Political Graydon Issue Heats Up

Updated: 1:20 p.m.

Marcia Ringel didn't have to say so, as it was apparent by the presence of two Village Council candidates and the deputy mayor—"Graydon is a political issue."

At last night's Preserve Graydon Coalition meeting, pool naturalists presented further data they believe justifies their cause, in addition to introducing a geological expert and council candidates Bernadette Walsh and Thomas Riche.

With Preserve Graydon supporters Suzanne Kelly and Alan Seiden, Ringel justified squashing a request for proposals application for financial, environmental and safety reasons.

"We need to tell the council we're not in the financial position to move forward and to just say 'No,'" said Kelly, also a member of the pool subcommittee. She said despite her and Gene Callaghan's opposition, the committee will recommend issuing an RFP shortly. Council may discuss it April 7.

Although the application is an open call for ideas, she said the language points toward a concrete pool—despite lacking the word "concrete."

Last night at Temple Israel, Kelly outlined several arguments she shared in a March 19 Ridgewood Patch article. A newer development, though, was Graydon's financial impact.

After looking at proposals at subcommittee meetings, Kelly said any concrete project could total around $10 million. The coalition disputed the Ridgewood Pool Project's initial claim that Graydon would and should support itself.

If 6,000 members joined at $150 a badge, the pool's revenue would total $900,000. However, annual bond payments of $600,000 plus an estimated $717,000 operating budget (based on figures from Stony Brook) puts the pool in a $450,000 deficit.

That view considers debt service that may or may not be fair to lump in with Graydon's operating budget. Nixing the village's debt service payments, Graydon would produce an $183,000 surplus.

Either way, debt service is currently Ridgewood's third highest budget item, Ringel said citing the village's budget.

A geologist with degrees from Rutgers University and the Stevens Institute of Technology, Charles Stebbins outlined three environmental permits he believes would be difficult to secure for a renovation to occur.

Stebbins said the permits were open to interpretation from the Department of Environmental Protection, but he believes the village would need to fulfill Flood Hazard Area, Storm Water Management, and State Open Water obligations. Rejection of any of those areas would set the project back and cost additional money to secure passage. However, the state may not require Graydon to meet any or all of those requirements.

An interesting hypothesis advanced by Stebbins involved Graydon's relation to the nearby Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. He suggested that the brook formerly ran through Graydon and was diverted around 1910—as indicated by historical Sanborn maps showing different pathways in 1906 and 1911. Currently, an unnamed, underground tributary links the two, he said.

Stebbins said a hydraulic connection exists between the two bodies and pressure from the brook could damage a potential concrete-bottomed pool.

The two present candidates were juxtaposed to Brian Dowd and Doug Cronk, the latter being the husband of RPP member, Melinda. The Preserve Graydon Coalition believes Dowd and Cronk will approve a cement pool if elected. The candidates themselves say they remain open to ideas, but Graydon's declining membership needs to change.

Cronk told Ridgewood Patch today that neither he nor Dowd were invited to the meeting.

Ringel pledged support to Walsh and Riche, and urged residents to do the same. An audience member suggested that people should make election decisions beyond the scope of Graydon. Ringel retracted her comments, noting that many important issues face the village.

Running separately—Riche said he and Walsh just met—the two candidates spoke on why they supported Graydon.

"Change can be a positive thing, but to change for a few individuals who want it is not worth it," said Riche, the father of a former Graydon lifeguard.

A longtime Graydon member, Walsh said when relatives visit they want to swim at Graydon.

"I definitely want to see Graydon stay as beautiful as it is now. I'd hate to see people drive by and miss our treasure," she said.

In a question-and-answer session, audience members lambasted the village for continuing Graydon development talks.

The only sitting council member in attendance, Deputy Mayor Keith Killion remained diplomatic.

"This is a pivotal point in Ridgewood history... We want to make sure we're informed on this as long as it takes. And you can't get rid of one side of the argument," Killion said.

Initially, the deputy mayor only wanted to listen and refrain from speaking, but he said he needed to clarify some misconceptions.

"It's not about who yells more... It's a big project either way, and we want to make an informed decision."

At tonight's Village Council meeting, the council will discuss a free coupon giveaway to lure residents back to Graydon, organizers said. If approved, residents may take their family to the pool for one day before July to experience it for themselves.

The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

Click here to view the Preserve Graydon Coalition's presentation.

Click here to view the Ridgewood Pool Project's final report.