Tag: parking

Posted on by — 59 Comments

UPDATE :Village of Ridgewood : Hudson St. Parking Deck Forum Tonight 7:30 pm

parking garage cbd

Televised Parking Deck Information Session – Tonight- Nov 2 @ 7:30PM

Cablevision (Channel 77) and FIOS (Channel 34) will broadcast live tonight starting at 7:30PM the CBD Forum with details of the Hudson Street Parking Deck. If you cannot attend the meeting at Village Hall tonight, please tune in!

Ridgewood Information Forums – Hudson St. Parking Deck – November 2

Two important forums scheduled in Village Hall – 4th Floor Court Room – to discuss the proposed Hudson Street Parking Deck: Wednesday, October 21 and Monday, November 2 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Village professionals as well as the design team from Desman Associates will be on hand to discuss all aspects of the proposed parking deck, including the design and financials. All are welcome to attend. All questions are welcome!

 

Questions:

Official Parking Referendum Question

Community Support
President of the Chamber of Commerce statement

Financial Advisory Committee Statement

Historic Preservation Commission Statement

Study,Design, and Analysis

Walker Parking Preliminary Financial Analysis – October 2, 2015

Walker Parking Consultant Study – July 5th, 2015

Walker Parking Floor Plans

Resolutions

Resolution 15-222 : Non-Binding Referendum – Nov 3, 2015 Ballot

Resolution 15-303 : Desman, Inc.

Ordinances

Ordinance 3480

 

other commentary 

https://theridgewoodblog.net/vote-yes-vote-no-village-of-ridgewood-merchants-are-stuck-in-the-middle/

https://theridgewoodblog.net/bogus-historic-preservation-commission-endorsement-letter-jeopardizes-entire-parking-garage-approval-process/

https://theridgewoodblog.net/controversy-over-historic-preservation-commission-letter-on-village-website-grows/

https://theridgewoodblog.net/mysterious-anti-parking-garage-flier-appears-in-residents-mail-boxes/

https://theridgewoodblog.net/why-ill-just-say-no-to-the-parking-garage/

 

Posted on by — 13 Comments

Reader says once again a private email listing was used by one of our elected officials to promote the VOTE YES campaign

20151022_115406_resized

Does the fact that this Parking Garage Plan up for a vote mean that it is a political issue? Please read the following:

——————————–

A quote from the IRS web site is below.
(begin quote)
The Prohibition on Political Campaign Intervention
Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. The prohibition applies to all campaigns including campaigns at the federal, state and local level. Violation of this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes. Those section 501(c)(3) organizations that are private foundations are subject to additional restrictions that are not described in this fact sheet.
What is Political Campaign Intervention?
Political campaign intervention includes any and all activities that favor or oppose one or more candidates for public office. The prohibition extends beyond candidate endorsements. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made by or on behalf of an organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition on political campaign intervention. Distributing statements prepared by others that favor or oppose any candidate for public office will also violate the prohibition. Allowing a candidate to use an organization’s assets or facilities will also violate the prohibition if other candidates are not given an equivalent opportunity. Although section 501(c)(3) organizations may engage in some activities to promote voter registration, encourage voter participation, and provide voter education, they will violate the prohibition on political campaign intervention if they engage in an activity that favors or opposes any candidate for public office. Certain activities will require an evaluation of all the facts and circumstances to determine whether they result in political campaign intervention.
(end quote)
Some more info at this link:
https://www.blueandco.com/nfp_03082012.html

——————————-

The above is from The Blog in 2012 regarding Mr. Aronsohn using a Jamboree emailing list to promote his own campaign. Now we have a situation where a private email listing was used by one of our elected officials to promote the VOTE YES campaign. What does anyone think about this? I mean, besides the fact that it was unethical and just plain wrong. For his information, it totally pissed off some of those who received it, who felt it was beyond the pale. Can you say BACKFIRE?

Posted on by — 17 Comments

Pro-Parking Garage sign from the front of Ridgewood Residents home

Parking Garage

file photo by Boyd Loving 

I have just sent the following email to the Village Council:

“Dear Members of the Village Council:
I have just filed a police report, with Officer D’Amico, concerning the theft of the pro Parking Garage sign from the front of our house. At least seven other signs from our immediate neighborhood were also stolen.
Putting up a sign expressing my views on a political matter is protected as free speech under the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Whoever stole my sign is trampling on my Constitutional rights, and I will do what I can to see that he/she is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Ridgewood politics continues its descent to a new abyss. Richard Nixon must be looking up, from wherever he is, with a big smile on his face: Dirty tricks are alive and well!
Thank you
Rurik Halaby”

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Ridgewood Vote Smart : Parking ,NJ Assembly and Bergen County Freeholder

VOTE_theridgewoodblog

Candidates for North Jersey municipal elections

NOVEMBER 1, 2015    LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD
Print

Here are the candidates running for municipal and county office in Tuesday’s elections across Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties. (D) denotes a Democrat; (G) Green Party; (I) independent; (L) Libertarian; (R) Republican. Asterisks indicate an incumbent. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

BERGEN COUNTY

Bergen County

Board of Freeholders (two terms)

Steven A. Tanelli (D)*

Tracy Silna Zur (D)*

John D. Mitchell (R)

Kenneth P. Tyburczy (R)

Richard A. Siegel (G)

(unexpired term)

Thomas J. Sullivan (D)*

Daisy Ortiz-Berger (R)

Peter J. Rohrman (L)

Ridgewood

Question: Build downtown parking garage?

https://www.northjersey.com/news/candidates-for-north-jersey-municipal-elections-1.1446133
District 40 Assembly

Democrats

Paul Vagianos
Christine Ordway

Republican

David Russo  – Incumbent Russo was first elected to the chamber in 1989.
Scott Rumana  – Incumbent Rumana was first elected to the chamber in 2007.

Posted on by — 18 Comments

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

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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

Posted on by — 15 Comments

It’s with a healthy dose of skepticism that I’ll vote NO on Garage-zilla

godzilla

I can add one point/question – why do all of our major choices about development projects in Ridgewood come down to a yes or no on something that is just too big? Valley – needs to modernize, not double in size. Sealfons, Ken Smith and Brogan sites – need to be developed but not at triple the current density. Schedler Property – can be improved to serve the people of the village that owns it but without cutting all the trees down. Parking – we need to improve the parking situation in town but not with a multi-story structure that will be as big as the churches across the street and around the corner.

It seems that both the Planning Board and Council have failed to “get it”. Valley has been shot down on multiple occasions. The apartments are on hold because an angry mob showed up to shout the Council down before they could vote on it. The neighborhood east of 17 is resolved to vote any Council person out of office as they come up for re-election. And now this parking behemoth comes before us.

Our Council bears a healthy dose of the blame for all of this. In each case they appear to have made up their minds far in advance of finishing any impact or financial studies and even farther in advance of weighing public opinion. In addition there always seems to be some cozy relationship between one or more Council members and the applicant. Our Mayor is sending out personal appeals to vote “Yes” on the parking structure just as the (less than complete) “studies” are released. I always feel like the Council is rushing to get things pushed through and approved before the public has a chance to digest what’s being decided.

It’s with a healthy dose of skepticism that I’ll vote NO on Garage-zilla. Back to the drawing board folks – please present us with some smaller options.

Posted on by — 27 Comments

Why I’ll Just Say “No” to the Parking Garage

parking garage cbd
October 28,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, With the prospect of being out of State on Election day, I mailed my absentee ballot in so that my voice will be heard on the parking garage “referendum” question. My vote was a resounding NO for some very obvious reasons.

–        The property is not suitable for such a large structure

–        Cost overruns are inevitable

–        On street parking rates will escalate to $1.00 per hour and enforcement will be until 9PM

–        Cost of meter enforcement is drastically understated

–        A single structure at the west end of the business district will not relieve the parking issues on lower Ridgewood Avenue. Those attending the movies will not scramble up to Hudson Street to park

–        The restaurants will cut “deals” for valet parking in the garage thereby skewing the cost justification estimates presented

–        We, the taxpayer, will subsidize any and all shortfalls in revenue to pay the multi decade debt service
So what is the real answer to the “parking issue”….. those of us who have been in the Village for many years and have seen the constant drone of ” Oh my God, I had to walk a least a block to get to my pedi/mani  appointment and it started to rain on my freshly painted toes on the way back to my car…..OMG my day was ruined because of the parking situation in Ridgewood”

The answer… one level above grade open parking structures at Cottage Place, Walnut Street and Hudson Street. No fancy 4 story facades. Do the numbers…we can have 3 simple structures for the price of one 4 story behemoth on Hudson Street. And, parking will be readily available for the ENTIRE business district not just the few well connected restaurant owners. If this plan moves forward get ready to present your 8:49 PM parking tickets to the three amigos…. Maybe they can chip in to pay them for you…it’s a good thing at least some of them have a day job!

Posted on by — 19 Comments

Plans for Ridgewood parking garage presented as vote nears

parking garage cbd

OCTOBER 27, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015, 1:33 PM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

As the November vote on the non-binding referendum question regarding the construction of a parking garage on the Hudson Street lot approaches, the village held its first of two parking forums last Wednesday night.

After a presentation by representatives from Desman Design Management and S&L Architecture regarding the latest garage renderings and another by Chief Financial Officer Bob Rooney and Financial Advisory Committee chair Nancy Johansen, the public was free to speak with the officials one-on-one in a more informal setting.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn began the meeting by giving background on how the village got to this point.

Aronsohn said the Hudson Street lot was chosen because the village already owns the land, and it is near the train station as well as many of the downtown restaurants. Environmental and site surveys were completed before design and architectural firms were hired to bring the proposal for the garage to the table.

A non-binding referendum question will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot asking residents if they support building a deck and bonding up to $15 million in public funds. The garage is expected to be paid for entirely through parking revenues.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/plans-for-parking-garage-presented-as-vote-nears-1.1442234

Posted on by — 17 Comments

Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee Concludes Hudson Street Parking Garage can be funded entirely by parking revenues

PayByPhone_Meter

Statement of the Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee Hudson Street Parking Garage

The Financial Advisory Committee (the “FAC”) of the Village of Ridgewood strongly supports the proposal to construct a parking garage at the site of the existing Hudson Street parking lot.

Members of the FAC have carefully reviewed the proposal, including discussions with Village management and a thorough review of the financial analysis prepared by Walker Parking Consultants (the “Walker Study”). Based on that review, we believe it is in the best interests of the Village to move forward with the project.

We would like to highlight the following points: The Walker Study substantiates the long-held belief of many of our residents that there is insufficient parking to adequately serve the Village core.

While there is ample anecdotal evidence that parking is difficult in downtown Ridgewood, the Walker Study provides factual confirmation based on observations of parking usage at different times and days of the week. We believe the methodology used in the Walker Study is reasonable and its findings accurate.

While there is excess capacity in parts of the Village, parking demand in the central core exceeds practical supply at nearly every key time of the day. As set forth in the Walker Study, the costs of the parking garage can be supported entirely by Village parking revenues, assuming small increases in parking rates and the extension of metered hours to 9 p.m.

The FAC conducted its own independent analysis of the costs and revenues associated with the proposed parking garage. Using very conservative assumptions (no new revenues, construction costs as high as $14 million and interest rates as high as 4%) the garage can still be funded entirely by parking revenues.

A new parking garage will have a significant positive economic impact on the Village. The new parking garage will enhance the attractiveness of existing stores and restaurants, encourage new businesses owners to choose Ridgewood, and modernize our parking infrastructure.

We recognize that while parking revenues should cover the cost of the garage, funding the garage still creates an additional financial obligation for the Village, which would need to be met by other sources in the unlikely event that parking revenues fell short. However, we think the substantial benefits offered by a garage support taking on that obligation. * * *

In its last annual report to the Village Council, the FAC stated that “addressing the Village’s parking problem is probably the single best thing the Council could do for the central business district.”

Parking has been an issue in Ridgewood for decades. Finally, we have an opportunity to address the parking problem, and thereby safeguard Ridgewood’s appeal as a destination for dining and shopping, and preserve the vibrancy of our central business district.
The FAC encourages you to vote “YES” for parking on November 3.

Posted on by — 22 Comments

Reader think Plastering Ridgewood’s Central Business District with Pro Garage Signs is bad form

pro garage signs

20151022 1154583

Reader says This looks like something out of a town In a Horror MOVIE.happy Holloween Ridgewood ..your Hollywood Set is Permanently BAD..

I studied one of the signs this evening. Nowhere does it indicate who paid for it or who is sponsoring this. So can I put anonymous signs all over the place promoting whatever plan I have for the betterment (or detriment) of Ridgewood? Well Paulie Boy, can I????????

20151022 115406 resized

The Paul & Christine show are littering the area with signs. It’s no secret that Paul’s business would be helped with more parking but the $13 mil price tag is a little steep. If this is any indication how he’ll vote when it comes to raising taxes, we’re in for a bumpy ride.

Home come all of the schools and public parks and spaces are covered with YES signs? Are they formally sanctioned by the Village of Ridgewood?

20151022 115546 resized

So what is the deal here? Can I put signs all over the place for my own agenda? Supposing I want to open a chapter of the KKK here in Ridgewood like they are doing elsewhere in Bergen County – can I put these signs up and down Ridgewood Avenue, on the school grounds, in the parks? No, I can’t? Well why not? Aronsohn and his idiot brigade have opened a HUGE can of worms with this. Anyone now will be able to post signs just because this precedent has been set.

This is going to be a HUGE disaster, mark my word

Posted on by — 12 Comments

The November 3rd election is just two weeks away. That means our campaign to build a downtown parking deck is entering its final stretch.

paul Aronsohn

file photo by Boyd Loving

From: Paul Aronsohn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2015 10:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Parking Campaign — Three Things

Dear Neighbor –

The November 3rd  election is just two weeks away.  That means our campaign to build a downtown parking deck is entering its final stretch.

To generate both education and excitement … I recommend the following three things:

Parking Forum:  This Wednesday (10/21), we will be holding an interactive forum to discuss the proposed parking deck.  Meet and talk with representatives of our design firm, Desman.  Meet and talk with Village CFO / Parking Utility Director Bob Rooney.  Ask questions.  Get answers.  Village Hall 4th floor Council Chamber at7:30pm.  Please join us.  Everyone is welcome.

Questions & Answers:  Attached is a two-pager that addresses questions that have been asked of me.  I hope you find it useful.

Draft Parking Deck Rendering:  Attached is a draft rendering of a Hudson Street Parking Deck.  It’s a work in progress that reflects input from several people, including members of the Historic Preservation Commission.  Take a look.   Share your thoughts.   Your input is wanted.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Hope to see you on Wednesday.

Thanks,

Paul

Paul Aronsohn, Mayor
Village of Ridgewood
@paularonsohn

Posted on by — 12 Comments

Hudson St. Parking Deck Forum Tonight at Village Hall : Sign ,Sign Everywhere a sign

Parking Garage

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

Ridgewood Information Forums – Hudson St. Parking Deck – October 21 & November 2

Ridgewood NJ, Two important forums scheduled in Village Hall – 4th Floor Court Room – to discuss the proposed Hudson Street Parking Deck: Wednesday, October 21 and Monday, November 2 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Village professionals as well as the design team from Desman Associates will be on hand to discuss all aspects of the proposed parking deck, including the design and financials. All are welcome to attend. All questions are welcome!

Vote “Yes for parking garage” signs have basically over run the downtown appearing ,often appearing with Vagianos & Ordway political signage.

So who is posting them , some folks are saying the Chamber of Commerce, but the posters have village website on them so who knows?

Posted on by — 16 Comments

Village Authorizes Non-Binding Referendum for Hudson Street Parking Garage for Nov 3, 2015 Ballot

parking garage cbd

Hudson Street Parking Garage

Two important forums scheduled in Village Hall – 4th Floor Court Room – to discuss the proposed Hudson Street Parking Deck: Wednesday, October 21 and Monday, November 2 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Village professionals as well as the design team from Desman Associates will be on hand to discuss all aspects of the proposed parking deck, including the design and financials. All are welcome to attend. All questions are welcome!

Walker Parking Preliminary Financial Analysis – October 2, 2015

Walker Parking Consultant Study – July 5th, 2015

Walker Parking Floor Plans

Resolutions

Resolution 15-222 : Non-Binding Referendum – Nov 3, 2015 Ballot

Resolution 15-303 : Desman, Inc.

Ordinances

Ordinance 3480

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ridgewood Planning Board accelerates master plan reexamination

clock_cbd_theridgewoodblog

OCTOBER 12, 2015    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015, 9:41 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

With just a few months remaining to complete and adopt its state-mandated master plan reexamination report, village officials acknowledged the need to accelerate the process and tackled its next subject at last Tuesday’s Planning Board meeting.

The master plan reexamination report, which is an evaluation of a municipality’s master plan and its development regulations, is required to be undertaken by the Planning Board at least every 10 years. Ridgewood’s reexamination report is due in early February 2016.

With Planning Board meetings often dominated by higher-profile topics, such as the multifamily housing hearings, which wrapped in June, the reexamination has appeared sparingly on board agendas this year.

Village Planner Blais Brancheau expressed his opinion to the board that, due to the compressed timeframe, a “minimum requirement” examination be completed to satisfy state requirements before delving in depth into the numerous issues that need to be addressed.

“I think it’s important we get this adopted,” Brancheau said. “It’s not intended to limit discussion. We can continue discussion once we’ve adopted the reexamination. In fact, it’s my personal feeling a number of sections of the master plan really should be updated and we’ll get into that more as we move forward.”

If Ridgewood fails to meet the state’s deadline, it will be opened up to possible exposure in a legal challenge involving the village’s regulations.

In litigation, a village’s regulations are presumed valid and the litigant bears the burden of proof to show otherwise. Without a properly adopted reexamination report, the burden shifts to the village, said Brancheau.

Chairman Charles Nalbantian asked if the board could simply note, as part of the reexamination report, where the areas in the master plan are that warrant in-depth work.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/board-accelerates-reexam-process-1.1430654