Schools to Delay Referendum Projects Until After Fourth of July

Consenting to a village request, Ridgewood schools will delay work on referendum projects until after the Independence Day holiday.

As the village prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its July 4 festivities, larger crowds than usual are expected. Observing the holiday on July 5, the village will offer an a.m. parade and p.m. fireworks.

According to the district, the Ridgewood Board of Education will push renovations at Stevens and Ridgewood High School stadium fields, as well as the track at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, until after July 5.

"Many municipalities have canceled their fireworks this year, causing concerns about the size of the crowd in Ridgewood. Benjamin Franklin Middle School and Ridgewood High School fields are traditional places where Ridgewood citizens go to watch the fireworks," the district said in a June 22 statement.

The parade itself starts on the West Side, winds through the central business district and concludes near Graydon Pool. Fireworks will be set off from Veterans Field, where paid tickets are required to enter. Residents usually watch for free at the school fields. 

Approved by voters in a December 2009 bond referendum, the field updates will be the first round of renovations to village schools, fields and other facilities. The $48.3 million initiative was approved by 62 votes.

Originally, the district planned to start projects June 25—immediately after the close of the school year. The district said it expects to start renovations on or about July 6.

For more information on the parade, visit its website.

Compiled by Sam Fran Scavuzzo