Ridgewood
September 29, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 5
Christmas tree to return to Broad Street
by John Koster Ridgewood’s Christmas tree will return to the traditional Broad Street location this year with the financial support of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and the stated support of the vast majority of village residents. The Ridgewood Village Council voted 4-0 in favor of a cut tree placed near the railroad, where it can be seen by shoppers on both sides of the tracks and where it is hoped it will improve shopping this holiday season. “I would assume this is a firm commitment,” Paul Vagianos of the Chamber asked Mayor Keith Killion. “Write the check,” Killion said. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce has reportedly had no trouble raising $8,000 to cover the expenses of transferring the cut tree to Broad Street. Last year and the year before, a decorated live tree at Van Neste Park was the scene of the official tree lighting. All four council members cited a massive e-mail response from residents and merchants who wanted the Broad Street site back, but both Killion and Councilman Paul Aronsohn said, in voting to return to the cut tree, that future postings at Broad Street after this year would depend entirely on the success of this year’s initiative and the support of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. “We’re facing the most difficult financial situation the village has seen in, I would say, 50 years,” Mayor Killion said. “Services have been cut in all directions. We’ve been laying people off and I haven’t seen that in 24, 25 years. Traditions are all very nice, but it’s about the money situation.” Mayor Killion, who showed his personal sentiments by donning a red Santa Claus hat with flashing lights and placing a miniature Christmas tree on the council bench, said the Chamber would have to support the cutting and installation of the tree if they wanted the tradition to be restored. “If it is a success, you shouldn’t have any problem raising money next year,” Deputy Mayor Thomas Riche said. “If it’s a bust, you won’t have it next year.” Village Manager Ken Gabbert said that the trailer used to move the cut tree had been sold, but could be borrowed
back. He said that some electrical work was needed, but that placing the tree at Broad Street was still possible, and the $6,500 originally pledged would probably cover the expense. “There was nothing that was presented to the staff that could prevent the tree from being moved to the train station,” Gabbert said. Killion explained that concerns about underground plumbing and electrical lines and a lack of root space made it impractical to plant a live tree of adequate size at Broad Street, and that transferring full responsibility to the Chamber would be “cumbersome.” The tree lighting is now projected for Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Broad Street. The tree at Van Neste Park will be left in place and decorated as a secondary attraction.
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