file photo by Boyd Loving
Dear Roberta and Council members,
Thank you for rescheduling Schedler as the agenda is so jam packed that we were all looking at another marathon meeting. I may not be an expert on anything but I do recognize when town issues have reached a critical mass level of concern. With hundreds of people speaking out on multiple issues and the vast majority offering well thought out solutions, it is time to go back to the drawing board. Had it not been for concerned residents speaking out on the garage we wouldn’t have known about the encroachment of all three options onto Hudson Street. This revelation has altered the integrity of the present plans so dramatically that the entire project is open for reevaluation on design and financing.
Regarding Schedler, I urge you to refrain from the removal of structures or cleaning up of the woods until a fully vetted plan is in place with feasibility studies and financials that can be presented to the public for consideration. I became aware recently that a private citizen paid for the tarp on the Zabriskie/ Schedler House and that no town monies are available for needed repairs on said tarp. I was under the impression that the town had paid for the original tarp and I feel that I and others were misled.
I can only say that having been involved with saving the Stable and getting a community center for the town, it is very shortsighted to disregard the value and the potential use of this historic house and property. I can’t begin to tell you how important it is to save the woods, for humans as well as the bald eagles that are in the area. We can have it all plus a smaller ball field. Numbers show that more children are enrolled in RBSA programs than young adults . The smaller field will get much use. We might look at leasing/ renting field space in local towns.
Years ago, my kids played at Ramapo College fields, the Armory in Teaneck and the indoor arena in the Meadowlands. Not to leave out housing density changes in the CBD, Valley Hospital and the reported 600 leaf summonses that were given out and the large numbers who showed up at court in protest. Change is sometimes about doing less but more effectively. If ever there was a time to take a step back and examine the unintended consequences of massive change, it is now.
Sincerely,
Linda McNamara
Speaking of leaf summonses, my neighbor got a summons the other day and it was dated November 20th. WTF ?
I hear there are more leaf summons to come. Wait till residents get snow summons in July.
Penalty Imposed for a Municipal Ordinance Offense
The penalties and fines imposed for an ordinance violation must fall within the limits set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:49-5. This law provides, in relevant part, that:
“N.J.S.A. 40:49-5. Penalties for Violating Ordinances
The governing body may prescribe penalties for the violation of ordinances it may have authority to pass, by one or more of the following: imprisonment in the county jail…for any term not exceeding 90 days; or by a fine not exceeding $2,000; or by a period of community service not exceeding 90 days…”
Statute of Limitation. There is no law in New Jersey that specifies a time limit for filing a complaint or summons for a violation of an ordinance. However, our Courts have held that a one year statute of limitation applies to allegations that an individual violated a municipal ordinance.
Burden of Proof. The state must prove a violation of a local code or ordinance beyond reasonable doubt. This is the same standard that applies in a criminal case.
They are in a rush because our Council majority has made promises to the parties that will benefit most from these construction projects. The more time that those opposed to the projects have to organize, the less likely it is that the special interests will get what they were promised.
8:26am-
What sort of promises have been made?
8:04 am – is there a municipal Ordinance in place for leaves and number of days?
Not everyone drives a huge truck-like vehicle i.e. those massive sports utility vehicles that can roll over anything and everything without consequences to the passengers inside.
Those of us who drive sedans cannot drive over huge piles of leaves without losing control of our cars and endangering our lives in a possible accident. When it is dark outside those huge piles are often invisible.
So listen up, put the leaves out at the correct time or pay a fine.
It’s very interesting: you CBD people don’t want to obey any rules whatsoever. Not even the rules on placement of leaves made for our safety.
I am very disillusioned.
Linda McNamara has blocked or complained about every single attempt to redevelop Ridgewood
maybe all the plans just suck?
James may be right.
9:35, you did not answer the question. Just posted more rant in response to the question?
John V. This already known and pretty much agreed on at the BCIA level. Make no mistake, this will be the Bergen County garage at Ridgewood NJ. As such they will treat all drivers the same, so we will be paying for commuters from other towns etc. Our council never had any intention of trying to work together and it is lunacy that the majority would do this.
10:56am-
If so, let my disillusionment with the “three amigos” commence!
Didn’t Ridgewood set up and receive the funds from a municipal bond 10-10-15 years ago for a parking garage that never got built, so the funds were never used? Or was that money spent for other purposes.
I haven’t tried to block all development, as if I ever could. All I’ve ever attempted to do is ask for compromise and to listen to the residents who have spoken in large numbers and so often.I thank you James for your comment. At least you made me laugh!
We love you, Linda.
John v. Call the BCIA right now and ask. Post back when done. Then you can complain with us.
Plenty of press invited to come witness our Town Council in action tomorrow night. Let’s watch the Mayor and his pals squirm.
11:51, you are correct. There was a municipal bonding for a garage that never got built and now that is debt on the Village balance sheet on which taxpayers are still paying interest. The funds mysteriously were absorbed by higher public safety wages, step increases, longevity pay, and pension and health benefits, not for any parking.
Maybe the plans do just all “suck” as you put it so succinctly James – that’s why I believe we should repeal the part of ordinance 3066 that allows for applications to amend the Master Plan
wow – thanks for the info 8:41 and 11:51.
8:41pm-
How long ago was this?
Yes, Linda, we all love you.
John V, ask Roberta about the previous parking bond, she’s fully aware of it. The money was raised but nothing was built, it’s a sad example of poor Village governance
11:51 here. Thanks for the specific information, 8:41pm. It’s shocking to learn that the town’s governing officials were so bold as to fritter away the funds received from the municipal bond issuance associated with a parking garage that was never built. What are we going to do when that bond matures and the Village is required to pay all the millions of the principal amount of the bond? Float another bond to push the indebtedness another 15-30 years into the future? What is the maturity date BTW?