In a recent government meeting, Ridgewood officials announced significant developments in community projects and funding initiatives. The village has received a $68,000 grant from the Department of Community Affairs to construct an ADA-compliant playground at Habernacle Park. Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Bigos has been authorized to review state contract vendors for the necessary equipment, with plans to install the playground later this year.

Additionally, the bids for the Kings Bridal Lane Pedestrian Bridge project have been opened, revealing an apparent low bid of approximately $483,000. Village engineers are currently reviewing the bids, and a recommendation for awarding the contract is expected at the next meeting on July 10.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing environmental assessments, with the village receiving a soil testing report from Matrix New World Engineering regarding the berm. Additional testing is underway, with results anticipated by mid-July. Furthermore, the final phase of the archaeological report from Grubb Associates has been completed and posted online.

Community engagement was a focal point, as over 150 residents participated in a recent meeting with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Village officials are planning further discussions with the Corps to outline next steps.

Lastly, a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the supervisors' collective bargaining unit, with contract language set to be finalized in the coming weeks. The meeting concluded with plans to collaborate with architect John Gilchrist on cost estimates for a bus station project, aiming to secure additional funding from the Department of Transportation.