Panel says parking is source of problems in downtown Ridgewood
SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014, 4:19 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
John Saraceno, owner of the former Bank of America building, gave some bad news during Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli’s most recent public forum on the Central Business District (CBD).
Sarceno, a Ridgewood resident, said he wanted to attract anything other than a restaurant into the historic building, but he couldn’t.
“It was amazing to see the lack of interest from anyone other than a restaurant,” he said. “In three years, I never received a proposal or request from a non-restaurant, and all I wanted was a non-restaurant.”
Now, the new high-end seafood restaurant FISH is on its way into the long-vacant space.
The issue, Saraceno said, is two-fold: Ridgewood’s parking “stigma,” and the stigma “that Ridgewood is asleep.”
“In the retail marketplace, there is a tremendous view,” he noted, “that Ridgewood has lost its edge.”
Some similarly jarring points were made by other attendees during the forum Monday evening in the richly furnished back room of Chestnut Street’s new Roots Steakhouse, which features luxe leather seating and lantern lighting.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/panel-says-parking-is-source-of-problems-1.1097287#sthash.IxBzgt3T.dpuf
What a bunch of self serving greedy people lead by a councilman who is a narcissi . The who article show how much the Ridgewood News is on board with this. These greedy people using words such as “stigma,” “that Ridgewood is asleep.” “that Ridgewood has lost its edge.” “Some similarly jarring points were made” “When you drive into this town, I don’t want to say it the wrong way, but it looks kind of dumpy… -” Thanks.
Sarceno, a Ridgewood resident, said he wanted to attract anything other than a restaurant into the historic building, but he couldn’t.“It was amazing to see the lack of interest from anyone other than a restaurant,” he said.
Mr. Sarceno did you expect a Gap or a JC Penny to go in there. We all know what you did. You bought that build at a discount and then you go to your friend on the Council and push for a parking garage on Hudson St which would make the bank building more attractive for renters not to mention charging higher rent.
Yes Ridgewood is asleep. We elected these three and all the baggage that came with them.
Mr. Sarceno paid for a party for our Governor here in town. Now I hear he is throwing a birthday party for Senator O Toole at the Park Steak house. The man is a PLAYER .
I keep hearing developers and others complain about parking and I have NEVER been unable to find a parking spot. I mean never. And I’m not parking blocks away or in the neighborhoods.
The reason buildings stay empty is that owners and developers are setting rates ridiculously high. That’s why we lost so many great stores that were here in the 90s.
I have to agree with#5 I’m born and raised in Ridgewood since 1956 and there’s always a spot available maybe not in front of the store I want but there’s always a spot around. I’m guessing the restaurants are the only thing that can make a go of it in these times and at the price per sq ft the landlords charge.
AGREE 100%
I’m frequently in and out of town at all times of the day and all days of the week and I NEVER have trouble finding a spot.
I can usually find a spot if I am patient. Sometimes I am not patient and I just continue with my tasks somewhere else. If I am going to town it is ususally to go to a restaurant. I do not shop for clothing and household items in town. I visit for a restaurant about once every two weeks.
If the village wants to increase traffic to town the. We will probably need more parking, the physical limit will be met.
What type of bustling downtown do the residents want? Large anchor stores and less restaurants? I am not seeking boutiques. Examine why people go to large stores – selection, sales, coupons and easy returns.