Ridgewood Council Votes To Table Ordinances, Conduct Impact Studies

The Village Council voted Wednesday to table five ordinances, continue the public hearing on them, and conduct several studies to further examine the possible consequences the proposed changes to the Ridgewood Central Business District.

More than 300 people packed Village Hall and dozens spoke for five minutes at a time well past midnight. Nearly all who spoke expressed their discontent with the ordinances they said could negatively impact residents’ lives, traffic, and the school system.

At about 11:00 p.m., Councilman Michael Sedon motioned to table the ordinances so several impact studies could be conducted and so the council could examine the results before voting on the ordinances. The studies will examine the possible impact the changes would have on finances, the school system, and area traffic.

“The process here is wrong,” Sedon said. “We’re trying to slam everything through. We need to hear all the experts.”

Sedon received a standing ovation when he made the motion. Councilwoman Susan Knudsen seconded the motion.

“It becomes imperative that we conduct our due diligence and do this right,” Knudsen said. “What traffic studies have been done? Not enough.”

Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck, along with Knudsen and Sedon, voted to table the ordinances.

Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli cast the lone dissenting vote against the motion.

“I do not want to interrupt the process. Let’s have an orderly, governmental process. That’s what you all asked for,” Pucciarelli said. “I don’t want to conduct government that way. I say we stay the course.”

The council also voted to continue the public hearing on the five ordinances on Nov. 9.

Dozens of residents chided the five-member council regarding the proposed 35-unit-per-acre development and high-density, low-income housing the ordinances would allow. The Central Business District currently has a 23-unit-per-acre average.

Drew Watson, a 34-year resident, said the density change was his main concern.

“Having it higher than the average, to me, just doesn’t make any sense,” Watson said. “It’s only going to change the charm and character of the town.”

Residents also said officials were not as transparent with the process as they could have been. Several said they were upset that they have not been asked what they think of the changes via a referendum.

“I am very frustrated by this process. This process is not working for the residents,” said Dana Glazer. “I’d rather have a dialogue and hear how you’re going to answer the questions put to you.”

Other parents said the changes would negatively impact the Ridgewood school system.

“It’s going to create an additional drain on the school district,” said Marisol Romero, a mother of two Ridgewood students. “It would negatively impact the kids.”