A Small City in Suburban New Jersey Plans for its Future

Questions of density and demographics are challenging a planning process in Ridgewood, New Jersey—the first plan update in the village in more than 30 years.

1 minute read

March 9, 2020, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Ridgewood

SevenMaps / Shutterstock

Alexis Shanes reports on a master plan process underway in Ridgewood, New Jersey, which is encountering questions about whether the plan should be tailored to younger or older populations.

"An early draft of the village’s new master plan sparked concerns this week from some leaders and residents about maintaining the village’s identity and raised worries about whether the village is doing enough to recruit younger residents," explains Shanes. An earlier article from February, also by Shanes, focused on the plan's impact on older residents.

Also challenging the process is the core mission of the process to maintain the village feel of Ridgewood, while also allowing for growth and transformation already underway. "The Hudson Street parking garage is under construction, as is multi-family housing downtown," according to Shanes. "The town’s beloved public library is expected to undergo renovations costing millions of dollars. Some old houses are being torn down to make way for modern ones."

Friday, March 6, 2020 in NorthJersey

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post