Tag: Planning Board

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Valet parking , Trolley cars and other solutions in search of a problem

mister-rogers-trolley

Valet parking , Trolley cars and other solutions in search of a problem.

written by readers, edited by staff  and smiled upon by the gods 

Welcome to Mister Rogers neighborhood? i liked that trolley…especially the part about how it transported us to the land of make believe .

Readers mentioned a Trolly car system , Valet Parking , a parking garage and even the use of County Police  new Light Armored Vehicles as commuter buses .

All the time keeping in mind “The public good”  is not feeling as if you’re in a big city when you go downtown. Not seeing guys in polo shirts with logos on them running back from parking (and probably getting hit by cars on Franklin Ave.). Not having those guys, who will probably not be from here and unfamiliar with the territory, driving like maniacs up and down that street. Not having to TIP someone after having a pizza or burger. Personally, I will stay away more than be lured by this.

But Please folks. May I have your attention please?Attention please! I can deal with this trouble, friends, with a wave of my hand, this very hand! Please observe me if you will. I’m Professor Harold Hill, and I’m here to organize the Ridgewood Trolley Plan!

I like the trolley idea., hummm we do to ,It would be an attraction and help with the parking situation….ugh yes that right a solution in search of a problem .

 

Ridgewood’s Central Business District – Open Discussion July 23, 2014

July 23, 2014 – 7:30 p.m. – Court Room of Village Hall – Join Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli for an open discussion about Ridgewood’s Central Business District. Please be prepared to offer your comments, suggestions, concerns, and ideas for improvement for the Central Business District at this meeting. All are welcome to attend.

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Reader asks after 15 years of summer water restrictions do the “buffoons” at Ridgewood Water really think there will be no impact from all the multi family housing proposals ?

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Reader asks after 15 years of summer water restrictions do the “buffoons” at Ridgewood Water really think there will be no impact from all the multi family housing proposals ?

Reader says , How could the stupid buffoon possibly say there will not be a water impact. What planet is he living on???

We have had lots of rain each week and yet we are in a water shortage right now. How does the prospect of 500 to 1,000 new toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers and other water using things not increase the use of water?

Did anyone suggest he should quit his job and go be a politician as long as he is going to be so blatantly damn stupid???

Ridgewood NJ , While seasonal water restrictions remain in effect :

Seasonal Water Restrictions – Stage 1 Restrictions Now in Effect

During the summer months, water use increases dramatically due to lawn and garden irrigation. Ridgewood Water strives to provide the maximum allowable amount of water. The supply is sometimes exceeded by the demand during hot and dry weather The excess demand lowers the reserves in storage tanks, jeopardizing the ability to fight fires..

June 1st – Stage 1 Water restrictions began and will continue to the end August.

Ridgewood Water claims they, “would not be impacted by the proposal to amend the village’s master plan to allow high-density housing, but the village’s need for open space would be exacerbated, experts told the Planning Board at a meeting July 15.” https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-experts-weigh-in-on-housing-proposals-1.1053299

Reader asks…  The question should be why does the expert think that using the predicted 20,000 gallons of water a day will not have an adverse effect on the water table? That is 7.3 million gallons a year based on their numbers. I do not understand how we have that much extra water since we have to use water restrictions every summer.

Readers were not buying the claims one bit , The water restrictions put in place are not based upon available water but, rather, Ridgewood Waters ability to pump it in an emergency situation. There IS enough water in the aquifer, but we do not have the infrastructure to provide it in times of high demand and the restrictions guarantee (hopefully) that there will be water avaialable in an emergency. Hence, restrictions which allow only half of the households in the Village to water on any given day. Mondays are used to rechagre Ridgewood Waters tanks.

That being noted, if we need water restrictions now to ensure public safety, how will adding all of these housing units effect the Village. I realize that they will not come with lawns but they will be using water (20,000 gallons/day).

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Ridgewood housing splits planners

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Ridgewood housing splits planners

JULY 17, 2014    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD


RIDGEWOOD — A member of the Planning Board spoke out this week against a proposed master plan amendment that would permit multifamily, high-density housing complexes downtown — calling for a moratorium on development in the village.

But she received mixed reviews from other board members, who were divided about the process or feared the village would face litigation.

“I don’t believe what is happening here is really in the best interest of the village as a whole,” said Michele Peters, after nearly three hours of testimony Tuesday night on three proposed developments.

Those developments — the Enclave, a 52-unit project on East Ridgewood Avenue; The Dayton, a 106-unit apartment building for South Broad Street; and the 52-unit Chestnut Village on Chestnut Street — are currently prohibited under the village code. And the amendment has been under consideration for nearly two years.

Peters urged the others members to “take time to stop, so we can talk about this.”

She added that she thinks the board is “dealing with a fire as it comes to us” and questioned the entire process that members are embroiled in.

Peters was also critical of the ordinance that enabled the developers’ requests for a master plan amendment, saying the village was “putting the cart before the horse.”

Urging more of an exchange with the public throughout the hearing process, Peters said, “These are major issues having to do with the way our community is planned and it should be freely discussed.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-housing-splits-planners-1.1052852#sthash.OgZCTwzw.dpuf

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Ridgewood experts weigh in on housing proposals

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Ridgewood experts weigh in on housing proposals

JULY 17, 2014    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014, 3:11 PM
BY JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITER

Ridgewood Water would not be impacted by the proposal to amend the village’s master plan to allow high-density housing, but the village’s need for open space would be exacerbated, experts told the Planning Board at a meeting July 15.

Three developers are petitioning the Planning Board to amend the master plan to allow multifamily housing in zones where the use is not currently permitted. A master plan amendment would be the first step in larger processes for the developers, who would then need to seek further approval for their sites.

David Scheibner, Ridgewood Water’s business director, said the developments, proposed for the Central Business District (CBD) would not strain the village’s water supply.

His conclusion assumed that the apartments would have “conversation-oriented appliances” and that the individual residents would not use a significant amount of water for lawns or other irrigation. A single meter would be installed for each of the developments, which Ridgewood Water would maintain.

As for impact, The Enclave (52 units, 106 residents, plus the possibility of commercial use) would collectively consume 5,300 gallons per day; Chestnut Village (52 units, 91 residents) would collectively consume 4,500 gallons per day; and The Dayton (106 units, 208 residents) would collectively consume 10,400 gallons per day.

Fire suppression flows would not be an issue for Chestnut Village, Scheibner said, but there would need to be a flow test conducted by Ridgewood Water for both The Dayton and Enclave due to the size of the existing water mains and limited reinforcing supply from the west due to the railroad tracks.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-experts-weigh-in-on-housing-proposals-1.1053299#sthash.O0UD2lya.dpuf

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Reader asks Will there be quid pro quo? between developers and council members ?

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file photo Boyd Loving

Reader asks Will there be quid pro quo? between developers and council members ?

It will be interesting to see how the Mayor, his Deputy and Mrs. Hauck respond to the 2 current plans before the Village. Both require Master Plan amendments and both developers have courted our Council majority heavily.

The Council majority have been caught meeting secretly with these developers and have been caught accepting inappropriate gifts from at least one of them. Will there be quid pro quo? Stay tuned – if any of these 3 come out in favor of either of the 2 projects before the Village it would be appropriate to involve the prosecutors.

Why are those of us that favor an upgrade to the CBD but are against projects that require a Master Plan amendment labeled by our Mayor and his Council majority as naysayers? Why does our Deputy Mayor shout down his detractors in public meetings then demand a level of decorum?

Stay tuned.

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Ridgewood housing splits planners

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Ridgewood housing splits planners

JULY 17, 2014    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — A member of the Planning Board spoke out this week against a proposed master plan amendment that would permit multifamily, high-density housing complexes downtown — calling for a moratorium on development in the village.

But she received mixed reviews from other board members, who were divided about the process or feared the village would face litigation.

“I don’t believe what is happening here is really in the best interest of the village as a whole,” said Michele Peters, after nearly three hours of testimony Tuesday night on three proposed developments.

Those developments — the Enclave, a 52-unit project on East Ridgewood Avenue; The Dayton, a 106-unit apartment building for South Broad Street; and the 52-unit Chestnut Village on Chestnut Street — are currently prohibited under the village code. And the amendment has been under consideration for nearly two years.

Peters urged the others members to “take time to stop, so we can talk about this.”

She added that she thinks the board is “dealing with a fire as it comes to us” and questioned the entire process that members are embroiled in.

Peters was also critical of the ordinance that enabled the developers’ requests for a master plan amendment, saying the village was “putting the cart before the horse.”

Urging more of an exchange with the public throughout the hearing process, Peters said, “These are major issues having to do with the way our community is planned and it should be freely discussed.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-housing-splits-planners-1.1052852#sthash.eHwUcaSM.dpuf

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So what is ordinance 3066?

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So what is ordinance 3066?

It was introduced by the Village Council under Mayor Pfund in 2007 (https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/minutes/07RPMJUN13.pdf ). Chapter § 190-143 of the amended Village Code is the kicker; it established procedures for interested persions (i.e. developers) to request amendments to the Village Master Plan or development regulations. Council members Mancuso, Ringler Shagin, Wiest, and Pfund all voted in favor of the ordinance. Chapter § 190-143 is here https://ecode360.com/6694062 and many residents argue that this should be repealed to ensure that we don’t see overdevelopment at Valley and in the CBD in terms of densities and building scale. It’s felt this will better protect our property values.

the text can be see at https://stopvalley.com/Minutes/2007-08-07%20Ordinance%203066.pdf if you cut and paste that into your browser you can see it all.

It is long, setting out the fees involved and procedures – the key part is

§ 190-143. Application to Village Council or Planning Board.
Any interested party may request that an amendment or amendments be made to the Village Master Plan or development regulations. The request(s) shall be made to the Village Council and/or the Village Planning Board

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Reader says Repeal ordinance 3066. Let redevelopment happen, within the current Master Plan

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Reader says Repeal ordinance 3066. Let redevelopment happen, within the current Master Plan

Repeal ordinance 3066. Let redevelopment happen, within the current Master Plan. The current CBD – as it stands – is a shadow of it’s vibrant, former self. Blog posters here are deluding themselves – or just don’t spend any time or money in the CBD – if they think values are enhanced by empty store fronts, gold pawn shops, decrepit old auto dealers and the old Town Garage, not to mention the horror of North Maple in to Ho-Ho-Kus. There is a lack of parking, parking meters need to be modernized to allow for credit card payment, flow is bad, and many retailers just don’t want to come here because our building department is legendary for sitting on permit approvals that kill the economics of their business.

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Dear Mr. Deputy Mayor:What then is your vision for the CBD?

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Dear Mr. Deputy Mayor:What then is your vision for the CBD?

While you raise some good points I think it’s time for you and the Council to get specific. I understand that you are under pressure from two or more corporations that have a special interest in getting their projects approved. Each of these projects is now well documented and each one requests a Master Plan amendment, or in other words, is much too large to be approved with simple variances. What is your stance on each of these projects? Do you believe that as they are proposed they are good for our Village?

It is also public knowledge that you have met with these interests with your two running mates but without the rest of the Council and without providing notice to the public. You were even the guest of one company at a fundraiser for Governor Christie. Do you care now to share what was said at those meetings? Is what was discussed at those meetings part of your current plan?

I agree that it is time for the Village to take control of the agenda to improve the CBD. I am anxious to hear your vision and to know where you stand on the current projects before the Village.

(Editor’s note: A forum on the CBD will be held from 7:30-9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23 in the Village Hall courtroom. A follow-up session will be announced at the July 23 forum).

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-improving-our-central-business-district-1.1049965#sthash.IbU6Mp7c.dpuf

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New housing plans smart, responsible

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New housing plans smart, responsible
Mark Bombace

to the Editor:

Ridgewood is my past, present and future. Born and raised in the village, I went through its public schools, served as a firefighter and brought up my own family here.

I’ve seen Ridgewood improve and adapt with the times over the past 50 years, and the village has the opportunity to do so once again, by bringing much needed high-end multifamily residences to downtown.

While Ridgewood has just about everything, what it lacks is the right housing mix to remain a healthy and vibrant place to live and do business. Ridgewood currently has only two housing options – single family, and 50- to 100-year-old apartments.

What is needed is new modern apartment options – the type of options sought out by today’s millennials, young professionals and empty nesters. As an empty nester myself, I like the option of living in downtown, and new apartments with modern amenities like a doorman and elevator would make that more likely.

New multifamily residences will allow seniors to downsize and stay in town, close to the Central Business District (CBD). They will attract singles and couples with no or few, very young children, who seek access to an easy commute into the city.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-new-housing-plans-smart-responsible-1.1046346#sthash.vlgLpLLS.dpuf

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Reader says Valley should contribute PILOT ,with CLEAR understanding there is no relationship between a PILOT and Valley’s renewal.

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Reader says Valley should contribute PILOT ,with CLEAR understanding there is no relationship between a PILOT and Valley’s renewal.

They have nonprofit status in the tax code and pay no property taxes on their Linwood campus. Despite that, they spend millions on advertising billboards, glossy ads in high-end magazines, etc. Their CEO makes almost $3 million a year. And yet they don’t make any volunteer payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the Village of Ridgewood where they are based. They had over $102 million in surplus in 2012, but didn’t volunteer a PILOT to the Village to help cover the cost of snow removal, and repaving & maintenance of the roads around their buildings, or for police & fire services, etc, which apparently are quite extensive, i.e. every time a fire alarm gets pulled in the hospital, the RWFD has to reset it. They also have to understand that there is NO quid pro quo for a PILOT payment and their expansionary dreams. I’m not sure they understand that clearly, but they should understand it, and volunteer 10% of their annual surplus to Ridgewood, with no expectation of anything but a thanks for the service they receive from the municipality. The Village Manager and Council should propose this to the Valley with the CLEAR understanding there is no relationship between a PILOT and Valley’s renewal.

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Reader looks to re-define Valleys’ Non Profit Status

Bike_Valley_theridgewoodblog.net_7
Reader looks to re-define Valleys’ Non Profit Status 

As I have mentioned before, perhaps its time to legislate the definition of a ‘non-profit’ with respect to their avoidance of municipal property taxes in NJ (no matter what the IRS recognizes)
1. If the CEO compensation is higher than XXX per year.
2. If the ‘profit’ is xxx per year.
3. If the physicians using the facility earn more than xxx per year.
4. And most importantly… if there is a deficiency in the amount covered by insurance, will the ‘non profit’ NOT require the patient to make up the difference…the TRUE definition of a non-profit. (rather than make the patient responsible…or worse…send the bill to a collection agency)

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“In the future, their business approach must take into consideration what is best for Ridgewood as well as their bottom line”

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“In the future, their business approach must take into consideration what is best for Ridgewood as well as their bottom line”

JUNE 27, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014, 12:31 AM
Print

The future for village, Valley
Linda McNamara

To the Editor:

A big thank you for your Valley coverage these many months. Also kudos to the Planning Board for the countless hours dedicated to making an informed decision and to our mayor for his thoughtful questions and time devoted to the process.

To those who feel the decision was “not in my back yard” (NIMBY) based and the opposition was largely made up of citizens with a narrow perspective, I would like to state a different point of view. Valley Hospital chose a residential area to build their facility. Had they been looking forward, they might have imagined a desire for large scale growth. The site chosen was never conducive to a massive expansion and it took the time, energy and money of many residents spearheaded by the CRR to inform the rest of us on the devastating effects the proposed plan would have on the village.

The Master Plan was developed to protect us from unreasonable development. This decision does not stop Valley from modernizing and growth, it just can’t do it all on 15 acres in the middle of a residential community.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-the-future-for-ridgewood-valley-hospital-1.1042476#sthash.XOUtLhh1.dpuf

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“In my opinion, Valley does not have an expansion problem. It has a management problem.”

“Bike_Valley_theridgewoodblog.net_7

In my opinion, Valley does not have an expansion problem. It has a management problem.”

JUNE 27, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014, 12:31 AM
Print

Valley needs a new mission statement
Richie Herink

To the Editor:

Hopefully the rejection by the Planning Board of Valley’s current expansion plan zoning change request brings to an end the war for patients between Valley and Hackensack not-for-profit hospitals.

As a non-profit hospital, Valley uses the language of business to rationalize the need for a zoning law revision. For example: Valley needs to stay competitive, or Valley needs to keep up or it will go under, and if you don’t progress in this business you will die.

Does anyone doubt that Hackensack would buy Valley in a minute, even with Valley’s zoning restrictions and if Valley were about to “go under”?

In my opinion, Valley does not have an expansion problem. It has a management problem.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-valley-needs-new-mission-statement-1.1042567#sthash.g5esQCbI.dpuf

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Nothing like a little sour grapes…

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Nothing like a little sour grapes…

Valley supporters continue to attack this blog and the the “mean spirited anonymous posters ” for their utter failure to aggrandize them selfs with an over sized monstrosity .

The Ridgewood Planning Board summed it up best ,“The impacts from this amendment are detrimental to the community,” end of story.

We are told the failure of this plan had nothing to do with the fact that it was ill advised, ill planned, and poorly executed . 

And that Valley and its supporters behaved  behaved like a bunch of spoiled 2 year old brats with their  ,gimme gimme gimme attitude .  

Valley in it unlimited arrogance even when as far as to demand the Village comply with their business plan. Apparently that included destroying the character of the Village.

Valley supporters even went as far as to purchase anonymous IP’s from hacker and spammer sites  so as to attack residents on this blog  I remind you of all the “thats what happens when you buy cheap houses near a hospital”  posts .

And while we would love to take al the credit , for blocking the ill suited expansion , groups like CRR  did most of the heavy lifting .

The fact that a $100 million dollar hospital could not get this done says far more about management and strategy than anonymous posts .

Unlike the sports people who love send derogatory emails to peoples employers or the schools system that picks on your kids if you speak out of line , the Ridgewood blog has not engaged in any of this “COWARDLY” behavior.
Posters can remain anonymous to protect them selves  from unscrupulous bullies , like the RBSA , BOE and Valley Hospital .
cry me a river>>>>>next time do your job!

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