New Business District Leadership Brings Big Plans for Downtown Ridgewood
photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M.
the staff of the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M. recently hosted Steve Grillo, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Ridgewood Business Alliance (RBA), to discuss the future of the Village’s commercial center.
Established in late 2025, the RBA operates as a Special Improvement District (SID)—an independent nonprofit serving more than 700 local businesses. With over 15 years of economic development experience, including heading the improvement district in Millburn-Short Hills, Grillo brings extensive experience in urban planning and downtown revitalization to Ridgewood.
“Steve Grillo brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development and has had major success,” said Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron, an RBA Board member. “We have hired the ideal person to lead our organization.”
Streetscape Upgrades and the Fight to Preserve Irreplaceable Trees
As Executive Director, Grillo will oversee broad revitalization efforts across the business corridor. Key focus areas include:
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Streetscape Enhancements: Upgrading sidewalks, pedestrian safety, public art installations, and district lighting.
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Zoning & Parking Consulting: Advising Village leadership on parking logistics, signage regulations, and commercial zoning updates.
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Business & Government Liaison: Serving as a bridge between local business owners, municipal leaders, and regional agencies.
However, as streetscape redesigns, sidewalk reconstruction, and lighting overhauls move forward, local residents and environmental advocates are raising a crucial question: How will downtown development impact Ridgewood’s mature shade trees?
Major streetscape projects frequently require utility trenching and sidewalk widening, which can disrupt tree roots or lead to the removal of established, irreplaceable trees that define the Village’s historic character. Community eyes will remain focused on the RBA and local leadership to ensure that business growth goes hand-in-hand with preserving Ridgewood’s green space and urban canopy.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of the SID aims to stabilize property values, foster strategic planning, and enhance overall economic vitality across downtown Ridgewood.
To follow ongoing developments and community initiatives, visit the Ridgewood Business Alliance on Instagram (@ridgewoodbusinessalliance).
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How much are we paying this clown?
How many hours does he work each week?
I think 175,000.00. Crazy but then again, we pay 100k for a social media person carol B and other admin heavy expenses. As Winograd always says ” Welcome to expensive” and she ought to know!
He should check out North Monroe on a rainy day. You could barely drive up the street from w Ridgewood ave to Glen.
Flooded. Sewers obviously not clean. Water poring down the street.
Instead of parks fix the roads!!!!!
Should not be out driving on flooded streets during the downpours
Sometimes you need to get home. Sometimes there are emergencies. Sometimes you need to get your kids or help elderly parents. So Ridgewood should have drivable roads always! Not everyone has the luxury of staying home if it rains like you I guess. Good for you.
How about having the streets sweeping done on weekends.
Seems like another waste of Tax dollars just like everything else Vagianos does to benefit his bottom line.
WOW!! “Big Plans”.
So people don’t shop because we have had sidewalks. Really? And we need another person to tell us about parking when we have had numerous surveys. What about landlords, what about getting the right mix of stores as a priority so that is walkable. He’s already missing the boat
There is an entire class of people that make money and live comfortably in useless jobs paid by taxpayers. This is one. The government is about 80% a day care and salary payer for mediocre people.
Yes, the street we should be out Saturday and Sunday a.m. no excuse, there’s way too much later from the business section because many places are extremely busy and nice weather. We wonder who are the individual putting thumbs down, probably an employee because they don’t wanna come in on a Saturday morning or Sunday,
I have an idea I’ll give you for free.
Clean up the garbage, water the plants and pull the weeds.
And fix the roads and sewers. Clean the sewers. Do your job KK and manage the town not just the parks
Yes clean the water system out. We all wonder how many catch trains were cleaned this past year. Can we have a list.
Not many if you are ever driving in the rain.
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