multi-family housing - Page 9 of 21

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

Assisted living facility, luxury condos pitched for Ridgewood lot

Assisted living facility, luxury condos pitched for Ridgewood lot

March 6, 2015 Last updated: Friday, March 6, 2015, 4:12 PM
By Mark Krulish
Staff Writer |
The Ridgewood News

Two developers were invited to the Ridgewood Village Council meeting on Wednesday night to present proposals for the redevelopment of the North Walnut Street zone.

A committee of village officials had been meeting with potential developers over the past several weeks to give feedback on ideas for the redevelopment zone. From those meetings, the committee selected candidates for a public presentation, described as the “first step” in a process to determine the best use for the site. It has been noted that one of the conditions for any redevelopment on the site was that it would have to provide a net gain of 100 parking spaces in the Central Business District (CBD).

Harley Cook of Kensington Senior Development presented a proposal for an assisted-living facility in Ridgewood so that local seniors can continue to stay in the village even when their health requires full-time care.

The proposal includes a parking garage to be built and donated to the village – with the existing Town Garage to be removed at the developer’s expense – in exchange for the right to build an assisted-living residence, with the first floor of the building dedicated to retail and other commercial uses.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/two-developers-present-proposals-for-ridgewood-lot-1.1284186

Posted on February 28, 2015February 28, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

If Glen Rock can do it, why not Ridgewood?

If Glen Rock can do it, why not Ridgewood?

FEBRUARY 27, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

If Glen Rock can do it, why not Ridgewood?

Martin Walker
Ridgewood

to the editor:

The Record reported on Feb. 21 that Glen Park Village LLC plans three buildings to house a combined 67 apartment units restricted to residents aged 62 or older.

Why is there a relative lack of attention to this option in planning discussions about higher density in Ridgewood?

I have written several letters to the editor on this topic and spoken in at least three public meetings over the last 12 months. The Ridgewood News’ otherwise excellent New Year’s summary of housing issues in town made no mention of it at all. Commonly designated as over 55 housing, the issue was also absent from the council elections last year, save a single comment by one of the winning candidates that age 55 no longer guarantees families without children.

The only reference I’ve seen reported here was Mayor Aronhson’s question to the developer of the Dayton project, Scott Loventhal, as to why he had not considered this option. Mr. Loventhal’s unfortunate response was that an over 55 residency requirement would diminish the property’s “vibrancy.” As an over 55er, I am personally offended by It’s unlikely that any other major social group, much less the largest growing one in America, would be subject to such an implicitly negative stereotype without eliciting public opobrium.

What gives Ridgewood? Where is the public outcry and the political leadership for the most obvious and beneficial solution to downtown blight and low business activity? Where is the support for the only higher density plan that will both decrease school utilization and provide a wider distribution of our tax load?

Requiring that new higher density housing downtown be limited to an over 55 age demographic is a good start, but additional steps such as downtown assisted living facilities, and zoning changes to promote “in law” apartments in private residences are also called for.

A recent letter to the editor said we should plan for 2025, the very least we should expect from effective leaders. The demographic shift toward baby boomers, as well as the urban job creation trends at the expense of suburbs are unmistakable. For Ridgewood to miss out on the largest growing sector of the American service economy would be tragic.

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-if-glen-rock-can-do-it-why-not-ridgewood-1.1279178

Posted on February 20, 2015February 20, 2015 by James — 2 Comments

Developers, opponents sum up points on Ridgewood proposal to allow density housing downtown

Developers, opponents sum up points on Ridgewood proposal to allow density housing downtown

FEBRUARY 19, 2015, 9:57 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015, 9:57 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Attorneys representing developers with plans for high-density multifamily housing complexes downtown have made their final pitches on a pending amendment to the village’s master plan.

Ridgewood’s Planning Board heard final summations Thursday night from two attorneys for the three developers that have requested the master plan change, and another that was retained by a grassroots citizens group opposed to the village ordinance that permitted the developers to ask for such an amendment.

If approved by village officials, the proposed master plan amendment would clear the way for all three projects, slated for various parcels throughout the downtown.

The three developers have plans to construct a combined 208 apartments downtown.

Attorney Thomas Wells, who represents two of the developers, said that experts have testified there is a need for more housing options in Ridgewood, especially for empty-nesters.

Wells said experts also postulated that traffic in the village would barely be impacted by the new housing developments and that the projects would not worsen Ridgewood’s well-established dearth of parking space.

The proposed housing projects will be a boon to business in the village, Wells said.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/developers-opponents-sum-up-points-on-ridgewood-proposal-to-allow-density-housing-downtown-1.1274658

Posted on February 16, 2015February 16, 2015 by James — 2 Comments

Citizens for a Better Ridgewood : residents deserve best solution

Citizens for a Better Ridgewood : residents deserve best solution

To the Editor:

At a Planning Board meeting two years ago, a group of residents learned that the Planning Board would consider amending the master plan to allow up to 50 units of housing per acre in 10 acres of downtown Ridgewood. Many of us who had been attending meetings were disappointed that a compromise or scaled-down approach to adding new housing in our downtown was not put forth before moving forward with testimony.

We simply believe that residents deserve the best solution to this issue, one that enhances and supports our Central Business District and encourages a diversity of housing options while protecting the unique character of our village and the quality of life we currently enjoy.

The Planning Board is tasked with the important responsibility of finding a solution that balances benefits to the community with the potential negative effects. We understand that this is not an easy task and that the Planning Board will be making a decision that has enormous implications for the future of Ridgewood.

Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR) wants to thank the Planning Board for allowing residents to have a voice in this process, and for allowing the process to proceed without rushing to a quick conclusion. We urge the Planning Board to consider all sides, to proceed cautiously and to do what’s best for Ridgewood. Please remember your residents really do care.

Amy Bourque

Lori Weil

Trustees, Citizens for a Better Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-residents-deserve-the-best-solution-1.1271152

Posted on February 13, 2015February 13, 2015 by James — Leave a comment

Developer asks Glen Rock to rezone land for senior housing

Developer asks Glen Rock to rezone land for senior housing

February 12, 2015 Last updated: Thursday, February 12, 2015, 4:35 PM
By Richard De Santa
Staff Writer |
Glen Rock Gazette

A private developer has asked Glen Rock officials to rezone land on Prospect Street to permit a senior citizen apartment complex that has been on the drawing board for two years.

Representatives of Glen Park Village LLC appeared at the Feb. 5 Planning Board work session with advanced schematics for the three-building, 69-unit project, consisting of one- and two-bedroom apartments for occupants 62 and older. The company purchased the land, which is north of the Harristown Road intersection and west of a Ridgewood-owned sewage treatment facility on Prospect Street.

Glen Park Village representatives at the meeting included principal Richard Harrison, attorney David Rutherford and project engineer Tibor Latincsics of Conklin Associates, Ramsey.

Rutherford called the proposed facilities spacious and “very nicely-appointed units,” most with fireplaces and balconies, and with community gathering space and exercise facilities also provided on the ground floor of one of the three buildings. He said surface car parking would be augmented by underground lots beneath two of the buildings.

“We’re very confident that what we’re proposing will address a real need for senior housing” for residents of Glen Rock and nearby communities, Rutherford said.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/developer-asks-glen-rock-to-rezone-land-for-senior-housing-1.1270448

Posted on February 10, 2015February 10, 2015 by James — 1 Comment

Worried about Ridgewood’s future

Worried about Ridgewood’s future

Regarding “Villagers’ plea: Don’t overbuild” (Page L-1, Feb. 4):

Why do the developers want to build high-density housing in Ridgewood? The answer is that they can make a lot of money, because property values are high.

But why are property values high? It is because people want to live there. Ridgewood has an appealing small-town ambience. And why does it have that ambience?

It is because there is no high-density housing … yet.

The poet Oscar Wilde famously said, “Each man kills the thing he loves.” Except these developers love only the money they hope to make.

As long as theirs is the only such housing, they can still use “Ridgewood exclusivity” as a selling point. But how will the Planning and zoning boards justify saying no to the next high-rise? And the next? Before you know it, Ridgewood would be Fort Lee without the bridge.

By then, why should the initial developers care? Capital has no commitment to anything but itself; it vacuums the value and moves on. Developers get short-term profits and we live with long-term consequences.

Affordable apartments within easy walking distance of downtown and train and bus stations would be a good idea, although I doubt anything built in Ridgewood would be affordable. The Planning Board should leave the master plan as it is, since it already provides for apartments. And the developers should go back to the drawing board, perhaps to produce blueprints that would require only rezoning or minor variances.

A.C. Willment

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-monday-feb-9-1.1267329

Posted on February 9, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 1 Comment

Planning Board Amendment to Meeting Schedule – Cancelled 2/17; Add 2/19

file photo Boyd Loving

Planning Board Amendment to Meeting Schedule – Cancelled 2/17; Add 2/19

PLANNING BOARD

AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE

Cancelled: February 17, 2015, Public MeetingCalled: Work Session & Special Public Meeting: Thursday, February 19, 2015

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 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015, in 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 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, creating the AH-2, B-3-R, and C-R Zone Districts and amending the existing C Zone District.

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

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 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 30, 2015April 9, 2020 by James — 2 Comments

Pressure builds for fresh look at N.J. building codes in wake of Edgewater fire

1508655_10204643087134366_6126464709176324636_n

Pressure builds for fresh look at N.J. building codes in wake of Edgewater fire

JANUARY 29, 2015, 5:39 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015, 8:31 PM
BY JEAN RIMBACH AND LINH TAT
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD

Pressure is mounting for a review of state building codes — and even a potential construction moratorium — in the aftermath of a fast-moving fire that destroyed more than half of an Edgewater apartment complex last week and left hundreds homeless.

Officials in Mercer County on Thursday called for an emergency review of state construction codes before a residential community planned by the same developer for Princeton gets evaluated by the state. And Assemblyman Scott Rumana, R-Wayne, said he is working on legislation that will put a moratorium of up to two years on the approval and construction of multi-family housing developments until the state’s building code is revised.

“The goal is not have any New Jersey residents’ lives at stake. But equally as important, it’s to not put our first responders into these buildings, which I would call fire traps,” said Rumana. “I have too much experience in seeing the failures of these types of facilities — if this fire happened seven or 10 hours later, who knows how many people could have died?”

A five-alarm blaze at the Avalon at Edgewater destroyed much of the 408-unit complex, shut schools and roadways, temporarily displaced nearby residents and brought to the surface long-standing issues in the firefighting community about lightweight wood construction — a cheaper, faster and legal style of building that is common in New Jersey and elsewhere.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/assemblyman-rumana-drafting-legislation-for-2-year-moratorium-on-construction-of-multi-family-housing-1.1261224

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.

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)