Ridgewood Residents Have Half-Cent Tax Increase For Park Funding on Ballot

When voters step into their polling places next month, they’ll weigh in on a critical tax shift. The proposal would boost the open space tax from half a cent to one penny per $100 of assessed value. These funds maintain and expand public green spaces throughout this New Jersey community.

A typical Ridgewood house, priced at $712,700, would see a $35.64 yearly increase. The added money would fix aging park structures, block new construction on natural lands, and shield local wildlife spots.

“This is an opportunity for Ridgewood residents to decide whether to prioritize open space initiatives in the Village,” said Jim Bostler, chair of Ridgewood’s Open Space Committee, according to Patch.com. “This funding will improve parks, preserve passive areas and give the Village to ability to act if additional properties become available for acquisition.”

Since 2001, the Trust Fund has changed the town’s face. Its biggest win? Turning an aging horse farm into Irene Habernickel Family Park: now ten acres of winding trails, wild meadows, and sports fields.

Citizens Park stands as another success story. The fund made its creation possible, along with securing the Zabriskie-Schedler site. Each project adds to the town’s growing network of public spaces.

The tax bump would put Ridgewood in a stronger spot to pull in matching funds from state and county sources. Officials stress strict rules: every dollar must go toward land purchases, park upgrades, maintenance work, or nature protection.

As builders eye the last open plots in nearby towns, this vote takes on extra weight. Residents will find this key question waiting on their November ballots.

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