October 11,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Anyone else would be issued property maintenance and motor vehicle summonses for driving multiple vehicles up a curb, over a public pedestrian walkway, and parking in front of a commercial establishment.
But, of course, no summonses ever issued here.
I wonder why?
File photo by Boyd Loving
Key verbatim assumptions/findings taken from the Village Council commissioned parking study prepared by Walker Associates:
Easing crowding does not, in and of itself, create a new revenue stream; it transfers revenue
from other metered spaces in the Village. The garage will likely encourage people to come
downtown who have been avoiding it due to parking constraints, but this is not a quantifiable
revenue stream and is not included in our analysis. More conservatively, we project the
following net new revenue streams for the garage:
• The 72-space Brogan Cadillac lot on South Broad Street at Essex Street and at the 92-
space Ken Smith Motors lot just east of the train tracks and north of Franklin Avenue are
going to be demolished for development. Both of these dealerships have closed and
lease out their parking. The Ken Smith Lot is permit parking for downtown employees.
The Brogan Lot accommodates commuters during the day and is leased out for
restaurant valet parking at night. We anticipate these demand streams would transfer
to the garage.
• We understand from Village staff that there are other restaurants downtown that use
valet services in private lots that would use the garage instead (probably doing away
with valet service since self-park options would be easier).
• The Village used to have 120 non-resident commuter permits, but doubled non-resident
permit rates because there was not enough space for these commuters. Currently
there are very few non-resident commuters parking in the train station area. The Village
plans to reduce the non-resident commuter rate to $875/year to increase that demand
stream again.
It is typical in downtowns that the revenue stream in a given garage is not sufficient to cover its
operating costs and debt service. Downtown parking systems are just that – systems – that rely
on pooled revenue from all resources, and especially the on-street meters (which tend to
have the highest turnover), to cover the higher cost associated with building and operating a
garage. This is the case in Ridgewood, where the net new revenue projected for the garage
is not projected to offset its expenses.
Therefore, our revenue projection includes all downtown revenue and all expenses associated with the parking system.
To operate the garage and have a revenue-positive parking utility (with funds available for other parking lot
maintenance projects), we project that the Village will increase meter rates as follows:
• In 2016, meters will be extended until 9 p.m. and meter rates on key downtown streets
will increase to 75¢.
• In 2017, 75¢ meters will be increased to $1 and the rest of the on-street and off-street
meters will increase to 75¢.
• If needed, rates would increase by 25¢ after five years.
• Commuter permit rates would increase by $25 in 2021 and 2025.
I hate them all so much. Throughout the state of NJ and country (taxes, tolls) and now the town, everything goes on the back of the average person.
Now they want money from people eating breakfast and dinner at all the restaurants–lunch wasn’t enough. I suspect that the restaurant owners will not be pleased.
Thursday evenings when many stores were open and the meters were “off” used to be a convenient time to shop. That’s gone.
Can I “afford” a dollar? I can afford a dollar. Am I willing to pay it? No. I also happen to detest valet parking for a long list of reasons–including that they change your radio settings and I simply don’t want strangers in my car or to tip someone for a service that I don’t need in the first place (parking in my own town).
For me and surely many others, the downtown will become even more of a place to avoid than it is now. And we’ll be stuck paying for the garage that’s being built only to absorb lost parking spaces when the apartments go up.
If we were paying more for parking to maintain Schedler as a nice park, or rebuild the dam at King’s Pond, or some other project I could support, I might feel differently. Who wants that stupid, ugly garage, anyway? Last week I advised Sook to move as soon as her lease was up (soon).
I may do the same.
October 9,2015
Boyd A. Loving
Ridgewod Nj, This pretty much sums up the issue. Taken verbatim from a report commissioned by the Village Council:
“Given that the new demand stream is not anticipated to cover debt service for the garage, the parking system will need to increase revenue on existing spaces if it is to be self-supporting.
There will be a natural uptick in revenue as Parkmobile becomes more utilized. Apps of this sort increase compliance and also disallow “piggybacking” onto a previous parker’s leftover meter time. We have increased revenue in 2015 and 2016 to account for Parkmobile’s impact. While a 15 percent increase is common, we are projecting a five percent increase.
Extending meter hours and enforcement until 9 pm is the first recommended step. Since daytime retail and restaurant customers pay to park, it is fair to ask evening restaurant customers to pay as well. In addition, metering the streets in the evening can provide parking management solutions to crowding in the future, should the Village wish to reduce employee parking along streets that should be available to customers.
Evening rates alone will not cover the projected debt service; it will be necessary to increase rates as well. In order to achieve a debt service coverage ratio of 1.5, our projections assume the following:
• Evening rates will go into effect in 2016.
• On-street meter rates will be increased to 75¢ along key streets (blocks 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11) in 2016.
• Core area rates will be increased to $1 in 2017, with the rest of the on-street parking and all off-street parking going to 75¢. This is projected to be the opening year for the garage.
• After five years (in 2022), $1 parking should increase to $1.25 and 75¢ parking should increase to $1 if necessary.
• We assume some reduction in parking demand with each increase as people look for free alternatives (farther away on street, or in private lots) or choose to go elsewhere. We use an assumption of 10%.
• We have not projected a shift in demand away from Ridgewood Avenue and other core streets to the cheaper garage or other off-street lots, as we assume the 25¢ differential will not significantly alter people’s preference for convenient spaces.
We further assume that the demand reductions discussed above will cover the limited shift from more expensive to less expensive resources.
I said there is no net gain, because there is no net gain. In the case of Brogan, those spaces are being lost because the Council majority approved the introduction of ordinances which allow for development of the property. That same majority is touting a net gain in total number of parking spaces due to this garage plan; they’ve conveniently forgotten about the lost spaces at Brogan caused by their approval of development there. And you seem to have conveniently forgotten about the loss of street spots on Hudson Street. If the garage is full of those who now park at Brogan and Ken Smith, and who could perhaps park there for years if it were not for the Council majority’s rush for massive development, where’s the net gain for use by shoppers and restaurant patrons? I oppose this plan because it is asinine, expensive, and nothing more than a shoot from the hip attempt buying the good will of and future campaign contributions from major property owners in the Village.
file photo by Boyd Loving
It is quite ironic that the restaurant owners who lobbied so long and hard for this garage (Saraceno, Sullivan, & Vagianos) screwed themselves and their patrons in the process by demanding a structure so large (i.e., expensive) be built that the only way to pay for it is by extending metered parking times until well into the evening.
I can’t wait until they come running back to the Council a few years from now asking that the metered parking be pushed back until 6 PM because their businesses are suffering.
Lesson to be learned John, Ed, and Paul – You can’t have your cake and eat it too!
Ridgewood Elks Lodge, local and reasonable rates
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Elks Lodge, located at 111 N. Maple Ave., has completed a massive renovation of their bar area.
New bar, carpeting, and raised ceiling for a comfortable feel.
The Elks is only 1 or 2 lodges in the state of New Jersey that is open to the public.
Stop in for the best pricing on drinks and burgers in town. Open Monday to Friday, 5 pm. to Midnight.
Look for the OPEN light in the window.
Thinking of a rental for a party?
Our massive hall is ideal for any function. And, we’re one of the few halls that has a real bar and real liquor license.
Need more information, stop by or call 201-652-1100
Did anyone know, our Village Hall was the original Elks Lodge?
photos by Boyd Loving
2015 Walker Feasibility Study for Garage
Click Here to read the complete Walker Parking Garage Feasibility Study that was presented in the October 7, 2015 Village Council Public Work Session.
Special Public Hearing – October 14, 2015
The Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood shall conduct a Public Hearing in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room on the fourth floor of the Ridgewood Village Hall, 131 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ at its October 14, 2015 Regular Public Meeting, which meeting begins at 8:00 p.m.
The purpose of this Public Hearing is for the Village Council to receive comments and suggestions from the public for the Village of Ridgewood’s 2015 Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Municipal Park Improvement and Development Grant application. The Village has applied for this grant for Phase 1 work on the Schedler Park property, located at 460 West Saddle River Road, Ridgewood, NJ. Phase 1 would encompass basic infrastructure improvements to include: installation of underground utilities (water, electric, sewer); demolition of two-car garage, small shed; capping of inoperable well; selective removal of down, dead, diseased trees; site clean-up; and cut in proposed parking lot driveway entrance.
Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
“File photo by Boyd Loving”
October 8,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Did you watch the UStream from the Village Council meeting last night about the parking garage?
The plan is one of the most bizarre I’ve ever heard of.
Here’s why:
1) No net gain of spaces due to loss of at least 1, if not more private lots because of high density housing (Brogan), and the loss of 17 on street spaces on Hudson Street (Mt. Carmel church goers get screwed, as we expected they would).
2) Garage must be full, yes full, in order for it to pay for itself. They will fill with commuters during day, including out of towners. They will also push all valeted cars into lot at night. Expect them to change zoning to prohibit valeted cars from being parked on private property. Also expect them to push all employee parking (now at Ken Smith) into lot. In short, there will be no room in lot for shoppers/restaurant users during the day.
3) On street metered parking will soon begin at 9AM and end at 9PM. “Premium” on street spots will now cost $1.00 per hour and escalate each year. Rates in surface lots will also increase at the rate of 25 cents per year beginning at 75 cents per hour. Expect parking charges to be incurred on Sundays if money is tight.
4) No mention whatsoever of how much it will cost to park in the garage, but there was talk about making it a 24/7 pay to park facility.
5) Enforcement will escalate to bring in more revenue. More parking enforcement agents?
6) No answer provided to the question of whether parking utility revenues now allocated to fund Village operations will need to be funneled to pay for the garage, leaving tax payers the burden of replacing the funds – increased property taxes maybe?
7) After hearing all of this, Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck had nothing to say other than “I’m all about aesthetics,” at which point she then proceeded to lambaste the garage design firm about the exterior appearance of the facility. Can you believe that one?
In short, this entire parking garage will be the biggest boondoggle Village taxpayers will experience in decades, if not the last century.
VOTE “NO” ON NOVEMBER 3 IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMON SENSE.
file photo by Boyd Loving
October 1,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, An individual candidate’s report from the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission’s website reveals that during his 2008 campaign for Village Council, Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn accepted an “In Kind” contribution of $383.92 from local real estate developer John Saracino. The “In Kind” contribution was made in the form of a candidate’s reception.
An ordinance that would essentially approve Mr. Saraceno’s high density multi-family housing project, “The Enclave,” is currently being considered by Mayor Aronsohn and the Village Council.
Does the acceptance of the noted campaign contribution indicate a conflict of interest exists on Mayor Aronsohn’s part?
https://www.elec.state.nj.us/ELECReport/SearchCandidate.aspx
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are overwhelmed by the number of residents who have emailed council members, canvassed the community to help spread the word, and shared thoughtful opinions on social media. You are all awesome! Ridgewood is amazing — and worth every effort!
THIS IS IT.
TODAY….THE COUNCIL WILL VOTE TO CHANGE OUR VILLAGE FOREVER.
THE FINAL VOTE WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY AT VILLAGE HALL.
The agenda says the meeting starts at 7:30 pm, but please arrive by 7 pm to get a seat.
RESIDENT ATTENDANCE AT THIS MEETING IS CRITICAL
PLEASE bring your friends, family members, neighbors. A room filled with concerned citizens is our only chance to urge Council members to reconsider enacting these ordinances in their present form.
Details about the Meeting
Please come early and carpool, if possible. Park on both sides of Vets, at Graydon and on side streets, if needed.
The Mayor has stated that ALL residents will be heard (https://ridgewood.dailyvoice.com/…/ridgewood-mayor-a…/592174/).
If the meeting room on the fourth floor fills to capacity, overflow will be directed to the senior lounge on the first floor with a live stream of the meeting.
We encourage EVERYONE to sign his/her name, take a number and get into the cue to speak. Please approach the podium and say something as simple as “I oppose raising the density to 35 units per acre. Please vote NO.” The more people who voice opposition, the better. Short and sweet is good! It’s going to be a long evening.
This is YOUR village and you do have a voice. This will be your last chance to speak up!!
Thank you for your continued support! We hope to see you tomorrow!
Citizens For A Better Ridgewood
3 DAYS LEFT…..Email council to VOTE NO!Paul Aronsohn – paronsohn@ridgewoodnj.netAlbert Pucciarelli – apucciarelli@…
Posted by Citizens For A Better Ridgewood on Sunday, September 27, 2015
VILLAGE COUNCIL
SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
7:30 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act
MAYOR: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided
by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall,
by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call
4. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
a. #3489 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish AH-2 Zone District
b. #3490 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish B-3-R Zone District
c. #3491 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C-R Zone
d. #3492 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Establish C Zone District
e. #3493 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Amend Various Sections – Multiple Zone Districts and General Affordable Housing Regulations
f. #3500 – Lease of 1057 Hillcrest Road for Recreational/Educational Purposes
5. RESOLUTIONS
15-305 Award Contract – Lease of 1057 Hillcrest Road
15-306 Accept Donation from Ridgewood Baseball/Softball Association (RBSA)
3 DAYS LEFT…..Email council to VOTE NO!Paul Aronsohn – paronsohn@ridgewoodnj.netAlbert Pucciarelli – apucciarelli@…
Posted by Citizens For A Better Ridgewood on Sunday, September 27, 2015
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015, 1:30 PM
BY BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The eighth Central Business District forum was held on Wednesday night with an emphasis on parking and concepts for a potential garage to be built at the Hudson Street lot.
The Village Council recently selected Desman Design Management to design a multi-level parking deck and present architectural renderings for a public review by residents and the governing body.
Desman will be working with S&L Architectural studio, which Desman Executive Vice President Tim Tracy said would help develop the “bones” of the garage, along with the aesthetics. Desman will also be working with Maser Consulting to assist with the site engineering and traffic studies. Tracy said Maser has previously been engaged with the village and is familiar with traffic flow and patterns.
Ideally, Tracy said, the new garage would bring a net increase of at least 300 spaces, giving the deck approximately 350-400 spaces in its final configuration.
The width of the Hudson Street lot is not ideal for a parking garage lot, but Desman is looking at other opportunities to “borrow” from existing infrastructure, such as building a cantilever over the sidewalk, to expand the footprint of the site. Although such a proposal could mean losing the on-street parking available on Hudson Street, it could potentially bump the total number of parking spots available even higher.
“We have a site that is somewhat geometrically challenged,” said Tracy. “We have properties adjoining three sides of this property and we need to respect those properties. Some of those properties rely on this current parking lot for access and egress and service vehicles. All of that will be considered.”
September 26,2015
Parkmobile’s website says – “Parkmobile is the payment solution and does not own or manage the area in which you park. As such, we do not determine whether or not parking is free [Note: meaning whether parking at the time you are accessing the Parkmobile app, or initiating a “pay by phone” request, is actually free; e.g., before/after metered hours, Sunday, legal holiday]. In some cases, your local parking authority instructs us to code our system for free parking. Please note that transaction fees charged by Parkmobile are assessed any time you activate or extend a parking session. If you are creating a session and see that the charge only includes your transaction fee, parking may be free.”
This statement begs the Staff of The Ridgewood Blog to ask the following: Has the Village of Ridgewood instructed Parkmobile to “code” their system with the times, days, and dates on which parking in each specific Ridgewood zone is free. For example, if a user accesses the Parkmobile app in any Ridgewood zone on a Sunday, is the Parkmobile transaction charge the only charge that shows up, or is an hourly parking rate posted as well? What about parking at meters after 6:00 PM? And how will the free shopper parking during “Downtown for the Holidays” be handled?
We would appreciate feedback from any Parkmobile users regarding this issue.
Thanks.
September 26th 2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Exxon station on Godwin Ave. is closing.
Station sold to Citizen Bank. Interesting, the station was closed last year to replace the gas tanks. Just what we need, another bank. But this one will have 3 drive-thru teller windows.
Sign at the gas station says effective October 1st., the parking lot is to be closed.
So, that affects 45 parking spots commuters use for the train.
If the Ken Smith dealership becomes housing, that eliminated 80 to 100 spots for Ridgewood workers w/ special passes.
Hudson Street becomes a parking deck. During the 3 years constructions, that eliminated 120 spots temporarily. Toss in Brogan Cadillac parking spots, if that becomes housing, we have have a total of non-usable parking of approx. 300 spots.
Here’s what we need to do.
All neighborhoods around the train station and even the Ridgewood Park & Ride, do not allow commuter parking on the streets except a few areas.Home owners complain they don’t want cars parked in front of their houses all day.
Time to stop complaining.
I live across from one of the town schools and the teachers park on each side of the street. Should we ban that because they’re on my street?
So, don’t you think by opening up streets for commuter parking, can make parking for those wanting to shop in town better?
Here’s what I’m proposing.
Those current spots near mass transit, are moved a block or 2 further away. ( Where they are not currently allowed)Then the current commuter spots become shoppers spots.
Think about it. Hmmmmmm
