The Ridgewood Council meeting was marked by the unanimous approval of a resolution for the Kingsbridge Lane pedestrian bridge, a project anticipated to bolster the downtown area’s connectivity and support local businesses. Council members expressed strong support for the bridge, recognizing it as a vital development to address long-standing vacancies in the area. The approval followed commendations for council members involved in the initiative, with remarks highlighting the endeavor as a “great thing” for the community.

Additionally, the council addressed pedestrian safety improvements along West Glenn Avenue, emphasizing the necessity of constructing sidewalks on both sides of the road. The project involves building retaining walls with decorative concrete blocks to accommodate the significant slopes in the area. Council members acknowledged the cooperation of local residents in allowing portions of their front lawns to be used for the sidewalk construction.

The session also featured discussion surrounding ordinance 4060, which pertains to the acquisition of the Warner Theater property for $2.6 million. This ordinance sparked public interest and debate, particularly regarding the perceived lack of explanation provided during the public hearing. A resident identified as Boyd voiced frustration over the absence of a detailed explanation during the current meeting, noting that many taxpayers might not have been privy to prior work sessions where bond council members had provided insights. Boyd’s comments prompted a response from the Mayor, who defended the council’s approach by stating that opportunities for questioning had been ample during earlier sessions. The Mayor reiterated that the matter had been thoroughly discussed and broadcast to the community, emphasizing the theater’s cultural importance and the critical nature of its preservation.

The council proceeded with a roll call vote on the Warner Theater acquisition, with members framing it as a strategic move to preserve the village’s cultural heritage. The ordinance, along with several others, was passed on first readings, with public hearings scheduled for November 12, 2025. The council also moved to adopt a series of resolutions through a consent agenda, which included authorizations for shared services agreements and community project donations.

Public comments during the meeting included concerns about the management of parking solutions, following the passage of a $13 million bond ordinance for parking kiosks and studies by a parking consultant. A resident questioned the necessity of investing in kiosks, citing a trend in other municipalities favoring mobile apps for parking payments. This comment suggested a need for the council to evaluate emerging technologies and reconsider long-term parking strategies in Ridgewood.

Another resident expressed appreciation for the improved acoustics in the meeting space, commending the council’s efforts in this regard. They also acknowledged a council member’s decision to abstain from voting on the Special Improvement District (SID) due to unresolved financial questions, reflecting ongoing concerns about the viability of local businesses given high rental costs.

The meeting concluded with the council addressing public comments related to transparency in communications about referendum questions affecting taxes. A resident urged the inclusion of more identifying information in official documents, proposing the addition of QR codes and contact details for inquiries.