Dear Ridgewood Residents,
If you are appalled by the number of political signs littering our Central Business District, please file a complaint with the Village Clerk’s office. They are accepting complaints by email at hmailander@ridgewoodnj.net or by phone at 201-670-5500 x201
Tell the Village, the Guild and the Chamber of Commerce that you want plants and flowers in our planters, not politics!
The Village Clerk’s office confirmed that none of these signs were allowed until the rule was changed in Oct/Nov FOR the Parking Garage signs!! My guess is that we will see the old rule reinstated just in time for the November national election.
Heather Mailander had earlier responded by saying , “To clarify, based on last Fall’s regulations, the campaign signs may be placed in the public right of way (planting strip between the curb and sidewalk) anywhere in the Village, including planters in the CBD. However, they may not be placed on Village property. This includes all parks, the train station parking lot and green spaces near the train station, or other Village-owned property (Village Hall, both library properties, water properties, DPW properties, the Recycling Center, etc.). The signs cannot be a sight hazard or a pedestrian hazard. If you are unsure whether or not you can place a sign somewhere, please contact me. Also, please be aware that any signs found on Village property will be removed and not returned. ”
However Councilwomen Susan Knudsen was not so sure :
“I’m not certain about information received from the clerks office regarding an ordinance change permitting political cbd signage. Please forward any correspondence regarding same to sknudsen@ridgewoodnj.net.
There were many inquires, and much outrage, over the signs back then and a legal determination that political signs placed in tree wells, planters, etc did not violate Village Code. There was not a change permitting the placement. Notwithstanding the lacking code, I disagreed with the practice then and disagree with it now. Yesterday I sent an email to all six Council candidates requesting a voluntary removal of their campaign signs from the CBD. Four candidates were thoughtful and responsive. There were several reasons for my email including respect for the many volunteers who spend countless hours and private donations on CBD beautification projects.
As stated, four candidates were thoughtful and responded accordingly. Two of the four (Rich and Bernie) never “planted” signs in the historic CBD or by the historic train station. Two others (Ramon and Jeff) voluntarily removed their signs.
Feel free to send additional questions or comments.
Councilwomen Susan Knudsen”