Residents Speak Out About Valley Expansion Proposal

Of the 24 people who spoke about the proposal to expand Valley Hospital at a Ridgewood Planning Board meeting Tuesday, six were in favor of it, NorthJersey.com reported.

According to the report, about 100 residents attended the meeting, which gave locals the chance to voice their opinions about the proposal, which would see Valley grow from 562,000 square feet to 995,000, and add a 245,000 square foot parking garage. The Planning Board and village council must approve a Master Plan amendment in order for the project to go through, the report said.

Several residents told the Board they felt the plan was too big for the neighborhood its in, and others spoke about the potential negative impacts to the houses and middle school near the hospital during the six-year construction period, the report said.

Those who spoke in favor of the expansion said Valley needs the upgrade to stay competitive, and that enhancing the hospital would enhance the community overall, the report said.

The public commenting portion of the planning board hearing on the expansion proposal will continue on June 2 at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, the report said. The Board is expected to vote on the issue on June 17.