Ridgewood to accept $251,000 community‑center grant; village budgets $75,000 annually for startup staffing

Council members told the Jan. 26 budget hearing that Ridgewood will receive a $251,000 grant toward renovating the community center and that the village is budgeting staff support for the startup period.

Parks staff credited community center advocates and the Ridgecrest Foundation for securing a $251,000 award to renovate the building's lower level and expand programming for seniors, youth and employees. Council members said the village agreed to provide $75,000 in staffing per year as part of a three‑year commitment to support operations during start‑up.

One councilmember described the $75,000 as being included in this year's budget as part‑time salaries: "We moved all of that $75,000 into part time salaries. At least for the startup of this," a council speaker said. Staff said the figure would be revisited in next year's budget to determine whether full‑time positions are warranted once programming ramps up.

The council also said it would present the grant agreement and a related resolution for formal acceptance at the Feb. 11 council meeting; after acceptance the village plans to work with an architect to redesign the space and begin programming.

What happens next: formal acceptance and any contract with an architect will be considered at upcoming council meetings; the staffing approach will be reviewed as programming develops.