Tense Turf War Over Historic Site In Ridgewood Is Reflected In New Halloween Decor

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A tense controversy in Ridgewood over the future of a historic site — and whether to install turf fields on part of the land — has sparked debate as well as new Halloween decorations in one homeowner's yard this week.

The decorations actually reference three ongoing controversies in town, especially the tug-of-war over the historic 1825 Schedler property on West Saddle River Road.

For years, residents have debated whether to install athletic fields at the property, and whether to use artificial turf in those fields. An expert recently came to a town meeting and suggested moving the historic home on the property to adjacent land, as well. (READ MORE: Final Vote On Schedler Land Expected At Ridgewood Meeting)

Recently, the town voted to send a plan to install turf fields to the state's History Preservation Commission for permission.

The town completed its purchase of that property, including the 1825 Dutch home once owned by the farming Zabriskie family, in 2009.

This week, a resident of the neighborhood explained the new decorations, saying, "Our neighborhood is truly scared by the majority council's actions, including installing artificial turf on historic grounds before America250, elevated PFAS levels for neighbors with private well water, and the removal of acres of healthy trees."

The tombstones at the residential home read:

The Historic Schedler Neighborhood, we persist beyond eternity
Here Lies Tumor Tommy — no more artifical turf, Mommy
RIP — PFAS in Private Well Water Poisoned My Neighbors

Meanwhile, differences over the turf have sparked heated dialogue at recent council meetings and a controversial video.

READ MORE: Final Vote On Schedler Land Expected At Ridgewood Meeting