Nicholas Lonzisero, Council President
Term expires December 31, 2010
Finance and Administration
Chairman, Police, Office of Emergency Management, and Municipal Court
Department of Public Works, Buildings and Grounds, and Street Lighting
Chairman, Communications
Transportation
Board of Adjustment Liaison
Welcome to Councilman Nicholas Lonzisero's web page
Email Nicholas Lonzisero
January 13, 2009
Last Monday evening at the annual reorganization meeting, the Council elected me the 2009 Council President in a bipartisan manner. As the Council President, I will continue to work with Mayor Suarez and the entire Council to continue maintaining all our efforts to keep Ridgefield a strong vibrant community.
Particularly due to the poor economic climate, 2009 is a critical year for Ridgefield. The Mayor and Council will be faced with the following issues:
1) Ridgefield Finances - The national recession has affected all of us. As has been widely publicized, Trenton is in the process of making dramatic budget cuts that will have a direct impact on every community including Ridgefield. The result may be little or no extraordinary aid and there may be fewer grant opportunities. Delays in Trenton have already forced the Council to send out estimated tax bills for the 2009 quarter as we wait for answers such as the pension deferment proposed by Governor Corzine in November. These circumstances will force the Mayor and Council to have to make difficult decisions in order to balance the budget while maintaining Borough services.
2) Redevelopment - The Mayor and Council have just completed a comprehensive redevelopment study that was funded by a Smart Growth Grant. Throughout 2009, the process will accelerate as the redevelopment project moves ahead with a single cohesive plan that will benefit all of Ridgefield from both a lifestyle and ratable point of view. This is an enormous opportunity for our town's future.
In my opinion, the future of Ridgefield lies in the redevelopment area. Components may include a technology park, research center, retail, offices, restaurant row, public amphitheater, waterfront walkway, public art center, senior housing, and a limited number of residential units to meet our state mandated affordable housing requirements.
3) Light Rail - Like many communities along the northern branch corridor, Ridgefield anxiously awaits an official answer regarding the form of mass transit that will be used. It is my understanding that it is inevitable that such a service will be placed through Ridgefield. What we do not know is whether it will indeed be the much acclaimed light rail system or the low cost alternative hybrid diesel multiple units (DMU). We are also fortunate that a station will be placed in Ridgefield that will complement our redevelopment area.
4) Borough Hall - The current Borough Hall is over 50 years old and is past its life expectancy. The Mayor and current Council majority seem to be in agreement that we need to first find a temporary solution to accommodate persons with special needs and then plan to create a new facility that combines all departments in order to lower operating costs.
It is my opinion that the most logical solution is to take advantage of our redevelopment opportunity and propose to a willing development group that they construct a facility to meet our needs at a fraction of what is would cost for us to build it on our own. Initial concept plans call for such a building to possibly be placed on the south end of the property with a railroad crossing at River Street within walking distance of many amenities such as the proposed train station.
5) Preserving Community - It is the job of the Mayor and Council to preserve as much open space as possible. Such polices also control housing density and has a direct effect of local traffic and school population.
Please feel free to send me an email at nlonzisero@ridgefieldnj.gov or leave me a message at Borough Hall.
Have a Healthy and Happy 2009!
Council President Nicholas P Lonzisero