Any development should enhance Ridgewood’s character
JUNE 5, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Any development should enhance village’s character
To the Editor:
Those of us who chose to move to Ridgewood made a careful decision and chose a village with character over urbanized cities such as Morristown or Hackensack.
My family has experienced what Ridgewood has to offer young families, and it’s plentiful. However, I have noticed there is an obvious need for housing for empty nesters.
Overdevelopment in town is being driven by corporations’ strong desire to cash in, not enhance our downtown.
Our schools are overcrowded already; overdevelopment will increase taxes because it will increase the number of children who attend our schools, therefore adding more costs to taxpayers.
In order to protect the quality of our schools, the suburban life and the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods; development should be reasonable and enhance our village character, not drastically alter it. One example of how development can enhance our downtown is providing green space and parking.
Overdevelopment and an unreasonable increase in density in our zoning laws will lower property values for all and hurt our village life. Urbanization of Ridgewood will decrease property values, as well. We must question the true intentions of those supporting special interests rather than protecting our community.
Wilkin Santana
Ridgewood
