the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood announced plans to demolish the NJ Transit bus terminal located in the central business district’s Van Neste Square. This decision comes after independent evaluations by a structural engineer and an architect concluded that the building is structurally unsound and beyond feasible repair.
Historical Context and Preservation Efforts
Constructed in the 1950s, the bus terminal was designed by architect J. Robert Gilchrist, reflecting mid-century modern architecture. In 2018, the Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission recognized the building’s historical significance and advocated for its preservation. Consequently, the Village opted to renovate the structure rather than accept NJ Transit’s offer for a replacement.
Video by Boyd loving : https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15yjKF5zcN/
Challenges and Community Concerns
Over the years, the terminal’s condition deteriorated, leading to concerns about safety and sanitation. The facility became a gathering spot for individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, prompting complaints from residents about unsanitary conditions. THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.
Future Plans and Considerations
In light of the structural assessments, the Village Council has directed Village Manager Keith Kazmark to present options for a replacement structure. Additionally, there are considerations to relocate bus terminal operations to the Garber Square/NJ Transit train station area. These proposals are slated for discussion during the Council’s Public Work Session in December. THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.
Previously, in 2017, Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser proposed moving the bus terminal to the train station property, which would have resulted in a net gain of 38 parking spaces—28 at the train station and 10 at Van Neste Square. However, this plan was not implemented at the time.
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We wonder is the village going to receive any financial funds from New Jersey transit. It would make sense to have the buses go there to the train station, because there’s a building there already that they can utilize with bathrooms lighting heating. The only concern is can the buses swing around in that lot, what are people‘s thoughts?
The last thing needed is more buses going under those tracks and getting everything even more clogged up. I like the Van Neste location. There are plenty of great RW architects, contractors, etc who could put up something appropriate w/o it taking 3 years of angry discord and bidding.
They are going to go under the tracks whether the terminal remains at Van Neste Sq or the train station. That is their route.
Not the buses that currently start their route at the bus station
Good place for a ballfield ?
For variety, a small putting green
Better than Schedler.
I did hear that they wanted to relocate the busses to go over to the train station. BAD idea
you have a ton of people walking around and unless they reconstruct an open space for commuters to get on and off of the busses while people are parking or moving their cars, this will be a colossal disaster. Will they then relocate the farmers market that people love so dearly? There are people in an out with their cars and busses pulling in and out there will be another nightmare. Who came up with this idea, Kazmark. Just bad and not thought out thoroughly. Leave it where it is and construct another pavilion. Heck Healthbarn got one over at Habernickel that will one day have a bathroom, so a smaller version of bus pavilion and bathroom would work.
We will all miss the structure’s smell of urine and litter. A real shame that its historical unique design will no longer grace the business district. Perhaps the Village leaders should study and budget for a new and more sustainable replacement in about 10 years from now.
It’s a pile of rubble now.
i gonna miss pi$$ing in that place
Will the new terminal still have a space for drug deals?
hey people need a place to GO
Moving the buses over to the train station is just as dumb now as it was in 2017 when Chris first proposed it.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-bus-station-move-is-lunacy/
Be nice. Chris is a brilliant “engineer” and his track record since 2017 is the envy of all New Jersey.
This is a joke right?
They should put the new bus terminal with bathrooms in front of the Benjamin on Franklin Ave.
that engineer needs to be removed from his duty. from his track record, which is horrendous is amazing that he still has a position in the Village Of Ridgewood. Especially delayed his fiasco regarding contaminated soil at the wet saddle River Road site which has and will be costing the village millions in removal. Probably one of the biggest screw ups of village funds in history and to top it. How can this individual pass a fit for duty test impossible😳👨🏻⚕️
Agree. And crowding the train station with buses would just add to his LONG list of F ups
Leave the busses where it is . Stop trying to change everything Keith. You have done enough damage. Leave our town alone!!!!
He’s your new man,🧑🏼🦲