During a recent village council meeting in Ridgewood, residents raised serious concerns regarding soil contamination at the Schedler property, which has been the subject of ongoing debate due to plans for an artificial turf field. Public comments highlighted a heated exchange at a prior fields committee meeting, where one member allegedly threatened others opposing the turf project. This incident prompted criticism of council members for their lack of intervention during the outburst.

Resident Anne Loving expressed her dismay at the council's inaction, particularly in light of the recent declaration of October as National Bullying Prevention Month. She emphasized the potential influence of the threatening member, who is affiliated with the Ridgewood Lacrosse Association, on community perceptions of dissenters.

Another resident, Christina Millian, addressed the council regarding a letter sent by the mayor to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which she claimed dismissed residents' concerns about soil contamination. Millian pointed out discrepancies in the timeline of soil dumping and testing, raising alarms about the safety of the area, especially for children and vulnerable populations. She demanded clarity on the origins of the soil and the steps being taken to investigate potential contamination.

Cynthia O'Keefe also contributed to the discussion, seeking answers about the health risks associated with the contaminants found in the soil, including benzo(a)pyrene and lead. She called for a public Q&A session with environmental experts to address residents' fears and ensure their safety.

The meeting underscored the growing tension between local authorities and residents regarding environmental safety and transparency, as the community grapples with the implications of the proposed artificial turf field amidst concerns over potential health risks.