SENIOR FORUM – Seniors in Suburbia – November 7th
Call to Reserve a Ride!
Senior Forum – Free Event for all Residents Community!
Free Transportation – Call 201/670-5500 x200 for reservation
Seniors in Suburbia – Setting New Goals
Thursday, November 7th from Noon to 2:30PM in the Ridgewood High School Campus Center, 627 E. Ridgewood Avenue – All are invited to attend. A Panel discussion will be held on how senior citizens in suburbia foster a positive view on aging by contributing their time, skills and experience to improve our community. The roles of different institutions and organizations play in helping senior citizens in suburbia redefine the meaning and purpose of their later years will be discussed. Panel members: Dr. Ilene Kieinman, Marshall Institute for Learning in Retirement, BCC; Sheila Brogan, Eldercare Coordinator, Children’s Aid and Family Services; Rev. James Knol, Christian Health Center; Robert Norelli, Hobbyists Unlimited; Janet Sharma, Executive Director, Volunteer Center of Bergen County. Program is free – Registration appreciated: 201/447-7756 or ilr@bergen.edu
Ample parking at Campus Center at Ridgewood High School. School will be closed due to Teacher’s Convention Holiday.
I cannot afford to live in Ridgewood in my senior years. I am not sure that NJ will be my home. I pay 30k in taxes in the Wood. Kids are out of school, I will probably sell my house to a family with 3+ Kids. I am not looking for a handout but I have paid my “fair share”.
Don’t tell me how I can contribute to the community in my retirement, my community priced me out.
#1 why not just down size? There are many seniors living in Ridgewood and surrounding towns and use various senior center and do volunteer work. Seems to me you are just making an excuse.
I will downsize and you can have three or more kids in the school. Consider the cost to the town for three more students.
I love my house. Once I sell I can move anywhere, I don’t need to be in Ridgewood. I can’t afford to stay but I am not sure that the district can afford to have me move. I will be the one who comes out ahead financially.
My parents last child in school was 1977. They have stayed here and like the town, effectively subsidizing all of the new familes for over 36 years. They also would like to stay, but unless there is some end to the never-ending real estate tax increases, they will be selling, most likely to a family that will fill all 4 bedrooms with students.
I moved back here 16 years ago to help take care of my old folks (I never had any kids in these schools) so my subsidy check towards the students has been for 16 years.
Just a simple example of 2 homes that, when sold, will equate to at least 5-10 new students enrolled.
The best way to control taxes for all is to encourage those of us who do not use the schools to stay in town. Every time there is a sale, its to a young couple with a baby carriage from NYC or hoboken with new students for the schools. You rarely see retired folks moving here. (if we buy in a 55+ community its going to be in a low tax are, not in downtown ridgewood-not all of us want to live in apartments)
#4. The 55+ communities have amenities, pools, club houses, jogging paths and activities. They try to be like resorts.
The developments in Ridgewood will have the NYC trains. There are no amenities. Cramped housing alongside a train track. What will the taxes be for a two bedroom unit?
If it costs $14,000 to educate a child in the RPS then it will cost the schools $42,000 to 56,000 to educate my replacement’s kids. If school taxes are 65% of my bill then I am paying $19,500 in school taxes. If I stay the town comes out way ahead.
If the town remains rigid then I will buy a beautiful home somewhere else. I would like to stay in Ridgewood but it is just silly to stay and pay the high taxes and receive little in return.
Many towns freeze taxes for people over a certain age (whether 62, 65, or whatever). This would help a lot and pay off for the town.