high density housing - Page 40 of 41

Posted on February 8, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 3 Comments

Readers say , Montclair already exists, no need to recreate it here. I chose and continue to choose Ridgewood over Montclair.

Readers say , Montclair already exists, no need to recreate it here. I chose and continue to choose Ridgewood over Montclair.

“Ridgewood’s problem is under-development “, Yes, I am puzzled by comments like these. If you don’t like the town, move out. Why do we need to make the downtown more “attractive” to someone else by bringing in apartments. Its such a circular and cray argument.

Of course developers love us — they have a town council they run circles around. “Oh, but if don’t let them put up 500 apartment units rather than the 50 the properties are zoned for, they will build a supermarket.”

Mr. Ostler can move to any number of locations within 5 miles or so and park himself in an apartment building and live out the rest of his life in bliss. Why does he and the developers need to ruin the town for the rest of us?

Chamber Parking Meeting – Feb. 9

PARKING MEETING RE-SCHEDULED
MONDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2015
ROOTS – 6PM
Chestnut Street
We are glad that everyone is safe.
Hope to see you at ROOTS 2/9/15 @ 6pm
The Mayor and Village Manager
will be attending to answer questions.

Posted on February 8, 2015February 7, 2015 by James — 4 Comments

Ridgewood needs modern, convenient housing

Ridgewood needs modern, convenient housing

February 6, 2015 Last updated: Friday, February 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
The Ridgewood News
Print

A need for modern, convenient housing

Anita Jones

To the Editor:

I’ve loved Ridgewood ever since moving here in 1978. But now, as empty nesters, my husband and I are faced with a decision – stay or go. With our adult children out on their own, we have no need, and no desire, to keep and maintain our single-family home.

We would like to stay in Ridgewood, but we’ve found that the right options for people like us simply don’t exist. There are basically two housing choices in Ridgewood today – single-family houses and outdated apartments, neither of which works for us.

The proposed new multifamily apartments in downtown are just what people like us are looking for – modern apartments that offer convenience, amenities and a great downtown location where we can walk to shop, dine and socialize.

In fact, all of Ridgewood will benefit by creating new downtown housing, because it will not just help long time residents stay in town, but it will also attract young professionals, revitalize vacant lots and add foot traffic for local businesses.

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-needs-modern-convenient-housing-1.1265927

Posted on February 7, 2015February 6, 2015 by James — 6 Comments

Ridgewood’s problem is under-development

Ridgewood’s problem is under-development

February 6, 2015 Last updated: Friday, February 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
The Ridgewood News
Print

Under-development is the problem

To The Editor:

I’m one of many “empty nesters” with no organized campaign but love Ridgewood, want to continue living here when downsizing occurs, and am enthusiastic about the option of modern apartments near the Central Business District. But leave aside my personal interest. As I told a victorious Village Council candidate, last year’s campaigners talked of “over-development” but Ridgewood’s problem is clearly under-development – vacant storefronts and auto dealerships and large empty tracts along the railroad.

The proposed apartments would boost our image as a thriving town, help the tax base, and add foot traffic for stores. The building plans are visually attractive. We’re fortunate that developers believe in Ridgewood and want to invest. Of course village officials must consider adequate on-site parking, traffic and pedestrian patterns, and school enrollment (unless apartments are designated for seniors). But any issues can surely be negotiated as necessary so these valuable projects can proceed. This, plus a major new parking facility a la Montclair, will help our merchants prosper and benefit everyone.

Richard Ostling

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-s-problem-is-under-development-1.1265969

Posted on February 6, 2015August 14, 2021 by James — 3 Comments

Ridgewood residents weigh in on housing proposals

Ridgewood residents weigh in on housing proposals

FEBRUARY 6, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Over the course of two evenings, Ridgewood residents had the chance to speak their minds about the proposed amendment to the master plan currently being sought by three developers who wish to build apartment complexes in the village’s downtown.

Citizens brought a variety of concerns before the Planning Board, with some favoring the high-density development and others calling for a scaled-back proposal decreasing the amount of units per acre currently being entertained.

Three separate developments are being proposed: the Dayton, a 106-unit luxury development in the old Brogan Cadillac lot; Chestnut Village, a 52-unit luxury development slated for Chestnut Street near the village’s central garage; and the 52-unit Enclave proposed for the intersection of East Ridgewood and North Maple avenues (the site of the old Sealfons building).

While very few of the more than 50 residents who spoke at the two meetings were completely against development, the idea of tripling or quadrupling the housing density in the Central Business District did not sit well with the majority of those who came to the podium to oppose the changes.

“It’s time for a compromise,” said resident Frank Schott. “Going from 12 units per acre to 50 is not a compromise, it is a surrender. Let’s make a generous offer of settling for doubling the permitted density to 24 units per acre.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/seeing-need-for-housing-many-seek-reduced-plan-1.1265954

Posted on February 4, 2015February 4, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood residents argue against allowing proposed dense development downtown

Ridgewood residents argue against allowing proposed dense development downtown

FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 10:24 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 10:24 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Print

RIDGEWOOD — A proposed master plan amendment permitting high-density multifamily housing projects downtown needs a reduction in allowed density before it can be adopted, village residents contended in testimony before the Planning Board on Tuesday night.

The second and final night of public commentary on the proposed master plan change took place at the board’s weekly meeting.

More than a dozen Ridgewood residents asked the board to exert caution as it proceeds with its ongoing consideration of the proposal.

For five years, the Planning Board has been mulling the merits of amending the master plan. The amendment’s passage — first, by the board and later, the Village Council — would clear the way for three planned housing developments.

At the Planning Board’s meeting last week, more than 30 residents spoke, some in favor of the proposal and others opposed.

Residents wary of the changes said the density submitted in the amended language was too intense, suggesting it be reduced from 40 to 50 units per acre to etween 20 and 25.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-residents-argue-against-allowing-proposed-dense-development-downtown-1.1263727

Posted on February 2, 2015February 2, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood debates master plan

Ridgewood debates master plan

FEBRUARY 1, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The Planning Board learned that when it comes to three high-density multi-family apartment complexes being pitched for downtown, the number of units matters.

Most of the more than 30 current and former village residents who testified at Thursday night’s meeting said they supported a proposed master plan amendment that would permit larger housing developments than Ridgewood is used to.

Others rejected the notion of such buildings going up in the village, claiming its character would be irrevocably altered.

They agreed, though, that the density shift being suggested in the proposed amendment’s language should be reduced by about half.

The master plan amendment — sought by three developers with property in Ridgewood who are eager to break ground on projects with more than 200 apartments — would increase the number of units allowed per acre from 12 to between 40 and 50.

“The applicant is threatening to destroy the small-town feel of Ridgewood,” said one resident, Frank Schott, adding that the new housing complexes would add “major stress” to the village’s entire infrastructure.

https://www.northjersey.com/towns/master-plan-debated-in-ridgewood-1.1262492

Posted on January 30, 2015January 30, 2015 by James — 3 Comments

Multifamily rental construction in New Jersey is on the rise

Multifamily rental construction in New Jersey is on the rise

JANUARY 29, 2015, 11:28 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015, 11:33 PM
BY KATHLEEN LYNN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

As homeownership rates continue to drop, multifamily construction is surging in New Jersey — making 2014 the busiest year for home building since the prerecession year of 2006, and perhaps signaling an end to the age of sprawling single-family construction in the state.

Builders started more than 28,000 housing units in New Jersey last year, up 16 percent from 2013 and more than double the deep lows seen during the worst years of the housing bust, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

Multifamily activity — primarily rentals, led by the Bergen and Hudson Gold Coast — made up more than 61 percent of home construction last year, evidence of new development patterns in the state that are expected to continue into 2015 and beyond. Nationally, multifamily construction accounted for about a third of housing starts in December, a share that also has risen in recent years.

Boosting rental construction has been the demand from young people, who find it difficult to buy single-family homes because they are facing high student debt and tight mortgage standards, and who are drawn to urban, pedestrian-friendly settings.

“Multifamily in 2014 set an all-time record in terms of its share of residential construction undertaken, in records going back to 1960,” said Patrick O’Keefe, an economist with CohnReznick, an accounting firm with offices in Roseland.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/multifamily-rental-construction-in-new-jersey-is-on-the-rise-1.1261336

Posted on January 25, 2015January 25, 2015 by James — 6 Comments

Reader says instead of trying to change the town to fit his fancy, Mr Simoncini should move somewhere else

Reader says instead of trying to change the town to fit his fancy, Mr Simoncini should move somewhere else

Who the hell let this miserable carpet bagger into town?

First of all, I don’t recall any discussion of student population falling.

Second, there is no proposal for “luxury housing” — there is a proposal for increased density so that the developers can develop like Newark or Hackensack. As Blaise said, the devil is in the details, and the details shown so far as for illustrative purposes only. Once the increased density is approved then the developers can go in with plans for whatever they want approved. Of course, the site is presently zoned in a manner that would allow luxury condo’s or townhouses, but not at the profit this sycophant and his master are looking for.

Third, I have heard a couple of the developer’s friends and investors talk about how lovely it would be to have a place in town, but I have heard no groundswell of support for “change.”

Finally, getting back to my original point, who the hell let this jackass into town, and if he feels the way he does, why did he pick Ridgewood to live in? We do feel is a special place. He doesn’t need to agree, but instead of trying to change the town to fit his fancy, he should move his sorry ass somewhere else.

Really?! Yes, Really!! You don’t like the town, Mr. Lapdog, go move somewhere else where you and your master can develop to your heart’s content without having to worry about the democratic process slowing you down.

Posted on January 25, 2015January 25, 2015 by James — 2 Comments

Reader disgusted Mr Simoncicini Plays the Race Card

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Reader disgusted Mr Simoncicini Plays the Race Card

I just re-read Mr. Simoncinci’s racial prejudice comment and am thoroughly disgusted.

Is he suggesting that only if we have high density housing will diverse people move into town?? Really?? Why? Is it because that is all they can afford? Because they won’t be comfortable living in houses? Or maybe “luxury” is the ultimate racist code word and he’s trying to say, don’t worry, only wealthy white folks will move into these apartments.

I am really not sure what this miscreant is trying to say, However, I have heard people say that we need density in housing to attract diversity in population and such talk exhibits a reverse prejudice that I really find disturbing. Believe it or not, folks of all colors, religions, sexual preferences, etc., like nice houses in nice neighborhoods. Our role as citizens is to be welcoming, and we have no place in Ridgewood for those who condemn others. But the sweeping generalization that diversity is only achieved through housing density is really, trully disgusting. And to make such an argument in support of pursuing a commercial goal is beyond the lowest level of depravity.

I realize he has to make a buck serving his master, but, at long last, after four years, has Mr. Simoncini no shame?

Posted on March 20, 2014March 19, 2014 by James — 2 Comments

Reader says ,The Central Business District is in nobody’s back yard

Reader says ,The Central Business District is in nobody’s back yard

The Central Business District is in nobody’s back yard – Rewriting the Master Plan to allow its overdevelopment will affect all of us. Your use of the term “NIMBY” makes no sense here. That term has become the rallying cry of special interest groups in town that have completely hijacked the agenda on what is best for Ridgewood moving forward. By all appearances, this has been fine with our Council and Planning Board as they each pursue their personal agendas. Hats off to residents that are taking matters into their own hands and getting involved in the process.

Posted on March 18, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 8 Comments

Reader says Is that the “Village” that we want to live in?

Reader says Is that the “Village” that we want to live in?

Valley is a nonconforming business that wants an exception so that they can double in size in a residential neighborhood. The downtown developments are looking to build in a commercially zoned area.

I do not like any of the proposed projects and I object to them all because I do not want to live in a city. Imagine Ridgewood with 5 retail/condo developments and a doubled valley hospital.

Is that the “Village” that we want to live in? With no plan anyone can build. When we start having exceptions then the precedent will be set and there will be no stopping developers.

Posted on March 18, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 23 Comments

Readers says its time for torches and pitch forks since our public officials are clearly favoring personal agendas over the best interests of the town

Readers says its time for torches and pitch forks since our public officials are clearly favoring personal agendas over the best interests of the town

It actually may be time for torches and pitch forks since our public officials are clearly favoring personal agendas over the best interests of the town. Residents are having the most implausible “expert testimony” crammed down our throats and the results of “studies” about the impact of all of this building defy all common sense. Then the Gail Price, in a surreal outburst against Valley opponents, dictates that the Planning Board can only consider two unacceptable options and can only use this patently unbelievable testimony to make their decision. So much for public comment and the voice of the people.

When the fix is so blatantly in and when all public opinion is ignored, it’s time for the angry mob to rally. Read your history books folks.

Posted on March 12, 2014March 12, 2014 by James — 1 Comment

COAH Meeting Canceled After State Supreme Court Issues Temporary Stay

COAH Meeting Canceled After State Supreme Court Issues Temporary Stay

Appellate panel had ordered fair-share housing agency to hold its first meeting in 10 months.

Just 18 hours before the NJ Council on Affordable Housing was to hold a court-ordered meeting, which would have been its first in 10 months, the agency cancelled that meeting after the state Supreme Court issued a temporary stay of the order late yesterday afternoon.

The stay issued by the state’s highest court’s one-page order put a hold on last Friday’s extraordinary Appellate Division ruling that COAH meet by 9:30 a.m. today to begin working on rules for municipalities to provide their “fair share” of housing for low- and moderate-income residents as required under the state Supreme Court’s so-called Mount Laurel rulings.

Soon after the Supreme Court issued its temporary stay, the state Department of Community Affairs posted a that it had cancelled the meeting. Spokesmen for DCA and the state Attorney General’s office both declined comment. The meeting cancellation notice stated that the meeting “has been cancelled because the Supreme Court’s Order stayed the Appellate Division’s Order of March 7, 2014, which constituted the legal basis for holding the emergency meeting.”

Prior to early 2011, COAH used to hold monthly meetings. The council is supposed to have 12 members, but currently only half the seats are filled. (O’Dea/NJSpotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/03/11/coah-meeting-canceled-after-state-supreme-court-issues-temporary-stay/

Posted on March 4, 2014March 4, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Special Public Planning Board Meeting – March 4, 2014

Special Public Planning Board Meeting – March 4, 2014

PLANNING BOARD

AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE

Special Public Meeting: Tuesday, March 4, 2014

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, MARCH 4, 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. The agenda for the meeting includes the following:

1. Continued public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to the Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan, which amendment would recommend creation of new zone districts and changes in zone district boundaries within the Central Business District and surrounding area including AH-2, B-3-R, C-R and C Zone Districts.

2. Other Planning Board business per the agenda.

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.

Posted on February 18, 2014April 9, 2020 by James — 4 Comments

Village should say ‘no thanks’ to high-density housing

Village should say ‘no thanks’ to high-density housing

Monday February 17, 2014, 11:45 AM
The Ridgewood News

Village should say ‘no thanks’ to high-density housing
Francis H. Schott

To the editor:

Over the past decade, Ridgewood has made great progress in improving our citizens’ quality of life. Our schools have been enlarged and modernized to make them adequate for our 5,800 students, a number that has steadily grown over the decade. Our recreational space, although still below state and federal standards, has been substantially augmented for the first time in generations by the acquisition and development of Habernickel Park and the purchase of the Schedler property as well as the enlargement of Citizens Park.

Admittedly we are still struggling with parking and traffic problems downtown, but the positives outweigh the negatives of the early 21st Century by a wide margin.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/245838491_Letter__Village_should_say__no_thanks__to_high-density_housing.html#sthash.bUE3N6wk.dpuf

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