For the past few weeks you may have heard some discussion around town about the neighbors around the high school and their concerns about the improved athletic fields and the (still not hooked up to electricity) lights. To re-cap, some of the neighbors wanted us to hold another hearing with the Planning Board, so that they could get their questions answered and their concerns aired. The Board of Education responded that we didn't think a Planning Board hearing was necessary in order to work directly with the neighbors and community to answer those questions and address those concerns. Toward that end, we've had a couple of meetings with neighbors, but for a couple of weeks we kept mentioning a document that would gather all the questions and concerns in one place, and we would answer or address them. Well, the document is finally complete* and available on the District website. You can find it at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us, click on District Administration>Bond Referendum. Or you can click here for a direct link.
*The document is "complete" with all the information that's currently available. As new questions or concerns are raised, or as new or better information becomes available, the document will be updated. (For example, we still have no idea when PSE&G will hook-up the electricity to the lights. We've been told they're a little busy with weather-related issues for the foreseeable future!
Showing posts with label planning board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label planning board. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Discussing the Planning Board "invitation."
One of the more challenging parts of the job of being a member of the Board of Education is reading the newspaper stories that purport to tell the facts of this or that BOE event, and to see the difference between what is reported and what actually happened. Our small-town press, with a rotating cast of reporters, is imperfect (as is the national press, of course, though not usually to the same extent). Most of the time the facts are correct, but often the choice of quotes can skew the picture.
Anyway, my latest frustration was in reading the quotes attributed to me in the North Jersey.com story about the Board of Ed declining to participate in another Planning Board hearing. A quote from me about "moving forward" made it sound like I wanted to "move on." That isn't what I said or meant! So, I’d like to reprint here my comments from Monday night and, through the magic of the Internet, improve those comments further in order to make myself as clear as possible.
Monday night, I started by looking at the lengthy invitation (resolution) from the Planning Board. There were page after page of whereas this and whereas that. And then on page 5 they finally got to the point:
Monday night, I said that if the point of the proposed hearing (or “courtesy review”) was to give persons an opportunity to be heard and have open dialogue, then we don’t need the Planning Board to do that. Yes, I facetiously did say that we have plenty of space at the Ed Center to hold meetings and have dialogue. But I also said to my colleagues on the Board and to Dr. Fishbein that if our position is that we are already working with the neighbors to resolve our differences, then we need to keep working with the neighbors. We need to keep moving forward and show progress.
We tried to meet with the neighbors to get input on the Fields Policy, and they didn’t want to participate – choosing to wait for a decision regarding the Planning Board. Now that we’ve made our decision, we need to answer the neighbors on our own.
My concern is that we “on the inside” – on the Board and in the Ed Center – feel like we’re making progress (and we are), but it doesn’t look that way from the outside. We already know the answers to many of the neighbors’ questions. We’ve taken steps on things like signage at the fields and porta-johns and revisions to the Fields Policy and communicating standards of conduct to athletes. We on the Board know these things are happening – and that’s part of the reason we don’t feel the need to go to a Planning Board hearing. But we have not done a good job of communicating this information.
We have been talking about a “master list of concerns,” with answers and solutions, which will be shared with the neighbors and the entire community. We’ve been talking about the list for over a month, but we haven’t accomplished it yet. (Note: Monday night Dr. Fishbein updated the Board…the list will be done soon.)
I know we have the answers. I know we are or will be taking steps to address everything. I have no doubt and I am quite secure in the “rightness” of the things we’re doing. But I can see that from the outside, the answers and the info aren’t visible.
I don’t want to just keep inviting the neighbors to meetings where we “listen.” There’s really no reason for us to keep hearing the same concerns and the same questions. We have some answers, we'll get some more, let's start sharing them.
As I said Monday night, I am opposed to participating in a Planning Board hearing, but I say that with the understanding that, in my opinion, we need to that we are putting the neighbors’ concerns to bed.
(Note: The Board will send an official response to the Planning Board and I'll post it here when it's available.)
Anyway, my latest frustration was in reading the quotes attributed to me in the North Jersey.com story about the Board of Ed declining to participate in another Planning Board hearing. A quote from me about "moving forward" made it sound like I wanted to "move on." That isn't what I said or meant! So, I’d like to reprint here my comments from Monday night and, through the magic of the Internet, improve those comments further in order to make myself as clear as possible.
Monday night, I started by looking at the lengthy invitation (resolution) from the Planning Board. There were page after page of whereas this and whereas that. And then on page 5 they finally got to the point:
WHEREAS, although not an "official" action pursuant to law, the Planning Board wishes to memorialize its vote to confirm its intent to create an amicable forum and opportunity for open dialogue among the persons in interest, recognizing that an opportunity to be heard and to have issues vetted is appropriate for the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Board of the Village of Ridgewood does hereby memorialize its vote "to invite and encourage" the BOE to attend an additional courtesy review meeting, together with the neighbors of the subject Properties for purpose of discussing the issues of field lighting for RHS and Stevens fields…
Monday night, I said that if the point of the proposed hearing (or “courtesy review”) was to give persons an opportunity to be heard and have open dialogue, then we don’t need the Planning Board to do that. Yes, I facetiously did say that we have plenty of space at the Ed Center to hold meetings and have dialogue. But I also said to my colleagues on the Board and to Dr. Fishbein that if our position is that we are already working with the neighbors to resolve our differences, then we need to keep working with the neighbors. We need to keep moving forward and show progress.
We tried to meet with the neighbors to get input on the Fields Policy, and they didn’t want to participate – choosing to wait for a decision regarding the Planning Board. Now that we’ve made our decision, we need to answer the neighbors on our own.
My concern is that we “on the inside” – on the Board and in the Ed Center – feel like we’re making progress (and we are), but it doesn’t look that way from the outside. We already know the answers to many of the neighbors’ questions. We’ve taken steps on things like signage at the fields and porta-johns and revisions to the Fields Policy and communicating standards of conduct to athletes. We on the Board know these things are happening – and that’s part of the reason we don’t feel the need to go to a Planning Board hearing. But we have not done a good job of communicating this information.
We have been talking about a “master list of concerns,” with answers and solutions, which will be shared with the neighbors and the entire community. We’ve been talking about the list for over a month, but we haven’t accomplished it yet. (Note: Monday night Dr. Fishbein updated the Board…the list will be done soon.)
I know we have the answers. I know we are or will be taking steps to address everything. I have no doubt and I am quite secure in the “rightness” of the things we’re doing. But I can see that from the outside, the answers and the info aren’t visible.
I don’t want to just keep inviting the neighbors to meetings where we “listen.” There’s really no reason for us to keep hearing the same concerns and the same questions. We have some answers, we'll get some more, let's start sharing them.
As I said Monday night, I am opposed to participating in a Planning Board hearing, but I say that with the understanding that, in my opinion, we need to that we are putting the neighbors’ concerns to bed.
(Note: The Board will send an official response to the Planning Board and I'll post it here when it's available.)
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Federated HSA-Valley Hospital meeting. What gives?
You may have heard that the members of the Federated Home & School Association (made up of the presidents of each school’s HSA, plus an executive board and member-at-large) will be meeting with representatives of Valley Hospital on Wednesday 9/22. It seems there are some community members who have misinterpreted this meeting, and are up in arms.
As one of the Board of Ed liaisons to Federated (and a former Secretary/Treasurer of the group and former member as Somerville HSA president), I hope I can shed some light on the facts of the situation, and help tone down some of the anxiety.
Wednesday’s meeting was conceived and scheduled by Federated following a brainstorming session in June. They decided to hold a "special" Federated meeting in September, to address the Valley Hospital Renewal project. Federated invited representatives from Valley Hospital, along with reps of the Village Council and the Board of Ed, to address questions and concerns regarding the health, safety and well being of our students should a hospital expansion project go forward. The purpose is simply to learn, listen and gather facts as they exist at this point in time, just as Federated has done in the past at their meetings on all important issues facing our educational community.
Federated’s President, Elizabeth Resnick, has stated that she sees Wednesday’s meeting is a beginning for these HSA presidents (don’t forget, they only started in their positions in June) to “get a grasp of the current status so they can be ready to decide how to best involve their parent communities moving forward.” The only motivation for Federated is to try and keep communication open and work together as a school community.
Some residents refer to Wednesday’s meeting as “the closed Valley meeting,” implying that there is something to hide or something untoward going on. The only reason it was scheduled as a special meeting was so that there would be enough time – those Federated meetings are long! And it’s not “open” or “closed.” It’s just a Federated HSA meeting. A meeting of the members of the Federated HSA. I guess in that sense it’s closed.
Others have questioned why Valley is being presented with questions in advance. Mrs. Resnick is trying to plan for an efficient meeting. Remember, the purpose is to get information, that’s it.
Some have asserted that “the other side,” the Concerned Ridgewood Residents, should have their opportunity to present “their side” to Federated. This isn’t about “sides.” It’s not about whether the master plan should be amended. It’s not about the decision that the Planning Board made, and it’s not about the decision that the Village Council will be making. It is about this: IF the project, in its current form, goes forward, these HSA presidents (and their constituent parents) have questions about how it will work and how their kids will be protected from harm.
Some residents have expressed their belief that Valley will simply present “slick powerpoints” or that they will lie or bamboozle the Federated members. That’s fairly insulting to these Home & School volunteers. They may not represent every single parent in town, but in attempting to do the right thing for their communities, why can’t they be trusted to ask the questions they feel are important and, likewise, to judge the answers they are given?
I find it particularly sad that our Village has degenerated to such a state of mistrust. How in the world are we going to face the challenges that we need to face, if no one trusts each other?
Any resident of this town has the right to pick up the phone or send an email to Valley and ask whatever questions they want. This group of residents, members of Federated HSA, has that same right. And by limiting their focus to health and safety around the proposed project, they are also exercising their responsibility to not get caught up in the politics.
Did I mention that the minutes of Wednesday’s meeting (taken by a professional court reporter, so no worries about accuracy) will be posted on the Federated HSA website? They will be.
As one of the Board of Ed liaisons to Federated (and a former Secretary/Treasurer of the group and former member as Somerville HSA president), I hope I can shed some light on the facts of the situation, and help tone down some of the anxiety.
Wednesday’s meeting was conceived and scheduled by Federated following a brainstorming session in June. They decided to hold a "special" Federated meeting in September, to address the Valley Hospital Renewal project. Federated invited representatives from Valley Hospital, along with reps of the Village Council and the Board of Ed, to address questions and concerns regarding the health, safety and well being of our students should a hospital expansion project go forward. The purpose is simply to learn, listen and gather facts as they exist at this point in time, just as Federated has done in the past at their meetings on all important issues facing our educational community.
Federated’s President, Elizabeth Resnick, has stated that she sees Wednesday’s meeting is a beginning for these HSA presidents (don’t forget, they only started in their positions in June) to “get a grasp of the current status so they can be ready to decide how to best involve their parent communities moving forward.” The only motivation for Federated is to try and keep communication open and work together as a school community.
Some residents refer to Wednesday’s meeting as “the closed Valley meeting,” implying that there is something to hide or something untoward going on. The only reason it was scheduled as a special meeting was so that there would be enough time – those Federated meetings are long! And it’s not “open” or “closed.” It’s just a Federated HSA meeting. A meeting of the members of the Federated HSA. I guess in that sense it’s closed.
Others have questioned why Valley is being presented with questions in advance. Mrs. Resnick is trying to plan for an efficient meeting. Remember, the purpose is to get information, that’s it.
Some have asserted that “the other side,” the Concerned Ridgewood Residents, should have their opportunity to present “their side” to Federated. This isn’t about “sides.” It’s not about whether the master plan should be amended. It’s not about the decision that the Planning Board made, and it’s not about the decision that the Village Council will be making. It is about this: IF the project, in its current form, goes forward, these HSA presidents (and their constituent parents) have questions about how it will work and how their kids will be protected from harm.
Some residents have expressed their belief that Valley will simply present “slick powerpoints” or that they will lie or bamboozle the Federated members. That’s fairly insulting to these Home & School volunteers. They may not represent every single parent in town, but in attempting to do the right thing for their communities, why can’t they be trusted to ask the questions they feel are important and, likewise, to judge the answers they are given?
I find it particularly sad that our Village has degenerated to such a state of mistrust. How in the world are we going to face the challenges that we need to face, if no one trusts each other?
Any resident of this town has the right to pick up the phone or send an email to Valley and ask whatever questions they want. This group of residents, members of Federated HSA, has that same right. And by limiting their focus to health and safety around the proposed project, they are also exercising their responsibility to not get caught up in the politics.
Did I mention that the minutes of Wednesday’s meeting (taken by a professional court reporter, so no worries about accuracy) will be posted on the Federated HSA website? They will be.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Planning Board votes yes on amendment to Master Plan.
Wow, what a meeting tonight at GW Middle School. I got there at 7:00 and I think I got the last seat in the auditorium. It was HOT and the room was packed with loud, angry, aggressive people, chanting, shouting, clapping, waving signs. By the time the meeting started at 7:30, there were a few hundred people outside, chanting and yelling and even banging on the fire exit doors.
(And, for all of you who were mad about the move to GW, part of some evil strategy...the meeting was moved ONLY because of Project Graduation at BF. That's it! I promise! The District never should have approved the meeting at BF, but as soon as the conflict was realized, they told the Planning Board they would have to go somewhere else. That's it, folks. Nothing more nefarious than that.)
What most of the people in attendance didn't realize or care to understand, is that the Planning Board was there to hold an actual meeting...to conduct business. They are governed by very specific laws as to how they conduct that business. One law they must follow is to conduct their business according to the rules of evidence and sworn testimony (which means everything from random shouts to sidewalk chants to emails to Planning Board members and even petitions, are not to be considered in the Board's deliberation). And the other important rule for tonight was that they needed to create a record of the meeting...there needs to be a record so that if anyone wants to challenge their decisions, or to understand those decisions, there is a record to consult. It's hard to create a record when there is so much shouting and yelling that the Planning Board members cannot even hear each other speak.
I have to be honest, it was a little scary inside the auditorium at one point. I'm all for freedom of speech, but this was getting extremely tense and tempers were high. I was worried that one person might shove another person and then all hell would break loose. It came close a couple of times, near where I was sitting. I know there was one arrest outside (not sure what for).
In the end, the Planning Board voted to amend the Master Plan. What I hope people would understand is that this is just one step. There will now be work at the Village Council, there will need to be an ordinance, it will require public comment, the Council will have to vote, etc. Then there would be site plans, with hearings and comments and approvals. And so on. Lots of public comments, votes. Possible legal challenges. And so on. And on.
We're in for a marathon, Ridgewood. Let's pace ourselves.
(And, for all of you who were mad about the move to GW, part of some evil strategy...the meeting was moved ONLY because of Project Graduation at BF. That's it! I promise! The District never should have approved the meeting at BF, but as soon as the conflict was realized, they told the Planning Board they would have to go somewhere else. That's it, folks. Nothing more nefarious than that.)
What most of the people in attendance didn't realize or care to understand, is that the Planning Board was there to hold an actual meeting...to conduct business. They are governed by very specific laws as to how they conduct that business. One law they must follow is to conduct their business according to the rules of evidence and sworn testimony (which means everything from random shouts to sidewalk chants to emails to Planning Board members and even petitions, are not to be considered in the Board's deliberation). And the other important rule for tonight was that they needed to create a record of the meeting...there needs to be a record so that if anyone wants to challenge their decisions, or to understand those decisions, there is a record to consult. It's hard to create a record when there is so much shouting and yelling that the Planning Board members cannot even hear each other speak.
I have to be honest, it was a little scary inside the auditorium at one point. I'm all for freedom of speech, but this was getting extremely tense and tempers were high. I was worried that one person might shove another person and then all hell would break loose. It came close a couple of times, near where I was sitting. I know there was one arrest outside (not sure what for).
In the end, the Planning Board voted to amend the Master Plan. What I hope people would understand is that this is just one step. There will now be work at the Village Council, there will need to be an ordinance, it will require public comment, the Council will have to vote, etc. Then there would be site plans, with hearings and comments and approvals. And so on. Lots of public comments, votes. Possible legal challenges. And so on. And on.
We're in for a marathon, Ridgewood. Let's pace ourselves.
Carpool or walk to Planning Board meeting tonight (and here's why the meeting was moved)!
updated 1:16 PM
The Planning Board meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, and I just learned that parking will NOT be permitted in the West Side Presbyterian Church parking lot across the street. I'm not sure if this is because the church has a previously scheduled event tonight, or because the Village didn't want to pay for parking -- West Side does not allow their parking lot to be used for events at GW without being paid. The District pays to allow teachers to park there during the day, and West Side charges us if we encourage people to park there for other school events.
I'm going to give West Side the benefit of the doubt...it's their parking lot and if they need it tonight, then they need it. I just don't want this to somehow become the BOE's fault!
FYI -- the meeting was moved from BF to GW because our RHS Senior Parents are working like crazy tonight at BF to get Project Graduation ready for Wednesday. Tonight is one of their biggest work nights and they will have dozens of volunteers working in the gym, hallways around the gym and cafeteria, the cafeteria itself and parking lot. They need to have materials spread out all over, and they need to constantly cross the parking lot back and forth to the storage room. Not to mention parking for their volunteers. And of course, for all of this, they need to maintain the secrecy which is one of the hallmarks of the 50-year tradition.
So hopefully everyone can remain civil tonight at GW...in the parking lot and in the meeting. (Good thing I already have a parking place lined up in the driveway of a friend!)
The Planning Board meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, and I just learned that parking will NOT be permitted in the West Side Presbyterian Church parking lot across the street. I'm not sure if this is because the church has a previously scheduled event tonight, or because the Village didn't want to pay for parking -- West Side does not allow their parking lot to be used for events at GW without being paid. The District pays to allow teachers to park there during the day, and West Side charges us if we encourage people to park there for other school events.
I'm going to give West Side the benefit of the doubt...it's their parking lot and if they need it tonight, then they need it. I just don't want this to somehow become the BOE's fault!
FYI -- the meeting was moved from BF to GW because our RHS Senior Parents are working like crazy tonight at BF to get Project Graduation ready for Wednesday. Tonight is one of their biggest work nights and they will have dozens of volunteers working in the gym, hallways around the gym and cafeteria, the cafeteria itself and parking lot. They need to have materials spread out all over, and they need to constantly cross the parking lot back and forth to the storage room. Not to mention parking for their volunteers. And of course, for all of this, they need to maintain the secrecy which is one of the hallmarks of the 50-year tradition.
So hopefully everyone can remain civil tonight at GW...in the parking lot and in the meeting. (Good thing I already have a parking place lined up in the driveway of a friend!)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Somerville HSA meeting today.
I'll be heading over to the Somerville HSA meeting today at 1:30. (Sorry I don't know what room it's in -- probably the library?) Dr. Fishbein will also be there, too. I try to attend as many Somerville HSA meetings throughout the year as I can, and this one I felt was especially good to attend due to the recent questions about the BOE's response to Valley Hospital and the proposed Master Plan amendment. If you have questions, I hope to see you there.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Big Valley.
I (along with the rest of the Board) received several emails last week from parents or other community members concerned about the Planning Board’s impending decision on whether to amend the Village Master Plan to accommodate Valley Hospital’s intended “Renewal.” The theme of the emails was that the Board of Education should “take a stand” and “protest” the project. Some people are confused as to why the BOE has not done this yet, and imply (or state outright) that we are shirking our duty to protect our students. (See today's Bergen Record for a story about those frustrated parents.) I would like to explain my personal reasons for my actions on this topic. (And this means, once again, that I’m only speaking for myself since it would not be proper or legal for me to speak for the Board or any other Board members.)
I believe it is right and responsible for the Board of Education to protect our students from the affects of a project that could impact their health, safety or education. Right now, there is not a specific project under review. There are ideas and intentions, certainly, but the Planning Board is considering amending the Master Plan. Later, when there is an actual project’s site plan and construction permits being reviewed, then the BOE will participate in the process to create the Developer’s Agreement. In that Developer’s Agreement, all the parties – Valley, the Village, the BOE, the neighbors, the County (I presume, due to the adjacent roads) and other major stakeholders will hammer out requirements, standards and expectations with regard to construction activity. I expect the BOE to play an active role in the process as a strong advocate on behalf of our students. I expect to be firm in our requirements and to participate fully and completely every step of the way, from the initial development of the Agreement through enforcement over the life of the project. That is the correct and most effective time, in my opinion, for BOE involvement.
I realize this is in direct opposition to what some parents/neighbors believe, but I do not believe it is right for the Board of Education to try and influence the Planning Board’s decision regarding the Master Plan. What does this mean? It does not mean I don’t care about children. It does not mean I’m stupid or irresponsible or naïve. It simply means that we disagree. Reasonable people can do that, you know? I am a firm believer that two people, when presented with the same information, can come to different conclusions.
This explanation isn’t going to please most of the people who emailed Board members last week. Maybe some of them will understand. All of them will have received Board President Michele Lenhard’s response on behalf of the Board. (According to our bylaws the Board president responds on the group’s behalf.) But for those who are able to listen, even to information you don’t like, thanks for reading.
I believe it is right and responsible for the Board of Education to protect our students from the affects of a project that could impact their health, safety or education. Right now, there is not a specific project under review. There are ideas and intentions, certainly, but the Planning Board is considering amending the Master Plan. Later, when there is an actual project’s site plan and construction permits being reviewed, then the BOE will participate in the process to create the Developer’s Agreement. In that Developer’s Agreement, all the parties – Valley, the Village, the BOE, the neighbors, the County (I presume, due to the adjacent roads) and other major stakeholders will hammer out requirements, standards and expectations with regard to construction activity. I expect the BOE to play an active role in the process as a strong advocate on behalf of our students. I expect to be firm in our requirements and to participate fully and completely every step of the way, from the initial development of the Agreement through enforcement over the life of the project. That is the correct and most effective time, in my opinion, for BOE involvement.
I realize this is in direct opposition to what some parents/neighbors believe, but I do not believe it is right for the Board of Education to try and influence the Planning Board’s decision regarding the Master Plan. What does this mean? It does not mean I don’t care about children. It does not mean I’m stupid or irresponsible or naïve. It simply means that we disagree. Reasonable people can do that, you know? I am a firm believer that two people, when presented with the same information, can come to different conclusions.
This explanation isn’t going to please most of the people who emailed Board members last week. Maybe some of them will understand. All of them will have received Board President Michele Lenhard’s response on behalf of the Board. (According to our bylaws the Board president responds on the group’s behalf.) But for those who are able to listen, even to information you don’t like, thanks for reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
