Inside Ridgewood’s Progress: An Update on Key Community Projects
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, from a new performing arts center to a decades-old tax issue, the Village of Ridgewood, NJ, has been busy working on a number of significant projects. Village Manager Keith Kazmark recently provided an update on five key initiatives that will shape the community for years to come.
1. The Valley Hospital Property Tax Resolution
The saga of the former Valley Hospital property taxes seems to be reaching a conclusion. Following the hospital’s move to Paramus in April 2024, the Ridgewood property became taxable. After a partial payment in June, the remaining balance was settled in July through a tax sale, bringing the 2025 property taxes up to date. While this is a major step, discussions and appeals continue regarding several other Valley properties in the village.
2. Affordable Housing & The Kensington Proposal
Meeting its affordable housing obligations is a top priority for Ridgewood, but it’s proving to be a challenge. The Village Council recently voted down a zoning ordinance that would have allowed for a proposed assisted living facility by Kensington Senior Living on North Maple Avenue. The developer plans to revise its proposal and engage with the community. Meanwhile, both Kensington and the Fair Share Housing Center have filed legal actions, which are being reviewed by village counsel.
3. A New Life for the Historic Warner Theater
A “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” is on the horizon to transform the former Warner Theater into a performing arts center. The Village Council is collaborating with the Ridgewood Arts Foundation (RAF) to secure a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) grant for the project. Both parties are finalizing plans for management and fundraising, with an eye toward an official announcement and a grant application in the near future.
4. The Zabriskie-Schedler Park Project Moves Forward
After more than 15 years of discussion, the Zabriskie-Schedler Park development is finally moving ahead. The village has received conditional approval from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The plan includes a History & Cultural Center of Bergen County at the historic house, an ADA-accessible playground, walking paths, and a full-sized turf athletic field. The next step is to begin the bidding process for site remediation and preparation.
5. Resolving the Green Acres Diversion
The village is taking action to finally resolve a decades-old Green Acres violation dating back to 1983, when park land was improperly developed. This “diversion” has prevented Ridgewood from receiving significant NJDEP grants for years. The village recently held a public hearing to propose replacement parcels of land on Hammond and Marlborough Roads, as well as new facilities at Kings Pond Park, to satisfy the state’s requirements. This vital step brings Ridgewood closer to resolving the long-standing issue and unlocking future funding opportunities.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
Sounds like the hospital is paying taxes while also still fighting it in court?
It’s smoke and mirrors. The same people trying to tell the tax payers Healthbarn is a non Profit. Blatant lies. They are horrible people that lie lie lie
One of the rules of a tax appeal is that all taxes must be paid up to date.
The Village’s Green Acres Diversion solution is absolutely despicable. No one except residents of Lakeview is ever going to use that playground.
Same with the pavilion. It will sit empty except for Healthbarn to make a profit off it being there
The tax sale resolves nothing. Please stop with the spin.
If property taxes are reduced (likely) you are going to have to write a big fat check back to an investor.
In Hackensack they issue bonds for those repayments, Evan should like that.
How about the Kingsbridge Lane bridge?