The Ridgewood News editorial today highlights in the importance of the September 16 Village Council meeting for the future of our village, and asks the Mayor and Council, “What’s the Hurry?” (see link below)
The Ridgewood News approached CBR to make a statement about how the Village Council intends to rush the vote to approve ordinances that would allow high density housing, and asked our opinion on holding the public hearing on a night that conflicts with many Back-to-School nights. (see our statement to the Ridgewood News below)
We have asked the Mayor and Council to reschedule the meeting. We urge YOU to also email the Mayor and Council and ask them to either reschedule the public hearing, or to schedule additional opportunities for public comment in the future on this very important matter. The email addresses are below. Also, please continue to reach out to friends and neighbors and encourage everyone to attend this vital meeting on Wednesday, September 16.
Ridgewood Council to hold hearing on multifamily housing
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2015, 9:35 PM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The subject of multifamily housing will take center stage at the Village Council’s public meeting on Sept. 16 as the governing body prepares to take action on the related zoning ordinances and hear a last round of comments from the public.
After years of public work sessions and hearings to allow testimony by attorneys and experts for three developers and comments from residents who expressed either satisfaction or concern, the Ridgewood Planning Board ultimately voted to pass the new amendments. They were then sent to the council in the form of an ordinance.
If the ordinances are approved next week, several parcels of land in the village’s Central Business District will be rezoned for housing with densities as high as 35 units per acre and building heights of 50 feet. The original amendments allowed for developments of up to 50 units per acre, but were scaled back due to the concerns of board members and residents.
Four parcels of land are currently slated for re-zoning: The old Brogan Cadillac site on South Broad Street, which would be designated as an AH-2 zone for purely residential development; the old Sealfons building on North Maple Avenue between East Ridgewood Avenue and Franklin Avenue and the Ken Smith property on Franklin Avenue, which would be put in the B-3-R zone for residential or mixed-use development; the C-R zone, a small lot on Chestnut Street for residential or mixed-used development; and the C-zone, which wraps around the C-R zone and is intended only for commercial uses.
Ridgewood NJ, The family that for many years rented the Village of Ridgewood owned single family home at 1057 Hillcrest Road chose not to renew their lease, leaving the home vacant and available for rent.
Thus far, Village officials have not found any family willing to pay $3,700 or more per month to live in the 5 bedroom, 2 bath, 3666 square foot residence.
In an attempt to keep rental revenue flowing in, the Village is now making the home available for rent to any commercial enterprise engaged in providing recreational and/or educational programs open to the public.
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in 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 the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call
4. RESOLUTIONS
15-261 Renewal of Liquor License
15-262 RBSA Donation to Improve Citizens Park Lower Field
15- 263 Endorse BC Municipal Grant for the Schedler Field
15-264 Endorse BC Historic Grant for Schedler House
5. Adjournment
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
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.
