Ridgewood Reverses Course: Council Approves $350K for Hudson Street Garage Safety Fencing

The $350,000 expenditure suggests “soft” security measures—including enhanced camera surveillance and bird spikes

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a significant shift from previous policy, the Ridgewood Village Council has officially approved $350,000 for the installation of protective fencing on the top floor of the Hudson Street Parking Garage.

The decision marks a complete turnaround from 2021, when the Council famously opted against fencing to preserve the “magnificent beauty” of the award-winning structure. However, persistent safety concerns—including juveniles throwing objects and individuals sitting on high ledge walls—have forced a rethink of the garage’s security profile.

🏛️ From “Bird Spikes” to Steel: The Policy Pivot

Back in May 2021, the Village Council debated several “low-impact” ways to secure the 4th-level rooftop. At the time, officials were hesitant to add a barrier that might create a “sail effect” (wind load) or damage the structural integrity and aesthetic of the new facility.

The 2021 Strategy included:

• Bird Spikes: Discussed as a low-cost deterrent to stop people from sitting on the parapet walls.

• Decorative Railings: Considered to bridge the gap between wall sections.

• Signage and Ordinances: Relying on rules and fines to keep “rowdy” behavior at bay.

Ultimately, the council concluded in 2021 that a 7-foot fence wouldn’t deter someone determined to throw an object and might “void warranties” or damage the building’s look.

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🛑 Why the Change in 2026?

The move to approve the $350,000 expenditure suggests that the “soft” security measures—including enhanced camera surveillance and bird spikes—were not enough to manage the reality of the garage’s patronage.

Key Factors Leading to the Approval:

1. Public Safety: Continued reports of objects being thrown from the top level posed a liability risk for pedestrians on the street below.

2. Juvenile Activity: The rooftop remained a popular gathering spot for local youth, leading to “horsing around” that exceeded what signs and cameras could prevent.

3. Enhanced Fall Protection: While not a code requirement for a four-story structure, the Village decided that an “enhanced fall protection strategy” was necessary to mitigate risk.

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📐 The Design Challenge: Form vs. Function

Architects from Tim Haahs and experts from EPIC had previously warned that any fencing must be “see-through” to limit wind loads. The newly approved $350,000 project is expected to utilize a design that balances:

• Visibility: Limiting the “sail effect” that could strain the garage’s structural spans.

• Durability: Using mounting techniques that minimize weaknesses in the parapet walls.

• Aesthetics: Maintaining the Victorian/Colonial-inspired look that matches Ridgewood’s historic downtown.

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🏢 Impact on Ridgewood Residents

The funding for this project comes as part of the Village’s broader commitment to maintaining its infrastructure while responding to resident concerns about downtown safety.

• Construction Window: Residents can expect localized activity on the top level of the Hudson Street Garage throughout the installation period.

• Security Cameras: The fencing will complement the recently upgraded high-resolution camera system, which allows the Ridgewood Police Department to monitor the facility in real-time.

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Hudson Street Garage Fencing Timeline

Year	Action/Status
2021	Fencing rejected; Council explores bird spikes and railings.
2021-2025	Security cameras upgraded; ordinances passed to limit loitering.
2026	$350,000 approved for full top-floor protective fencing.

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