Regarding the Ridgewood Water Treatment Facility Currently Under Construction

To Ridgewood Water, Local Officials, and All Appropriate Municipal Representatives:
We, the undersigned residents and concerned members of the Cedar Hill Avenue community, respectfully request that the design of the proposed Ridgewood Water treatment facility be reconsidered so that it better reflects the residential and historic character of our neighborhood.

For many years, the Ridgewood Water property on Cedar Hill Avenue has been a beautiful, open grass area that has contributed to the peaceful and attractive appearance of our community. We understand the need for improvements to our water infrastructure, and our concern is not with the purpose of the facility. Our concern is with the significant change in the appearance of the building that is now being proposed.
The original concept presented for this property was a red barn-style building. We believe that design was an excellent compromise between the practical needs of Ridgewood Water and the interests of the surrounding residents. A traditional barn-style structure would have blended naturally into the neighborhood while also paying tribute to the farmland and history that once characterized this area.
Unfortunately, the design has now changed to what appears to be a much more commercial or industrial-style building. Residents are concerned that it will resemble the water facility located near the bottom of Ravine Road and Goffle Road, rather than a structure designed specifically to complement a residential neighborhood.

A water treatment facility may be necessary, but an industrial-looking exterior is not.
We respectfully ask Ridgewood Water and our local officials to return to the original red barn concept, or to develop a similarly attractive architectural design that preserves the character of Cedar Hill Avenue. Appropriate siding, rooflines, windows, landscaping, screening, and other architectural details could allow the facility to perform its necessary function without creating an unnecessary industrial appearance.
Once constructed, this building will likely remain part of our neighborhood for generations. The decisions being made today will therefore have a lasting effect on nearby residents, property owners, and the overall appearance of the community.

We are not asking Ridgewood Water to abandon this important project. We are simply asking that it be done thoughtfully.

Please work with the Cedar Hill Avenue community to create a facility that everyone can be proud of—one that provides the necessary water treatment infrastructure while respecting the beauty, history, and residential character of the neighborhood.

Please bring back the red barn design, or an equally attractive residentially appropriate alternative.
Thank you for listening to the residents who live here and will see this facility every day.
Respectfully,

The Residents and Supporters of the Cedar Hill Avenue Community

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