New Information Could Alter Council Decision on Graydon Student Parking

Refuting statements to the contrary, Ridgewood schools said Friday it does not charge high school students for parking on district-owned property—a distinction that could alter village plans to issue parking permits at a town lot.

Ridgewood Assistant Superintendent for Business Angelo DeSimone confirmed about 70 spots were offered at a $513 rate at the First Presbyterian Church—however no charged district parking exists.

"Any student can park on campus, if able to. However, there is no charge from the Board of Education," DeSimone said.

Although the district helps facilitate payments to the church across the street from Ridgewood High School, it receives no money.

That news comes two days after the Ridgewood Village Council decided in principle to charge for long-term parking at the Graydon south lot. With no official action taken, council could opt against introducing the ordinance at its August 11 meeting. 

"I think this new information certainly puts a new spin on it," Mayor Keith Killion said. The mayor said he contacted Ridgewood Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein and learned the district does not charge.

Yesterday, Ridgewood Patch reported the district charged for parking on Hermannce Place based on information shared by the high school in a phone call. However, the district said that was inaccurate.

Ridgewood Board of Education member Laurie Goodman attributed the parking misstatement to the ambiguous nature—with the school collecting but not actually charging for the church lot and students still parking on the public street. 

"I think there's some confusion. Yes, some students park at Hermannce Place, but that's always been on a first-come, first-serve basis. There's no charge," she said.

Village Council tentatively agreed Wednesday to charge for long-term parking at the Graydon south lot by offering students and commuters yearlong passes at a fee comparable to the Board of Education's rate. Killion, Deputy Mayor Tom Riche and Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh agreed in principle to introduce the measure, but that could change after learning the district doesn't charge.

Initially, the village discussed the revenue-generating idea in March with the potential village earnings estimated between $25,000 and $30,000. Council tabled that option and revisited it Wednesday. No member outwardly expressed enthusiasm toward the fee, and some based their votes on the misinformation that the Board of Education charges.

Councilman Paul Aronsohn has opposed the measure since inception. If even one council member changes his or her decision, a split 2-2 vote would be caused—defeating the measure.