>”The venue for the PB was moved to a location that could not handle the crowd. This should not have surprised the PB since this was not the first time that residents were shut out of a Valley hearing.” –Couldn’t be at BF due to Project Graduation wanting to keep their theme a secret. Maybe the bandshell should have been used.
“In addition, at the last minute, residents were informed that parking would be limited, and they should carpool.”–Based on simultaneous church events. Church events sucked up less parking than anticipated.
“If BF wasn’t available, should the PB have considered rescheduling?”–New Council starts July 1st. Council will appoint new PB members. Moving the meeting back could have left unfinished business from the old PB.
“Valley employees most of whom are not residents to fill seats are shuttled to the meeting. The Village reserved half the seats for Valley employees.”–Don’t know if this is true. I think it was first come, first served. Many people that were shut out of the meeting were Valley supporters. See photos…
https://bit.ly/9aQ7ND
https://bit.ly/9lzlWQ
“The police responded to a crowd of 250 people chanting ‘Stop Valley Now’ by calling in support from four other communities, as well as Bergen County Police and the Sheriff with canine support. Was this a measured response to an out of control situation, or was it designed to intimidate opponents?”–One arrest was made. Hackensack resident shouted “storm the doors” according to police. Many audience members inside interrupted the proceedings on several occasions, disregarding repeated warnings not to do so. Despite this, nobody was thrown out. The response could have been worse. Better safe than sorry.
“The Bergen Record, has consistently supported Valley’s expansion plans, and their reporting has been short on facts. The editors of the record also opposed plans to reopen PVH. Does The Record editorial policy have anything to do with the fact that Mr Borg, President of the newspaper, is a member of Valley Hospital’s Presidents Council?”–The Record has released an editorial agreeing with your argument that the meeting was mishandled. See here…
https://bit.ly/c8dDhz
“Valley is mobilizing it’s PR machine to divide and discredit the opposition. We have to stand together in opposition to Valley and public officials who thus far have refused to listen to residents.”–Valley has lost the PR war thus far. Looks like they could use a new “PR machine”.
