parking - Page 41 of 46 - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.

Posted on February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 by James — 9 Comments

Ridgewood moving ahead with pay-by-phone parking option

Washington DC phone pay

Ridgewood moving ahead with pay-by-phone parking option

FEBRUARY 17, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015, 10:05 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The first wave of new parking ordinances designed to help downtown Ridgewood was introduced at the Village Council’s public meeting on Feb. 11.

An ordinance establishing regulations for paying parking meters through a wireless cellular provider, as well as the fees associated with using cell phone technology, is scheduled for adoption on March 11.

The council also passed a resolution authorizing an agreement with Parkmobile USA for a pay-by-phone parking system to be installed in various locations across the village.

One resident, Diane Palacios, said she is very cautious with her credit card and would not feel comfortable using it in conjunction with Parkmobile, especially at the Route 17 Park & Ride, which she said she occasionally uses.

Palacios suggested that kiosks, which can accept both cash and credit cards, be installed at the Park & Ride instead of going completely wireless to alleviate concerns with seniors who may not be comfortable with using their cell phone to pay for parking.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/ridgewood-council-moves-ahead-with-plans-1.1272742

Posted on February 17, 2015February 16, 2015 by James — 6 Comments

Downtown employees offer input on Ridgewood parking changes

Downtown employees offer input on Ridgewood parking changes

February 16, 2015 Last updated: Monday, February 16, 2015, 9:52 AM
By Mark Krulish
Staff Writer |
The Ridgewood News

With the Village Council currently considering changes to parking ordinances, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce held a forum on Monday, Feb. 9 for its members and fellow business owners to share their thoughts and concerns on the parking situation in the Central Business District (CBD).

Among the topics addressed by the 40-50 business owners, employees and residents in attendance were the three-hour limit on parking meters, the cost and inconvenience for part-time employees to park, and the need for parking garages to be built downtown.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld joined Chamber of Commerce President Paul Vagianos to answer questions from the audience.

Many owners in particular are struggling with three-hour parking limits being imposed on meters throughout the village, which they say has had a negative effect on both their customers and part-time employees.

“I think of Ridgewood as more of an experience,” said Jack Panico, president and CEO of Panico Hair Salon. “They’re coming here to get their hair done, they want to go eat and they want to go shop.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/downtown-workers-offer-input-on-parking-changes-1.1272353

Posted on February 8, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 3 Comments

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Parking Meeting – Feb. 9

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce 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, 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 7, 2015February 6, 2015 by James — 3 Comments

Ridgewood adjusts parking rates, plans to create spaces

Ridgewood adjusts parking rates, plans to create spaces

FEBRUARY 6, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — In its effort to improve parking downtown, the council has adjusted prices for some parking permits and expanded spaces in the village.

Part-time employees working at Ridgewood businesses will soon be able to purchase an annual permit for $25 allowing them access to the lot on Cottage Place. Motorists with these permits will still need to feed the meters or use a mobile app in the future to pay for time, though they can repeat park for up to six hours or buy an all-day pass for $7, officials said.

No change was made to the permits for full-time employees, which still cost $80 a month and permit all-day parking.

A vote is set for next week on a resolution to partner with Atlanta-based Parkmobile, the makers of a smartphone app that allows motorists to pay for parking with credit cards.

In addition, those with resident stickers, which can be obtained for free, can also buy same-day passes for $10 using Parkmobile. Non-residents interested in day passes will be charged $20.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-adjusts-rates-for-parking-1.1266048

Posted on February 6, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 9 Comments

Village Engineer’s Office Proposes 16 Additional Spaces in the CBD

Village Engineer’s Office Proposes 16 Additional Spaces in the CBD
February 6,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,According to a Village Engineer’s office flyer that was distributed to Village Council members at Wednesday night’s meeting.16 additional CBD parking spaces could be created with minimal disruption.

EASTBQUND FRANKLIN AVENUE; South curb between Walnut and Cottage Streets. REMOVE “No Parking”~ADD 7 SPACES. (Same concept as in front of B.O.E. where metered parking already exists).

EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE: South curb at traffic light with North Maple Avenue. Reduce bus stop to 60 feet (conform to NJ Transit standard for near-side stop). ADD 2 SPACES.

HUDSON STREET: Add a parking box and ONE parking space.

GODWIN AVENUE: South curb. East of Pomander Walk around strip mall. ADD 3 SPACES

EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE: ADD ONE space in front of It’s Greek to Me.

NORTH BROAD STREET; ADD 2 SPACES. Taxi company can park north of the building.

Some readers note : If I recall correctly, the spaces along Franklin Avenue across from the Stop & Shop were previously proposed and ruled out due to safety concerns associated with the number of active driveways along that side of the street.

With respect to the proposed spot in front of It’s Greek to Me, how will a passenger(s) be discharged with those flower boxes sitting there?

Is NJ Transit okay with reducing the length of the bus stop in front of Arthur Groom/Ridgewood Running Company?

Godwin Avenue & Hudson Street – Will the line of sight distance be dangerously reduced for drivers pulling out of the adjacent parking lots?

Has the taxi company been informed about the proposed reduction in their on street parking?

Posted on February 4, 2015February 4, 2015 by James — 6 Comments

Ridgewood parking there is an app for that

Ridgewood parking there is an app for that

FEBRUARY 3, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 10:52 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

With coin meters becoming obsolete, Ridgewood may soon implement “cutting-edge” technology that lets users pay with their phone to park.

The council last Wednesday discussed three parking proposals, but ultimately expressed support for piloting an option that would require no capital investment for the village except for minor signage costs: Parkmobile, a smartphone app that will let people pay by phone and remotely extend their parking time.

If a resolution to award a contract to Parkmobile is approved at the next council meeting, then some concurrent ordinances would also need to be passed, according to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld.

It would then take several weeks to get the pilot going, starting in the lots only, in the first phase of implementation.

“It’s at least a six week to eight week implementation time frame,” Sonenfeld said last Thursday, noting that the efforts are very “preliminary.” “If we can get it done faster, we will obviously.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/ridgewood-mulls-pay-by-phone-parking-app-1.1263551

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 3, 2015February 3, 2015 by James — 10 Comments

Ridgewood advances on parking meter plan

Ridgewood advances on parking meter plan

FEBRUARY 3, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The village council is moving closer to a plan to partially automate its parking meters — an effort that could reduce the potential for theft of meter revenue.

The village manager also is recommending that the council set aside $13,000 to update all its single-head parking meters with secure canisters, which would restrict access to the coins inside them.

The council is expected to vote on a resolution to contract with Atlanta-based Parkmobile — the makers of a smartphone app that allows people to pay with credit cards — when it meets Feb. 11.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us, and it’s something we could do relatively quick,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said, pointing out that the system could be “up and running” within six weeks.

“I, too, believe [this] is the way to go, as the meter system will become obsolete in the future,” Councilwoman Susan Knudsen said.

The village started examining how it collects and stores parking meter revenue following the arrest two years ago of its public works manager for stealing more than $450,000 in meter quarters from a storage room in Village Hall. Thomas Rica used a building master key he was given to regularly enter the room and stole quarters for two years.

Rica pleaded guilty in March to four counts of third-degree theft. He was sentenced in July to five years’ probation and ordered to repay about $250,000.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-advances-on-parking-meter-plan-1.1263409

Posted on January 23, 2015June 27, 2021 by James — 12 Comments

Reader says New Meter Rules Hurt Business in the Central Business District

Reader says New Meter Rules Hurt Business in the Central Business District

Reader says This council really has there heads up there asses.
Now all the town parking lots are empty.I guess that is what they wanted less revenue from the parking meters. Well they got it. No parking meters in Allendale!

Parking Changes in Ridgewood – January 1, 2015

Effective January 1, 2015 there will be Parking Changes in Ridgewood – including metered street and lot parking; Ridgewood Parking Permits and Central Business District Employee Parking.

Click Here

We are making a major effort to share this important information with all who park in Ridgewood on a regular basis. Please share these facts with your friends, neighbors and co-workers.

***Parking Guide and Program DETAILS can be found by clicking the PARKING button section at the top of the Ridgewood Homepage

Posted on January 15, 2015January 18, 2015 by James — 5 Comments

Builders testify before Ridgewood board

Builders testify before Ridgewood board

JANUARY 15, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — One developer proclaimed his firm’s apartment building would have “no amenities” for children. Another said some people will pay more for high-end luxury housing in the village. And a third allowed his proposal to speak for itself.

The three developers, who want to bring high-density multifamily housing complexes to Ridgewood, were given the opportunity to testify this week before the Planning Board, which is considering a master plan amendment that would allow such buildings.

Only one developer declined to address the board, saying he didn’t want to be redundant.

Scott Loventhal, the director of development for Garden Commercial Properties in Short Hills, said the development proposals would “fill a void” in Ridgewood’s housing market and help “make the downtown even more vibrant.”

For nearly five years now, the Planning Board has been considering the amendment to allow such projects in three distinct zones in the village. Four developers initially requested the amendment change; since then, one of the projects has been withdrawn.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/builders-testify-before-ridgewood-board-1.1194572

Posted on January 10, 2015August 14, 2021 by James — 5 Comments

Ridgewood should have preserved elements of old building

Ridgewood should have preserved elements of old building

JANUARY 9, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015, 9:54 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Building elements should have been preserved

To the editor:

I’m writing about your recent article “Ridgewood debate at Hudson Street lot was ‘past versus parking'” (The Ridgewood News, Dec. 26, page A1).

I’m a former Ridgewood resident who was too young in 1993 to be civically minded and involved in the parking garage debate.

In retrospect, my question for the town is why weren’t elements of the old fire house preserved? Even after the structure was torn down, parts of the original building could have been preserved, even if just a piece of a brick wall or the building’s cornerstone. Imagine how a dull, boring asphalt lot would look if cars passed through the building’s original arches to reach parking spaces.

I think there was a failure on the part of town leaders to think outside the box. If there is any follow-up article I would love to see similar questions asked.

Andrew Higdon

Roslindale, Mass.

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-should-have-preserved-elements-of-old-building-1.1189682

Posted on January 10, 2015January 10, 2015 by James — 8 Comments

Ridgewood’s parking changes neglect certain employees

file photo by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood’s parking changes neglect certain employees

JANUARY 9, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015, 9:55 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Parking changes neglect workers

To The Editor:

Once again, Ridgewood has missed the mark with the new parking changes.

An important element of downtown shopping has been neglected. Many of the employees of downtown businesses are part-time. The monthly, unlimited fee does not work for someone who may work only a couple of short shifts a week. This is not uncommon for many of the retail businesses in town.

How does an hourly worker park for six hours legally? They run out every three hours to move their car? The very same people that made use of the 12-hour lots on the periphery of downtown will be parking in premium spots since there is no incentive for them to park farther away. They still have to move their car and there is no savings afforded them by using the lots.

I see all sides of this having been a resident of Ridgewood for 30-plus years and a merchant for 26 years. Unless the intention of the village is to penalize and ticket the workers that staff our businesses, I’m going to call the changes another failure to meet the needs of downtown Ridgewood.

Valerie Groom

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-s-parking-changes-neglect-certain-employees-1.1189685

Posted on January 6, 2015January 5, 2015 by James — 4 Comments

Multifamily housing hearings dominate Ridgewood 2014 headlines

Multifamily housing hearings dominate Ridgewood 2014 headlines

January 5, 2015 Last updated: Monday, January 5, 2015, 9:45 AM
By Darius Amos
Staff Writer |
The Ridgewood News

In October 2011, developers publicly detailed an application to rezone a prominent Ridgewood property to allow for an extensive multifamily apartment complex. Originally presented as an individual proposal dubbed The Dayton, those plans today make up a portion of a larger request from multiple developers.

That request has been the source of controversy and debate throughout the past 12 months, pitting neighbor against neighbor, resident versus developer, and past against the future.

For those reasons, the ongoing public hearing on the master plan amendment to rezone parts of the Central Business District (CBD), thus permitting high-density multifamily housing, is The Ridgewood News’ 2014 story of the year.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/housing-hearings-dominate-ridgewood-headlines-in-2014-1.1186256

Posted on January 3, 2015January 2, 2015 by James — 11 Comments

Ridgewood will pay the price if zoning changes are approved

Ridgewood will pay the price if zoning changes are approved

January 2, 2015

Village stands to pay the price

To the Editor:

If the Ridgewood Planning Board grants the proposed zoning changes to allow for higher density buildings in the Central Business District, that would be a financial bonanza. But for whom?

If one answered the developers, he/she is correct. More allowed units per property increases scale and return on capital. With the approval, even before the developers dig an ounce of dirt, the land they own will be worth quite a bit more. The developers could even flip the plots for a profit.

In the world of commerce, one of few things could happen when there is financial windfall. The best case is the virtuous win-win. If what the developers build, on net, benefits the town in terms of life and finances, that would be win-win.

Another possibility, the darker alternative, is that the case becomes a zero-sum game. In such an instance, there will be a clear winner and the winnings are transferred from a losing counterparty.

By allowing for higher density buildings in downtown, Ridgewood risks increased traffic congestion and fewer available public parking per resident. Moreover, Ridgewood faces potential crowding at its schools, which impacts the quality of education and drains the town’s budget. As for benefits, there is none convincing as any increased tax revenues are unlikely to be enough to pay for additional infrastructure and resources necessary to accommodate the gap up in the number of residents.

If the Planning Board passes the zoning changes, there will be a clear winner: the developers. On the flip side, Ridgewood will be the loser as it will have to pay the price to enrich the few developers whose core objective is to exploit attractive rental cap rates at historically favorable funding. So why does the Planning Board think the proposed zoning change is a good idea? Why are select members of the board open to granting a financial bonanza to the developers at the town’s expense?

Steve Kim

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/mobile/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-will-pay-the-price-if-zoning-changes-are-approved-1.1184844

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