Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • February 10, 2010 Underground area ‘feasible,’ but water concerns raised Geotechnical engineer Larry Keller last week advised the Ridgewood Planning Board that the underground parking garage proposed as part of Valley Hospital’s expansion would be feasible, but he raised concerns about possible groundwater discharge during construction and flooding in the event of heavy rains. The proposal calls for a 2,000-car underground garage and subterranean space for the hospital’s mechanical system. According to Keller, the plan would have to address the bedrock located on the northeastern portion of the property. Options for addressing the solid rock, he said, would include blasting. He acknowledged that the blasting would facilitate the construction schedule, but recommended 4-29-09 karen/janine careful monitoring if blasting charges are used. The underground option was recommended by a planEmmanuelHelp3x.75(4-29-09) ning consultant last year after several residents, including Concerned Residents of Ridgewood, opposed Valley’s original plan, which called for a parking deck. Neighbors of the site said they believed the increase in the size of the hospital, which also includes the construction of new buildings, would not be aesthetically pleasing in the otherwise residential area. An updated plan calls for increased building setbacks, which would keep the new construction farther from local homes. Keller told the board it is better to determine how to deal with groundwater that could be discharged during construction before the project begins. Concerns include how to remove water from the construction area, and where and how to dispose of that water. Keller also considered how to support existing structures during the excavation project. He determined that the soil underneath the hospital includes sand, stone, and gravel, in addition to the bedrock. No decision was reached at last week’s meeting, which was one of a number of sessions held to explore options for a hospital expansion. The hospital had the final say on how much to spend on the construction, and Ridgewood has generally been opposed to blasting. Keller, who is director of geotechnical engineering for Whitestone Associates, was retained by the Ridgewood Planning Board with escrow funds provided by Valley Hospital to study the underground parking proposal. J. KOSTER Emmanuel asks... Can You Help? Ridgewood 3 x .75 CancerCare provides support groups CancerCare of New Jersey is offering more information. CancerCare is a national non-profit orgatwo adult support groups for those affected nization that provides free professional supby cancer. A bereavement group for those who have port services to anyone affected by cancer: lost a partner to cancer within the last year people with cancer, caregivers, children, will meet on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs, including counseling, educap.m. from Feb. 24 through May 12. CancerCare is also planning a support tion, financial assistance and practical help, group for adult children who have experi- are provided by trained oncology social enced ���������������������������������������������� completely free of charge. the loss of a parent to cancer. Dates workers and are ������ Founded in and times will be announced shortly. ����������������������������������� 1944, CancerCare now provides Both of these groups will be held at individual help to more than 90,000 people ��������������������� to the more the CancerCare of New Jersey office, 141 each year, in addition�������� than one Dayton Street, Suite 204, Ridgewood. 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