file photo Boyd Loving
Ridgewood boards have different rules on public comment
DECEMBER 30, 2014 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014, 10:24 AM
BY JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Earlier this month, zoning board Chairman Joel Torielli opened the land-use meeting with an explanation on public comment.
There’s a time when the public has the opportunity to ask questions only, he said, and then there is a time for comments only. When the hearing is closed, there are no more questions or comments.
Still, during public questioning on one of the applications, zoning board attorney Bruce Whitaker had to interrupt a resident several times to remind her she was not allowed at that time to freely offer her thoughts.
This confusion and frustration among residents about what they can say at what time to have their voice heard on village matters can turn what would normally be a civil back-and-forth into intense heated debates on whose opinions matter.
At Planning Board hearings, it’s not uncommon to have residents interrupted by attorneys citing procedure. At council and Board of Education (BOE) meetings, a timer is used to limit the length of time to address the dais.
Aronsohn said, “We’re all in this together as a community, and there are rules and guidelines and it’s to everyone’s benefit, but to the extent that we can make it a comfortable atmosphere that invites conversation, we should do that.” Going to a Council meeting and speaking is about as comfortable as facing a firing squad.