photos courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the long-awaited demolition of the abandoned Town Garage on Franklin Avenue is officially underway, marking a significant milestone for the Village’s revitalization efforts. Village Manager Keith Kazmark announced the commencement of the demolition process, which aims to transform the property from an eyesore into an opportunity for redevelopment.
Eliminating an Eyesore in Downtown
“This dilapidated building has been a blight on our community and a challenge for previous Village Councils,” said Mayor Paul Vagianos. “We are thrilled to finally tear it down and look forward to redeveloping this prime piece of real estate as part of broader efforts to revitalize our historic Central Business District.”
The removal of the Town Garage represents a long-standing commitment to improving Franklin Avenue and enhancing the downtown area’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.
Next Steps: Environmental Testing and Future Plans
Before redevelopment can proceed, the property will undergo thorough environmental testing. The Village Council plans to meet with the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) handling the project to discuss the results and potential next steps.
Kazmark previously emphasized the significance of acquiring and addressing the property, noting, “The issue has lingered for many years. In the next month or so, this eyesore will be removed from Franklin Avenue, and the property will be well on its way to being remediated.”
Part of a Broader Vision
The demolition is just one component of the Village’s larger plan to rejuvenate the downtown area. By addressing long-neglected properties, the Village aims to create a more vibrant and attractive space for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Stay Updated on Redevelopment Progress
As environmental testing concludes and redevelopment plans take shape, the Village will continue to share updates on this exciting transformation.
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history has shown this spot is an environmental nightmare….it was tested many years ago showing plumes of toxic chemicals going down the block. i have no clue why they would get involved with this disaster……
Really? “Plumes of toxic chemicals going down the block”? I assume you saw these plumes? When? Was it before or after 1989, when the gasoline storage tanks on the Town Garage property were removed? When the Village determined there was ZERO pollution on the site? When, a week later the NJ State DEP inspected the excavation and found ZERO pollution and ZERO gasoline contamination? Were there “plumes” then?
I can prove all this because I personally paid for the permits, the excavation and the inspections. I have all the paperwork and cancelled checks.
The Village knows exactly where the problem areas are, but they don’t have to require themselves to comply, and they’re not going to sue themselves.
They’re so concerned with the pollution, they are going to cover 120 Franklin with topsoil and grass seed.
So, Concerned Citizen, next time you want to comment on environmental nightmares, do your homework.
Anonymous?
Your point?
This place will Be a Toxic Nightmare !!
past owner on the hook for environmental remediation. . .but go on.
I think the past owner has a maximum liability cap which may not be enough. Enlighten us if I am wrong.
And there’s no chance litigation with previous ownership over clean-up costs will slow this to a crawl.
Because that never happens with remediation projects.
That whole block of Franklin Avenue wherever you dig is all contaminated the old gasoline alley gas stations repair shops. It’s amazing how much Aunt leaked into the ground.
Those with the deepest pockets in the chain of title will pay the price.
I hope to see a beautiful park arise from this polluted spot. My image is that of the Highline in NYC. The Highline revitalized a whole neighborhood.
A beautiful, PRIVATE park. Residents can opt-in and pay an annual fee. Thank me later.
That’s some imagination!
LOL — be realistic.