Historical Background of Park Ridge
As of April 2010, 201 townhouse units have been built in the Bears Nest. Initially designed by renowned architect Eleanor Pederson, this private community was the home of former President of the United States, Richard Nixon and Mrs. Nixon between 1989 and 1993.The assessments for this priate community total an estimated $165,695,500 and will comprise over 10% of the Borough’s total assessments.
In the mid-1980s the Borough undertook the reconstruction of the major intersection within the Borough, and the restoration of the railroad station constructed in 1871. These projects, along with a favorable economy, spurred a major revitalization of the business area. New construction or renovation of approximately 75% of the business properties occurred during the mid -1980s. In 1992 the owner of the Ridgemont Shopping Center completed a major renovation of that facility. In addition, the borough rezoned the properties immediately across from the shopping center in an effort to spur a redevelopment of those properties.
In 1985 the Burroughs Corporation industrial complex adjacent to the railroad tracks was razed and a 114-apartment condominium complex called “Park Ridge Crossings” was constructed. In addition, two smaller condominium units totaling 51 units were built in the center of the community. One complex was on the site of a storage yard for construction equipment; the other on a site for construction materials, so that both have had a very beneficial impact on that immediate neighborhood. Those complexes are now known as Williamsburg Estates and Whispering Pines.
Over the years, Park Ridge has been active in expanding its municipal facilities. An 11,000 square foot firehouse, large enough to handle state-of-the-art equipment, was completed in 1987, along with an expansion of the municipal offices and police headquarters. The public library was expanded in 1987 to double its size.
To supplement the rich, residential community life of the Pascack Valley, Park Ridge provides recreational facilities for both young and old. An olympic-size municipal swimming pool, operated as a self-sustaining utility, provides summertime fun. A 12-acre pond makes an attractive park area. All total the Borough has over 50 acres available for recreational uses, including baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, basketball and track facilities.
Five churches representing the three major denominations are located in the Borough.
While many residents work in the immediate area, a significant number make the daily commute to New York City, approximately 25 miles away. Served by the NJ Transit rail and bus transportation systems, Park Ridge is less than two miles from the Garden State Parkway and less than three miles from the New York Thruway, making easy access to the entire northern New Jersey and southern New York regions.
Shopping facilities are available locally, including two small local shopping centers. Access to Westwood and to the modern shopping centers located in Paramus, New Jersey and Nanuet and West Nyack, New York are only minutes away.
The Governing Body of Park Ridge consists of a Mayor and a 6 member Borough Council. Council members are elected at partisan elections for staggered three-year terms. At the annual reorganization meeting, the Council elects one member at its President. Mayors Richard Mancinelli and Donald Ruschman are the only Mayors to serve more than one term as Mayor, both began their political careers in Park Ridge as Councilmembers.