On Feb. 11 the Ridgewood Village Council adopted Ordinances 4071–4075 (overlay zones and affordable‑housing set‑aside changes) and approved first readings for capital/bond ordinances 4084 and 4086 with hearings set for March 11, 2026.

After more than two hours of public comment, the Ridgewood Village Council voted to adopt a package of overlay zoning ordinances (4071–4075) that officials say preserves the village's legal immunity from developer suits; residents and legal experts warned the measures depart from the master plan and risk litigation.

Deputy director Bill Bierwas presented four water-department agenda items including a recommendation for a WSP Inc. professional services contract (NTE $109,000), OSI security upgrades (~$311,005), an ordinance to adjust water rates (about an 11.3% average customer increase), and a small refund authorization; the council was asked to introduce the rate change next week to align with the budget calendar.

Village administrators told the council that introducing a high-deductible plan paired with a 'difference card' cut a projected $3 million jump in group health costs to about $1.1 million; retiree premiums remain a major, separate cost driver with a 32.1% increase.

Community Center of Ridgewood Foundation and the Ridgewood Senior Citizens Corporation presented a grant agreement for downstairs community center improvements; the foundation announced a $231,000 donation and the village manager said the draft agreement includes $75,000 in village staff funding spread over three years, with a formal resolution to accept the gift scheduled for Feb. 11.

The water utility presented a $26.7 million operating plan and proposed an average 8% customer charge increase (volume rate from $6.39 to $6.90 per 1,000 gallons) to cover PFAS treatment, higher utilities and capital repairs; the department also requested about $5.53 million in capital projects including a corrosion‑control pilot.

The Village of Ridgewood introduced William Bierwas as deputy director of Ridgewood Water, James McGrath as director of public works and village engineer, and Neil Gallone as director of IT and GIS; each outlined early priorities including lead-service-line work, PFAS projects, bridge and signal bids, and expanded GIS access.

Dozens of Ridgewood residents opposed a proposed S‑1 senior overlay for a Kensington assisted‑living project at Franklin/Marshall/N. Maple, citing traffic, pedestrian safety, emergency access and master‑plan conflict; planner and counsel said the project would provide deed‑restricted affordable beds but final vote was deferred to Feb. 11.

After more than five hours of public comment and technical briefings, the Ridgewood Village Council carried votes on five contested zoning ordinances—intended to meet the state

After a lawyer warned a judge could strip Ridgewood of zoning immunity if the Kensington assisted‑living project isn’t resolved, the council introduced four ordinances to create overlays and set affordable‑housing standards and authorized settlement and mediation measures; public hearings are scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026.

Consultants told residents a DEP-reviewed plan would excavate contaminated imported fill at the Schedler property after sampling found PAHs, lead and mercury; the plan is pending NJDEP sign-off, bid documents will be issued and work could start in January with perimeter air monitoring and truck-route controls.

Council discussed a Suburban Consulting Engineering letter reporting a small (<0.01 acre) isolated wetland identified by NJDEP at the Zabriskie/Schedler property and announced a public community presentation by Matrix New World Engineering on the soil remediation plan scheduled for Nov. 13; manager also updated residents on PFAS treatment work and potential timing impacts from a DEP‑required cultural resource study at Cedar Hill.

Facing a 36.5% jump in state premiums, Ridgewood officials approved hiring a vendor to administer a “difference card” that will cover employees’ out-of-pocket costs under an optional high-deductible plan; the village says the move should lower premiums for staff and reduce next year’s budgetary impact.

Ridgewood Water received $1 million toward the main PFAS treatment facility; council was told a low bidder for another treatment project previously withdrew, prompting a rebid decision and delay.

Pam receives commendation for coordinating efforts in the Central Business District.

Residents urged to volunteer for lead service line replacements before 2031 deadline

City Council plans proclamation for James Rose Center and promotes May yoga reopening.

Council recommends $10,073 engineering contract to repair Kingsbridge Lane pedestrian bridge.

Ridgewood Council approves contracts for emergency mass notification system and asphalt hot patch trailer.

Ridgewood hosts Daffodil Day and launches rain barrel program to promote environmental awareness

Ridgewood schedules its spring vendor festival to celebrate community engagement and public safety.