Reader questions intentions of permitting “increased density” beyond current Village zoning
None of the residents dispute a need for “empty nester” housing options, affordable housing or more options for special needs residents. What residents are wary of is raising the density from 12 units to 50 units per acre. Why so high? 50 units per acre is a density comparable to Fort Lee.
In 2006, Blaise Brancheau was the town planner for Westfield NJ. He prepared an ordinance for the Westfield Council that was passed on to the planning board. This ordinance required developers to construct one affordable residential unit for every eight market-rate dwelling units constructed. The ordinance also pointed out that a developer will NOT be permitted any INCREASE IN DENSITY of a building beyond what is already stated within the town’s zoning regulations. Why can’t Ridgewood do the same?
Why is Blais recommending something different for Ridgewood? Ridgewood and Westfield are almost identical towns. Yet, Westfield did not allow densities to increase. Blais is recommending we raise our densities by 400% in a 10 acre zone. Westfield did not even allow an increase of 1%.
https://archive.wmlnj.org/TheWestfieldLeader/2006/2006-04-06/pg_0002.pdf
We seriously need to stop this train wreck from happening. Once the Village downtown is destroyed, there will be no turning back and the rest of the Village will follow. To protect our homes, our schools and the Village way of life for future generations and people, we need to speak up now.
The approaching holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to pull your elected representatives aside whenever and wherever you see them, and politely but earnestly let them know these projects can’t go through. The current zoning allows plenty of room to build new units for empty nesters and new comers alike (too much room probably.) Lets enforce the zoning as currently written.
Why is Brancheau going down this path? Why is the planning board going down this path? We don’t need these hearings. We need to put a stop to them now and just say “no” — we like the Village just the way it is, thanks. Go build in Wychoff or another Town.
Make that your holiday message to the Village council.
Why do you think. He is being told by our” Gang of Three”