'Storm the Doors' Comment Spurs Valley Meeting Arrest

Police arrested a Hackensack man last night outside the Planning Board's final vote on the Valley Hospital expansion on three charges.

Officer John Chuck arrested Leonard Nix, 62, for continually disregarding police instruction and inciting the crowd to "storm the doors." 

Nix was charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice and failure to disperse. He was released pending an appearance in Ridgewood Municipal Court, police said.

Police were on site to handle the crowd outside George Washington Middle School. Last night, the Planning Board voted to approve a massive expansion on Valley's 15.4-acre facility. Inside the hot auditorium, supporters and opponents crowded to hear the board's decision.

Originally scheduled at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, the meeting was moved across town—to the smaller auditorium—because of a scheduling conflict with Project Graduation. Additionally, parking was limited due to an event at the nearby West Side Presbyterian Church.

Fire officials closed doors at 7 p.m. due to the room's capacity. Hundreds remained outside throughout the meeting, continually chanting and interrupting the proceedings inside. The meeting was halted at one point. Protestors banged on the side door chanting, "Let us in," at another point.

When the school auditorium reached its capacity the Ridgewood Fire Inspectors instructed the police officers on scene to close entrance to the building. Police said the crowd outside became angry over not being permitted in the meeting.

Police also closed North Monroe Street from Godwin to West Ridgewood Avenue.