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Nicholas Katzban, Staff Writer, @NicholasKatzbanPublished 11:22 p.m. ET Aug. 16, 2017
RIDGEWOOD — The president of Bergen County’s United Way this week offered details on special-needs housing that could be coming to downtown Ridgewood.
Thomas Toronto testified before the Planning Board on Tuesday about an agreement his organization has brokered to include special-needs housing as part of an expansive market-rate redevelopment proposal at the former Sealfons site.
MAY 22, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The revised version of Ordinance No. 3066 was presented to the Planning Board on Tuesday to give members a chance to comment before it is sent back to the Village Council.
The amendments were prepared by a subcommittee of village officials and presented to the council on May 6. The governing body decided it would be best for the Planning Board to weigh in before introducing the ordinance.
The purpose of the ordinance is to strengthen certain provisions that already exist and to revise the process by which an applicant seeks a master plan amendment. The revisions clearly define the Planning Board’s flexibility in deciding how and when to proceed with an application.
Officials began considering revisions due to a community debate that took place last year over the ordinance’s perceived role in the master plan amendment applications received by the board, with some saying it allowed Valley Hospital and outside developers to take over the Planning Board process, said Mayor Paul Aronsohn.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/plannerson-board-with-new-changes-1.1340532
Ridgewood planners start debating new housing rules
MARCH 19, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — A majority of the village’s Planning Board voiced support Tuesday night for a proposed master plan amendment that, if approved, would clear the way for high-density multifamily housing complexes downtown.
Public deliberations on the long-sought change to Ridgewood’s master plan began during the Planning Board’s meeting on Tuesday, with most members agreeing such developments would enhance the village while filling various housing needs.
However, those same Planning Board members said the amendment needed some minor tweaking before it could be considered for a final board vote.
Specifically, several of the board’s members said the amendment’s height and density limitations are an issue.
The master plan amendment would increase the amount of units allowed per acre to between 40 and 50 from 12, and raise restrictions on building heights to 55 feet from 50.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn, who sits on Ridgewood’s Planning Board, endorsed the housing complexes that have been pitched by the three developers that first applied for the master plan change little more than five years ago.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/planners-start-debating-new-housing-rules-1.1292069
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
