Ridgewood March 4, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 5 Ground broken for $24 million NJ Transit expansion by John Koster Mayor David Pfund and members of the Ridgewood Council and village staff attended last week’s groundbreaking for the $24 million renovation and expansion of Ridgewood’s historical railroad station by New Jersey Transit. “The village worked very closely with New Jersey Transit to ensure that community feedback was incorporated into this project, and we are pleased that the end result will enhance the station, which is a vital centerpiece for our residents,” Mayor David Pfund said. “We thank Ridgewood elected officials for their cooperation on this important project, which will improve the overall functionality of the station, ensuring full accessibility for customers with disabilities and enhancing convenience for everyone who uses it,” said NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles. “The improvements at Ridgewood station represent the type of projects that will create construction related jobs and help jumpstart the economy,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. The contract with Terminal Construction, located in Wood-Ridge, will create 230 new jobs for the duration of the project. No local tax money will be used for the project, which is being funded by NJ Transit and federal sources. The station is owned by Ridgewood and is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The station is said to be the only California Mission-style railroad station on the East Coast. The appearance of the sta- ramps, and sidewalks. Improvements will also be made to the restrooms and ticket window in the station building. A new 710-foot-long center island platform and a 640foot-long side platform will replace the three existing lowlevel platforms. Canopies over each platform will be 350 feet long. The project will bring the station into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and improve the station, incorporating both practical and aesthetic recommendations of Ridgewood officials. On hand for the groundbreaking were Councilman Paul Aronsohn, former Councilwoman Betty Wiest, Mayor David Pfund, Councilwoman Anne Zusy, Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser, Assistant to the Village Manager Janet Fricke, and NJ Transit Project Manager William Wong. tion will be preserved by the renovation, authorized after extensive public meetings between railroad executives, council members, and the residents of Ridgewood. Completion is expected in 2011. The project includes construction of two full-length, high-level platforms with elevators, canopies, stairs and lighting, and the addition of accessible parking spaces, curb ������������������ 64th Annual Antiques Show & Sale ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� Friday, March 6, 11am-8pm • Saturday, March 7, 10am-5pm Franklin Avenue and Cottage Place Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Formal and Country English, French, American Stephen Van Cline, Appraiser - Fri. & Sat. ADMISSION: $6.00 Free shuttle service service from Cottage Place entrance to nearby parking. CHRIST CHURCH ������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� Delicious food served all day Quality Furniture and Accessories �������������������� WITH THIS TICKET: $5.00 (Admits One) 2 Locations Glen Rock & Passaic PASSAIC LOCATION NOW OPEN SUNDAYS! We Offer Line Of Credits And Financing Plans 201.345-5621