With elegant architecture and high-end restaurants all within walking distance, Ridgewood is both urbane and sophisticated.
By Mary Ann Castronovo Fusco | September 1, 2015
Young parents pushing strollers share the broad sidewalks with friends schmoozing at an outdoor café. Teens hunt for bargains, while grandparents treat their charges to a matinee at the Bow Tie Cinemas Warner Quad or a fresh-made waffle cone at Kilwins. Nearby, Memorial Park at Van Neste Square is an oasis of calm. Welcome to downtown Ridgewood.
“I love how walkable it is, and that everything is in one small area,” says children’s book author Ann Malaspina. “I can go to the post office and mail a package, get a coffee at Ridgewood Coffee Company, meet a friend for lunch—all while having my car serviced.” And the town is “family friendly,” adds Malaspina, who raised her two sons in Ridgewood.
East Ridgewood Avenue is the main artery, ending at the sprawling California Mission Revival-style train station, which dates to 1916 and is listed on the national and state Register of Historic Places. Over the past year, elegant way-finding signs—a joint effort by the Village and the local Chamber of Commerce—have sprouted on downtown corners, pointing visitors toward the many shops and restaurants on the side streets. More will come.
“I look at downtown as a destination,” says Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld, a 19-year resident. “We have lots of people coming from different directions. It’s a small town feel that is also urbane and sophisticated.”
Statement required by the Open Public Meeting Act “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in the Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including date and time of this meeting”.
Please note: A curfew of 11:00 PM is strictly adhered to by the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood. No new matter involving an Applicant will be started after 10:30 PM. At 10:00 PM the Chairman will make a determination and advise Applicants as to whether they will be heard. I f an Applicant cannot be heard because of the lateness of the hour, the matter will be carried over to a future meeting to be determined by the Board at 10:00 PM.
Roll call
Approval of minutes: January 13, 2015; February 10, 2015; February 24, 2015
Non-agenda items:
Board member comments
Members of the public comments
Public hearings
Old Business:
NEW YORK SMSA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP D/B/A VERIZON WIRELESS – An application requesting a D1 Use variance, and minor site plan approval with other variances and waivers, interpretations, and/or approvals as are necessary to permit the installation of a wireless telecommunications facility to be located at 6 South Monroe Street, Block 2404 Lot 3 in an R-110 zone. (A continuation from July 14, 2015 meeting)
AGENDA – CONTINUATION SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
New Business:
JOSEPH PANICO – An application for the construction of a one story addition, the enclosure of an existing porch, and the construction of a rear porch landing which will result in a front yard setback of 45.2 feet where 50 feet is the minimum required, a side yard setback of four feet to a wing wall attached to the garage, and eight feet to the garage addition where 10 feet is the minimum required for both, and a rear yard setback to the rear landing of 13.5 feet where 30 feet is the minimum required. The proposed will result in a total lot coverage of 21.3% where 20% is the maximum
permitted and a Gross Building Area of 36.3% where 34 % is the maximum permitted at 152 Valley View Avenue, Block 1816, Lot 2, in an R-2 zone. (Carried from July 14, 2015)
OLGA CHAIKOVSKY – An application for the construction of a detached garage which will result in side yard and rear yard setbacks of four feet where five feet is the minimum required for each at 170 Oak Street, Block 200, Lot 11, in an R-2 zone. (Carried from July 14, 2015)
XIOMARA OLIVO – An application for the construction of a two story, and second story addition and covered patio which will result in a front yard setback of 35.19 feet where 40 feet is the minimum required and a side yard setback to the second story addition of 7.97 feet where 10 feet is the minimum required. The construction will result in a total lot coverage of 27% and lot coverage within 140 feet of the front lot line of 27.4% where 20% is the maximum permitted for each at 525 Laurel Road, Block 4306, Lot 22, in an R-2 zone.
CLAIRE BENNETT – An application for the construction of a second story addition which will result in front yard setback of 34.42 feet where 40 feet is the minimum required at 345 Crest Road, Block 1909, Lot 26, in an R-1 zone.
Resolution memorialization: Ridgewood Park SG, LLC – 30 Oak St.
Lisa Danias – 32 Pomander Walk
Barry and Lisa Sands – 339 Spring Ave. Keith and Lisa Grace – 154 N. Pleasant Ave.
Dr. Patrick Higgins – 33 N. Pleasant Ave.
Keyvan and Lindsey Pourreza – 155 Beechwood Rd.
Discussion
Adjournment
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 7:30 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 5 minutes per person – 30 minutes total)
6. Presentations by Vendors
a. Clark Caton Hintz
b. Desman Design Management
c. SNS Architects & Engineers, PC
d. Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc.
7. Synopsis by Parking Steering Committee
8. Village Council Comments
9. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5
minutes per person – 30 minutes total)
10. Adjournment
09/08/157:30PMBoard of Adjustment Public Meeting 09/08/157:30PMVillage Coucil Special Public Meeting – Village Hall Community Center 09/09/157:30PMVillage Council Special Public Meeting 09/09/157:30PMVillage Council Public Work Session 09/15/157:30PMPlanning Board Public Meeting 09/16/158:00PMVillage Council Public Meeting 09/22/157:30PMBoard of Adjustment Public Work Session 09/29/157:30PMBoard of Adjustment Public Meeting 09/30/157:30PMVillage Council Public Work Session
Watercolors – Figures and Portraits – Ridgewood Recreation welcomes outstanding artist Nora Winn to provide new watercolor instruction, specific to figures and portraits, on Wednesday mornings at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. $95/6 classes. Students must bring own materials.
Acrylics with Sandi Chanoch – Individual and personalized attention helps all find their personal techniques. Tuesday afternoons at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. Students must bring own materials. $70/5 classes.
Annie’s Artisanal Cookery – International Inspired Meals Join Annie as she spices up meals with international zing. Enjoy recipe favorites from the Mediterranean, Latin America, Asia, France and Italy with a final session of “good old American desserts”. Friday afternoons at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. $120/6 sessions, all ingredients provided.
Pickleball- Enjoy beginner instruction of this newest popular racquet game at a free clinic Sunday, September 20th. Afterwards, join Ridgewood Recreation for adult instruction on Friday mornings. $30/6 weeks. Held at the Glen Courts, 865 E. Glen Avenue.
Tennis – Adult offerings with All Pro Tennis are on Fridays (beginning September 4th). Morning sessions are 9:30 to 10:30 am or 10:30 to 11:30 am. $115/6 weeks at Bellair Tennis Courts. Seniors (62 and over) can enjoy reduced registration fees, $60/6 weeks – 10:30 to 11:30 am, also at the Bellair Tennis Courts.
***Please visit the Recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation for more details and to download the registration forms for in-person/by mail signups to the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood 07450. Online registration through Community Pass is available for programs (unless otherwise noted) at www.ridgwoodnj.net/communitypass.
Don’t hesitate to call the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 for more information of if special accommodations are needed. Non-residents may register if space allows; an additional $10 fee will apply.
New program suggestions are always welcome! Please be sure to bookmark the Recreation homepage on your computer for easy access to updated program and special event information.
Green Business Recognition Program Now Accepting Applications
Click Here to learn more about the Green Business Recognition Program
The Village of Ridgewood’s Green Team Advisory Committee has created a voluntary Green Business Recognition Program to promote green practices and increase the visibility of those entities that have successfully demonstrated a commitment to sustainability.
All privately owned businesses with a physical location within the bounds of the Village of Ridgewood may participate in the Green Business Recognition Program. Participation in this free program is entirely voluntary.Interested parties may download and complete Ridgewood’s Green Business Application and Checklist. The completed checklist and any supplemental application materials should be submitted to the attention of the Green Team electronically ([email protected]). Businesses are encouraged to contact the Green Team for assistance—a team member will be dispatched for an in-person meeting to facilitate the application process.
Businesses that satisfy the requirements for recognition will be designated a Green Business by Ridgewood’s Green Team. A representative from the Green Team will present each recognized business with a certificate suitable for public display. The name of each recognized business will be posted on social media outlets administered by the Green Team as well as other websites as appropriate. The designation of Charter Participant shall be granted to those businesses that achieve recognition during the inaugural year of this program.
Ridgewood Nj, Mayor Paul Aronsohn holds office hours for Ridgewood residents on Saturday’s every month. Mayor Aronsohn will meet with residents on Saturday, September 5th from 9AM to Noon in the Council Chambers (Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room) on the fourth floor of Ridgewood Village Hall.
For an appointment to meet with the Mayor, please call the Village Clerk’s Office at 201-670-5500 ext. 206. You may come to the Mayor’s office hours without an appointment, but those with appointments will be given priority.
Village Council and Board Meetings for September
09/08/157:30PM Board of Adjustment Public Meeting
09/09/157:30PM Village Council Public Work SessionN
09/15/157:30PM Planning Board Public Meeting
09/16/158:00PM Village Council Public Meeting
09/22/157:30PM Board of Adjustment Public Work Session
09/29/157:30PM Board of Adjustment Public Meeting
09/30/157:30PM Village Council Public Work Session
Seeking Ridgewood Residents to Volunteer for Planning Board and Shade Tree CommissionThe Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the Planning Board or the Shade Tree Commission.
The Planning Board reviews site plans and subdivision applications; prepares, adopts, and amends the Master Plan; makes recommendations to the Village Council regarding amendments to developmental regulations and the official map.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.
All interested residents should fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website), and send it along with a cover letter indicating on which board(s) the resident wishes to serve, and a biography or resume to:
Heather Mailander, Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
Ridgewood NJ, On August 27, 2015 at about 9:30am, the Ridgewood Police Department was called to a house on Olivia Street for a report of a potential burglary as there was a man in the house yelling.
Upon arrival, the residents of the home were evacuated and the house was searched, but no one was located. While checking the area, officers heard someone in the street yelling and observed a large naked man, later identified as Craig Andrews (age 48 from Ridgewood) walking quickly down the street towards the incident location while he was holding a glass bottle of beer in one hand and a small bag in the other.
Mr.Andrews did not listen to officers repeated commands to stop and proceeded to aggressively approach Officer A. Mormino and the residents from the initial call causing Officers to be very concerned for the safety of Officer Mormino and the safety of the residents. Mr. Andrews closed in on Officer A. Mormino even after being repeatedly commanded to stop forcing Officer A. Mormino to deploy the Conducted Energy Device.
Mr. Andrews was then safely taken into custody with the assistance of several Ridgewood Police officers. A short time after as the officers were speaking with Mr. Andrews, he suffered a medical emergency and was transported to the Valley Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Mr. Andrews was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, lewdness, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia and obstruction of the administration of law. Mr. Andrews has been released on $40,000 bail pending his court appearance.
All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ridgewood NJ, As reported on this blog, Village Officials confirmed this month that an illegal dumping of construction materials took place behind Ridgewood’s composting facility on Lakeview Drive.
Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said a “couple of truckloads” of asphalt, concrete blocks and other construction material were discovered at Lakeview on July 14 during a regular inspection of the area. The debris was found behind a berm at the back of the facility.
Officials are not sure of the exact date of the dumping, but it is presumed to be sometime between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) previous inspection in mid-June and the date of discovery.
Ridgewood Police Capt. Jacqueline Luthcke confirmed last Wednesday the department’s investigation is still active and has been ongoing since
This is going to be the new COLD CASE for the Village of Rdgewood. The person or persons responsible will be name only when the statues of limitations are up for this crime or they are retired and collecting a pension. Either the Police Department Management is inept or the Village Manger is holding back. If the person responsible was a village employee or ” worker bee” they would be gone by now.
Professional Architectural- Engineering Services for Village Owned Building
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) will be received by the Village of Ridgewood, in the Courtroom, 4th floor at the Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time, then publicly opened and read aloud for:
“Request for Proposals
For
Professional Architectural/Engineering Services
For the
Evaluation of Alternatives for Village Owned Buildings and Property”
The Village of Ridgewood requests proposals for Professional Architectural/Engineering Services to assess conditions and develop a feasibility plan to consolidate and improve the functionality of select Village departments, as it pertains to location, needs, building condition and components.
The RFP package may be obtained from the Director of Operations, Ridgewood Water Office, Level 5, Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450, (201) 670-5520. Proposal packages may be examined or picked up in person between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450, Monday through Friday. Prospective respondents requesting proposal documents be mailed to them shall be responsible for providing their own postage/delivery service remuneration. No proposal forms shall be given out after 4:00 p.m. on September 23, 2015.
A non-mandatory site visit has been scheduled for Monday, September 14th at 9am. All participants shall meet at Village Hall, Director of Operations / Ridgewood Water Office, Level 5.
All prices quoted in the proposal must be net and exclusive of all Federal, State and Local Sales and Excise Taxes. Proposals may be submitted in person or by mail prior to the proposal opening, addressed to the Office of the Village Clerk. The Village assumes no responsibility for loss or non-delivery of any proposal sent to it prior to the date and time stated for receipt of proposals.
Each proposal must be enclosed in a sealed envelope with the name of the respondent thereon and endorsed, ” Request for Proposals
For
Professional Architectural/Engineering Services
For the Evaluation of Alternatives for Village Owned Buildings and Property – Do not open until Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.”.
All respondents shall present satisfactory evidence of being authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey. All respondents shall also provide a copy of their New Jersey Business Registration Certificate with their proposal. All respondents shall adhere to the requirements presented in the “Request for Proposals”. The Village of Ridgewood reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any informality or to accept a proposal, which in its judgment best serves the interest of the Village.
“BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27). A complete statement as to these requirements is included in the Request for Proposals
Water Restrictions Update and Street Signs Disappearing – August 24
Dear Resident,
I hope your summer has been enjoyable and relaxing. I’d like to update you on two separate issues – water conservation status and stolen street signs.
I would like to thank residents for their overall compliance with Stage II water restrictions. It has eased the operational difficulties of the overall water system to a degree but weekends are still challenging the limits of system capacity. I know that some of you have commented to me about stricter enforcement and I have indicated that we have been strengthening enforcement. As an update, enforcement has included warnings to hundreds of violators and 16 summonses have been issued to repeat violators. One recommendation that I have received from a resident is that we should mandate the use of rain sensors; we currently mandate their use on newly installed sprinkler systems but not existing. Use of rain sensors is a good conservation method and we do recommend their use.
We cannot predict with certainty when we will be able to ease restrictions but the public will be informed through the usual channels when we do. We encourage residents to check our website at water.ridgewoodnj.net for the most up-to-date information.
Once again street signs are disappearing from local streets. The occurrence of this seems to increase right before colleges begin. At this moment we have 37 missing signs! It used to be that just the signs were stolen but now we are also seeing a new tendency to also uproot the pole. Clearly from a taxpayer perspective this is costly; potentially even more important is the impact it may have on our timeliness to respond to medical and other emergencies if a public safety worker is not totally familiar with our streets. I think you will agree with me that this is totally unacceptable. This is a criminal offense and if we find anyone in possession of Ridgewood street signs we will prosecute them. From now through September 15th, we will have an amnesty program where we will provide an opportunity to anyone who is currently in possession of Ridgewood signs to return them to the Police at Village Hall without facing criminal charges. I appreciate your help in getting this issue resolved.
Readers say Graydon Pool is a wonderful facility. Poor/incompetent management is the facility’s major problem.
Wasn’t there an instance many years ago in which Graydon either opened a week early, or closed a week later due to a major heat wave? Now, the management just doesn’t seem to give a damn about satisfying the public. By the way, what ever happen to the Wibit?
I love Graydon; have been going for many years; Wibit is too large’ crowds out swimming room. Since you can no longer swim past ropes; the swimming area is too small now in deep end. It used to be fun swimming from one area to another.
In Allendale you can still cross sections.
Graydon should have swimmers and guests sign swimming level when they first come in and have green dot on badge to show permission to swim in deep area and cross over to other sections
Excuses, excuses, excuses; nothing but lame excuses. The lifeguard issue could be easily resolved if management wanted it resolved. Memorial Pool in Fair Lawn is a sand bottom pool – same issue with lifeguard training & staffing. Look at their posted hours of operation:
Open Thursday, June 25 to Monday, September 7, 2014
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (7 Days a Week) (weather permitting)
NOTE: The Pool will be temporarily closed from Monday, August 31 to Friday, September 4
All pools have to manage the schedules of young lifeguards. This is not unique to Ridgewood. Have other towns cut hours or os ot just a Ridgewood problem?
Who is the person from Parks n Rec responsible for staffing? Someone has some ‘explaining to do.
I have been there three times this week and there were plenty of patrons, including at 7:20 one evening.
Crestwood Lake in Allendale, also a sand bottom. Open 1/2 hour longer than Graydon.
Crestwood Lake Hours
Early Season
May 23 through June 19
Monday – Friday 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Regular Season
June 20 through August 14
Monday – Friday 11:00am – 8:00pm
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Late Season*
August 15 through September 7
Monday – Friday 11:00am – 7:00pm
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00am – 7:00pm
It is “empty” because a 12 noon start time is not good for parents of children who are up early and ready to nap by 1 PM. Check out Glen Rock’s hours:
PLEASE mark your calendar for the MOST IMPORTANT meeting to date:
Wednesday, September 16 at 7:30 pm – VILLAGE COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING before ordinances are approved allowing multi-family housing in downtown Ridgewood at 35-units per acre
Please take time to read this important message from CBR Trustees:
For over two years, Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR) actively participated in the Ridgewood Planning Board’s review of a Master Plan Amendment that would allow several large, high-density housing projects to be built downtown. CBR enlisted the help of a professional planner and an expert Land Use attorney to give residents a voice in the process, and to urge caution and advocate for proper planning. Unfortunately, our voices were not heard.
On June 1st, CBR circulated an online petition advocating for responsible planning and densities lower than the 35-units per acre that was before the Planning Board. The petition gained more than 1,000 signatures in just a few short hours, demonstrating that many Ridgewood residents oppose the jump from 12 to 35 units per acre. This petition was decidedly ignored. Despite our calls for visionary planning and densities more appropriate for Ridgewood, on June 2nd the Planning Board approved four separate amendments to the master plan that pave the way for high-density, multifamily housing projects at 35 units per acre.
On August 10, a group of concerned residents enlisted the service of CBR’s attorney to file a complaint in the Superior Court in Bergen County appealing the Planning Board’s decision. The Complaint seeks a Judge’s order to reverse the Planning Board’s June 2 decision based on several counts, including spot zoning violations, procedural irregularities during the master plan proceedings, violations to the Open Public Meetings Act, conflicts of interest among Planning Board members, inappropriate admittance of a threatening letter regarding affordable housing that wrongly swayed some votes, and insufficient comprehensive studies and evidence to warrant a substantial change in zoning.
As you return from your summer break, please know that our cause is strong and alive. Since the June vote, we have a new influx of dedicated and impassioned residents and donors leading the CBR charge. As such, we feel the time is right to change CBR’s leadership to energize this new chapter in our efforts. In the next few weeks, the CBR will have a new set of trustees and the current group will be stepping down. We are fortunate that we have zealous supporters ready to take over and embark on this next stage. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact us and you can join them!
WE WILL NEED YOUR SUPPORT on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 7:30 PM when the Village Council holds a public hearing in advance of approving four ordinances that will amend the master plan and allow multi-family housing in downtown Ridgewood at 35-units per acre. This may be the last chance residents will have to speak out about zoning changes that will negatively impact our Village. Given the speed with which the Council accepted the Planning Board’s decision without meaningful discussion, we are concerned the Council may try to effect a premature final vote that same night!
We want to thank all of you for your support over these last two years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
CBR’s new leadership will continue to keep you updated. Please stay tuned… we need you!
Best Regards,
Amy Bourque, Lori Weil, Carol Bicknese and Jen Ditommasso
NOTE: To be clear, CBR has always favored development in downtown Ridgewood. CBR is not against change, but rather favors VISIONARY (not reactionary) planning that considers the impact zoning changes will have on Ridgewood’s severe parking deficit, traffic issues, lack of open space, and overcrowded schools. CBR continues to advocate for a density limit that is more in line with what currently exists in downtown Ridgewood (approximately 20-24 units per acre.) CBR is in favor of providing alternative housing choices and meeting affordable housing obligations, but believes these objectives can be achieved at a much lower density than 35 units per acre.
AUGUST 18, 2015, 3:36 PM LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015, 3:36 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — The village and its Zoning Board of Adjustment are named in a lawsuit filed earlier this month by the owners of the Exxon Mobil station on Route 17.
The suit, filed in Bergen County’s Superior Court, seeks a court order “restraining” the development of a nearby parcel of land.
The land being developed is now the site of a Shell filling station, but the owners want to raze the property and install updated gas pumps and construct a 2,000 square-foot 7-Eleven convenience store.
Those plans received approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment seven months ago. The suit seeks to reverse the board’s decision.
