Council Preview: West Bergen Project Back in Spotlight

The Ridgewood Village Council will be bringing back a contentious zoning/housing project as well as discussing its outdoor dining ordinance and the recently-changed parking ordinance on Wednesday night.

In its special session, the council will be hearing a presentation from representatives of West Bergen Mental Healthcare, which will be updating the public on its approved application to expand its group home on 234 S. Broad Street.

Opposed by neighbors in recent years, the plan includes constructing a 42-foot-tall structure . The plans call for the current structure–which houses 4 individuals with Asberger's–to be demolished.

Neighbors opposed said the points of contention were not finding housing for those affected by the disorder, but rather, setting zoning precedent. The council had initially, in 2009, voted against allowing the housing proposal (after the Board of Adjustment denied the application in 2008), which also triggered concern and frustration with COAH requirements, which were met though the regulations remain in state legislative limbo.

But with the concern that a lawsuit would sink village funds and it would likely lose, the vote was overturned in 2010. The meeting is not a public hearing but a mere presentation; the council will not be taking any action. The presentation begins at 8:00 p.m.

You may have spotted some of the signs () and new 12-hour meters in the lots. One issue, as brought up by Eileen Smith of Smith Brothers at the parking ordinance vote, was night-time parking. The oridinance currently says lot parking cannot be done without a special permit between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7 a.m.

But with concerns that alienates late night villagers and visitors at the bars, and the contradiction with the parking ordinance taking effect at 6 a.m., that will be changing (to 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.). Don't expect a lot of discussion on this one. Yellow-line stalls for the library and Village Hall employees in that lot will also be looked at.

Also on Wednesday's agenda is a discussion of the , one that's led to a difference of opinion here and there. Deputy Mayor Tom Riche and Mayor Keith Killion recently took a stroll around the CBD to check for compliance with the village's own ordinance. Expect an update from Riche and the rest of the council on Tuesday night.

Cablevision viewers can check out the meeting at 7:30 p.m. or those who want to see it out up close and personal can head the Sydney Stoldt Court Room in Village Hall on the third floor. Hope to see you there!