>Just for the record.
The total list of CRR members names and addresses was NOT handed over to the Planning Board. A sub-list containing only the names of people who allowed this to happen was given to the Board Attorney. This was explained in the last CRR email update to members.
In the end, less than 20% of the membership gave permission for their names to be included in the list given to the board. However, I understand that this was sufficient to provide standing. By way of comparison there are many more signs displayed within the Village than the total number of names on the list given to the board.
CRR reviewed the law concerning the request from the Board as is covered under Section 40:55D-10 of the NJ Municipal Land Use Law. The law gives the “presiding officer at the hearing” wide latitude in deciding length of time allotted for each speaker and the rules governing the hearing procedure. After examining the issues, CRR decided that acceding to the boards request and producing the qualified list would be in the best interests our membership. Please be aware that even as late as last Friday, the Hospital’s attorney has been attempting to reduce CRR’s voice at the hearings.
Also, be aware that decision to provide even the sub-list was not taken lightly. Before the sub-list was handed over, there were numerous emails between myself, the Chairman of the Planning Board and the Attorney for the Planning Board. CRR has assurances along with clarifications that the list is simply to provide the board with an instrument to provide “standing” to CRR at the hearing.
Last night there were many, many important points raised by residents and we welcome the statement made by the BOE. All speakers asked their questions and read their statements with confidence and passion about the critical issues. It was clear that we live in a great community that we all want to protect.
I am hoping that people will bring their neighbors and friends along on July 15th at BF Middle School to hear and speak more – it is NOT over yet! Fliers and much more information is available from https://www.stopvalley.com including the letter that was read by the BOE last night.
Regards,
Paul Gould on behalf of Concerned Residents of Ridgewood
