There was a culture in Ridgewood that embraced intellect , community, and quality of life. This has deteriorated to a society of entitlement and condescension : even in the houses of worship. .Merchants behave as if they are doing ME a favor by being open. I’m not sure the solution- I adore my home town, but don’t care to live there any longer.
or is Social media amplifying the negativity ….
There are many of us here who still love our neighbors, our town, our schools, our teachers and those who work tirelessly to make Ridgewoid a great town to raise a family. Social media has given these naysayers a forum to complain about their miserable lives.
Nailed it!
This seems to have all started with Valley about 10 years ago. When residents expressed concern that Valley’s expansion might be too big, they were ridiculed and dismissed by Valley, their handful of wealthy supporters and the then Village Council. As we now know, Valley had inside help from then Mayor Pfund to try to fast track the expansion through before citizens could mount any real opposition. Remember when residents were locked out of a Planning Board meeting at GW in 2010? Any time that government tries to silence the opinions of its citizens, you’re going to get the kind of anger and frustration that we’re seeing now. Social media is only the vehicle used to express that anger and frustration. Better than burning up gas stations right?
So take it with a grain of salt and don’t take it so personally..
I think you may be the one with the problem…
Without social media awareness the former administration would have run roughshod over the Village.
There are pros and cons to the new social culture created by technology.
11:46 is right on target. Social media, especially this blog, enabled everyone to learn about the poison called Aronsohn. Social media is very helpful.
10:51 and 11:46 are dead right. Let’s hope the new council remembers all the BS that went on.
I still love this town too! but the quality of life here has dramatically changed from when I grew up and more so from when I purchased my home. The congestion and city feel are bothersome, and I am still blown away that a small group were able to control the council and planning board and make drastic changes that will change it even more ( for the worse).
When was there a “culture of intellect” and how was it expressed?
I agree with 11:46 and 2:12. Without social media, all would have been lost to Aronsohn and his cronies. Aronsohn controlled the print media to a certain extent, but social media is, thankfully, eventually what did him and his up to no good buddies in. LONG LIVE THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG!
“congestion and city feel” ???? Obviously you haven’t really lived in a city.
So I have to park two blocks away from a restaurant on a busy Saturday night….it’s good exercise.
The current Village Council is in a position to benefit from the local conversations that take place on this blog as long as they stay focused on what is in the best interests of all Ridgewood residents and not just a favored few.
Oh to have lived in Ridgewood during the Renaissance. Exactly when was that?
Prior to the stock market tanking in 1987, Ridgewood was the town to live in. Schools were ranked in the top five in N.j., and the CBD was the place to shop, even while malls were gaining in popularity. Believe me, it was MUCH better !
What were the intellectual pursuits of the populace?