Danielle Caputo

The meeting covered several key areas of discussion and updates. The Chair reported the denial of an application filed by Bergen County on behalf of six communities regarding a grant. The Village Council Liaison provided updates on radon action month, a new two-year contract for PFAS lab work by Ridgewood Water, the authorized solid waste disposal contract, and the approval by NJ DEP of a plan concerning property disposal on S. Broad St., which includes a fine. Discussions also focused on five pending ordinances related to Fair Share Housing obligations, addressing topics such as an assisted living facility, townhouses, multifamily housing density changes, and affordable unit set-asides. Climate Resiliency Planning Grant strategy involved addressing points in a recent DEP rejection letter, including the exclusion of Paramus, and planning future engagement with county officials and state senators. For Resource Management & Conservation, updates included organizing a meeting to review battery-powered leaf blower use in Maplewood, potential lending of Kress electric equipment, status of state legislation (S-217, Food Waste Reduction Act, Skip the Stuff bill, Open Space Tax Incentive Act, Extended Producer Responsibility Act), and Ridgewood Water conservation efforts due to low rainfall. Subcommittees also discussed managing knotweed in rain gardens, planning for new green infrastructure signage, and pursuing training from Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Student liaisons reported on a newly acquired hydroponic vertical farming system and planning for Super Science Saturday and Sustainability Day. Finally, finance discussions reviewed tracking expenses and revenues, noting a significant profit increase from Earth Day and projecting the 2026 budget, including potential expenditures for new food scrap bins.

This document, an update to the 2010 Open Space Plan, provides a strategic framework to prioritize properties for open space and recreation, aiming to protect water quality, cultural values, and natural resources. The plan focuses on key objectives including preserving and enhancing the village's character, energizing open spaces, conserving and stewarding natural resources, and maintaining the downtown business district. Core goals for the 2022 update include improving pedestrian and bike connectivity, protecting the tree canopy, maintaining a 'small-town' feel, and enhancing sustainability and climate resilience.

The meeting began with the reading of the call to order and statement of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Key discussions included an application for the construction of a new home at the To-Robbins Residence at 155 Phelps Road, which the Commission recommended for approval. Additionally, the Commission reviewed the 'Zabriskie-Schedler Property Park Development Plan' dated August 29, 2023, and resolved to send a letter to the Mayor and Council stating the Commission's support for these plans.

Key discussions included the development of a multi-pronged strategy for e-bikes, focusing on signage clarification in the Central Business District, school-based education programs, and potential ordinance amendments regarding impounded e-bikes. The committee reviewed compliance and enforcement statistics for Site Triangle Violations. Incident reporting provided comparative data for November 2025 versus November 2024, noting a spike in accidents during severe weather. New business covered concerns regarding traffic flow and pedestrian conflicts at the West Side Train Station parking lot exit, the proposal for "Limited Sight Distance" signage, and the condition of a faded bike lane under the trestle. The committee formalized an achievements list, including 130 Site Triangle compliances and the installation of six pedestrian-activated crosswalk signals. The meeting concluded with a chair transition.

The Village Council held a public work session to discuss various topics, including a proposed bike lane on South Pleasant Avenue, replacement of municipal trees, lawsuits regarding the Schedler property, and an increase in the Open Space Tax. The council also discussed the Village's healthcare costs and explored options to minimize the financial impact on Village employees and the Village's overall healthcare costs. Additionally, the council discussed safety concerns at the intersections of North Maple Avenue and East Glen Avenue and Oak Street and East Glen Avenue, as well as proposed bump-outs in the Central Business District to calm vehicular traffic and enhance pedestrian safety.