The most prominent topic was the financial presentation led by Keith Kasmar, addressing inquiries about the addition of Valley Hospital to Ridgewood’s tax rolls following its relocation to Paramus. Kasmar detailed the fiscal shift from community service contributions to new ratables, explaining how these changes affected the municipal budget. The hospital’s inclusion added approximately $200 million in new ratables, raising Ridgewood’s net valuation from over $5.9 billion to just over $6.1 billion. This significant addition was anticipated to distribute the tax burden across 7,866 taxable properties, leading to a minor tax reduction for existing property owners.

For the average home assessed at around $710,168 in 2024, the municipal tax was approximately $4,760.84. With the new valuation for 2025, taxes were projected to rise to $4,910.47. Kasmar emphasized the hospital’s inclusion as important to avoiding a potential tax increase exceeding 3% without this adjustment. The presentation was followed by council members reflecting on the heightened public interest in budgetary matters, noting the need for clarity in communicating the complexities of these changes to the public.

Public commentary further illuminated community concerns. Residents questioned the timing of information about Valley Hospital’s appeal and criticized perceived gaps in the council’s communication strategy. One resident, Boyd, expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in informing the public about the tax implications. Another resident, Amy McCambridge, criticized the council for lacking transparency and engagement, highlighting an upcoming panel discussion as a missed opportunity for the council to engage with diverse community perspectives.

Environmental issues also featured prominently in the meeting. A proposal for turf fields drew criticism from residents concerned about public health and environmental risks. One speaker, invoking personal military sacrifice, lamented the council’s direction, describing the turf fields as “poison” and urging leadership to prioritize community health over economic interests. Cynthia O’Keefe echoed these sentiments, advocating for greater transparency and public involvement in environmental decisions. She urged the council to consider the health impacts of their decisions, particularly regarding the contentious topic of turf fields.

The council’s proposal on wildlife feeding regulations, particularly concerning deer management, sparked further debate. A proposed ordinance aimed to address community concerns about wildlife-related health risks, including Lyme disease and vehicular accidents. The ordinance sought to regulate bird feeders to reduce wildlife attraction, with provisions requiring feeders to be positioned six feet off the ground and equipped with baffles to prevent spillage. The council emphasized the balance between enjoying nature and ensuring public safety, acknowledging the longstanding presence of wildlife and the static nature of bear sightings in the area.

Another infrastructure discussion centered around the restoration of the pedestrian tunnel at Ridgewood train station. The council sought a $541,880 grant to address the tunnel’s deteriorating condition, with additional funds allocated from the village’s capital budget. Residents expressed concern over the project’s cost and questioned the necessity of aesthetic enhancements amid economic challenges. One resident, Roric, criticized the state of the tunnel, calling for immediate repairs to address safety concerns. The council acknowledged the high cost of historic preservation but emphasized the tunnel’s importance for community connectivity and safety.

Additionally, the meeting addressed various community initiatives and procedural matters. Updates included grant applications for park improvements, with the Citizens Park project highlighted for its proposed enhancements to facilities and safety features. The council also discussed road resurfacing projects, fuel purchases, and a military flyover request for the Fourth of July event, which drew mixed reactions from residents concerned about environmental impacts and safety.