MAY 1, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Stop planning for profit
To the Editor:
Ridgewood is facing significant zoning changes that will forever change the character of our village. An amendment to the master plan that would significantly increase permitted housing density in downtown Ridgewood seems imminent. Public hearings have continued for more than two years, and more than 100 residents have gone on record to advocate for a cautious approach and to express concern about the size, scale and density of the proposed housing developments.
However, it was obvious at the last meeting on April 21 that the Planning Board is proceeding without any regard to public opinion and is tailoring our master plan to suit the needs of the developers. We expected Village Planner Blais Brancheau to come to the meeting with answers to questions and options for moving forward. Instead, Mr. Brancheau sat with his back to the residents, provided no handouts or visuals to help the public follow along and presented a revised amendment that appears to be a gift to the developers.
The revised amendment once again offers a “one size fits all” approach to housing that defies principles of sound planning and haphazardly groups parcels of land together in order to push through high-density housing. Mr. Brancheau has yet to provide any analysis or evidence as to why we need to increase the density from the 18 to 24 units per acre average that currently exists in our downtown. As far as we can see, the new amendment increases the number of units allowed per acre to 30 to 35 (still almost tripling what is currently permitted), realigns the zones (combining the Ken Smith property with the Sealfons building) and removes three properties on Chestnut Street from consideration as a means to cap development.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn said that the revised amendment “strikes that balance between everything we have been talking about.” There is something very wrong with this picture. The amendment is looking more and more like spot zoning and our Planning Board is forging ahead.
Why must density be the same for every zone? What exactly are the unique qualities of a property that would warrant residential versus commercial use? Why combine two very different properties? Why remove properties from consideration? Where is the guarantee that other property owners in town won’t argue for these same zoning benefits? Who is driving this process?
It is unconscionable that residents who deserve responsible planning have spent over $100,000 in legal representation and still have no voice in the process. Ridgewood deserves the best solution, and we are hoping wise minds prevail. We urge the Planning Board to please stop planning for profit and start planning for the people.
Please join us at the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at Village Hall as we seek answers to the many questions regarding the changes to the amendment.
Carol Bicknese
Amy Bourque
Jennifer DiTommaso
Lori Weil
Trustees, Citizens for a Better Ridgewood
https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-grassroots-group-responds-to-master-plan-amendment-1.1323134
