Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-November 3, 2010 Issue

November 3, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Ridgewood High school neighbors criticize use of ﬁeld lights by John Koster A dozen Ridgewood residents have indicated their dissatisfaction with the use of the new lights at the high school field -- mostly for events scheduled by the sports groups that helped defray the cost of the lights and not by Ridgewood High’s in-house athletic program. Mayor Keith Killion, who had expressed some trepidation when the money donated for the lights was first accepted after a cursory study by the Ridgewood Planning Board, said he and the council would take another look at the matter. After the meeting, Killion said he thought the neighbors had legitimate concerns, not so much with the high school athletic program as with the use of the powerful lights for non-school night games that sometimes last until after 10 p.m. “I ask for a full investigation,” said Tom Kossoff, one of three residents who spoke as delegates from a group of a dozen who turned out for last week’s council work session. “I call this Light-Gate! Now we’re the owners of some powerful stadium lights, but we’re not a sports team, we’re a school. It’s a shameful day for Ridgewood when the board of education loses sight of its job and what the schools are all about for all the people.” Jim Morgan, the principal speaker, said the Ridgewood Board of Education seemed to have arranged to receive the donation and install the lights during the summer when many residents were away on vacation. He said the meetings were not adequately publicized. Morgan, who was permitted to speak for a greater of time than is normally allowed because he was a spokesman for multiple neighbors, said he is a member of the Ridgewood Education Foundation, and has helped raise money for enhanced academics. He said he has no quarrel with the school-related athletics program. He said, however, that he had serious problems with non-school games at the high school field that kept the stadium lights glaring into his family’s home until 10:30 p.m. The neighbors in the audience applauded his statement. Kossoff and Morgan both pointed out that Ridgewood voters had approved an expansion referendum in which school lights were not mentioned, but had rejected the latest board of education budget, which they said indicated a concern with excessive school spending. The board appeared to have had no authorized funding for the school field lights, but had accepted funds from a number of non-school sports groups for school-aged youngsters. “We’ve been snowballed and suckered by the board of education,” Morgan told the council. “We’re looking for you to protect our interests. All we’re asking you to do is conduct a full and fair hearing...We’re not trying to kill the lights. We’re trying to get a full and adequate hearing.” Morgan added that lawsuits would follow because the lights and the traffic from nonschool night games would have a negative impact on property values. “These houses are going to lose value,” Morgan asserted. Mayor Killion and council members agreed to look into the issue of illumination (continued on page 8) Fall/Winter Specials $15.00 Pedicure Parties Available Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 with purchase of any other service with purchase of new set LCN Free Spa Pedicure VETERANS AND SENIORS! JOIN US ON WED., NOV. 10TH AT PARK PLACE FOR A SPECIAL SEMINAR ABOUT “ASSISTANCE WITH PAYING FOR LONG TERM CARE” 7PM - 8PM 644 GOFFLE ROAD, HAWTHORNE RSVP (973) 636-7000 �� FREE FREE EYEBROW OR LIP WAX 10 Minute Massage with purchase of Manicure & Pedicure FEATURING STATE-OF THE-ART EQUIPMENT Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 with purchase of Manicure & Pedicure 20 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201-670-6807 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30am - 7:30pm • Sat. 9am - 6:30pm • Sun. 10am - 6pm �� 10-27-10 kathy/janine CozyNails3x3(10-27-10) 3 x 3” Rev1 OUR NEWEST STATE OF THE ART DENTAL OFFICE �� 266 Harristown Rd, Suite 102, Glen Rock www.exceldentistry.com GLEN ROCK PLAZA 201.345.5621 � � � � �� LASER & COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY �� FULL SERVICE DENTAL CARE • Orthodontics • Invisalign (Invisible Braces) • Porcelain Veneers • Implants • Teeth Whitening • Oral Cancer Screening • Periodontal Treatment We Offer Oral Sedation �� Mayra Modesto-Garrido D.D.S We Offer Line Of Credits And Financing Plans Free Consultation • We Accept Most Dental Insurance