July 17, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Ridgewood Planning board mulls schedule for downtown hearings by John Koster The Ridgewood Planning Board will consider the future scheduling of the hearings on the multi-unit residential complexes developers hope to bring to downtown Ridgewood. The board will also consider plans for the former Sealfon’s building located on North Maple Avenue, but planners had no word on just when the hearings would be conducted. “Each of the proposed developments offers a unique set of benefits and impacts, but compared to what was there before and what is permitted under current rules, downtown residential development is a big win for Ridgewood,” said John Saraceno, a principal of Enclave, which has purchased the former Sealfon’s building. “We are looking forward to commencing the process so the public can make a judgment on the desirability of the Enclave based on facts and its superiority to other options.” The other sites include the former Brogan Cadillac and Ken Smith Ford dealerships close to the railroad right of way. Many Ridgewood officials say that abandoned buildings and lots are a dismaying sight from the train. Saraceno said that a new website, www.downtownridgewood.com will provide up-to-date information about the planning documents submitted by each of the developers and links to news articles. The group that seeks to develop The Enclave has pledged to maintain the website. “Ridgewood’s downtown has been evolving for 120 years,” Saraceno said. “Most of the historic buildings are being utilized for purposes their developers could never have envisioned. It is the nature of every place to change. We have an opportunity to install a use here that will last 100 years and secure the property beneficially to the village. We think the upcoming hearings and our effort in developing the website will help convey our vision and it will be shared by our neighbors. It is an exciting and promising time.” Expert planners retained by developers have argued that the projects could be accomplished with minimal impact on traffic and schools, but residents who have spoken at council meetings have argued, conversely, that Ridgewood schools are already filled to near capacity and that the traffic problems in downtown Ridgewood are a serious concern, with numerous accidents involving pedestrians and automotive collisions. Continuing careers Ridgewood High School Principal Dr. Tom Gorman with five representatives of the Class of 2013 who will be continuing their athletic careers in college: Kevin Skettini, baseball, Drew; Jacqui Roth, lacrosse, Amherst; Chris Turnbull, basketball, Trinity; Brian Daniels, Track, Washington & Lee; Dr. Gorman; and Kenny Hayes, wrestling, Ursinus.