20211111 - CBDAC Minutes
Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC)
Minutes
Thursday, November 11, 2021; Zoom Call: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Members present: Councilwoman Pamela Perron, Jordan Kaufman, Michael Pickholz, Police Chief J. Luthcke, Anastasia Bamberg, Phil Davis & Stephen Aspero.
Guests present: Kathryn Schmidt, Paul Vagianos, Tom Hillmann, William White, Mayor Susan Knudsen.
The committee discussed whether to meet in person or to continue with Zoom meetings. Because two members have an earlier meeting, the consensus was to continue meeting via Zoom through at least January.
Minutes: Pam moved to approve the Sept. 9, 2021 meeting minutes and Phil seconded. Chief Luthcke moved to approve the Oct. 14, 2021 minutes and Phil seconded. There were no objections.
Council Updates: parking permits are being offered to non-residents. Parking will be free in the Hudson St. Garage on Dec. 4, 11, and 18 on the 2nd through 4th floors, with a 3-hour limit. Councilwoman Perron advised that the environmental issues related to the garage have been resolved and the Village is waiting for NJ Dept. of Env. Protection to issue final close-out certificate/no further action document.
Grab & Go parking has been renewed through April 30, 2022. The Village will replace trees in 22 tree wells on E. Ridgewood Ave. before Thanksgiving. Earth Day/Daffodil Festival will be held April 10, 2022.
Garage use: Committee continued discussion of use of Hudson St. garage deck. Mayor Knudsen favored collection of data re. use of garage. Additional discussion regarding problems with “Full/Not-Full” street-level sign at the garage that seems to be inoperative. Some questioned whether free parking actually draws shoppers and diners downtown, while others felt it would be good to get employees’ cars off the street and free up parking for patrons. Mayor Knudsen left to avoid any possible OPMA violation.
Holiday Ideas: In the context of whether to submit a CBDAC budget request, Councilwoman Perron suggested that the Village might wish to install a non-permanent ice-rink at Van Neste for the holidays; Chief Luthke expressed concern that the ice-rink might be too heavy and that there is almost no truly level area at Van Neste Park; a general discussion ensued about hanging more pre-fabricated snow-flake decorations in the CBD. Chief Luthke was concerned about sufficient electrical service for the lighted snow-flakes. Michael Pickholz mentioned that solar-powered decorations might be possible. Councilwoman Perron will ask that the Signal Division track how many streetlamps can accept additional snow-flakes when the crew hangs the decorations later this month. The committee will not be submitting a budget request for 2022.
Master Plan: Re-examination process now being undertaken by the Planning Board with the assistance of an independent professional planning firm, Heyer Gruel & Associates, Red Bank, NJ. All participants agreed, for the Re-Examination process to be meaningful, that as much input as possible from all the residents of the Village was essential even with respect to land-use issues related solely to the CBD; thus, the importance of reaching those residents. Discussion also focused on why/how Ridgewood was named a “Village” when it has over 25,000 residents and a formal CBD. Michael Pickholz suggested that, in keeping with the CBDAC’s mandate under its By-Laws and Mission statement to advise the Council on CBD matters, that the Committee prepare a letter/memorandum to the Village Council of elements contained in the Re-Examination Report that deal with the CBD and share the Committee’s consideration of the same.
CBDAC Minutes respectfully submitted by Stephen M. Aspero, Esq. with additions by Councilwoman Perron
Approved January 13, 2022
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