Poll: Do you Agree With Council's 'H-Zone' Decision?

The village council listed a wide range of concerns it had with the expansion proposal Tuesday night, .

Although opponents hailed the move at the RHS Campus Center as protecting Ridgewood from , , and even possible damage to hundreds of homes, speakers and supporters said the council may be relegating Valley Hospital to second-class status.

In today's competitive healthcare climate, some argued, second-class is dead on arrival.

Speakers at the podium said over time, talent will leave, the facilities will continue to age and like dozens before it, the hospital may turn insolvent. The last minute appeal for further 'compromise' by Valley CEO Audrey Meyers did little to turn the tide.

With the vote, the status of Valley's expansion efforts going forward is unclear. The must specifically state from a land use perspective why the planning board amendment is inconsistent with the Master Plan.

A future council, however, could pick it up, Village Attorney Matt Rogers has previously said.

Some have speculated lawsuits are on the way. The hospital has made no mention of lawsuits – with Valley Attorney Chuck Collins denying the hospital has considered pursuing legal action against the village in an interview with Patch in October.

Its opponents, Concerned Residents of Ridgewood (CRR), are investigating whether it can shut a door on efforts, Chairman Pete McKenna said. It has a pending lawsuit against the planning board.

[Editor's note: There's evidence suggesting the poll was tampered with electronically; it was closed early Thursday evening.]