Reader says Valley’s management has no one to blame but themselves
Valley’s management has no one to blame but themselves and their Board should start reflecting on the blatant errors made by its management in forward planning .They knew the zone, they knew the burdens that further expansion would bring, they knew of past decisions rendered yet they still tried to cram an overexpansion down this town’s throat with little regard to the host community. They had a golden opportunity to appease , serve and corner two rich areas by buying Pascack Valley for a song.. Instead they tried to shut it down . Embarrassing arrogance and incompetence and some should be held accountable for their lack of foresight. Time for some fresh thinkers at that institution that understand the need to explore other options.
The Enclave at 257 East Ridgewood Avenue. Photo credit: 257 East Ridgewood Avenue LLC
Reader makes suggestions for the Enclave Development
The Enclave invites the community to an open exchange of information, pros and cons and all views, on Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. at the Ridgewood Library Arts Studio. I’ll certainly be there, and would like to suggest that we review these websites in advance for more background: downtownridgewood.com and citizensforabetterridgewood.com
The website for the developments is interesting. But a few suggestions:
The site should have more continuity. Each development should have its drawing on the first page. Then they should list the number and size of the units, the maintenance and the anticipated taxes.
They claim that they will be self sufficient for parking, but based on what? How many spots per unit?
There is no way that the addition of that many families will not impact congestion in the downtown.
They talk about “1.5 million net tax” but where did they pull that number from? The rumor v Reality section is not very good.
As I mentioned above, if I am going to downsize from a 4+ bedroom house I do not just want a smaller residence. i expect the carrying expenses to be downsized too. Otherwise I can buy a house in Saddle River.
Readers not very forgiving of BOE lack of Action in at lest voicing skepticism and Protecting Students of BF and Travell .
So sad that The Record (in an article posted to its website today) is trying to make it seem like Sheila Brogan (the Ridgewood Board of Education President) is happy about the Planning Board decision. She actively helped Valley Hospital by claiming that the massive 6-10 year construction proposed by Valley would have no impact on the education of Ridgewood students at the B.F. Middle School right next door to Valley. We won’t forget, Sheila.
Her testimony was disappointing and was not in line with the BOEs fiduciary duty to protect the students. Forget about the construction period, the final product of a 94 foot tall building and a building moved over next to BF on top of the current parking lot would impact the students forever. And the track and field participants.
Please explain how her saying “construction would have no impact on the education of kids at B.F and Travell” shows that she means well? If you’re saying she “meant” to help Valley, then I understand. But having BF and Travell kids go thru 6 years of construction doesn’t indicate that she means well. Remember this at election time ,br><br?>
Someone was listening besides the Planning Board :A place to downsize
JUNE 20, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014, 12:31 AM
A place to downsize Tess Giuliani to the editor:
Ridgewood reminds me of the village I grew up in, Garden City, N.Y., where my family still lives. Both are beautiful, historic towns.
I remember how the Garden City Hotel, a 1901 historic landmark designed by Stanford White, stood proudly in the middle of town. Sadly, this magnificent building came down in 1973. An ugly gaping hole remained on the site for 10 years, surrounded by a chain link fence. Finally, a new Garden City Hotel with Wyndham luxury condos was opened in 1983
Why did it take 10 years? Longtime residents tell me that 40 years ago, the idea of downtown condos in Garden City was unacceptable to many villagers. What changed? Over time the residents got tired of the eyesore, and their personal concerns also changed as they got older.
In 2001, I put my Ridgewood home on the market and found that the best housing for me was an apartment complex right here. I wanted to stay in town and stay involved. Though as it happened, I stayed in my house another 11 years, the apartment prospects had not changed. The best complex in 2001 was still the best in 2012 – so I moved in.
As a designer I’ve worked with hundreds of clients in Ridgewood, developing creative spaces from the smallest full bathroom to the most stately, grand house dubbed The New American Classic by DesignNJ. Today’s clients among the “young seniors” ask me to “create uncluttered, beautiful spaces that reflect our tastes and make our lives easy.”
They hope to downsize from a big house to a nice apartment in Ridgewood, with covered parking, elevators, central air, large windows, nice kitchens and baths and ample closets. But where are they? I found only one.
The Enclave invites the community to an open exchange of information, pros and cons and all views, on Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. at the Ridgewood Library Arts Studio. I’ll certainly be there, and would like to suggest that we review these websites in advance for more background: downtownridgewood.com and citizensforabetterridgewood.com – See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-a-place-to-downsize-1.1038600#sthash.PNUkkp9Q.dpuf
Pete and all of CRR have done an amazing job. It may be time for others to step up and take leadership roles at CRR. Pete and a few others are private citizens who have put COUNTLESS hours into this effort for the last 6 or 7 years. They’d probably like to get some time to relax. Meanwhile, Valley will probably launch another expansion idea, eventually.
Yes, Thanks you to CRR and all those folks who attended these meetings for years and spent their own money. While I have donated a small amount in the past, I agree it would be great for people to take this opportunity to donate again.
I hope they have a big celebration as they should be really proud of themselves!
The CRR is a most amazing example of grass roots community activism. These guys stared down Goliath and never blinked. Congratulations to Pete McKenna, Lisa Baney, Lorraine Reynolds, Marla Sherman and everyone else in that organization that never gave up hope. They should make a movie.
Everyone who has congratulated CRR should make sure they have chipped in to repay the money spent! We all owe a tremendous debt to the hardworking CRR; lets find out how much they are in the red, and help out!
Reader asks Why is it such a big deal to ask to volunteer an annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT)
The hospital gets lots of “free” services from the Village, including police & fire, road maintenance on streets around the Linwood property and satellite offices, snow removal on those streets, etc. Why is it such a big deal to ask to volunteer an annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to at least cover for those costs ? Every time a fire alarm gets pulled in Valley, the RW fire department has to reset it. That apparently happens a lot. Ridgewood police are called every time something gets stolen or a patient loses the plot, which also apparently happens a lot. There is no quid pro quo between a PILOT for these Village services and Valley’s expansion as #16 suggests. If Audrey, the Valley Board, and their supporters think there should be a quid pro quo between a PILOT and their expansionary vision, then they are completely out of touch with their community here in Ridgewood.
Readers debate Gail Price’s actions during the Valley hearings
Gail Price , her body language last night appeared to indicate discomfort (due to bias? – hard to say).
Would be curious to know what instructions she gave the planning board in the closed door session prior to the vote. Have heard rumors but cannot confirm.
Also, could be wrong but I heard her bid for the renewal of her Ridgewood job was extremely “reasonable” compared to the other applicants. Since when has an attorney been known to be reasonable? Why does she want to keep it so badly?
Just Google her name + Ridgewood and other posts come up that lay out more specifics.
I would urge the town to consider motivations before resigning her and make sure they are consistent with “doing the right thing”………..
………At some point in this process, the PB knew that this proposal was going to be denied. In any deliberative process, at that point you try to protect the record in the event of appeal by leaning over backwards to the losing side on procedural issues so that on appeal you limit the issues they can complain about.
The PB attorney was undoubtedly aware of this. I cannot say what was in anybody’s head or heart but by limiting the procedural grounds for appeal by VH, she was doing her job. Was that her sole motivation? I don’t know, but something to consider.
Valley Hospital’s next step is critical after expansion plan’s defeat
JUNE 19, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014, 12:57 AM BY BARBARA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER THE RECORD
The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood is at a critical juncture, stung by the rejection of its plan to double in size yet still in need of upgrades that will keep it current in a highly competitive health care market.
After an eight-year battle that has polarized the village, the hospital’s expansion plan was shot down by the Planning Board on Tuesday night. To make the defeat more bitter, all the other hospitals in the area have added a new building or completed major renovations in the years since Valley began asking for permission to build.
“This has been a painful blow, and it now has to face alternatives,” said Don Malafronte, president of Urban Health Institute, a private health care consulting company. “If it wants to continue to be a premier institution, it will be very difficult given the vote.”
Valley, according to others in the health care field, faces critical decisions in the coming months: Should the hospital — which has the state’s most desirable patient population and best bottom line, as well as a solid medical reputation — take the village to court? Should it relocate, possibly expanding operations at its satellite campus in Paramus? Can the hospital develop a new plan that will appease the residents who have fought the expansion for years?
Valley officials refused requests for an interview on Wednesday. At the many hearings on the expansion plan, their representatives often spoke about how the hospital’s survival depended on the expansion, which called for all private rooms and larger operating suites.
Ridgewood Planning Board “The impacts from this amendment are detrimental to the community,”
JUNE 17, 2014, 9:00 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014, 10:54 PM BY BARBARA WILLIAMS AND CHRIS HARRIS STAFF WRITERS THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — In a surprising and resounding defeat for The Valley Hospital, the Planning Board on Tuesday night voted against the hospital’s plan to nearly double in size.
The audience erupted in cheers after each vote against a master plan amendment that would have allowed the expansion. When the voting was done, the count was 5 to 2 against and residents who have opposed expansion for eight years were rejoicing in the auditorium of Benjamin Franklin Middle School, where the meeting was held.
“It’s a great decision for Ridgewood,” said Thomas McAndrews. “It would have strained our quality of life if it were allowed to go through.”
Most of the board members who rejected the plan used the same word — “detrimental” — in explaining the impact of the proposed expansion on the village.
“It’s Valley’s burden to show that change is warranted and I don’t believe Valley has met that burden,” said Mayor Paul Aronsohn, who is also on the Planning Board and cast a vote against the amendment. “I don’t think the proposal will serve the best interests of the community.”
Kevin Reilly, another board member who voted against the plan, agreed. “The impacts from this amendment are detrimental to the community,” he said.
Valley executives declined to comment after the vote, instead issuing a short statement: “While we are disappointed by the Planning Board’s vote, we remain committed to serving our patients with award-winning care and developing a long-term facilities solution to ensure we can meet that commitment.”
Reader says Planning Board thinks you don’t care about stopping Valley Hospital’s unreasonable expansion
Ridgewood residents, the Planning Board thinks you don’t care about stopping Valley Hospital’s unreasonable expansion because not enough of us show up to these meetings. Yes, on election day we sent a message by electing Village Council members who are opposed to Valley’ Hospital’s massive expansion plans, but it is not enough. Everyone in town should care about this issue, but most of all those of you who will have kids at B.F. over the next 6-10 years (do you want you kids walking past a massive construction site on their way to school everyday or having to spend the day trying to learn with destractions that a massive construction project will create?). And those of you who may not have kids going to B.F. but live near Valley Hospital you should care given that your home values will be negatively impacted by the expansion. And those of you will live anywhere in Ridgewood should care as a massive Valley Hospital in Ridgewood will alter the character of the entire town, and it is hurting your fellow Ridgewood residents who are your friends, neighbors, etc. Can you spare any time at all (even if you must leave early) to support us?
Please show up and support us, even if for only 1/2 hour. Thanks.
Ridgewood planners set to vote on Valley Hospital’s expansion
JUNE 16, 2014 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2014, 2:09 PM BY BARBARA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER THfE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — After 16 months of hearings, the Planning Board is set to vote Tuesday on The Valley Hospital’s proposal to nearly double in size, a project that has polarized the village and pitted the medical center against a vocal group of residents.
This round of hearings is the latest push in Valley’s eight-year effort to expand. The meetings have been heated, frequently tedious and sometimes downright ugly, with residents yelling and booing a combative attorney who represents the hospital.
“These meetings have all been one-sided — Valley’s side,” said Jody McCambridge. “I just hope they make a wise choice and keep the hospital the size it is now.”
Valley officials are seeking an amendment to the village master plan for the expansion. Their plan calls for the hospital to grow from 562,000 square feet to 995,000 square feet, with one building that will rise 94 feet high. The expansion will include a 245,000-square-foot parking garage.
Hospital executives declined to comment. Supporters of the project said the hospital needs to expand and renovate to keep current in a highly competitive market.
“You have to decide whether Ridgewood wants access to a first-class medical center,” Gene Cornell, president of Ridgewood Residents for Valley, told the Planning Board this month. “The need for renovation is clear.”
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/health-news/board-set-to-vote-on-valley-plan-1.1035834#sthash.m2tBpKDu.dpuf
Planning Board – Meeting Schedule June 16 & 17 – Valley Hospital Application
PLANNING BOARD
AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
Special Public Meetings: June 16 & June 17, 2014
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled special public meetings for:
Monday, June 16, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, at which time the Board will receive instructions regarding the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment to the Master Plan.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 335 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, at which time there will be Board deliberation and vote only concerning the proposed H-Hospital Zone amendment to the Master Plan. Doors will be open at 6:30 p.m.; all ingress into the auditorium will be limited to the doors located at the rear of the auditorium.
The Board may take official action during these Work and Public Meetings.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Don’t let Valley bully Ridgewood Cathy Benson Ridgewood, June 11
At this week’s Ridgewood Planning Board meeting, representatives of The Valley Hospital made clear that the village of Ridgewood is its opponent. The gloves are off. Valley’s attorney, Jon Drill, attempted to deliver blow after blow.The opening salvo was Drill’s attempt at intimidation by reminding the Planning Board of its loss in court to Valley back in 1985. This was followed up by his threat that Ridgewood would lose $1.7 million in property taxes from properties owned by Valley due to conversion to non-profit status and that the hospital would withhold money for improvements at the intersection of Van Dien and Linwood avenues despite the fact that Valley is a major contributor of traffic, if the amendment is not approved.
Next was his assertion that the single bus line stopping in front of Valley (20 trips a day, no service on Sunday) carries the full significance of “access to public transportation.”
Reader says The future of our village rests in the hands of our neighbors on the Planning Board
Planning Board, please don’t do this to our neighborhood, our children and our town. Tell Valley “no”. Even if you think there will be no harm in the short term or long term (which I don’t understand how you could think that) there are always unintended consequences. Giving Valley what it wants is not worth the risk. The future of our village rests in the hands of our neighbors on the Planning Board:
Charles Nalbantian – Chairman
Richard Joel – Vice Chairman
Paul Aronsohn – Mayor
Albert J. Pucciarelli – Councilman
Morgan Hurley
Nancy Bigos
Kevin Reilly
Cyril Grant
Wendy Dockray
Michele Peters – Alt.1
Trisha Connors – Alt. 2
