Sacred Ground Preserved: Ridgewood Village Council Approves Funds to Restore 9/11 Memorial Trees Honoring 12 Lost Residents
photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, with the November election right around the corner and an open space ballot question hanging on the line .The Village of Ridgewood, NJ, is taking action to ensure its solemn tribute to the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001, remains a strong and vibrant symbol of remembrance. While we believe the Village has failed in its remembrance of 9/11, using 9/11 to promote the open space ballot question is extremely bad taste.
At a recent work session, the Village Council unanimously approved a motion to utilize the Open Space Trust Fund to replace trees at the September 11th Memorial that have fallen into poor health. The memorial, a peaceful place for reflection, is located between the historic Village Hall and the Ridgewood Public Library.
This decision underscores the community’s commitment to maintaining a space that honors the memory of the twelve beloved residents the village lost on that tragic day.
The 12 Ridgewood Lives Lost on 9/11
The Ridgewood September 11th Memorial stands as a permanent tribute to the community members whose lives were tragically cut short in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. They are:
- Richard Blood
- Michael Carroll
- Daniel McGinley
- James Munhall
- Charlie Murphy
- Steven Paterson
- Michael San Phillip
- Bruce Simmons
- Steven Strobert
- Gina Sztejnberg
- Jon Vandevander
- Christopher Wodenshek
Replacing the struggling trees with new, healthy ones ensures that the living memorial, which symbolizes growth, hope, and renewal, can endure for future generations.
Open Space Fund Supports Remembrance
The unanimous approval to draw from the Open Space Trust Fund highlights the broad mandate of the fund to protect and enhance public spaces that contribute to the village’s character and serve the community. In this case, the purpose is the improvement and preservation of one of Ridgewood’s most sacred and meaningful public properties.
While the exact species or number of replacement trees was not detailed, the commitment to the memorial is clear. The project will ensure the tranquil setting remains a respectful and beautiful place where residents can pause, reflect, and never forget the sacrifices made that day.
We applaud the Village Council for prioritizing the upkeep of this critical site and keeping the memory of Ridgewood’s lost residents alive.
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Proof its just another slush fund.
As recently is this past Wednesday night, didn’t Village Manager Keith Kazmark publicly state that the fund isn’t used for maintenance purposes?
Keith Kazmark lied when he mentioned that the fund is not meant for the maintenance purposes.
Also this shows that the village council regards or disregards the volunteers serving on the Open Space Committee as their puppets and did not feel a need to discuss spending their money in this way.
What’s the purpose of the Open Space Committee, if those Vagiano puppets were totally ignored when making this decision. Even their buddy Winograd was not consulted.
Evan weitz declared that we should use open space money for this and the puppet Kazmark said “yes boss”. Other council members just had to vote yes as it was already agreed to.
Such a shame. Why do these puppets work on these committees when their opinions don’t matter??
Many, not all, of the people on the committees are planted there for a reason. Because many of them are like minded with the mayor and council and these people, in turn, with little to no experience, get appointed or apply and get approved not because of anything other than that they have a relationship, friendship with the people elected sitting on the dais who want to promote their agenda and we have all borne witness to these committees pushing things through so this is a fact. Some committees have also been instructed by their council liaison to not speak against initiatives in the village like the ones that are being pushed through by mayor, council or village manager. it is an old boys club mentality that doesn’t really support democracy because of its cronyism and pay to play mentality.
wow, this council never does anything unless they can make money off it
frankly using 9/11 to promote the open space tax increase is piss poor
Vagianos really is a slime ball if he can stoop to this!
It is a lame attempt at a sympathy vote and is very misdirected, just like the mayor and council.
You’ll never cease to find something to complain about. They’re replanting and beautifying the 9/11 memorial, for christ’s sake. Have a little respect for the dead and shut up and show some appreciation.
I have immense respect for those who serve our community and those who lost their lives during one of the worst tragedies imaginable. I have no respect for a council that misuses funds masquerading as something virtuous. They are grasping at straws to suggest this at this time as a ploy for a yes vote. it is really pathetic.
This is truly as low as they can go (although we’ve said this over and over about this council ) Winograd just got through saying that there are extra and currently available saplings left over for anyone who wants them, but then is going to try to use the Open Space Tax increase to use 9/11 victims and their families as an excuse to put more trees in this location. This is reckless overspending and likely the main reason why we have no money to fix the important things that require maintenance and repair. I am voting no and do not trust Vagianos or anyone on the council, including village manager Kazmark.