Meet Noah Berkowicz, Incumbent
Your Candidate for Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board
How has your personal / professional background prepared you for this role?
Professionally, I work in executive search primarily placing C-suite executives. As such, I’m basically translating between two different groups that are trying to get their respective points across. And they don’t always align. I know how to manage the flow of communication, problem-solve, and be the balanced voice in the middle that gets to a successful solution. Essentially, I understand the complexities and nuances of relationships.
Personally, I grew up going to a Montessori school that was on a farm in the Catskills. We spent a lot of time outside being in nature. I learned to respect nature and the environment. I have an affinity for that responsibility.
I also have two young children age 7 and 3. We’ve been in town about 2 years and now that we’re settled, my wife and I are both getting more involved in town.
What do you think the Inland Wetlands Board’s greatest strengths are and how will you build on them?
For one thing, the IWB is generally totally aligned. I haven’t experienced a situation in which there was a disagreement. We’re also very lucky to have the people including our chair who are balanced, thoughtful and well-versed in the space.
What are your top priorities for Ridgefield when you are elected?
The IWB is here to protect the wetlands in town. We are committed to making sure that the project being requested is within the confines of protecting the wetlands, and not having some ancillary damage, or other impacts.
What are the key issues the Board of Inland Wetlands faces?
In general, we are here to help homeowners address their requests while protecting the wetlands.
Right now, the potential High Ridge apartment complex project which was formerly a dry cleaner is of concern to the town. There are issues with chemical contamination on the property dating back to the 1940s. The day of the site visit 40 people from town attended. We are currently postponing our decision on that application pending more information and town input.
What is your Leadership Style?
I’m a problem-solver. And a mediator. That’s a function of my job. I’m a diagnostician by nature. When someone says A, I think of Z, not because I believe in Z, so I’m not a contrarian. I have great understanding of the other side’s point of view.
What does Ridgefield mean to you personally?
I’m fairly new to Ridgefield. We moved here from NYC about two years ago. We fell in love with Connecticut in general and went to children’s birthday party at the Rec Center. It was the first time we were in Ridgefield, and we immediately thought, ‘What is this town? This is adorable.’ We fell in love. This is really the first time in a long time, where we feel like we have community, and are settled, because in New York we didn’t feel that. I’m going to be buried here. This is our forever home.
What is one thing voters might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an athlete. I’ve coached soccer. I did Taekwondo. And I’m definitely a tech nerd and first adopter: every new tech gadget, AI — you name it, I’m into it.
What sets you apart from your opponents?
I’m 45. I represent a new generation in town. And I believe it’s up to us to use our voice and contribute to the town’s amazing character and well-being. I hope to get more young families involved and participating.
Why should Ridgefield trust you?
I’m an impartial and balanced person. I will vote for what I believe is right. I’m not the one to vote party line. I’m just very logical and rational.