Public Workshop

The Village Council of Ridgewood held a public workshop on March 30, 2026. The meeting began with a special presentation by Penn Miller Jones, a new business owner, who introduced his plans to open 'The Milkshake Factory' in town. Following this, Rich Calby, Director of Ridgewood Water, presented several agenda items concerning water infrastructure, including a research project with Revive, an agreement with the NJDOT, a supplemental bond ordinance for PAS plants, and a new vendor for drug and alcohol testing. Chief Judge also provided an update on BLS billing services and the urgent need to replace an aging ambulance, which was approved by the council. The council then discussed and approved a grant acceptance from NJIT for a storm water management study, aimed at developing flood mitigation strategies. This initiative was highlighted as particularly important due to ongoing flooding issues and reduced federal support. Further agenda items included the authorization of grant applications for improvements to Upper Citizens Park and the rehabilitation of the pedestrian tunnel at the Ridgewood train station, with applications being submitted to both county and state historic preservation funds. The meeting concluded with the council voting to enter into a closed session to discuss legal matters concerning Valley Hospital tax appeals. The council members expressed enthusiasm for the various projects and initiatives discussed, particularly those focused on improving infrastructure and community services.

The Village of Ridgewood held a series of meetings on March 25th and 26th, 2026, encompassing a Public Workshop, a Special Public Meeting, and a Regular Council Meeting. Key discussions revolved around the upcoming property reassessment, the Shedler Field soil remediation project, and various village ordinances and improvements. The reassessment process was explained, emphasizing its revenue-neutral nature and the goal of bringing property values to fair market value. Residents raised concerns about how neighborhood changes and property features would be factored into valuations, with council members assuring transparency and explaining the reliance on historical sales data. The Shedler Field project was a significant focus, with the adoption of a bond ordinance to fund soil remediation. Public comments and council responses clarified that the bond ordinance and associated loan are strictly for soil remediation and cannot be used for park development. Concerns were also raised regarding communication strategies for upcoming meetings related to the Shedler Field project and the rationale behind berm removal. Other topics addressed included public notification on the village website, downtown improvements such as flower pots and trash cans, and train tunnel safety. Several ordinances were introduced and adopted, including those concerning blade signs, affordable housing, and the rescission and replacement of previous ordinances. Resolutions were approved for traffic engineering contracts, budget transfers, and field policy revisions. The council also discussed the purchase of diesel fuel and gasoline, a potential partnership for flood mitigation with NJIT, and the declaration of surplus police cars. The meetings demonstrated the council's engagement with both legally mandated actions and community concerns, with a commitment to transparency and addressing resident feedback.

The Ridgewood Village Council held a Public Workshop on February 4th, 2026, addressing a range of agenda items and public comments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Shedler remediation project, where the lowest bid of $2.6 million was presented. Council members and residents discussed the high cost, the necessity of the remediation, and the process for financing the project, including potential loans from the Bergen Joint Insurance Fund. Concerns were raised about potential change orders and the communication plan for residents living near the contaminated site. Another key discussion point was the request to add a Ramadan crescent lighting, which received enthusiastic support from the council as a cultural expression to foster community celebration. The council also reviewed and approved several items related to Ridgewood Water, including a professional service contract, security upgrades, and a rate adjustment that will result in an 11.3% increase for average customers. The acceptance of donations for public land enhancements, such as the children's sensory garden and field renovations at Veterans Field, were also approved. Public comments touched upon the broadcasting of meetings, the desire for more virtual access, and the challenges associated with it. Residents also inquired about the placement of a former council member's photo and expressed concerns about the process of awarding bids and managing change orders on public projects. The council addressed these concerns, explaining legal requirements and ongoing efforts to mitigate risks and ensure transparency.

The Ridgewood Village Council held a Public Workshop on January 7th, 2026. The meeting began with a moment of silence to honor Tony Damiano, a respected community member. Public comment included a request to display Councilwoman Lorraine Reynolds' photo and concerns about limitations on public speaking at previous meetings. A resident also questioned the building department's policy on requiring personal information for complaints. Key agenda items focused on numerous contracts and services for the Ridgewood Water utility, including repairs, maintenance, chemical purchases, and system upgrades. The council also approved a grant writer contract, recognizing its significant return on investment. Other discussions involved amendments to recreation fees, the purchase of rock salt, and the rescission of an ordinance related to the park and ride facility, which is now managed by the state. The planning board's review of fair share housing ordinances was also presented, with a recommendation to consider public and board concerns. The meeting concluded with the council moving into a closed session to discuss legal matters concerning the Shedler property.