Ridgewood Planning Board member calls for moratorium on proposals to amend master plan
JULY 17, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014, 3:14 PM
BY JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITER
Following three hours of testimony and questioning on proposed multifamily housing on Tuesday night, Ridgewood Planning Board member Michele Peters said she felt rushed by developers for an answer on whether the village’s master plan should be amended.
Three developers are seeking the amendment as the first step in a process to gain approval to build multifamily housing in the village’s Central Business District.
“How are we going to stop this train?” Peters said. “When are we going to take the time to really talk about the master plan?”
Applications to amend the village’s master plan amendment from the housing developers, and one from Valley Hospital which was recently rejected, have forced the board to hear proponents of change for several years.
In response to vocal opposition from resident group Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR) and lawn signs that read “Save Our Village,” Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli has scheduled an informal public meeting for an open discussion on the future of the CBD. The forum will begin at 7:30 p.m. on July 23 in the Village Hall courtroom.
The issue stems from an ordinance adopted in 2007 that allows individuals or groups to propose master plan amendments. Councilwoman Susan Knudsen, who was sworn in earlier this month, has called for the village to repeal the ordinance.
“Can we have a moratorium on applications? Can we not take some time to stop so we can talk about this … instead of dealing with a fire as it comes to us?” Peters asked.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-planning-board-member-calls-for-moratorium-on-proposals-to-amend-master-plan-1.1053301
about time – now repeal chapter 190-143/44 of ordinance 3066 !