First of all, it’s not your town, and if you think Van Neste is an oasis of calm, you’re living in a time warp. Ridgewood has become a small city and don’t even think about blaming past councils, boards or the chamber. The residents of the village have collectively allowed this to happen as its median set of values is now drastically different than it was 30 years ago.
“median set of values” what is that? Translate: Do you mean, crowded , noisey, Hobokeny, Times Square, For me , I have lived here about 40 years, it still has that oh so wonderful small village feel and charm quality, and listen when I sit my old ass in Van Neste which I do often, it is quiet, an oasis of peace and charm coupled with natural beauty, trees, plants, grass and past citizen nostalgia (bricks, monuments) amidst the hustle and bustle of the downtown. Let’s keep the downtown no more developed than what it is. It is a really small space, so villagey and quaint. Don’t stuff it.
This is what I experience at Van Neste Park. Peace, calm , tranquility, beauty. I want to keep it that way.
And when I say it is MY TOWN, I am speaking POETICALLY, Of course it is OUR TOWN. I am trying to express my love and appreciation for what Ridgewood has and what I want to preserve. I am sorry you don’t understand. Take literature 101.
I feel as does the writer. I do think our town needs some changes as regards to parking and care of the natural places. I definitely do not want Van Neste changed. To Roberta, the walkways are “just bricks” and can be removed at any time. Contrary to her opinion, those bricks were all dedicated to special people, or just residents of the town. The are still in good condition and certainly should not be removed at will. They are part of what makes this town different. Tradition holds value here.
The bricks are vanity plates. Prople paid to see their names. Some bought bricks for each child. It was a fundraiser and the value for what they paid is over.
Just because a person bought a brick in memory of “mom” does not make it mom’s headstone. It is no more special than John Doe’s brick. They got at least ten years or recognition for their money.
Are you saying that those patrons would not have donated the money if there were no bricks? Was their generosity just for the brick? Is ten years long enough? Give the bricks back and let them put the brick in their garden.
What would you like to see there instead of the bricks?
Well 1:29 maybe 9:45 would want to see a parking garage or maybe some more restaurants or a few more stores. What the hell its only a park we should sell the park to some developers and get some tax retables right 9:45.
I think the argument about the named bricks is actually secondary to the idea that the bricks themselves are in good shape, pose no pedestrian danger and people generally see no reason to spend money replacing them in the first place. If there is money at all, spend it on something necessary or in need of repair.
I feel like I must be missing something here- why the insistence on removing the brick walkway? People like it. Improve what actually needs fixing. I’m not trying to be purposefully argumentative – I hope someone in favor of doing it will respond to my comment with the logic that is driving this issue. What part of this am I not getting? Whether people agree or not, SOMEONE must have what they believe is a rational argument for proposing this idea. Lots of us really want to know what it is. I don’t think that’s unfair.
Dear James, Having worked in Times Square ( nice picture!) and also having lived in Ridgewood for 40 years, I would wish to err on the side of less developement in town rather than more. Trees go for a premium in NYC. Realestate values jump if you can offer someone a tree outside their door! We have it all here but it takes a vigilant citizenry to ensure it stays that way. Thanks for being vigilant!
Why stop at removing the Van Neste bricks? What about all the bricks installed for projects all over town – I know Orchard School has bricks. We should take those up as well. How about the commemorative stones under the trees at Vets? Or the plaque for the backstop there? Where does it end? I think that when one donates money to build a specific something somewhere and it’s commemorated with a brick or stone or whatever, that there is a (perhaps unwritten) contract tying the project and the commemorative items together. As the 9:18 states, these commemorative items are evidence of public pride and examples of people coming together to do something positive. If they are damaged – repair them. Taking them out should be the very last resort.
The whole town is ribboned with red brick on curb slabs by design.HELLO…
If it is necessary to replace the bricks, stone would look nice. The bricks with etched names are not very elegant.
“elegant ” Really. What kind of stone?