Politics & Government

Developer Creates Website on Downtown Housing Proposals

A developer for one of Ridgewood's four downtown housing proposals has created a website containing all public information related to the projects.

The developer behind one of Ridgewood's large downtown housing projects has created a website hosting all public information related to the proposals.

John Saraceno, a village resident whose firm Onyx Equities is looking to construct the 54-unit "Enclave" at the former Sealfons site, said the public has expressed frustration at easily obtaining information on the proposals.

“Residents at previous meetings complained of not having an easy way to access information about the developments, so as we enter this phase of the planning process we thought it would be helpful to maintain a comprehensive set of documents that are available 24/7,” he said.

The website, downtownridgewood.com, contains documents from the two years of planning board hearings on a Master Plan amendment. It also contains a decidedly pro-development pitch for "Ridgewood's transitional moment":

"Ridgewood finds itself in a transitional period that clearly demonstrates the consequences of not affirmatively planning our future.

We are searching for land uses that have long term benefits and minimal impacts; impacts that, on a relative basis are preferable to the impacts of other options.

The proposals before us represent significant change and disruption, but, in the long term, their presence will reaffirm the values that we have for the town’s downtown area, including increased municipal ratables and a more equitably shared tax burden.

More importantly, they reflect the quality of life and culture that we hold dear, particularly when compared to other options."

Village Planner Blais Brancheau has recommend a new set of zones to accommodate for the projects.

None of the current four conform to existing regulations, notably in height and density. Combined, the four projects would bring more than 300 new housing units (all "luxury") to the downtown.

The Enclave and Chestnut Village offer the smallest proposals, each at 52 units. The Enclave is sure to face challenges due to its location, split between Franklin Avenue, Maple Avenue and East Ridgewood Avenue. The area is one of the village's most traffic-logged sections and there remain pedestrian safety concerns.

The most ambitious proposals come at the sites of former auto dealers – Ken Smith Ford on Franklin Avenue and Brogan Cadillac on South Broad Street. Each offer more than 100 housing units and are architecturally designed to be evocative of Ridgewood's trademark buildings. Concerns have already been echoed on the density and scale of the proposals.

An opposition movement, Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (not related to a separate, now-defunct grassroots group by the same name) formed in late 2012. The group has questioned the potential impact on the schools and traffic while arguing the high-density buildings would damage the existing character of Ridgewood.

Saraceno admitted there are negatives – as will be found with virtually all development – but touted what he said are big benefits to the village.

“Each of the proposed developments offers a unique set of benefits and impacts, but compared to what was here before and what is permitted under current rules, downtown residential development is a big win for Ridgewood,” he said. 

“We are looking forward to commencing the process so the public can make a judgment as to the desirability of the Enclave based on facts and its superiority to other options.”

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The process is expected to continue for several months at the planning board. If approved, the village council would vote on an ordinance to change the Master Plan and allow for developments applications. 


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