Televised Parking Deck Information Session – Tonight- Nov 2 @ 7:30PM
Cablevision (Channel 77) and FIOS (Channel 34) will broadcast live tonight starting at 7:30PM the CBD Forum with details of the Hudson Street Parking Deck. If you cannot attend the meeting at Village Hall tonight, please tune in!
Ridgewood Information Forums – Hudson St. Parking Deck – November 2
Two important forums scheduled in Village Hall – 4th Floor Court Room – to discuss the proposed Hudson Street Parking Deck: Wednesday, October 21 and Monday, November 2 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Village professionals as well as the design team from Desman Associates will be on hand to discuss all aspects of the proposed parking deck, including the design and financials. All are welcome to attend. All questions are welcome!
Questions:
Official Parking Referendum Question
Community Support
President of the Chamber of Commerce statement
Financial Advisory Committee Statement
Historic Preservation Commission Statement
Study,Design, and Analysis
Walker Parking Preliminary Financial Analysis – October 2, 2015
Walker Parking Consultant Study – July 5th, 2015
Walker Parking Floor Plans
Resolutions
Resolution 15-222 : Non-Binding Referendum – Nov 3, 2015 Ballot
Resolution 15-303 : Desman, Inc.
Ordinances
Ordinance 3480
other commentary
https://theridgewoodblog.net/mysterious-anti-parking-garage-flier-appears-in-residents-mail-boxes/
https://theridgewoodblog.net/why-ill-just-say-no-to-the-parking-garage/
There have been complaints about parking in Ridgewood since cars became prevalent in the early part of the 20th Century. Let’s be DONE with it and build the damn garage on Hudson St. Let’s also build one behind the Sealfons building, across from the post office and at the site of the old inspection station on Chestnut so we never have an issue with finding a place to park.
Just what we need more stupidity.
Drink not the Kool-Aid. Enormous garages, especially in a far corner of the CBD, would fix nothing while destroying that area. It would be seen from everywhere like a hideous Eiffel Tower.
We only need one garage……and the one currently proposed satisfies the need just fine. Let’s stop the whining and petty politics and just get the damn thing built already !!
Thank you Anon 11:09. The Eiffel Tower, what would Paris be without it. As it was planned, the French equivalent of our vocalantis, the voices of doom who are against any progress, issued the following statement: “We, writers, painters, sculptors, architects and passionate devotees of the hitherto untouched beauty of Paris, protest with all our strength, with all our indignation in the name of slighted French taste, against the erection … of this useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower … To bring our arguments home, imagine for a moment a giddy, ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black smokestack, crushing under its barbaric bulk Notre Dame, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the Louvre, the Dome of les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, all of our humiliated monuments will disappear in this ghastly dream. And for twenty years … we shall see stretching like a blot of ink the hateful shadow of the hateful column of bolted sheet metal.” Undoubtedly these 300 vocalantis are rolling over in their graves, asking themselves:”Could we really have been SO stupid?”
your comparing the parking garage to the Eiffel Tower , if so it pays to remember to original oposition to the World Trade Center was that it was in the landing path for JFK air port and could be hit by a plane ,guess that time someone should have listened
James, my apologies to you, but your comment is a prime example of a non-sequitor. The WTC was destroyed by evil people with an evil plan. They were committed to hurt us in any way they could. They crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth plane was destined for the White House. Does that mean the Pentagon and Pentagon should not have been built?.
your comparing the garage to the Eiffel tower is totally ridiculous , as the the WTC it happened as predicted
Good job 11:55, yeah, this cheesy monstrosity could be compared to the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Rurik, go put some signs in front of your house and be sure to vote tomororw.
The answer to the garage referendum is not found in the mantra ‘build it and let them come.”
Let’s start with the questions in proper order. Why do we need garages? That question is easily answered – – To let people park downtown.
The more difficult question is “to park downtown for what purpose?” That is the question that hasn’t been addressed. We have no coherent plan for downtown. Rather, we have allowed developers and store owners to complain about this, that and the other thing, while we have reacted to what they want. There has been no real effort to figure out what the Village needs as a whole as it goes into the next several decades. Do we need all these restaurants? Are Villagers responsible for building garages so they stay in business? People move here now in part because they are attracted to the downtown. Will these changes enhance the perception of the Village or lower it? If overbuilding turns off prospective house buyers, what will the effect be to our property values? Might the overbuilding start us in a downward spiral from which we won’t recover?
At the end of the day, the “risks” of the new garage are far more than the potential that Villagers will be on the hook for $15 million in project building costs and an unknown amount of maintenance, security, improvements to surrounding areas, etc. The risk involves the way our Village progresses into the future.
And, we need to be forward thinking here. We need to stop living in the past, and we need to carefully consider each move we take as we move into the future. So, the answer isn’t simply “build the damn thing” so we “solve the parking problem”, as too many seem to think. The answer to whether we build this garage requires us to first ask the question “why are we building it and how does it fit into our plans for the future.”
Until that question is asked and answered, we need to get out in unison tomorrow and vote “no”!
I just read the statement from Paul Vagianos, and I have a few comments and a question for Paul…The statement begins by comparing downtown Ridgewood to the Paramus malls, and stating that the residential taxes in Paramus are lower substantially because of the tax revenues provided by the malls in Paramus. Mr. Vagianos then goes on to explain that the tax revenues are high in Paramus because the values of the commercial buildings are high, and that the values of the buildings are high because the rents are high…and that the rents are high because businesses do well in the malls – implying that they are willing to pay a premium to be there.
First, I think we would all agree that lowering residential property taxes would be a very good thing indeed.
Second, comparing downtown Ridgewood to a mall in Paramus is a dubious comparison at best. I’m not sure our neighbors want the kind of environment that breeds large chain retailers anyway.
Thirdly, making the implication that the only major obstacle to business in Ridgewood is parking seems overly simplistic and one-sided.
Finally, and I think most important of all, is my question. Mr. Vagianos’ statement seems to want to make the point that a main driver behind the parking garage is to increase rents in Ridgewood (which would then increase the value of the properties, and the assessments, and the property taxes payed by owners). So, how much more rent and taxes is It’s Greek to Me (and the other businesses in the Village) willing to pay? Won’t that force them to increase prices or start losing money? If the prices go up and the businesses are now even less competitive then they already are (as well as much less convenient because of the highways), isn’t that a really, really, bad thing?
Parking is a good thing – we certainly need more of it. We don’t need another giant building downtown. Make smaller increases to all parking lots instead of one big one.
Agree with those that prefer smaller lots. This enormous lot will serve commuters (those being displaced by the Ken smith and brogan lots going away and new commuters enticed by lower rates) and long term parkers (store employees) and do little for the average person looking to park during the day (when retail is open). As it stands now the Hudson lot is not full until 7pm. My concern is this will not change the problem for the day shopper and therefore not help the shops who need it most. We will be using our chips with this lot and have no more resources should this plan not work out.
If a contractor came to your home and said sign here to pay me, we will get to specifics later but trust me it will be great would you sign? Of course not, you would demand a specific plan with measurements, materials, timeline, for starters. I just can not understand how any thinking person can give any council no less THIS council carte blanche approval.
Folks – don’t be bullied by politicians who are just trying to force something through before election day. They tried the same thing with the apartments and we should do the same thing with the garage. Force them to go back and do their homework. $15 million for what exactly? Exactly how big is this structure supposed to be? Should we look that the picture or not? Do we believe the figures posted at the Village web site or not? Who is on the hook if the thing costs more than they’re telling us and/or brings in less revenue? Once we build this thing there’s no going back. Let’s insist that those that have the most to gain from this project have done their due diligence – including contingency plans in case they are wrong.
Seems like some people are in quite a hurry to get their money.
I’ve lived here over 20 years and lack of parking has been an on-going complaint. Build it already. They have a similar structure in Morristown on the green and it’s convenient and attractive. I personally know a business owner and a physician who both declined opening in Ridgewood due to parking concerns, so this would address that and probably attract a wider array of businesses. An added benefit may also be less traffic congestion and accidents on E. Ridgewood Ave as the need for drivers to circle around and around looking for parking is reduced. I’m voting YES!!!
11:55 is none other than Rurik Halaby. His posts are as easy to spot as Dom’s.
But, 229, we are not Morristown. The Morristown downtown is huge. Its no comparison at all.
I’ve lived here 26 years and I don’t think parking is a problem at all. The problem is people who don’t want to walk a few blocks through our beautiful Village to get where they are going. I NEVER have a problem parking during the day.
Right @ 3:47. And with that location people will still have to walk unless they are planning to change human behavior too.
Lived here fifty years and don’t think the parking is a bad an issue as it is made out to be, except for some Friday and Saturday nights when the restaurants are full. So it seems to me this is all about keeping a couple of restaraunteurs happy.
VOTE NO!
Vote TO take back our town. They are Carpetbaggers all. VOTE NO TUESDAY
It is my understanding that the 3 amigos are conducting an impromptu investigation into who is responsible for the VOTE NO ON THE GARAGE flier. They have appointed Roberta as lead investigator and spin doctor. Well Paul if all else fails you can alway blame Gabbert.
just got a robo call to vote yes on the garage sounded like our mayor. Here is the best it came from Weehawkin NJ. Typical
Just received a robocall from the Mayor asking for a positive vote on the parking garage & left his cell phone number, not village hall. He said he paid for it but don’t know about using his official capacity as Mayor working the phones. If he hadn’t identified himself as “Mayor” no problem. He’s certsinly entitled to his opinion as a citizen. It is, after all, a referendum.
ALERT – ROBO CALL FROM PAULVAGIANOS
I just got a ROBO CALL 6 PM from Paul Vagianos caller I.D. out of WEEHAUKEN NJ 551-227-3101 to my Unpublished landline phone. How the hell did he get that?? my number is not on the towns reverse call or BOE’s. I usually don’t answer unknown numbers due to scammers. Recorded message in his voice was in reference to the parking garage referendum, urging me to vote yes. I called back the number, recording says “you reached campaign headquaters, please leave a message”. My message was I’m voting NO, NO, NO, NO!! He has a lot of nerve!
Lets ALL CALL BACK 551-227-3101, and SWAMP HIS CAMPAIGN HEADQUATERS ROBO PHONE NUMBER, AND LEAVE MESSAGE – VOTE NO!! The moref return calls he gets, his ROBO line gets TIED UP!
Friday and Saturday nights it is hard to park. If you don’t have a reservation you can’t het into most restaurants. Maybe the two are related – build more restaurants!
@ 6:12 pm, so Rurik, WHAT IS ARONSOHN’S CELL PHONE NUMBER ?? I’d love to tell him I’m VOTING NO!!
I heard that the Deputy Mayor has a new ” DAY JOB ” he was handing out pro garage fliers at the train station today.
I was just wondering how much he would charge to walk around with a sandwich sign advertising my restaurant.
ALERT – Just got a robocall from MAYOR Paul asking me to vote yes. This is outrageous! I don’t give a crap if he is paying for it or not; he must have used some robosystem to dial me up and I am guessing that system belongs to Ridgewood. How the hell did he get my unlisted personal number? And if he says it’s MAYOR Paul Aronsohn, he’s acting in an official capacity.
S. Frapz: You are right. It is mine. I had to post the entry twice and the second time it must have gone out under Anonymous. An error. I always disclose my name. Thank you for pointing it out.
Don’t be surprised if you see one of the 3 amigos at Valleau Cemetery writing down names so they can vote for them.
6:20 put your name in print and I will show you your number.
Rurik Halaby what are you doing posting on the blog you should be working the phones with your three buddies ( The 3 amigos and their jackass”
I’d like to call the mayor and Vagianos and let them know how despicable their Robo calls made to unlisted, unpublished phone numbers of Ridgewood residents, telling resident taxpayers how to vote.for their pet project garage. The FCC does not allow soliciting of unpublished numbers.
No more posting from Rurik Halaby he’s. at tonight meeting speaking.
We are getting ROBOED. SIMILAR TO BEING ROBBED. OUR TIME AND PEACEFULL EVENING OF NO VALUE TO THEM VOTE NO VOTE OFTEN
Rurik was at the Parking meeting in town. Opened by thanking council members and did a shout out to his muse.
The $15Million Plus, Parking Garage Referendum is Shades of when the BOE added the additional school Turf Fields Referendum to the BOE Budget for vote, to ensure it would get passed, and that’s already costing taxpayers spread over the next 30 years!
The parking garage is primarily for the commuters and restaurateurs. Residents, shoppers don’t need a mammoth parking garage. $1.00 on all town parking meters won’t pay for this, residents will be on the hook (tax increases) for that bond plus interest for years to come. I’ll VOTE NO!!
I noticed the lights were on at the RHS field tonight and not a soul was on the field. Were’nt they supposed to be “temporary” for a few years and then the BOE would re-examine the issue? And who is now paying for them???
The meeting although televised shut off at 8:32 just as public comment and questions began! That was the only part I wanted to hear!
:You know what I just heard manager saying at tonight’s forum that Hudson St. best place for garage because the bottom of town doesn’t need more space; so for her putting another level on another lot by Sealfons or the Gap won’t help.
But people can walk a few blocks. The downtown is super small. When people go to malls they normally walk longer distances from parking to much walking in malls to different stores.
Who wants to take an elevator from an upper level parking garage at Hudson. I sure don’t. Even if it is glass. It’s a muggers magnet plus subject to power failures and LED bulbs they were just touting at forum can still burn out or malfunction and then you are stuck four or five levels up in a dark garage. They said windows will be open; that just lets snow blow in and cars will get stuck inside.
I sure won’t be using that garage; no way. I don’t care how you guys vote; but I am voting no. Either way I’m never in there.
201-213-1811 is Aronsohn’s cell number. Robo call him all night long telling him you are voting NO
Oh by the way, the law has been seriously broken; a major crime has been committed according to some speakers at tonight’s Parking Forum.
They wonder who committed the so-called crime of making Vote No parking flyers and didn’t sign name.
Don’t you know that only Vote Yes Parking signs are allowed. Those signs are not signed either; but that is OK.
And it is OK that they are placed all over Ridgewood on PUBLIC PROPERTY.
Dictatorship is alive and well in Ridgewood N.J.
So what are we going to do about it. Well, I am going to vote no on parking.
Watch out for dictatorial council practices in future. Attend meetings and let them know that democracy is NOT being practiced in Ridgewood.. Democracy in name only; not in practice.
James, Anon 12:07 is also me, Rurik. Something wrong with your software. I never post a comment anonymously.
Investigating the flyer? Are you kidding me???? What the heck is going on around here? Do they investigate every real-estate postcard that comes in the mail? Every advertisement? Such an investigation is illegal I am sure of it. And by the way, Mr. Transparent Mayor – where was all this super sleuthing when the anonymous email was sent to Mike Sedon’s employer? You were not in the least bit curious or concerned, and in that instance a HUGE ethical breach had been committed.
Let them go ahead and accuse someone about the flyer. We will be all over them like fire ants. They will rue the day they started this investigation.
Seriously, what is the point of calling PA at all let alone all night. That’s what they want; they want to be able to call those who don’t agree with them ; outlaws and nut cases.
Notice, when they write DRAFT WORK IN PROGRESS
It could be larger , built wider and higher.
From the other posts saying it was actually Mayor Paul Arohnson ROBO recorded calls, it sounded he rambled fast and was hard to hear clearly, except for telling me to vote yes, which I thought was P. Vagianos,as both of them are running a relentless blitz for votes on the parking garage, at council meetings, newspaper letters and oh those signs, like garbage all over town and the roads look trashy with signs sticking up everywhere. Using the Robo calls even to unpublished numbers is a new low, should be ashamed of himself. Caller I.D. number showed Weehawken, NJ, return call said Campaign Headquarters leave message. How would he like getting calls at His house by us to tell him to vote NO, oh that’s why his number says its been temporarily disconnected by request of owner.
Whats next, will they be standing outside at the polling areas handing out more fliers to ram this down our throats? I’ll VOTE NO !!
The Fire Chief was at the meeting along with some other employees. What SUCK UP!
“Investigating the flyer” BRING IT ON. The Three Amigos and the Chamber should tread lightly.They may get caught up in any investigation for what they have done. I suspect the the person or persons that mail the flier have done their homework
Not only would I never park at the proposed garage, I would also never walk past it under its large cantilevered section hanging over the sidewalk. When I’m killed by a car, I want to be in the street.