the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in the Village of Ridgewood there is often a debate over the availability of parking in the central business district but there is another parking issue that no one likes to talk about , after a recent breakfast at Raymond’s Ridgewood a dinner loved the food but called the parking a “Total rip-off” and as for parking in Ridgewood, the dinner said , “$1.65 for an hour. no wonder there is nobody parked on the street.” Another visitor to the central business district said , “there’s lots of great places in Ridgewood but the traffic and parking are a pain”.
We have always felt the traffic congestion in and out of town was a bigger issue than the parking , but no one ever listened and over the years decisions have been made that have compounded the issue and made it a lot worse . Over the years we have noticed that out of towners are the primary visitors to the central business district .
One visitor said of the Village , “Always has been a stupid place driving business away” . Raising further concerns about pedestrian plaza’s and another said ,”It is Nuts, can’t just jump out and pick something up, it is a production”. One visitor said , “Looks like they only want you 1%’s shopping & eating there” and our favorite quote is ,”That whole town is a hot mess. I won’t even go in that town to eat anymore. If I gave you a list of what was going on over there you realize the politicians are not on the level.”
These quotes are right out of a Facebook discussion and the participants did not know the Ridgewood Blog was monitoring the commentary .
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photo by Boyd Loving
I park at the municipal lot next to the library and then walk into town. I return and take out a book so I’m legit.
I’d like to see the numbers… parking revenue, less salaries for enforcement, cost of vehicles, plus fines. I lived here since 1969 and the parking is a rip-off so If possible, I patronize stores where I can go park and run into the bank, post office, or to get food without concern of a parking ticket. The only time I pick up food ‘to go’ is sunday evenings when i dont have to pay to park. There are plenty of places to get a pizza in midland park, waldwick and hohokus.
I’d like to see the numbers.. and assuming there is a SUBSTANTIAL net profit… eliminate the parking fees and increase the fines for overtime/repeat parking. We can have the meter maids chalk the tires, or use the already in place license plate readers on their vehicles.
Even Glen Rock is worth the short drive
Pizza places are Great -parking lots behind the stores are reasonably accessible ..good Barber Shops mainly for guys and great with walk in Kids too
Our village managers should take a trip over there are learn something ..
“Welcome to Ridgewood: – Two dollar parking, two drink minimum.”
Friends from other towns who have met me for lunch downtown often park on side streets just outside the CBD in order to avoid the meters (and now especially the kiosks), not only to save the money but especially not to have to keep looking at the time (or overpay at the start to prevent that).
I liked it when stores gave out tokens that fit in the parking meters! …when 10 cents bought you a quick shopping trip. ‘Member that?
The prospect of paying off the bond for the parking garage when so many other things need those dollars is painful. Obviously no one could have predicted the pandemic and its long-term sobering effect on retail, which was already suffering from Amazon et al., preceded by highway stores for some things, but plenty of us knew that white elephant looming over a previously quiet corner was a huge mistake in more ways than one. I have never used it and probably never will. Well, too late now.
As a senior, it is difficult to use the parking kiosks. I won’t even go downtown to dine or shop any more. I go to neighboring towns that don’t charge for parking. I believe downtown is losing a lot of business because of the charge and complexity of parking. Do away with it all. Make it simple.
And back when you were just learning how to drive, you would have been saying the exact same thing.
That’s how bad the situation is.
Remember, people bergen county housing authority was going to build a parking garage there and pay for it. The town said no.
As a senior, I can no longer frequent the restaurants or shops in Ridgewood. The parking complexity is too much for seniors. The kiosks, etc… are not senior friendly and expensive to park. I suggest that Ridgewood do away with metered/kiosk parking like surrounding towns have down. It would be so much easier and enjoyable for people to come to downtown Ridgewood. It would greatly benefit business and be better for everyone. Come on Ridgewood, wake up!
They understand
“The kiosks, etc… are not senior friendly and expensive to park. ”
Put the squirrels to work. Tech them how to work the kiosks and then toss them an acorn.
Every year have a handbag raffle.
It was maybe 2 years ago I met one of my ex-wives at Steel Wheel.
I threw in 5 quarters in a kiosk on Oak Street.
12 minutes per quarter or 60 minutes.
While sitting outside I saw meter guys walking around by the train station.
These guys were completely jacked up with sleeves hiked up to their necks in order to show off their massive biceps. Just hoping for a confrontation.
I left with minutes to spare. I haven’t been back since.
That garage was a great call right? Maybe the apartments can use some empty spots?