Public Comment Nearing Close on Valley Project

Offering parting shots, supporters and detractors of the Valley Hospital expansion imparted their last pleas prior to a Ridgewood Planning Board vote on the village Master Plan amendment.

In a capacity crowd at the Village Hall courtroom Tuesday night, the Planning Board heard concluding remarks from Valley Hospital and activist group the Concerned Resident of Ridgewood—in addition to resident testimony—to the merits and demerits of a proposal to increase Valley's footprint by 200 percent.

The hospital sought to "correct the record," while the CRR ruminated on residential issues, village precedent and facts from the proceedings.

Valley attorney Charles Collins tried to "correct misconceptions" he felt had been raised during testimony. He disagreed with the assertion that Valley performed an "end run" by approaching the Planning Board and not the Zoning Board. The project's scope—and countless variances it would have applied for—makes it appropriate for the more legislative Planning Board to tackle.

Additionally, Collins denied Valley would restrict itself from future building ("No one knows what the future holds," he said.); and added aspects to the discourse on Valley's history.

Throughout hearings, residents have echoed the words of the 1983 Village Council, which denied Valley's application for expansion. Collins said Tuesday night that the Planning Board originally approved plans, which council later rejected. Valley subsequently appealed the decision and was validated by two victorious court decisions. The current Chill Building represents that process.

In his own 15-minute remarks, CRR spokesman Paul Gould discussed Ridgewood's character preservation history (touching on the "McMansion" ban and rejection of a proposed water tower), elaborated on the effects on the neighborhood and school, and also attempted to dissuade the Planning Board from incorporating rumors (on Valley potentially leaving Ridgewood if the proposal were rejected) in its decision making. 

Gould recommended "the current proposal be changed to permit only a maximum of 20 percent lot coverage, a maximum of 650,000 square feet of buildings, a maximum of four-story buildings, a maximum height of 56 feet with 24 feet of roof-top mechanicals with at least 1:1 setbacks for the roof top mechanicals."

Residents speaking in less formal settings also weighed in for the penultimate time—at least for the Master Plan hearings. The board planned on concluding public comment last night, but several residents planned on attending a middle school concert at the same time. The board accommodated the residents and scheduled another meeting.

In a crowd that evenly sported "I Support The Valley Renewal" and "Stop Valley Now!" stickers, residents took the podium. For the most part, as was the case for recent public hearings, the speakers opposed expansion.

With his children in toe, Don Schwenker said the plans "were a preventable, BP disaster," alluding to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He questioned the affordable housing obligations and said Valley "was a community hospital and should remain one."

Christina Krauss raised concerns of a potential conflict of interest for Mayor David Pfund. Mentioning Pfund's father's involvement with the hospital's board, Krauss asked if the Planning Board felt comfortable with Pfund serving.

Board attorney Gail Price said the matter was discussed at the hearings' beginning in 2006. Although other members recused themselves as nearby property owners, Pfund was deemed suitable to vote on the issue. 

The mayor himself said he wasn't offended by the inquiry. "I wouldn't want to sit through the 70 meetings and have it tainted at the end. I'm here because I'm elected by the people, and I think I'd shirk my responsibilities if I wasn't here."

Not a Valley employee, resident Geri Dawes favors the expansion. Talking between speakers, Dawes said she'd like Valley "to continue to provide quality service to people in the community." She added that she "trusts" the board to make a fair decision.

Al Jones is another residential proponent. Admittedly, the West Side resident's wife works with Valley's foundation. He feels independent medical planner Ray Skorupa's recommendations validate Valley's proposal and thinks plans were improved based on his input.

"We have to recognize Valley is a benefit not just for Ridgewood but for the whole area. I think we have to... sympathize with the people who don't have a hospital in their town," he said. 

Chairman David Nicholson said all remaining speakers would take the floor June 7 at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. Presumably, the board would vote at its June 14 meeting.