Taxpayer Alert! Ridgewood’s ‘Open Space’ Funding Hike Sparks Outrage Over Potential Use for Artificial Turf Fields
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The debate over green space, taxes, and political transparency in Ridgewood, NJ, has reached a boiling point following a controversial endorsement by the local League of Women Voters (LWV) of Ridgewood.
The organization has thrown its support behind a proposed increase in the village’s “open space” funding, simultaneously stirring outrage by highlighting that the increased tax revenue could potentially be used to fund the installation of artificial turf fields. This position immediately drew sharp criticism from residents concerned about fiscal accountability and environmental protection.
Open Space Money for Artificial Turf? Residents Cry Foul
In its recent press release, the LWV advocated for the tax increase, reportedly including a disclaimer that there are no existing restrictions preventing the funds from being spent on turf fields. For many residents, this caveat is not a loophole—it’s the problem.
The use of “open space” funds for artificial turf—a synthetic product often associated with environmental concerns like heat island effect, runoff issues, and potential chemical exposure—is viewed by critics as a direct betrayal of the spirit of land preservation.
The backlash on social media and local blogs was immediate and intense. Residents are demanding to know why a non-partisan-focused group like the LWV would endorse a tax increase without first ensuring clear, protective guidelines are in place for the money’s use.
Calls for Accountability and Independent Review
Several residents took to platforms to express their profound disappointment and to question the LWV’s due diligence.
Jackie, a commenter, encapsulated the sentiment of many, stating, “It is deeply disappointing that the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood has endorsed the Village’s open space tax increase while ignoring clear evidence of misuse of funds and environmental damage on lands already designated as ‘open space.'”
She highlighted that existing “open space” areas have reportedly been subject to contamination, clear-cutting, and plans for artificial turf installation—which she correctly points out are a “complete contradiction of preservation.” She called on the LWV to disclose any “independent research, studies, or member vote” that led to their endorsement.
Denise focused on the financial burden and lack of clarity: “We have successfully upgraded open space with the existing funding. Can you please explain what projects are on the docket that requires you to say yes. And why an increase is necessary? Residents already pay one of the highest tax rates in NJ and you are endorsing asking for more. Plus, fees for having PFAS chemicals in our water. Just say NO.”
Jeanette expressed dismay at the organization’s approach, accusing them of a lack of research: “I’m very disappointed that your organization did no research and that you have no idea what this ballot question actually means. It’s disgraceful that you did that without speaking to the people who actually know about it and have been fighting this.”
The Political Undercurrent: Voter Fatigue or Council Arrogance?
This controversial stance comes amid ongoing political friction in the village. Critics suggest that the local Village Council and its allies may be banking on voter complacency, a phenomenon they believe is driven by rigid party-line voting habits.
While some commenters suggest the Council views voters as “stupid,” a more pragmatic interpretation is that the Council is confidently betting that, regardless of how informed residents are about the specifics of the ballot question, many will ultimately vote along familiar lines.
This “open space” tax increase is now a lightning rod issue, pitting environmental integrity and taxpayer accountability against political endorsements and the lure of synthetic recreation surfaces.
What do you think? Should “open space” funding be used for artificial turf? Let us know in the comments below!
Wow…Peewee got to the League of Women Voters!
Follow the money…
Far left hacks
To suggest that org is non -partisan is a joke
Winograd former Director of LWV
All u need to know
Why is the League of Women Voters endorsing anything?
It’s not part of their mission:
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.
Surely this is a well-read, inherently bright, and insightful group of critical thinkers and informed citizens.
What a powerful endorsement!
What’s next?
Can The Vag and his dolts get the Junior League on board?
The blog off today?
I am glad that I never joined the League and there are some members, like Siobhan Winograd, who is a council person and pro turf person who might be throwing her opinion around and telling people to vote for something she is favorable of. For that reason, I would vote no since there is no transparency around what the money is actually intended for. This council can’t fact check themselves out of a paper bag IMO
Correct me if I am wrong, but two Board of Ed members- Mary Lou Handy shared that she is also a member of this organization. She also said that Mary Micale is part of the LWV.
I think at the last BoE meeting.
I am voting no because I literally have such little confidence in our present council whom I did not vote for. They are a joke. I do not trust them and now I don’t trust the League’s views either. How shady to promote an agenda that is not supported by many people in Ridgewood. It seems really reckless to pretend to promote sustainability and then fund and further contribute to microplastic pollution and harm the water resources that can be compromised. We obviously have a council that prefers shiny green plastic over people’s health.
They don’t care about shiny plastic except in the shape of a credit card. They have been bought.
Vagianos got all of the sports supporters to vote for him based on promising them not only a field but an artificial turf field. The guys is as slithery and slimy as they come. He is a Class A weasel and the rest of the council are not exactly angels. They are pretty slimy too.
Vote NO to this cash grab scam. Village leaders have shown that they cannot be trusted. No detailed plans, no more money.
Thought some friends of Schedler people are also on LWV like Ellie, Patty…. What say they and Anne Burton is very very good friends with Siobhan
Anyone friends with the Mayor, anyone on the council or the village manager and engineers are suspect to me. It is very clear that there is a very secret agenda and these people cannot level with the members of the public that they were elected to serve.
Some years ago I attended a talk sponsored by the LWV at Village Hall. I was astonished when the greeter at the door, in blue jeans, was Paul Aronsohn. I subsequently learned that he and his followers had taken over the League, which was once firmly nonpartisan but has lost its way. What they say no longer has any meaning, at least for the foreseeable future.
I didn’t understand why they had done this, but the light dawned as I realized that they wanted to press their wishes via a respected organization. A formerly respected organization.
It breaks my heart to vote against something I deeply believe in, but because I do not trust those who would be disbursing this money, that is what I am going to do. If such a referendum comes up again in my lifetime when reliable people are in charge, I’ll vote yes. But right now, no.
Thanks to the League for securing my vote as a firm no. They might trust the council for whatever reason, but I know that I do not.
Many people believe in keeping open space preserved, but this council seemingly only wants more and more fields and artificial turf fields for the kids. That doesn’t sound like the kind of preservation that I want when it only supports a subset of our population and for that reason, I am voting no.