JULY 9, 2015, 5:48 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015, 5:53 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — When they enter polling booths this fall, village residents will be invited to weigh in on the proposed expenditure of $15 million for a parking garage in the central business district.
The language for a non-binding referendum will ask Ridgewood voters whether they favor bonding $15 million “in public funds” for the construction of a parking garage at Hudson and South Broad streets.
The outcome of the vote will have no impact on the council’s final decision on the garage’s construction, which Ridgewood officials have been considering for months.
The financing of the garage “would be paid for by using parking revenues,” according the referendum’s language, which was read at Wednesday night’s council meeting.
Councilman Mike Sedon said Wednesday he supported gauging public sentiment on the building of a parking garage downtown. Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli also backed adding the referendum question to this fall’s ballot.
Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck said she thought it was important that Ridgewood residents understand their annual municipal taxes won’t be impacted by any garage-related costs. Councilwoman Susan Knudsen also endorsed the ballot measure.
“The financing of the garage “would be paid for by using parking revenues,”” How can they make this claim. If 5 years down the line the economy tanks and the garage starts loosing money how will they pay for the bonds ? Who will know if they supplement this garage with tax payers money ? They will just bury it in the budget. The three amigos will be long gone along with their chamber friends and we will be told that there is no choice but to pat the bond obligations with taxpayers money.
Many times this garage is brought up and it’s not going to alleviate any parking issues on Ridgewood Ave, Broad, Oak, Walnut, etc. You’re still not going to be able to park in front of the store you want to go to and have to walk around the corner.
Give it up, no garage is needed.
Has there been any information released as to how the fee structure will work? Will it be the exact equivalent of what it would be if someone parked on the street? If it’s not, and it charges more, and charges on evenings when street parking is free, then this will further disincentive people to use it. If it will be mirroring street parking rates, then I simply don’t see the revenue stream needed to pay for the construction. Either way, I don’t see this thing working. People will view the garage as a parking place of absolute last resort, with many decided to go somewhere else to shop/eat, or continue to circle the block until a space opens up.
Declan is right on the money. Why doesn’t someone ask these questions at council meetings.
Declan, send this statement to the council members and manager and mayor.
Just how much money does the parking utility take in on a yearl, if there is no theft?
For anyone of average intelligence who will be voting on this it may very well be the easiest NO vote they will ever cast.
The council will build it anyway regardless of the vote. You all know that.
They will twist the numbers saying many didn’t vote and those that didn’t vote are an implied yes. A silent majority.
3:33pm you are right on not many in town turn out to vote on much of anything. Better to sit home and bitch.