The League of Women Voters of Ridgewood told the council on Oct. 22 that it supports a ballot question to add a dedicated open-space tax—projected by the League to average about $35.64 per household per year—and said a dedicated fund improves prospects for matching grants and park upkeep.

Residents voiced mixed reactions during public comment: one asked for clearer disclosure of the fund balance and potential earmarked properties; another questioned whether artificial turf purchase would be allowed from the fund. Deputy Mayor Perrin and Council Member Winograd said the open-space tax is a statewide-authorized mechanism used by many municipalities, and that Bergen County already levies a similar dedicated tax. Winograd said the fund historically receives about $300,000 per year in Ridgewood and that the trust has been used to pay debt service and for acquisition when appropriate (she cited the Bozzo property acquisition as an example).

Winograd and other council members also reminded residents that purchases of large capital items—such as artificial turf fields—would typically require bond ordinances and public hearings and would come back to the council for review. Council members said the open-space committee keeps a ‘wish list’ of properties but that the village does not formally earmark parcels in advance because making a public earmark can inflate a seller’s price.

On related park work, the council reported a successful weekend planting saplings and described an “adopt-a-sapling” approach that gives priority to homeowners who want a tree in front of their property. Officials also discussed replacing aging memorial trees near the library and agreed to fund replacement plantings from the Open Space Trust Fund.