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Ridgewood public sharply divided over artificial turf as council moves to finalize field-lighting donations
Summary
Public commenters urged and protested the village—s turf plans while council members described an ongoing, multi-party process; sports groups pledged $47,000 to extend lights to the girls— softball field and staff were directed to prepare a resolution.
Public comment at the Ridgewood Village Council meeting on Jan. 15 centered on the village—s plan for athletic fields, with speakers offering sharply divided views on artificial turf and urging further testing and public outreach.
The discussion mattered because the council is simultaneously pursuing field improvements, including extending stadium lighting to the varsity girls— softball field, and considering a comprehensive plan for the Schedler property that includes expanded recreation uses.
Several residents urged the council to halt turf approvals until more testing and public engagement are completed. Amy McCambridge, a Ridgewood resident, accused the council of dismissing environmental risk and of failing to contact external experts: "I spoke to her. She said, nobody has reached out at all," she said, describing an upcoming meeting she plans to host with Dr. Sarah Evans. McCambridge also cited the EPA—s March 2024 classification of PFOA and PFOS…
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