Ridgewood Council addresses contaminated soil concerns at Schedler site during public meeting

In a recent meeting held at Ridgewood's city hall, community members and council members engaged in a spirited discussion about pressing local issues, particularly surrounding environmental concerns and the future of the Zabriskie Schedler House. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of gratitude and frustration as residents voiced their concerns about contaminated soil and the lack of clear communication from local authorities.

Christina Milian, a Ridgewood resident, passionately addressed the council regarding the soil contamination issue linked to Bergen Community College. She highlighted discrepancies in information provided by various agencies, expressing her dismay over the conflicting reports about the soil's safety. Milian's call for transparency resonated with many in attendance, as she urged for a more open dialogue with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and local water authorities. Her plea for a public FAQ session to facilitate direct communication was met with acknowledgment from council members, who recognized the need for clarity in these discussions.

As the meeting progressed, the conversation shifted to the management of local sports fields. Council members discussed the complexities of scheduling and maintaining these facilities, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the booking process. A suggestion was made to create visual aids to help residents better understand how field scheduling works, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the use of community resources.

However, the meeting's tone shifted when the topic of the Zabriskie Schedler House arose. Despite the significant investment of $2.6 million in renovations, council members expressed frustration over the lack of public interest in discussing the house's future. The mayor noted the existence of a board of trustees for the house and committed to inviting them to future discussions, emphasizing the need to address the house's potential and ensure that the community's investment does not go to waste.

As the meeting drew to a close, council members reiterated their commitment to addressing residents' concerns and moving forward with the necessary projects. The discussions highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for ongoing dialogue between residents and local government. With pressing issues on the table, the Ridgewood community remains hopeful for a collaborative approach to resolving these challenges.