Village plans major sidewalk project amid community concerns

During a recent village council meeting, officials discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly the installation of sidewalks and the construction of retaining walls, which have raised concerns among residents and county authorities.

The council is considering relocating retaining walls to avoid placing them in the county right-of-way, a move prompted by county concerns. This adjustment would require easements from approximately nine to ten homeowners, which could lead to significant loss of property frontage for those affected. The process of negotiating these easements is expected to be lengthy, as past experiences have shown it can take years to finalize such agreements.

In response to community feedback, officials are exploring the possibility of constructing sidewalks on the opposite side of the street, where they have already received preliminary approval from the county. The engineering department is currently in discussions with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to secure the necessary environmental approvals for this plan.

Additionally, the council addressed the ongoing Shetler property project, with plans for a public outreach initiative to respond to over 100 inquiries from residents. The environmental consultant is expected to submit a public outreach plan to the NJDEP by the end of the week.

In other news, the village has accepted bids for the Kings Bridal Lane pedestrian bridge repair, with a recommended option to remove and repair the bridge off-site. The project is set to be discussed at the upcoming council meeting.

The Ridgewood Police Department has also been awarded a grant for bulletproof vests, which will reimburse local government for half the cost of new body armor for officers. This grant is part of a national program that has provided substantial funding to jurisdictions across the country.

Lastly, the village conducted a successful bond anticipation note sale, securing $26 million at favorable interest rates, which will support various municipal projects and maintain the village's strong bond rating. Upcoming work at the Chestnut Street garage will involve the removal of underground storage tanks, with minimal disruption expected to municipal operations.