overwhelming win against another candidate — each got more than twice as many votes as James Albano — translates into an actual mandate regarding the projects is still unclear.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/council-newcomers-have-zoning-on-their-minds-1.1024431#sthash.hMYN18yU.dpuf

Posted on May 21, 2014May 21, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood residents speak for and against Valley Hospital expansion

Ridgewood residents speak for and against Valley Hospital expansion

MAY 21, 2014, 7:11 AM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2014, 7:14 AM
BY BARBARA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD – They waited 15 months to have their say and on Tuesday night two dozen residents stood before the planning board to explain how they feel about The Valley Hospital’s plan to renovate and nearly double in size.
For the most part, they don’t like it.

Out of two dozen residents who spoke, six were in favor of the proposal to grow from 562,000 square feet to 995,000 square feet and build a 245,000-square-foot parking garage.

“Valley is one of Ridgewood’s crown jewels,” said Rurik Halaby. “People talk about the quality of life in Ridgewood. I would think health is a primary component of quality of life. Having a world class hospital in our backyard goes a long way to ensure that.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-residents-speak-for-and-against-valley-hospital-expansion-1.1020254#sthash.lRHirF3J.dpuf

Posted on May 20, 2014May 19, 2014 by James — 1 Comment

Philanthropists needed for hospitals looking to upgrade facilities, advance care

Philanthropists needed for hospitals looking to upgrade facilities, advance care

By Beth Fitzgerald
May 19, 2014 at 1:07 PM

For hospitals that depend on generous donations to modernize their facilities and deliver the latest advances in clinical care — philanthropists are a major lifeline.

This was underscored earlier this month when Ridgewood’s Valley Health System recognized David F. Bolger for giving $40 million in philanthropic gifts since 1999. And as the president of Bolger & Co. Inc., a real estate and investment firm in Ridgewood with real estate holdings throughout the U.S., he divides his time between Ridgewood and Sarasota, according to Valley.

Audrey Meyers, chief executive of the Valley Hospital and Valley Health System said, “Words cannot express how deeply appreciative we are of David’s extraordinary support. We thank him for the impact his incredible generosity will have on the hundreds of thousands of patients who will be treated at the hospital for years to come.”

“David Bolger has one guiding philanthropic principle: he wants to ensure his generosity benefits the greatest amount of people,” said Anastasios Kozaitis, president of The Valley Hospital Foundation. “His extraordinary support of Valley is only one facet of his philanthropy. His is a philanthropic spirit that looks to enhance and at times transform the communities for which he cares. David’s giving has allowed Valley to offer our patients the best technology that medicine has to offer. His philanthropy has saved countless lives.”

Bolger’s largest gift was $30 million in 2008 for the renovation of the main campus. Kozaitis said Valley is working with the Ridgewood Planning Board on a revised a redevelopment plan. The board had earlier rejected Valley’s original plan.

https://www.njbiz.com/article/20140519/NJBIZ01/140519798/Philanthropists-needed-for-hospitals-looking-to-upgrade-facilities-advance-care

Posted on May 13, 2014May 13, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Village of Ridgewood May and June Planning Board Meetings

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

Posted on May 9, 2014May 9, 2014 by James — 1 Comment

Ridgewood Planning Board to open public comment on Valley Hospital plan

Ridgewood Planning Board to open public comment on Valley Hospital plan

MAY 8, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014, 4:13 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER

The experts are done, and the floor now belongs to the residents.

Beginning May 20, the hearing for The Valley Hospital master plan amendment proposal will be open to public comments, the penultimate phase of a process that recently passed the 14-month milestone. Each resident who speaks at the next Planning Board meeting will be afforded three minutes to offer commentary on the application and describe any potential impact that might result from the project.

Though speakers may address many topics, Planning Board Attorney Gail Price offered residents guidance on how to present their statements.

“Make it about you and your family, your thoughts and issues that affect your life in connection to the hospital,” Price said at Tuesday’s board meeting. “Those things should be personal to you, not what’s happening to your neighbor or third parties.”

At the conclusion of this week’s Valley hearing, in which municipal planner Blais Brancheau answered remaining questions regarding his March 31 report, Price and Planning Board Chairman Charles Nalbantian reviewed the hearing procedure going forward. At the May 20 meeting, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Ridgewood High School, the board will establish a speaking order for residents, all of whom will be sworn in prior to making their statements.

A June 2 meeting at Benjamin Franklin Middle School has already been scheduled to accommodate additional speakers.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-planning-board-to-open-public-comment-on-valley-hospital-plan-1.1012535#sthash.r4I08ttc.dpuf

Posted on April 28, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 1 Comment

Readers continue to question Gail Prices Objectivity

Readers continue to question Gail Prices Objectivity

It might also be time to start to examine what the Village pays for Gail Price’s services. She was supposed to have these hearing wrapped up by LAST June yet no end is in sight. By all appearances she plans to instruct the Planning Board to give Valley what they wanted last time or give them what they want this time. What do we pay her per hour? What financial motivation does she have to wind this process down?

On top of this conflict of interest, she is clearly not impartial and has allowed Valley and its disgraceful attorney to call all of the procedural shots.

It’s time to demand better.

Posted on April 28, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

Reader says Planning Board Proceedings are a “Sham”

Reader says Planning Board Proceedings are a “Sham”

If you haven’t actually been at a meeting then you cannot comprehend the absolute sham these proceedings are. The citizens of Ridgewood raised $10,000 to hire an urban planner to represent them and refute the one-sided view put forward by Valley’s experts. I don’t think he even uttered more than 10 sentences. Valley’s lawyer was up objecting to every word out of his mouth. He literally demanded FedEx receipts for a stack of documents from the state, every page of which was stamped by the state. We have come of age with movies like Erin Brockovitch or A Civil Action, where right overcomes money, inside interests and political power. These make good movies, but it is not what is happening in Ridgewood. People aren’t going to the meetings anymore, because it has become clear that the voice of the residents is not wanted, or heard, or even allowed to be spoken. But I think the large number of lawn signs for Sedon and Knudson, indicate that people are not happy with what is happening in our town. Hopefully, elections still remain relatively free of the mix of money and influence that appears to guide many of the regulatory proceedings in this town. And if anyone thinks that their vote doesn’t count – let me remind you that if 12 more people had voted for Keith Killion in the last election, we would be looking at a very different scenario for our town across a multiple of issues. So vote either way May 13th, but do vote.

Posted on April 27, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 7 Comments

Ridgewood Planning Board Continue public hearing on the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment

Ridgewood Planning Board Continue public hearing on the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment

PLANNING BOARD AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE

Special Public Meetings: Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Note Village Calendar says 12 noon the announcement says 730pm

In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting for Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Ave., Ridgewood, NJ.

The Board may take official action during this Work and Public Meeting at which time the Board will:

Continue the public hearing on the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment to the Master Plan.

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.

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.

Jane Wondergem
Secretary to the Board

Posted on April 22, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 2 Comments

Readers are not sympathetic with Valley’s business plans

Readers are not sympathetic with Valley’s business plans

Valley was told that they could not expand the campus years ago. If only Valley had developed a strategic plan at that time we wouldnt be blogging about this.

Why are Valley’s expansion plans somehow given equal status to the land owned by the BOE and the Village residents?

I do not care if Valley never expands. Their business plan is not my problem. They have no special rights. Expand in Paramus.

No matter what Valley has been given in the past, they always want more. The BF field purchase would not have been the last thing they wanted they still would want to modernize their buildings and they would have needed more space to do that. They were told 20 years ago that enough is enough and yet they haven’s gotten the message. It is so frustrating that this is Ridgewood’s problem and not Valley’s problem.

Valley can remain where and how it is, if they (valley) don’t like it let them move elsewhere.!!

Posted on April 22, 2014April 22, 2014 by James — 7 Comments

Valley Expansion Supporters Resort to Fear mongering

Valley Expansion Supporters Resort to Fear mongering

Fake Valley Supporter attempts to post erroneous information , pretending Valley is in “secret ” negations with a private prison .

And supports of the Vlley Expansion wonder why people have no respect for Valley

Anonymous
0 approved
108.59.11.116
Submitted on 2014/04/21 at 4:00 pm

#8, Think you are unhappy with Valley now….You are going to be more unhappy if the secret talks with https://cca.com/locations results in Valley selling their Ridgewood Property.

Posted on April 21, 2014April 21, 2014 by James — 19 Comments

Reader claims had the BF field been sold and leased back to the BOE under the long-term lease, as proposed the entire need for Valley to expand with taller structures today would have been avoided

Reader claims had the BF field been sold and leased back to the BOE under the long-term lease, as proposed the entire need for Valley to expand with taller structures today would have been avoided

Had the BF field been sold and leased back to the BOE under the long-term lease, as proposed, Valley would have placed parking under ground and the entire need for Valley to expand with taller structures today would have been avoided. But, the same NIMBYs, who prevented that plan, are the ones opposing Valley’s expansion plans today.

BTW, part of that proposal was to provide a turf facility at BF for free, which would have saved the BOE (taxpayers) almost $1mm. Go over and look at the “recently improved BF field” today. It is a dirt lot!!! And, the spring season is only 3 weeks old.

In retrospect, working with Valley to create a win/win for the village back when they presented the BF field proposal would have been a pretty good/smart idea. Anyone, who is proud of shooting that idea down is part of the group who is responsible for the current state of Ridgewood

Posted on April 17, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

Reader says all we have been saying for 7 years is Valley’s proposal is too big for Ridgewood

Reader says all we have been saying for 7 years is Valley’s proposal is too big for Ridgewood

If, FOR SEVEN YEARS, you had been attending meetings, spent hours on your computer trying to educate and inform people on the issue and get them to meetings, fundraised to pay lawyers and planners to get a reasonable proposal and donated thousands of dollars of your families hard earned money towards getting a reasonable proposal, you’d be a bit venomous too.

I think it would be a great idea for you to attend an upcoming Planning Board meeting and tell the Planning Board (and Valley Hospital) exactly what you just said…”You’re a friend/supporter of the hospital, but their proposal is too big for Ridgewood.” That’s all we have been saying for 7 years!!!

Posted on April 17, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 2 Comments

Reader says Ms. Hauck has a long and close involvement with Valley Hospital and should recuse herself on any Valley vote

Reader says Ms. Hauck has a long and close involvement with Valley Hospital and should recuse herself on any Valley vote

A perceived conflict of interest by legal definition need not entail any financial or business relationship to make it appropriate for an elected or appointed official to recuse on a vote.

Ms. Hauck accepted over $800 on the day of her election from an officer of Valley Hospital. So there’s a little financial hit–not much, but it’s telling. She says she paid it back–so what? It’s on her official campaign contribution list that must be submitted and is posted online.

Before Aronsohn tapped her, no doubt to her amazement, to run for council and become his lapdog in exchange for a vote on Valley, she spoke publicly at a village council hearing, saying that she would trust Valley implicitly to do whatever they wanted.

There are many more indications of her long and close involvement with Valley, notably when she was vice chair of its women’s auxiliary, fundraising to the tune of millions of dollars–a financial relationship that did not put money in her pocket (she didn’t need it) but did put a ton of money in Valley’s. Suddenly she was running for council and abruptly ceased all Valley fundraising and social events. Very convincing.

In short, this was hardly supporting AIDS funding or any real charity, although Valley continues to call itself nonprofit with a treasure chest of many millions.

Officials have recused themselves from votes for much, much less. She may yet see the wisdom of doing so and should be so advised by the Village attorney–he’s paid to advise the council for the good of the Village, right?–since a vote on Valley from her would have serious ramifications, including opening the Village to lawsuits.

Posted on April 14, 2014April 14, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Reader says Beneficial Use Doctrine dictates that even hospitals must demonstrate that the benefits to the community

Reader says Beneficial Use Doctrine dictates that even hospitals must demonstrate that the benefits to the community

Inherently Beneficial Use Doctrine dictates that even hospitals must demonstrate that the benefits to the community resulting from development projects must outweigh the detriments.

Valley has yet to prove that doubling in size will benefit Ridgewood at all (less than 10% of Valley patients actually live here), and it is VERY CLEAR that the detriments will be enormous.

Posted on April 9, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 9 Comments

Reader says I came to Ridgewood because I want a small village

Reader says I came to Ridgewood because I want a small village.

If I want a big hospital I go to Hackensack or New York. If I want a great concert I go to Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall.

I don’t even want a million restaurants here. When I first came here there were one or two or three.

There should be an ordinance stating number of duplicate businesses.

I want a quiet charming not much traffic village.

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)