The most contentious topic of the evening centered around the ongoing debate over the use of artificial turf fields in Ridgewood. Residents raised concerns about the potential health risks and environmental impact of these fields. One resident, Amy, strongly criticized the council for what she described as dismissing environmental risks and pushing “false narratives.” Amy accused the council of failing to engage with Dr. Sarah Evans regarding the Mount Si reports on the matter. She announced her plan to meet with Dr. Evans and promised to share the findings with the community, proposing a public meeting to further discuss the issue. Amy also criticized the council’s choice of Shaw Industries for the turf fields, citing the company’s involvement in multiple lawsuits related to past contamination. She argued that choosing such a vendor was irresponsible and urged the council to conduct thorough testing for hazardous substances in local rivers.

Amy’s comments were supported by her experiences as a soccer trainer, where she witnessed injuries on turf fields. She referenced public figures like Travis Kelce and Roger Goodell, who have publicly favored grass over turf for safety reasons. Stressing the importance of heeding potential hazards, Amy warned the council against allowing Ridgewood to become a “cautionary tale” of environmental oversight.

In response, a council member assured residents that discussions about the Shedler property would be comprehensive, taking all facets of the plan into account. They clarified that the village does not use field turf from Shaw Industries, and that the vendor for Shedler’s project would be determined through public bidding after obtaining necessary approvals. The council member defended the safety of turf, citing scientific studies, while acknowledging differing opinions on the matter.

Another resident, Roric Halbe, expressed gratitude for the return to hybrid meetings, which have increased public participation. He raised concerns about the poor sound quality in the meeting room and urged the council to address these issues. Halbe also suggested that the local cable channel cover more community events to enhance public engagement.

During the meeting, the council also discussed the field lighting project at Veterans Field, which includes plans to extend the lighting to the Varsity girls’ softball field. Mayor Vaganos highlighted efforts to secure contributions from various sports groups and the Board of Education, with several local associations pledging financial support. A special public meeting was scheduled for January 29 to finalize the proposal with Musco for the lighting extension.

The council recognized the significance of cultural events, such as the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival, organized by various community alliances. Councilwoman Winegrad read a proclamation acknowledging the festival, set for January 26, 2025, which aims to celebrate cultural diversity and promote Asian culture in Ridgewood. Public comments included appreciation for the recognition of the festival and concerns over the council’s stance on artificial turf.

In addition to these discussions, council members provided updates on a range of community initiatives. The Village Manager reported on various agenda items, including resolutions related to Ridgewood Water, a new tree ordinance, and the approval of a bus shelter at Ridgewood High School. The manager highlighted improvements in emergency response times and water pressure due to recent contracts and agreements.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of committee efforts and collaborative progress on community projects. Council members expressed gratitude to those involved in fundraising and development initiatives, particularly in support of local scholarship programs and infrastructure enhancements.