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Urbanization: I went into the discussion unbiased, and came out furious with the idea of rezoning the town

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Urbanization: I went into the discussion unbiased, and came out furious with the idea of rezoning the town.

I spent the morning in a Ridgewood resident’s home at a “coffee” with the Mayor to discuss the multi-family development projects with a group of residents. I went into the discussion unbiased, and came out furious with the idea of rezoning the town. I now believe the high density projects will ruin the town on so many levels, but most importantly our school system, parking and safety.

His claim is that changing the zoning laws for the developers (btw anyone can build a high rise once it is changed) will benefit businesses and a few mysterious “empty nesters” and retirees.  I find it hard to believe that people downsizing are willing to pay $3000 a month for a luxury one bedroom (that’s what they are asking for). I also find it hard to believe that an Applebees (proposed at the Brogan site) will help businesses like Daily Treat, Raymonds and East Coast Burger. I don’t know why the planning board would permanently change the master plan to appease a few developers and disregard the burden on our schools and infrastructure. Let them build, but they should work within existing zoning restrictions.

People should attend Tuesday nights 3/19/13 Planning Board Meeting for more information. This is the last public hearing until closed discussions begin in September, and the agenda is solely on the development projects. (Valley is going to take over planning meetings through June). Supposedly, at the last planning meeting on the subject, they almost put it to a vote right then and there. There is a feeling that they are trying to slip this through.

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8 thoughts on “Urbanization: I went into the discussion unbiased, and came out furious with the idea of rezoning the town

  1. The Ridgewood Projects are an absolutely stupid idea. Its imperative that people voice their displeasure now. If we don’t, we risk the future of our schools, our safe community, the value of our houses and way of life. Get out Tuesday, or don’t complain in the future about class sizes at your school, traffic on the roads or any of the other associated problems.

    Moreover, if folks don’t get out Tuesday to show their displeasure, Mayor Tweedledee is going to assume he has the green light to do what ever he likes. I voted for the guy, because I thought he was earnest and well-meaning. Boy, was I stupid. He clearly has pipe dreams that go far beyond helping or even considering what is right for Ridgewood and his neighbors. But his further political career is going to be stymied, even with the money contractors, developers and hospitals may be willing to contribute in the future, if its clear his own people don’t like what he’s doing.

  2. Hard to believe 3 K a Month ? In M Park it’s 3K a month at the Kensington and there is a waiting list. Many are MP residents too.

  3. The Valley Hospital expansion and the other projects of the proposed magnitude should be put to a vote so all the residents can have their say. I do not believe that the Mayor, PB and Council are unbiased. The housing projects, even more than the Valley expansion will destroy the town, increase taxes while decreasing our property values. I will be there on Tuesday and hope everyone else opposed to this will either be there in person or send a proxy.

  4. # 3 I raised the issue of referendum but it seems that the residents can’t force a vote it’s up to the council to put the wheels in motion

  5. The picture above is the site of the new (Aronsohn Arms Apartments 1 )

  6. you vote in a political hack… you get what you deserve.

  7. unfortunately for all of us #6 has a very strong point.

  8. Not all of us. Just you fools who believed their promises. Have anyone of them been kept?

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