20211014 - CBDAC Minutes

Central Business District Advisory Committee  (CBDAC)

Minutes

Thursday, October 14, 2021;  Zoom Call: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Members present: Pamela Perron, Jordan Kaufman, Stephen Del Percio, Michael Pickholz, Chief J. Luthcke, Stacey Tsapatsaris, Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser

Guests present: Tom Hillmann, Kathryn Schmidt, Paul Vagianos, William White, Jeanne Johnson, Lisa Sammataro

Public comment: Last year there was a lack of holiday decorations on the Westside.  The snowflakes that the Village purchased years ago should not be on the side streets.  Not all street lamps have electric sockets, but perhaps banners could be hung on those?  Mr. Rutishauser said windloading may be a factor – he will check.  The Westside streetlamps are mostly old. 

Village Council update: Council introduced two bond ordinances to finance repairs following Hurricane Ida: one ordinance for Ridgewood Water appropriates $75,000; the other appropriates $1,564,000 for Village repairs to the Water Pollution Control Facility, Veterans and Maple Fields, and replacement of items lost at Village Hall.  Council awarded a contract to repair the Ridgewood train station stand on N. Broad Street, which was damaged when a car drove into it.  Ideas how to use that building are welcome.  The Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands will restore the green space on N. Broad Street and add benches.  American Legion Post 53’s proposal to place a monument to Gold Star Families in Van Neste Square was accepted.

 Master Plan:  The meeting of September 21, 2021 was discussed.

Tree Well Project:  Replacement of 22 street trees on E. Ridgewood Ave. between Maple Ave. and Cottage Place was discussed. 

Snow Removal:  Chris explained that before a storm, the Village does a lot of pre-planning for snow removal.  Village employees plow during the night, getting as close to the curb as possible.  Crews finish at ~ 10:00 a.m.  They pile the snow wherever is convenient then remove the pile during the next shift.  He advised that commercial properties have to shovel the sidewalks during a snow storm -- a more stringent requirement than for residents.  Paul added that most leases pass that responsibility on to the tenants.  Paul suggested that curb-cuts should specifically be made someone’s responsibility. 

Pedestrian Tunnel:  A subcommittee formed to look into refurbishing the tunnel. Steve Del Percio, plus two guest volunteers.  Chris said State Historic Preservation Office would have to approve tiles.

Parking & Hudson Street Garage:  CBDAC discussed how many parking spots 19 N. Broad Street would need.  Chief Luthcke reported that with children back in school, the police are having fewer problems with shenanigans from the roof.  Paul is turning Grab & Go over to Scot Lief.  Stacey thought the Westside could benefit from a second Grab & Go spot. 

Ridgewood Commercial Property Owners:  Waiting to hear from the Village Manager when a meeting with the landlords could be set up. 

Other news:  The Getty gas Station on N. Walnut closed.

Next Meeting:  November 11, 2021 via Zoom

Minutes respectfully submitted by Pamela Perron