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Reader says Best of luck to the new Council – please remember the grass roots organizations that helped get you elected

VillageHall_floods_theridgewoodblog

Congratulations to the winners and condolences to the losers. In the end, I’m not even sure that Mr. Weitz and Ms. Willet even wanted to be in the race. Mr. Brooks is a nice guy and a good neighbor. He campaigned hard but was just on the wrong side. Next up: Revoke the Pfund ordinance the afternoon the new Council is inaugurated. Valley – fight the lawsuit and sue them to revoke their non-profit status in town. The $4.5 million that their Linwood Ave campus will generate in taxes will pay a lot of legal bills. Apartments – 18 units per acre seems reasonable. If developers can’t make it work with a 50% increase over what’s been on the books for decades that shouldn’t be the residents’ problem. And if they sue us, so be it. Garage – how about a nice 2 or 3 level commuter lot? Keep it small enough so that no developer can incorporate it into his plans for oversized apartment buildings. Schedler – outside of the RBSA brass, I haven’t heard any support for a baseball field there. Plus what’s the hurry to cut down all the trees? Best of luck to the new Council – please remember the grass roots organizations that helped get you elected.

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Will a New Broom Sweep Clean after Ridgewood Elections ?

village-hall-theridgewoodblog
May 12,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Will election landslide lead to personnel changes in the Village hall? Our observation is that many in the Village hall need to be reminded they work for all tax payers of Ridgewood and not the Mayor, democratic party,  a hospital , developers or any other special interest . If employees can not make that commitment then they should look elsewhere for employment  . The best interests of the Village of Ridgewood should be the priority not some previously established deal.
Obviously the new council  will be making careful decisions on giving Ridgewood the brightest and best .

Readers have a laundry list of committees that need to go , Readers suggest the Financial Advisory Committee was created by the mayor solely as a breeding ground for future council members willing to live in his shadow and image. It didn’t work. Disband it.
We  would suggest the same for the anti free speech “Civility Committee” .

One reader says First to go…. Gail Price (and her firm), then Chris Rutishauser (sp?). And if Blaise doesn’t start doing some actual planning for Ridgewood’s future, then he can go too.

Other suggest Matt Rogers , seems to have lost his way thinking her works for the mayor while attacking some local businesses but not others .
Still other readers suggest most of the planning board and most of the Historical Preservation Committee  which has clearly lost its mind .
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The New Ridgewood Council Can Regain Control of the Central Business District by Repealing “Pfunds Folly”

pfund_092812_rn_tif_
May 12,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, after a landslide election and a historic rejection of Mayor Aronsohns special interest , developer driven , machine politics policies the best way to regain control of the Central business district is to repeal “Pfunds Folly ” or ordinance 3066.So what is ordinance 3066?

It was introduced by the Village Council under Mayor Pfund in 2007 (https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/minutes/07RPMJUN13.pdf ). Chapter § 190-143 of the amended Village Code is the kicker; it established procedures for interested persions (i.e. developers) to request amendments to the Village Master Plan or development regulations. Council members Mancuso, Ringler Shagin, Wiest, and Pfund all voted in favor of the ordinance. Chapter § 190-143 is here https://ecode360.com/6694062 and many residents argue that this should be repealed to ensure that we don’t see overdevelopment at Valley and in the CBD in terms of densities and building scale. It’s felt this will better protect our property values.

the text can be see at https://stopvalley.com/Minutes/2007-08-07%20Ordinance%203066.pdf if you cut and paste that into your browser you can see it all.

It is long, setting out the fees involved and procedures – the key part is

§ 190-143. Application to Village Council or Planning Board.
Any interested party may request that an amendment or amendments be made to the Village Master Plan or development regulations. The request(s) shall be made to the Village Council and/or the Village Planning Board  https://theridgewoodblog.net/so-what-is-ordinance-3066/

Readers say time Repeal “Pfunds Folly” ordinance 3066!

We have former Mayor and now appointed local judge Pfund to thank. Without Ordinance 3066, passed purposely in July 2007 when many residents were down the shore, applications to amend the Master Plan would never have even been considered. Then the developers used an old anchoring by applying for 50 units, only to say they’d “comprised” down to 35. The anchor number used should have been the 12 in the Master Plan, and they should have comprised at 18-24, reflecting current Village densities. Development is surely need in the CBD – it’s an eyesore with too much dead space and decaying remnants of the past – but Ordinance 3066 and the 50 number should have never happened in the first place. That’s Pfund’s folly…. These wheels have been in motion since 2007

I had little hope going into last night’s meeting. I am so proud of everyone who came and stood up for our village. Bottom line, we have to repeal ordinance 3066. Also, say no to ordinances requesting our Master Planner. Our Master Plan should be treated with the respect it deserves. It has been in place for decades, protecting our village from the potential high density developments that are on the table now. Should development occur, yes, but within the safeguards of the master plan. Developers: get a variance and if appropriate for Ridgewood it will pass. If the densities are to low for your project and potential profits, to bad, come to the table with something else. But don’t threaten residents with statements “if you don’t give us this, we’ll do something you really won’t like”. That is not neighborly or nice.

We should have been signing petitions to repeal Ordinance 3066 five years ago or more. I agree that 35 units is too high, but that’s because developers are allowed to submit proposals to amend the Master Plan under Ordinance 3066 (passed by then Mayor Pfund under cover of July summer vacations in 2007 to help out his pals at Valley), and its easy to anchor the debate initially at 50 units and then say you’ve “compromised down to 35 units even though the initial anchoring of the discussion should have been at 12 units as per the existing Master Plan.  https://theridgewoodblog.net/readers-say-time-repeal-pfunds-folly-ordinance-3066/

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The Preserve Graydon Coalition puts together the Ridgewood Council Election Landslide Numbers

village Council Elections

Landslide by the Numbers

by Marcia Ringel and Alan Seiden

YOU, THE PEOPLE, DID IT.

You came out in record numbers. With your votes you said, loudly and clearly: “No more grandstanding. No more bullying. No more manipulation. No more hypocrisy. No more special interests, outside influence, self-promotion. We are taking our village back.”

You said: “We want to see planning—not plotting. We want to see dreaming—not scheming.”

You said: “No more ‘deals.’ No more promises or pledges except to the community at large.”

You said: “No more ‘council majority’ for every vote. No more insults and contempt from the dais to fellow residents and to the populace who elected them. No more ignoring the impassioned pleas of hundreds of calm, well-spoken residents on issues of great importance to us.”

GOODBYE to all that.

Hello to three independent-thinking council members who will join our two continuing independent-thinking council members to cooperate and collaborate—not conspire and collude.

Hello to true, not lip-service, transparency and sunshine, with discussions held in public and decisions made afterward, not before—as Councilman Mike Sedon assured a cheering crowd at Village Hall last night after the results had been announced.

Welcome back, democracy.

Congratulations and thank you to the large number of people who worked to get out the vote and to everyone who voted. The grassroots groups finally attained unity and showed what our village is made of. We could not be denied.

This is a historic win for Ridgewood. We can now look to the future with hope.

“Unofficial” results (must be vetted by the county to become “official”), from highest to lowest number of votes received:

Ramon M. Hache: 3867 (67.87%)
Jeffrey Voigt: 3839 (67.37%)
Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh: 3611 (63.37%)

Janice M. Willett: 1803 (31.64%)
Evan Weitz: 1736 (30.47%)
Richard S. Brooks 1656 (29.06%)

Number of registered voters: 16,740
Number of votes cast: 5,698
Percentage of registered voters voting: 34.04%

In all 19 districts, the winning candidates had the most votes.

A district-by-district breakdown of election results, showing votes cast for each candidate, percentages, and totals, is available in a table posted on the village website:

https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/images/Ridgewood/Departments/Clerk/muni2016_MUNI_2012.pdf

For a more legible type size, click on the “plus” sign in the middle of the band across the top of the screen or use the tiny arrows to increase the percentage to 200%. To read the part of the table that no longer shows, hold your cursor on the “right arrow” at the bottom right of the screen.

A small map showing the borders of each voting district can be found on the 2016 village calendar: flip one page in from the back cover. We have asked Dylan Hansen, Director, Management Information System, Village of Ridgewood, to post the map on the village website for general and future reference. He said he would, probably today.

The polling place list, by district, below can be deceptive; for example, District 12, surrounding Travell School to the south and west, votes at the high school. Check the voting map for a better idea of who lives where.

District                  Polling place

1, 2, 3                       Willard
4,7                             GW
5, 6, 10                     Orchard
8, 11                          Travell
9                                Library
12, 13                        RHS
14                              Glen
15, 16                        BF
17, 18                        Somerville
19                              Hawes

District 12 came out in force at 48% of registered voters there—a first? District 1 at 41% and District 15 at 40% displayed similarly impressive shows of strength.

Our new council members have a lot to do. They are eager to start.

They will be sworn in at noon on Friday, July 1, in the 4th-floor courtroom at Village Hall. At that time the current regime will officially end. The public is, as always, invited.

Onward.

Swimmingly,
Marcia Ringel and Alan Seiden
Co-Chairs, The Preserve Graydon Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit corporation

“It’s clear—we love Graydon!”

info@PreserveGraydon.org    PreserveGraydon.org

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How To Prepare Your Ridgewood Teen To Succeed In A Complex World

skateboarding_theridgewoodblog

May 11,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, When a bright, happy preteen evolves into a self-absorbed or anxious teenager, apprehensive parents can’t help but wonder, “What’s wrong with my child?”

The answer could be “nothing,” other than the typical struggles adolescents have always faced, says Jeffrey Leiken, author of “Adolescence is Not a Disease: Beyond Drinking, Drugs and Dangerous Friends – The Journey to Adulthood” (www.Leiken.com).

As CEO of Evolution Mentoring International, Leiken provides mentoring for teens and young adults, going beyond the typical work of a therapist by building a relationship so that they come to see Leiken as a trusted confidant who answers their late-night text messages and isn’t quick to label them.

“I don’t start with the premise that there is something wrong with them that needs to be fixed,” Leiken says. “The teens and young adults I work with often are saner than the system they are in – a system that seems to forget we are raising humans, not building robots.”

Parents sometimes get caught up in that system, too, but in many cases they just need to chill, he says.

Leiken says parents who want to prepare teenagers for the day they will venture out on their own should:

• “Great advice, wrong source” – Enlist the aid of other adults. Parents are puzzled when they give excellent advice that their teenager promptly ignores. But adolescents often discard words of wisdom from their parents that they would embrace if the guidance came from someone else. That’s why it’s important to enlist the help of other adults who can offer coaching, training and guidance to the teen.
• Avoid letting fear be the guide. Too many parents are on edge, worried that if their teen isn’t in the top 1 percent of the high school class, they will be denied hope for economic prosperity, status and independence. Their anxieties can rub off on young people who become hesitant to take risks for fear of endangering their future. Instead of scaring them, parents need to encourage teens to step outside their comfort zones and take risks that will help them grow into confident, well-rounded adults.
• Help teens eliminate choices. One popular bit of advice parents hear is they should encourage teenagers to keep all their options open. That sounds like a good strategy, but isn’t. In reality, parents need to encourage teens to eliminate options – such as for colleges or careers – that aren’t and never will be right for them. The teens’ decision-making abilities will increase as a result. 

“Parents also need to realize they don’t have to become experts in raising teenagers,” Leiken says. “They just have to become expert in raising their own teenager.”

About Jeffrey Leiken

Jeffery Leiken (www.Leiken.com) is the CEO of Evolution Mentoring International and is co-founder of HeroPath International. Leiken also is author of “Adolescence is Not a Disease: Beyond Drinking, Drugs and Dangerous Friends – The Journey to Adulthood.” He has presented at TED in Athens, Greece; guest lectured at Stanford University; and facilitated programs for teenagers on three continents and in seven countries, among other accomplishments. He has a master’s degree in educational counseling.

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The Valley Hospital Receives Excellence Award from Vizient, Inc. for Sustainability Practices

honey-bee-3810
May 10,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Valley Hospital announced today that it has received the Vizient Excellence Award for Sustainability. The award honors The Valley Hospital’s strong commitment to good governance, community engagement and environmental stewardship in 2015. Vizient, Inc., the largest member-owned health care company in the country, presented the award on Thursday, April 14 during the 2016 Vizient Connections Summit held in Las Vegas.

The hospital received this award in recognition of its apiaries (bee hives), which are helping to combat the nearly 40 percent decrease in the New Jersey bee population annually. With eight hives in total, the bees help to pollinate a 2-mile radius around the hospital and the hospital’s offsite ambulatory surgery center, increasing the yield of flowers, fruits and vegetables over a 17,400 acre area.

Beekeeping is just one example of Valley’s efforts to “go green” and support locally produced food. In 2010 Valley signed the Healthy Food in Health Care Pledge, which calls for hospitals to use more locally grown food, work with vendors to obtain products free of pesticides and hormones, purchase more organic foods, educate the community about nutritious and ‘’socially just” foods, minimize or reuse food waste, use ecologically protective food packaging and support humane agriculture systems. Initiatives to date conducted in support of the pledge include buying local produce from Catalpa Ridge Farm, which is a community supported agriculture program in Sussex County, the hospital’s commitment to buying cage-free eggs, promoting “Meatless Monday” and a year-long partnership with the community supported agriculture program offered by Hesperides Organica, a farm in Warwick, N.Y.

“We have always been big supporters of locally produced food and what could be more local that producing your own honey?” said Dawn Cascio, Director of Valley Dining. “We also like the idea of supporting the declining honey bee population while enhancing our community’s gardens, foliage, and trees.”

Since the addition of the initial two hives that marked project’s inception in 2013, the annual honey harvest has increased from 30 pounds to over 100 pounds. The honey is utilized in menus for the hospital’s patients, visitors and staff. The beeswax has been used as an ingredient in the hospital’s all-natural, house-made lip balm, body butter, hand lotion, foot balm and vapor rub. These products, along with jarred raw honey, are available for sale at the hospital’s retail locations.

“Across the country, Vizient members are leading the development of sustainability programs that make the delivery of care more environmentally conscious and resource considerate,” said Scott Downing, executive vice president, Collaboration and Performance Improvement Networks. “We are proud to recognize The Valley Hospital’s commitment in this area and their program’s achievement.

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AIR FORCE GENERAL TO SPEAK AT RIDGEWOOD ROTARY MEETING

Major General Garrett Harencak
May 9,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Major General Garrett Harencak, Commander of the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service, will be guest speaker at the regular Tuesday midday meeting of the Ridgewood Rotary Club, May 17, at Old Paramus Reformed Church Hall, on East Glen Avenue.

General Harencak’s will speak on “Airpower and Defending America As an Aerospace General Harencak, who grew up in Elmwood Park, entered the Air Force in 1983 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. His assignments included command of the B-52 bomber; instructor pilot and squadron command in the B-1B bomber and service as aide to the Commander of the U.S. Central Command. Before his current assignment,General Harencak was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear
Integration, stationed in Washington, D.C. The general’s appearance was arranged withthe assistance of Ridgewood resident, Dr. Anthony Cipriano, who is President of the Iron Gate Chapter of the Air Force Association, in the New York area.

Club president, Bob Freudenrich announced that the public is invited to attend the meeting which begins with buffet lunch at 12:15 P.M. Reservations should be made by emailing Harris Reinstein at harrisreinstein@msn.com or telephoning him at
(201) 652-7877. The cost of the lunch is $15.00, payable at the door.

In addition to Ridgewood, the local service club draws its members from Glen Rock and HoHoKus. Information on becoming a member of Rotary can be requested from Mr. Reinstein.

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Model Congress for high school students to be held in Ridgewood on Saturday

scott garrett model congress

May 10,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) will be hosting young legislators from 35 New Jersey high schools in Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties (full list below) at the third annual Model Congress this Saturday in Ridgewood. The Model Congress is an educational event for students where they will replicate a day in the life of a Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event is open to all media, but please observe an embargo on this information until Saturday at 9am.

About:  The Model Congress gives students a first-hand opportunity to learn how Congress works by allowing them to research legislation currently being considered in the U.S. House of Representatives, break into committees to further examine and debate the legislation, and finally bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote. Students will be assigned to represent different states, but not specific political parties. This is a nonpartisan event. Each school in New Jersey’s Fifth District was invited to recommend two students for the Model Congress, and awards will be given for best debater, best consensus builder, best speaker, best research, best counterargument, and leadership at the end of the event.

Address:          Ridgewood High School

627 E. Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

 

When:             Saturday, May 14
9am12:30pm

Students from the following schools will be participating (by county):

 Bergen:

Bergen County Academies

Bergen County Technical High School
Bergenfield High School
Dumont High School
Fair Lawn High School
Glen Rock High School
Hackensack High School
Indian Hills High School
Lodi High School
Mahwah High School
Midland Park High School
Northern Highlands High School
Northern Valley Regional-Demarest
Paramus High School
Park Ridge High School
Pascack Hills High School
Pascack Valley High School
Ramapo High School
Ramsey High School
Ridgewood High School
River Dell High School
St. Joseph Regional High School
Teaneck High School
Waldwick High School
Westwood Regional High School

Passaic:

Lakeland Regional High School
West Milford High School

Sussex:
High Point High School
Kittatinny Regional High School
Newton High School
Pope John XXIII High School
Vernon Township High School
Wallkill Valley Regional High School

Warren:

North Warren High School
Warren Hills High School

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Election signs in Village of Ridgewood non-residential areas

Village Council election signs
May 11,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, As per Village Code 190-122 H 6:  Election signs. Temporary signs for elective office shall be permitted in nonresidential zones. Such signs shall be removed no later than 10 days after the date of the election to which they pertain. In the case of a primary election, the signs of all candidates who fail to remain as candidates in the ensuing general election shall be removed no later than 10 days after the date of the primary election. Such signs may be freestanding or attached to a building wall

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Ridgewood’s various boards and committees are a Key to building trust and Reengaging the Community

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog
May 11,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , this is a reminder that Village all depends on you and the new council can use all the help it can get on various boards and committees . The new village council is going to need your help in rebuilding trust , and reengaging the community . Residents input is going to be key to the future . Time to polish up those resumes and get involved.

SEEKING RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOVEMBER 25, 2015

The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Community Relations Advisory Board; Library Board of Trustees; Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Open Space Committee; Project Pride Committee; Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; Citizens Safety Advisory Committee; Historic Preservation Commission; The Green Team; and the Shade Tree Commission.

All interested residents should:

1.   Fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on  the Village website under “Forms”)

2.  Prepare a cover letter indicating on which board or  committee the resident wishes to serve and a brief  explanation as to why the resident chose the  particular board(s) or committee(s)

3.   Include a biography or resume

and send all of them to:

Heather Mailander
Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ  07450

Deadline for submissions is November 25, 2015.

A brief description for each Board/Committee is listed below:

The Community Relations Advisory Board promotes the development and implementation of educational programs which celebrate our diversity and provides offers assistance to victims of bias-related crimes.

The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees.  The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.

The Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board recommends rules for use and monitors recreation facilities.  The Board coordinates community recreation programs and develops and updates the long-range Master Plan for recreation in the Village.

The Open Space Committee assists in identifying specific types of open space, and makes recommendations to the Village Council on the development of existing open space acquisitions.

The Project Pride Committee plants and waters flowers, throughout Ridgewood’s Central Business District and organizes the Village Garden program with local landscapers.

The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee assists the Village Council in long-range planning concerning environmental issues as well as anticipating environmental problems and recommending solutions.

The Citizens Safety Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Village Council on issues concerning pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety on all roads, parks and open space in Ridgewood and promotes awareness of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety in order to improve the safe travel of all people in Ridgewood.

The Historic Preservation Commission identifies, records, and maintains a survey and inventory of all buildings sites, landmarks of historical or architectural significance.  Oversees the preservation of structures and properties which reflect the heritage of the community.  Acts as an advisory board to the Planning Board.

The Green Team Advisory Committee is looking for residents who are interested in making Ridgewood a sustainable community; and/or are LEED Certified; and/or have working experience with sustainable practices such as solar energy or recycling; and/or have experience in obtaining grants for sustainable purposes.

The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.

SEEKING RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOVEMBER 25, 2015

The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Community Relations Advisory Board; Library Board of Trustees; Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Open Space Committee; Project Pride Committee; Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; Citizens Safety Advisory Committee; Historic Preservation Commission; The Green Team; and the Shade Tree Commission.

All interested residents should:

1.   Fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on  the Village website under “Forms”)

2.  Prepare a cover letter indicating on which board or  committee the resident wishes to serve and a brief  explanation as to why the resident chose the  particular board(s) or committee(s)

3.   Include a biography or resume

and send all of them to:

Heather Mailander
Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ  07450

Deadline for submissions is November 25, 2015.

A brief description for each Board/Committee is listed below:

The Community Relations Advisory Board promotes the development and implementation of educational programs which celebrate our diversity and provides offers assistance to victims of bias-related crimes.

The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees.  The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.

The Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board recommends rules for use and monitors recreation facilities.  The Board coordinates community recreation programs and develops and updates the long-range Master Plan for recreation in the Village.

The Open Space Committee assists in identifying specific types of open space, and makes recommendations to the Village Council on the development of existing open space acquisitions.

The Project Pride Committee plants and waters flowers, throughout Ridgewood’s Central Business District and organizes the Village Garden program with local landscapers.

The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee assists the Village Council in long-range planning concerning environmental issues as well as anticipating environmental problems and recommending solutions.

The Citizens Safety Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Village Council on issues concerning pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety on all roads, parks and open space in Ridgewood and promotes awareness of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety in order to improve the safe travel of all people in Ridgewood.

The Historic Preservation Commission identifies, records, and maintains a survey and inventory of all buildings sites, landmarks of historical or architectural significance.  Oversees the preservation of structures and properties which reflect the heritage of the community.  Acts as an advisory board to the Planning Board.

The Green Team Advisory Committee is looking for residents who are interested in making Ridgewood a sustainable community; and/or are LEED Certified; and/or have working experience with sustainable practices such as solar energy or recycling; and/or have experience in obtaining grants for sustainable purposes.

The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.

. Many of these boards and committee have significant input into the quality of life issues that effects the Village . The new Village council is going to need help building trust, reestablishing community ties and building and even better Village of Ridgewood.

SEEKING RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOVEMBER 25, 2015
 
The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Community Relations Advisory Board; Library Board of Trustees; Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board; Open Space Committee; Project Pride Committee; Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee; Citizens Safety Advisory Committee; Historic Preservation Commission; The Green Team; and the Shade Tree Commission.
 
All interested residents should:
 
1.   Fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on  the Village website under “Forms”)
 
2.  Prepare a cover letter indicating on which board or  committee the resident wishes to serve and a brief  explanation as to why the resident chose the  particular board(s) or committee(s)
 
3.   Include a biography or resume
 
and send all of them to:
 
Heather Mailander
Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ  07450
 
Deadline for submissions is November 25, 2015.
 
A brief description for each Board/Committee is listed below:
 
The Community Relations Advisory Board promotes the development and implementation of educational programs which celebrate our diversity and provides offers assistance to victims of bias-related crimes.
 
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees.  The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
 
The Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Board recommends rules for use and monitors recreation facilities.  The Board coordinates community recreation programs and develops and updates the long-range Master Plan for recreation in the Village.
 
The Open Space Committee assists in identifying specific types of open space, and makes recommendations to the Village Council on the development of existing open space acquisitions.
 
The Project Pride Committee plants and waters flowers, throughout Ridgewood’s Central Business District and organizes the Village Garden program with local landscapers.
 
The Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee assists the Village Council in long-range planning concerning environmental issues as well as anticipating environmental problems and recommending solutions.
 
The Citizens Safety Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Village Council on issues concerning pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety on all roads, parks and open space in Ridgewood and promotes awareness of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety in order to improve the safe travel of all people in Ridgewood.
 
The Historic Preservation Commission identifies, records, and maintains a survey and inventory of all buildings sites, landmarks of historical or architectural significance.  Oversees the preservation of structures and properties which reflect the heritage of the community.  Acts as an advisory board to the Planning Board.
 
The Green Team Advisory Committee is looking for residents who are interested in making Ridgewood a sustainable community; and/or are LEED Certified; and/or have working experience with sustainable practices such as solar energy or recycling; and/or have experience in obtaining grants for sustainable purposes.
 
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource. Members will preferably have forestry or tree backgrounds or hold the designation of a certified Arborist.

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Landslide Victory Signifies Major Shift in Village of Ridgewood Politics

village Council Elections
photo courtesy of Melanie McWilliams
May 11,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, the victory for Ramon Hache, Jeff Voigt and Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh it was nothing more than a total reject of Mayor Paul Aronsohn’s entire agenda . The new trio will begin their four year terms on July 1, joining Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon.

Now the hard work has to be done restoring the luster to the tarnished reputation of the Village and building on the unique nature of the Village of Ridgewood and moving forward.

Congratulations to Ramon Hache, Jeff Voigt and Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh and all there supporters and all the volunteers who put in countless hours and faced down both threats , physical and personal attacks to do the right thing .

The Ridgewood blog would like to say thank you. Now lets move forward and build a positive future .

2016 MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS – UNOFFICIAL

FOR COUNCIL

Jeffrey Voigt – 3839 – 67.37%

Janice M Willett – 1803 – 31.64%

Evan Weitz – 1736 – 30.47%

Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh – 3611 – 63.37%

Richard S Brooks – 1656 – 29.06%

Ramon M Hache – 3867 – 67.87%

Total Registration – 16,740
Votes Cast – 5,698
Percentage – 34.04%

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Obama’s last act is to force suburbs to be less white and less wealthy

Obama-Golf

By Paul Sperry

May 8, 2016 | 7:30am

Modal Trigger

Hillary’s rumored running mate, Housing Secretary Julian Castro, is cooking up a scheme to reallocate funding for Section 8 housing to punish suburbs for being too white and too wealthy.

The scheme involves super-sizing vouchers to help urban poor afford higher rents in pricey areas, such as Westchester County, while assigning them government real estate agents called “mobility counselors” to secure housing in the exurbs.

Castro plans to launch the Section 8 reboot this fall, even though a similar program tested a few years ago in Dallas has been blamed for shifting violent crime to affluent neighborhoods.

It’s all part of a grand scheme to forcibly desegregate inner cities and integrate the outer suburbs.

Anticipating NIMBY resistance, Castro last month threatened to sue suburban landlords for discrimination if they refuse even Section 8 tenants with criminal records. And last year, he implemented a powerful new regulation — “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” — that pressures all suburban counties taking federal grant money to change local zoning laws to build more low-income housing (landlords of such properties are required to accept Section 8 vouchers).

Castro is expected to finalize the new regulation, known as “Small-Area Fair Market Rents” (SAFMR), this October, in the last days of the Obama presidency.

It will set voucher rent limits by ZIP code rather than metro area, the current formula, which makes payments relatively small. For example, the fair market rent for a one-bedroom in New York City is about $1,250, which wouldn’t cover rentals in leafy areas of Westchester County, such as Mamaroneck, where Castro and his social engineers seek to aggressively resettle Section 8 tenants.

https://nypost.com/2016/05/08/obamas-last-act-is-to-force-suburbs-to-be-less-white-and-less-wealthy/

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Voigt, Hache and Walsh in a Landslide Victory in Ridgewood Council Race

Vote Ridgewood

still unofficial with the numbers

The Reign of Terror Has Ended
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photo by Melanie McWilliams
May 10th 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

unofficial updates to follow   5698 voted 34.04% of total voters

Jeffery Voigt                3839  67.37%
Janice M. Willett     1803   31.64%
Evan Weitz                   1736    30.47%
Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh  3611  63.37%
Richard S. Brooks       1656  29.06%
Ramon M. Hache       3867  67.87%

Ridgewood NJ, Voigt, Hache and Walsh in a Landslide Victory in Ridgewood Council Race .Six candidates were running for three, four-year terms on the Ridgewood Village Council in this year’s non-partisan election. In what could only be called one of the most contentious elections in many years. With None of the three incumbents seeking re-election it was a wide open race .

 The Mayor , developers ,  Chamber of Commerce , and Ridgewood Guild endorsed  Willett , Brooks and Weitz  who failed to impress the public with their message of build build build . While Voigt, Hache and Walsh focused more on a vision of keeping the small town feel to Ridgewood. It was above all else a resounding rejection of Mayor Paul Aronsohn’s policies , a rejection of over development, machine politics , professional politicians and a blatant disregard  for residents desires .
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BREAKING : Turnout Skyrockets For Ridgewood Municipal Election

Vote Ridgewood NJ

photo courtesy Dana Glazer

May 10th 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Based on the poll numbers around 3pm, Ridgewood Blog is predicting at least 40% more turnout compared to last municipal election which was held in 2014.

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SHARE Invites Areas Realtors to Ridgewood Open House

SHARE, Inc
Wed, May 11, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: SHARE, 104 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

SHARE, Inc. Invites Area Realtors to Open House in RidgewoodVillage Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Council Member Gwenn Hauck to Address Issues Related to Seniors, Housing

Shared Housing Association for Ridgewood & Environs, Inc. (SHARE) invites area realtors to join them for an Open House on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at 104 Cottage Place in Ridgewood, N.J.

Special guests will include Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Council Member Gwenn Hauck, both of whom are known for their work on behalf of senior citizens and housing. Members of SHARE’s staff and board of directors will be on hand to discuss the benefits of its two affordable, shared residences for independent seniors who are looking to downsize or seeking the services and socialization that community living offers.

A buffet lunch, sponsored by SHARE Advisory Board Chair Debby Crane of Re/Max Properties, will be served starting at 1 p.m. House tours will be conducted from 1:30 – 3.pm. To RSVP or for more information, contact Marianne Bennett at (201) 670-9605 or e-mail shareofficeinfo@yahoo.com <mailto:shareofficeinfo@yahoo.com>.

SHARE, Inc. is a New Jersey non-profit that provides an affordable, home like environment for independent seniors within the Ridgewood community. For more information visit www.shareridgewood.org .