Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-May 13, 2009 Issue

Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 13, 2009 Ridgewood Council hears opponents of county bike path extension by John Koster Ridgewood Mayor David Pfund said the village council would ask for a clarification of Bergen County’s intentions on the extension of the bicycle path through Ridgewood and Paramus after hearing from some neighbors who voiced concerted objections at last week’s work session. “I’m pretty sure the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) is not allowed to violate its own regulations,” said Linda Wright, one of the residents who opposes the extension. She asked the Ridgewood Council members, in effect, to act as advocates for the residents who do not want asphalt placed along the banks of the Saddle River and see no point in a turn loop over the Paramus border, which the objectors call “the bridge to nowhere.” “None of us want this,” said Steven Roth, a Ridgewood resident who lives near the path site. “We have a wildscape with lots of animals and green. It is one of the few remaining wildscapes in the region, certainly in Ridgewood.” He added, “You’re talking about building a bridge to a U-turn on Linwood Avenue in Paramus. What’s the point? It’s ridiculous!” “We should preserve our wildscapes until the county comes up with a reasonable plan,” Wright said, holding a sign that read “Asphalt Is Not Allowed.” The objectors – also including Joseph LaRosa of Paramus – said no action could be taken on the county’s part because the river had been stocked with trout, but that once the trout season was over they expected Bergen County to make new attempts to extend the bicycle path. They asked for the council’s presence at meetings between residents and county officials. “Apparently Bergen County can do whatever it wants,” LaRosa said, citing a number of state regulations he said would be violated. While critical of Bergen County’s administration, the Ridgewood residents said that Ridgewood Village Manager James Ten Hoeve and Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser had been helpful to them during a previous extension attempt three years ago. The residents also thanked the Ridgewood Council for arranging to conduct a previous hearing in September, not over the summer when some neighbors would be away on vacation. Councilman Patrick Mancuso urged his peers on the governing body to support the residents, with the tacit approval of the other council members. Mayor Pfund said he and other Ridgewood officials would try to determine exactly what Bergen County’s schedule is and what the intentions are for the extension of the bicycle path. The Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor an evening for teens in grades six through eight at the Community Center on Friday, May 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. Area teen band “Crossfire” will provide live entertainment. The band, made up of fellow middle school teens from the School Teen night features ‘Crossﬁre’ of Rock, will jam to classic and alternative rock ‘n roll hits; including favorites from The Who, The Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and more. There will be no admission fee to Village teens. For more information contact the Community Center Office at (201) 6705500, extension 301. �� CHANGE YOUR Allergies? Pollen Filter • Wiper Blades Spring Showers? Oil & Filter • Engine Coolant Transmission Fluid Maintenance? In these tough times, the last thing you need is an expensive break-down. Make an appointment today to have your vehicle serviced by our ASE Certified Technicians! $ LUBE, OIL & FILTER SPECIAL WITH TIRE ROTATION & BRAKE CHECK 3295 Most cars – (A $56.90 Value) – W/Coupon • Exp. 6/27/09 �� Your Friendly Neighborhood Service Center �� &�� ASE Certiﬁed Technicians 209 S. Maple Ave., Ridgewood • 201-652-4818 www.richtersauto.com AAA Approved Facility at 4-15-09 RichterSpring2x2(4-15-09) Kathy for PROOF... from Janine ��