December 11,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Councilman Voigt announced a multi-million dollar renovation plan for the Ridgewood Public library this past Wednesday night at the Village Council meeting and Elks Lodge closing the very next day .Janis Fuhrman a member of the library board of trustees, tried to clear the air in June when the issue first arose, said in the Facebook It takes a Ridgewood Village, “I can assure you that the Elks Club is in no way tied in with the library in any way shape or form!! Too funny.”
When asked again if the recent closing of the Elks and the corresponding announcement that the Library planned a $5 million dollar renovation , Janis Fuhrman was kind enough to respond once again on December 9th ,”Still not related , The Village neither owns nor operates the Elks Club. You are more than welcome to attend our Board Meetings, they are and have always been open to the public. Next one is next week.”
However some found it a bit odd that the Glen Rock Patch also ran an article on the closing of the Elks at almost the same time the Ridgewood lodge was notified , using the Elks Grand Lodge as its primary source.
Others reminded the Ridgewood blog of the dubious undoing of the Pease Library Trust and ensuing court case .
From the Patch July 22,2015
Library trustees are also considering constructing a performing arts center next to the library and Village Hall, the report states. “Too funny”
Time will tell whether Ms.Fuhrman is telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
I don’t believe in such coincidences.
If someone wants a performing arts center they should build it with private funds.
My taxes should not be spent on risky entertainment ventures.
There are some who see Ridgewood as ripe for development. Will a PAC help to sell condos?
Ridgewood News July 22,2015
A couple of library board trustees said they want to move ahead with the original plan, which called only for the renovation of the library, and add in the construction of a performing arts center next to the library and village hall. This would turn the library and its surrounding area into the cultural hub the members are seeking. “Too funny “
IT ALL STARTED WITH THIS GUY
Ridgewood News Op-Ed: A vision for downtown
By Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli
The Ridgewood News
Ridgewood’s downtown is at a crossroads.
Having survived the past few challenging years, there is a new sense of life and vitality in our Central Business District. Grand openings, expanded stores and a range of programs – from the Guild’s “Amazing Race” to the Chamber’s Fashion Show – are generating excitement and a lot of buzz.
This is an important moment in the life of our community, and it is incumbent upon all of us to seize it and make the most of it.
To that end, we offer our vision of Ridgewood’s downtown – a vision rooted in a profound appreciation of our village’s past and a steadfast commitment to its future.
2. Ridgewood needs a performing arts center.
When it comes to the performing arts, Ridgewood has it all: actors, musicians, dancers and singers. In fact, Ridgewood is teeming with artistic talent. We just need a proper venue to showcase it all and make it more readily available to the public.
We support the establishment of a performing arts center – one that would complement the existing studios and stages. We do not have a specific location in mind; nor do we know how best to finance such an ambitious idea. But we do know that a performing arts center would take Ridgewood’s cultural life to the next level and would add to our overall quality of life.
Look at the other name that pops up.
An art major and theater minor in college, Damiano wanted to become an art teacher. Eventually, he channeled his creativity into store design and visual merchandising, he said.
“[Damiano] gets it when it comes to art,” said Mayor Paul Aronsohn, who first organized the RAC and appointed Damiano president.
According to Aronsohn, the idea of a large performing arts center in Ridgewood, an ambitious goal which is currently far from realization and has no set location, inspired “folks from all sort of creative works of life in Ridgewood” to come to a first RAC meeting last fall.
“It’s just an idea that’s being kicked around right now,” said the mayor, who noted that the previously discussed Bank of America building is now an “unlikely” location. “But in the meantime, there are different ways we can promote art in Ridgewood.”
Damiano said that since that meeting, about 10 people, many with art backgrounds, have met about once a month privately to discuss the goal, including fundraising, grant writing and the active search for a suitable location.
Ms Greene will ask her friend Mr Bolger to pay for it but we the taxpayers will pay for its upkeep and staffing for the next 30 years. Just like the turf fields. ” too funny”
Waaaay to much traffic congestion and pollution. Pucciarelli was talking about the library building a performing arts center at council meetings last year. He said it was their dream to do so.
Who decides? The council or Nancy Greene. If it is the council the public can let the council know the answer is no. Maybe put it up for a vote, or is that too expensive. Depends on when they plan to start building. Most people wouldn’t want a completely transformed crowded , more crowded. Ridgewood.
Also all performing arts centers need charity, donations, to survive. So if it doesn’t get donations, tax payers will be on the hook. Absolutely no performing arts center here. The library already has a superb small auditorium for chamber and solo music.
Council, please tell them before they hire an architect that you will never permit this. Flood zone, serious parking issues for years already, loud stuff next to a library? The area between the buildings should never have been built on–that’s the only logical place for the entrance driveway. Aronsohn and Pucciarelli had their years to dream. It’s over and so should be this ridiculous idea. These groups meet and meet and have to come up with projects and plans. Maybe it’s time to disband every committee and board–they’re wrecking the place with their dreams.
we need an arts center to justify building a massive garage… don’t think the garage is dead yet…
They are backing the truck into a complete clean out of the average taxpayer…hey visit Morristown or Englewood Pac..s..there’s always a budget busting underutilized Mega Garage nearby to crush the taxpayers
once and for all…Ridgewood get a life and stop this fantasy spending. These real estate and restauranteurs
will crush the village and the average taxpayers.Overdevelopment drives existing owners out and creates churn for the real estate ,contracting ,legal and local merchants fantasy budgets.its always a bridge too far.if only we has a Ferris wheel,,a petting zoo… A hockey rink a Ridgewood PAC…etc etc..lets get a grip folks,Once built we are all on the Hook..Serious exposure..how about we pave some roads and lower the excessive parking rates.
We have a PAC..bring your lawn chairs and a blanket and some wine..it’s under the stars at Vets field..
We pay for its upkeep and new bathrooms shared with the sports teams and town atheletes and runners.
The PAC is a Trojan Horse..foisted and too many towns..people watch endless entertainment from their homes and media devices.
So, the PAC is for local talent? How would it pay for itself?
The local singers, dancers and musicians will not attract crowds needed to pay for shows. I can see local bands in the bars for free. Who is going to pay to see the New Players in a different venue?
The local talent is getting by. A PAC would draw events away from other venues such as BF auditorium and The Office.
2:35. Yep local for sure. Let me put it this way, Ringo Starr ain’t coming to Ridgewood. This will be a total failure.
Isn’t Janis Fuhrman a realtor? Surely she upholds the NAR Code of Ethics and wouldn’t mislead in this matter? “Too funny.”