Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-June 10, 2009 Issue

Ridgewood June 10, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Natural ﬁltration plan proposed for Graydon by John Koster The Ridgewood Village Council recently heard from former Glen Rock resident James Robyn, who outlined a possible answer to problems at Graydon Pool: a European system that uses plants, not chemicals, to ﬁlter the water and landscapes the swimming pool to resemble a natural lake. “I’m a pool guy,” said Robyn, who was introduced by Melinda Cronk and Jane Morales, co-chairs of the committee to revitalize Graydon Pool. Robyn, who works out of Morristown and is afﬁliated with NovaBio, a German company, presented a slide show about the Natural Swimming Pool, invented in Austria and extremely popular in Germany, the Netherlands, and most recently in France. The NSP is a lake-shaped pool with a contiguous secondary manmade lake. The larger lake is used for swimming, and the secondary connected lake contains “thirsty” plants rooted hydroponically to ﬁlter organic impurities out of the swimming water. Pools tested in Germany have a water quality higher than that required by the New Jersey Bathing Beach Code, which impacts Graydon. The slide photographs Robyn showed the council looked like a natural low-land pond, except that the water in the larger lake was cleaner and without obstacles or visible plant life. No cost was discussed in relation to the NSP design. Some months ago, a committee exploring options for the pool outlined a $13.9 million plan that drew opposition from some residents based on what some considered a “water park” appearance and on the cost during the economic downturn. Another plan, which was not formally introduced, involved a proposal to line Graydon with an impermeable material that would have allowed improved water quality, but preserved the natural like-like appearance. The estimated cost of that plan was $22 million. Proponents said that, while the NSP could be used for swimming immediately, it could take two to three years for the water to reach a natural balance. In the meantime, there would be visible algae. In case of fecal spills, the water could be cleansed with hydrogen peroxide. This would oxygenate the water, but would not disinfect it, they said. The council agreed to consider the proposal. ONLY $54.95! The Ridgewood Village Council has adopted a new parking schedule, which will take effect Aug. 1, that calls for a doubling of the hourly rate at Chestnut Street lot for short-term parking, but offers free parking on Saturdays to bring more shoppers and diners to downtown Ridgewood. The lot will provide 25 spaces for longterm parking suitable for commuters to Free parking on Saturdays New York City, and 44 four-hour spaces that can also be used in shorter increments. Plans call for adapting the meters to accept nickels so a motorist can purchase six minutes worth of parking at a time. The meters will also accept dimes and quarters. The ofﬁcial hours at the Chestnut Street lot will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the police (continued on page 20) �� 6-3-09 Airbrook3x3(6-3-09) Allison - Rev: Janine �� Caring for Your Beautiful Landscape is our Specialty �� LET ��THE PROFESSIONALS �� AND MONEY SAVE YOU TIME Seasonal garden care program Hand pruning of ornamental shrubs for natural shape Overgrown landscapes are our specialty Landscape design & construction – Design fees apply Irrigation & Lighting services Residential & Commercial We are a call or a click away One Call www.chrisjameslandscaping.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 cjlinc1@aol.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 All major credit cards accepted (201) 670-9000