Reader Says Pitch forks and torches have their time and place. Cooler heads need to figure out a way to work out a solution that everyone can agree with
There is a bare minimum that the village can compel the property owners to do. Government can make them maintain their existing structures. Government can’t make them build something. That leaves two deteriorating vacant car dealerships in the middle of town.
The property owners could within current zoning make improvements that are far less desirable uses of that land. Uses that drive higher traffic than residential and exacerbate other problems our village has.
There is probably at least one solution that gets to middle ground. How do we get there? Demeaning the volunteer members of the Planning Board? Spreading rumors disguised as facts? Buying lawn signs? Writing internet posts with ALL CAPS? Probably not.
Pitch forks and torches have their time and place. Cooler heads need to figure out a way to work out a solution that everyone can agree with. Otherwise, get used to the look of those car dealerships.
‘far less desirable uses’, you mean far less profitable for the property owners. If they build something within the current zoning, and more traffic, etc. occurs, so be it.
A car dealership is retail, by the way. The only reason these blighted properties are in the condition they are in is because they are waiting for the chance to make the highest profit they can, its their jackpot – high density apartments. Period.
This has been the only time in Ridgewood’s history that this opportunity may come to fruition. Previously, we have always had Planning Board members and council members who appreciated our Master Plan for the power it beholds.
Bolstered by our mayor who is on the Planning Board and council and fully supportive of these high density buildings, these developers taste those profits. Its so close. That is why these properties sit, the potential in profits is worth the wait. If you support these developers, whats in it for you? I have met not one person who thinks they are good for the town. And its not just these 3 projects, amending the MP to allow this rezoning sets a precedent.
Much like the valley hospital situation, these people need an exception to the master plan. We do not need pitchforks to say NO. We do not even need a middle ground. These entities are all looking to build/expand so that they can make more money. Nothing personal, it’s just business.
What is in it for the town? More traffic, more kids in the schools and even less parking?
Once again I ask the question, does anyone know if a superior court judge can order a town to change it’s master plan ? If the judge doesn’t have the authority then the town offical’s don’t have to worry about being second guessed in court, there’ll be enough of that in the blogs, papers, and gossip fence.
For the purpose of this discussion put the Master Plan aside for the moment. There has been much talk about what is not wanted on the proposed development sites but none of the naysayers has proposed what they DO want. What is their vision ?
The Ken Smith and Brogan sites are vacant hulks that are increasingly a blight. Conversion to retail does not make sense. The CBD already has too many empty stores. Also, conversion to retail would add far more traffic than residential use. What then is an acceptable use for these sites that makes reasonable financial sense for the owners AND satisfies the anti-development group ? Let the discussion begin.
I don’t know the specific case law but a party that believes their rights as a property owner have been unreasonably constrained can ask a court for relief.
It’s not that the judge changes the master plan but they can simply says this property owner has the right to make these changes on their property.
Thanks #4 I’ve been trying to find some case law with no luck. There is a case in bay head NJ that could parallel Rwd with regard to conflict of interest on voting by the council member that worked for valley.
#3. Set the Master Plan aside? Well I guess that works for you.
I do not need a vision for your properties. Make them all flat parking lots.
The Master Plan was created because residents did not want the village to develop/overdevelop. We have empty storefronts. Do we need more ground level stores? Do we need high density housing? The car dealerships closed but that is not my problem.
Parking lots and a better location for the farmers market. A place to park those cars for that car show that the town sponsors. That event is a nightmare and a business killer.
I’d like to point out to all of those with the law signs saying no to 55 foot high buildings that Valley wants 94 foot buildings. And their plan is to put it in the middle of a neighborhood.
Good point. Valley is a nonconforming business that wants an exception so that they can double in size in a residential neighborhood. The downtown developments are looking to build in a commercially zoned area.
I do not like any of the proposed projects and I object to them all because I do not want to live in a city. Imagine Ridgewood with 5 retail/condo developments and a doubled valley hospital.
Is that the “Village” that we want to live in? With no plan anyone can build. When we start having exceptions then the precedent will be set and there will be no stopping developers.
It actually may be time for torches and pitch forks since our public officials are clearly favoring personal agendas over the best interests of the town. Residents are having the most implausible “expert testimony” crammed down our throats and the results of “studies” about the impact of all of this building defy all common sense. Then the Gail Price, in a surreal outburst against Valley opponents, dictates that the Planning Board can only consider two unacceptable options and can only use this patently unbelievable testimony to make their decision. So much for public comment and the voice of the people.
When the fix is so blatantly in and when all public opinion is ignored, it’s time for the angry mob to rally. Read your history books folks.
Seems like the people of the signs just want to keep Ridgewood dull. Empty retail spaces, empty former car dealerships — now home to landscaping trucks, no apartments for people who want to move to or stay in Ridgewood and make it a great place to live.
Change is a good thing when carefully considered and viewed for the benefit of all.
Public comment is a chance to express views, in a rational voice. Anyone can offer an expert who supports their view. There is a process, designed to do what is best for the whole village.
Many of the people of the signs were the people of the Valley Renewal car magnets of past years…hmmm. NIMBY?
here we go again ……………………..
#7 So right!!!
#9, agreed. Where’s Howard Zinn when you need him!?!?!
“Change is a good thing when carefully considered and viewed for the benefit of all.” So where does Valley’s proposal fit in with this line ?