Tag: Letter on Village Website

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Controversy over Historic Preservation Commission Letter on Village Website Grows

parking garage cbd

October 23, 2015 

At its monthly meeting on October 15th, the Historic Preservation Commission met with representatives from Desman Associates regarding the proposed parking garage on Hudson Street and Broad Avenue. Many people realize Ridgewood’s need for such a facility as part of our infrastructure. 
However, the commissioners were, and remain, primarily concerned with the visual impact of this multi-story structure on the streetscape. For example, a strictly functional, concrete construction—such as the new parking garage in Hackensack—would not only present a modern, monolithic contrast to the small-scale, older-style buildings on those streets, but also would create a visual barrier from the opposite street sides. 
What is needed here is an architectural design that acts as a seam, harmoniously joining together the sides of both streets, and thus maintains the character of the district. Happily, one architectural design—the one we endorse—offers an excellent complement to the streetscape. Its brick façade, varied surface dimensions and upper sightlines; the streetlevel, arched pedestrian walkways; and corner tower combine to produce an edifice that works. It incorporates elements of what already exists in nearby buildings, thereby complementing what is there, while cleverly muting the reality that it is a parking garage. 
Also, the design team has agreed to return to an HPC meeting for its review of the final plans to enable us to ensure the compatibility of the garage with its neighborhood. 
Taking all of this into consideration, the Historic Preservation Commission supports approval of the parking garage and encourages all residents to vote “yes” for the November 3rd referendum. 
Vincent N. Parrillo, 
Chair Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission

 

 

Dear Roberta,
Please immediately  remove the Historic Preservation Commission letter, dated 10/23/15, from the Village website. (reference: https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2015HPCPGLStatement.pdf)

The letter does not accurately reflect the Historic Preservation Commission meeting held on October 8, 2015.  Minutes and audio are available from Michael Cafarelli or I can send a direct link to access.

Thank you,
Susan

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Dear Susan,

As you know from the email we received today at 2:57 PM, Vince Parrillo stands by the letter and has affirmed through polling all of the HPC members today (one could not be reached) that they all agree that the letter truly reflects the HPC position.

Thanks, Roberta

Best regards,

Roberta

Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203