Ridgewood, New Jersey Development News
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Village of Ridgewood is Live! | 07-08-26
Published: Jul 8, 2026
Green Ridgewood Unveils Community Energy Plan to Save Energy and Reduce Emissions
David Refkin of Green Ridgewood presented the Community Energy Plan, a project developed with Sustainable New Jersey using a $10,000 grant from the Board of Public Utilities. The plan outlines initiatives for Ridgewood to save energy, reduce costs, and cut emissions across transportation, renewable energy, and building efficiency. Refkin highlighted the high number of registered Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the community (1,367) and identified key sources of greenhouse gas emissions: residential electricity, gasoline usage, commercial energy, and heating fuels. The presentation detailed 12 proposals, including promoting alternative fuel vehicles (EVs and plug-in hybrids), public EV charging, community EV outreach, municipal facility energy audits, resident energy efficiency outreach, exploring local microgrids, and considering solar power on buildings. Green Ridgewood is seeking feedback from the council and residents, with a public session scheduled for the following evening. Adopting the plan makes Ridgewood eligible for significant implementation grants.
Community Initiatives, Volunteer Efforts, and Village Progress Highlighted in Council Reports
During council reports, several community-focused initiatives and events were highlighted. Council member Mortimer praised the Fourth of July parade, thanking volunteers and expressing pride in the community spirit. Council member Whites discussed attending Father Ron's retirement celebration and the Michael Feny Police Academy graduation for middle school students, noting the significant volunteer hours involved. Council member Winterrad welcomed Madison Rose, a new cocktail lounge, thanking the clerk's office for their work on liquor licenses. She also reported on the success of 'Mulch Monday' for downtown beautification and highlighted the positive impact of the accessible Fourth of July parade viewing area, emphasizing the meaning of inclusion. Council member Mortimer expressed appreciation for Village Manager Keith Kasmar's three years of service, citing his accomplishments. Mayor Vanos echoed these sentiments, praising Kasmar's effectiveness. The Green Ridgewood committee presented their Community Energy Plan, seeking resident and council feedback. Ridgewood Water presented their annual drinking water quality report. Several other items were discussed, including water main replacements, infrastructure upgrades, and shared service agreements with Midland Park.
Ridgewood Health Department Awarded Infrastructure Grant; Green Initiatives Secure Funding
The Ridgewood Health Department has been awarded a Local Public Health Infrastructure Grant for fiscal year 2027. The funds from this grant will be used to cover the employment of a full-time health inspector, thereby reducing the cost to taxpayers. Separately, Green Ridgewood received a $10,000 grant from Sustainable New Jersey (funded by the BPU) to develop a Community Energy Plan. This planning grant will help identify energy initiatives for the village and residents to save energy, cut costs, and reduce emissions. Additionally, the village is discussing the possibility of scheduling an alternative fireworks display later in the year as part of the America 250 celebration, which may involve grant discussions. The village is also applying for a $2.2 million climate resilience grant through Bergen County, with support from the Mayor, Pam, and Keith.
Village Manager Reports on Storm Recovery, Infrastructure, and Record Water Demand
Village Manager Keith Kasmar provided an update on various village operations, including storm recovery, infrastructure projects, and water usage. He reported on the response to recent storms, the efforts of PSE&G and village crews in restoring power and clearing debris, and the ongoing special yard waste collection. Kasmar announced that Bergen County plans to mill and pave Maple Avenue, impacting traffic. He also provided an update on the remediation work at the Zebriski Shedler property. Regarding tax assessments, over 6,000 residential properties have been inspected. Senior parking permits are now on sale. The Health Department was awarded a public health infrastructure grant to fund a full-time health inspector. Kasmar congratulated Deputy Director Jack Tankos on his retirement after 33 years of service. He also marked his own third anniversary as Village Manager, reflecting on progress made in finances, infrastructure, communication, and quality of life, and outlining future priorities. A significant point was the record-breaking water demand on July 1st, with over 15 million gallons pumped, underscoring the importance of water conservation despite recent rain. Kasmar also detailed upcoming community events and council meetings.
Council Approves Updates to Parking, Snow Removal, Valet Services, and Police Body Cameras
The council discussed and approved several measures related to public safety and municipal code amendments. An amendment to Chapter 265 of the village code concerning parking at the Peas Library was discussed to align lease agreements with ordinance provisions for tenants Central Dispatch and Bowler Engineering. Amendments to Chapter 265 regarding free parking on federal holidays were proposed, clarifying that free parking applies to the actual holiday date, not observed closure dates. Updates to the snow and ice removal ordinance were suggested, including requirements for sidewalk snow removal width, clearing corners and crosswalks, and ensuring fire hydrants are clear. Amendments to Chapter 263 concerning valet parking services operating requirements were discussed, allowing for temporary A-frame signs and extending operating hours to 3:00 a.m. to accommodate all-day space rental. An amendment to Chapter 190 (Land Use) was proposed to address a dispute regarding shared parking arrangements between Westside Presbyterian Church and the Board of Education for GW Middle School. The police department's request for body-worn cameras was approved through a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for $121,149.74 annually, covering 60 units and associated services. An update to Chapter 222 regarding commercial use of power tools and landscaping equipment on holidays was also discussed, aligning with the federal holiday calendar. Finally, an agreement with Midland Park for inspection services from their fire prevention bureaus for the Cucin Brothers property, which straddles municipal boundaries, was outlined.
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The Ridgewood News archive
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