Month: December 2011

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>Pilot teacher evaluation system slow to gain traction in Newark

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Pilot teacher evaluation system slow to gain traction in Newark

In New Jersey’s highest-profile school district, plans to test one of Gov. Chris Christie’s highest-profile reform initiatives have gotten off to a bumpy start with the teachers union.

Still, a half-dozen district schools will test a new teacher evaluation system.

Superintendent Cami Anderson plans to formally launch the pilot in the next week, naming a team to oversee the development of the system. She said there would be a heavy emphasis in the beginning on setting clear goals and feedback for teachers.

Anderson said she hoped to put the pilot in place in as many schools as possible, but after what she described as extensive outreach to teachers and the Newark Teachers Union, she was unable to win any buy-in votes.  (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/1208/0032/
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New Energy Master Plan explores ways to deploy infrastructure for alternative works

>New Energy Master Plan explores ways to deploy infrastructure for alternative works


The state should explore the possibility of establishing a transportation infrastructure bank to support the increased use of alternatively fueled vehicles, according to the latest version of the Energy Master Plan.
While providing few details on how such a proposal would work, the recommendation is being welcomed by various clean energy advocates. Some of them have been frustrated by the slow pace of developing an infrastructure in New Jersey that would spur people to choose cleaner-running vehicles over those powered by gasoline or diesel.

“It’s a good way to go,” said Chuck Feinberg, chairman of the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of alternative transportation fuels. “In the current climate, we’re not going to get any grant program.”  (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/1208/0036/
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>Potential traffic conditions reviewed for two proposed housing developments in Ridgewood

>Potential traffic conditions reviewed for two proposed housing developments in Ridgewood

THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 2011, 2:22 PM
BY JOSEPH CRAMER
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The impacts of two proposed multi-family housing developments on existing traffic conditions in the village would range from minimal to non-existent, according to traffic experts for both projects. Despite recent testimony, however, residents and Ridgewood Planning Board officials remained skeptical, citing pedestrian safety issues and existing transit difficulties in the downtown area.

Testimony on the two projects, Chestnut Village and the Dayton, continued at the planning board on Tuesday. Both are proposed for locations in close proximity to the Central Business District; Chestnut Village would occupy the vacant lot on Chestnut Street from which the Department of Motor Vehicles inspection station used to operate, and the Dayton would be located at the former Brogan Cadillac lot on South Broad Street.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/135263738_Potential_traffic_conditions_reviewed_for_two_proposed_housing_developments_in_Ridgewood.html

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>Christ Episcopal Church Celebrates December Advent Season

>Christ Episcopal Church Celebrates December Advent Season

Christ Church invites you to join us for any one or all of our December events, some geared for children, others just for adults and some for the youngest to the oldest. On Sunday, December 11 : Celebrate the Season with Santa. Starting at 11:15 a.m. there will be pizza, decorating Christmas cookies and of course Santa. Call the church office (201.652.2350 ) to say you will be there and don’t forget to bring your camera. Caroling and Pot Luck Supper: Warm up your vocal cords as we tune up to go caroling to some local homes then back to church for a shared pot luck supper. This is a fun spirit filled activity for everyone. You may come just for the caroling, just for the potluck supper or both. We ask that you bring a dish to share if you are staying for the potluck. Just call the church office to sign up for whatever part of the fun you want. (201-652-2350). Advent and Christmas through Art: Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. through December 18th, there will be an Adult Forum focused on the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Led by the Rev. Gregory Lisby we’ll re-examine the birth narratives using the beauty and power of art and sacred text.. Christ Episcopal Church is located at 105 Cottage Place in Ridgewood and we invite members of the community to join us for any or all of these activities. Go to our website to learn more www.christchurchridgewood.org.

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>Letter: Town leaders’ priorities in the ‘wrong place’

>Letter: Town leaders’ priorities in the ‘wrong place’

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
PRINT | E-MAIL
Priorities in the ‘wrong place’

To the editor:

As we write this, the storm which wreaked havoc on our village occurred exactly one month ago, yet we are sitting at our window looking out at massive piles of tree branches and leaves still lining both sides of Wall Street. It is simply incomprehensible that the village has not been able to clear the streets of the debris. Inconvenience aside, the road (or what you can see of it) is making driving outright dangerous. We invite you to take a drive down our street to see for yourself. But be careful – driving is treacherous here.

Our Thanksgiving guests, who came from parts of the state near and far, and who were forced to find parking quite a distance from my home because there was no clear space on my street, were flabbergasted at the condition of the village roads. All wondered if we had neglected to pay our taxes this quarter, or if we had paid the exorbitant amount, just where did the money go? (We’d also like to know the answer to that.)

https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/134887088_Letter__Town_leaders__priorities_in_the__wrong_place_.html

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>11 Leading Health System CEOs Share Top Goals for 2012

>11 Leading Health System CEOs Share Top Goals for 2012
Written by Sabrina Rodak | December 07, 2011

Bob Garrett, President and CEO, Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center. Hackensack University Medical Center’s goals include reopening Pascack Valley Hospital, working on several construction projects, continuing a physician alignment strategy and enhancing the network development strategy. Hackensack UMC is planning an ED expansion that will double its size, include fixed private rooms and feature pods — different areas within the emergency department that are devoted to specialties such as geriatrics, cardiology and oncology. In 2012, Mr. Garrett hopes to complete construction of the new Heart & Vascular Hospital. In addition, the hospital aims to build a comprehensive wellness center. “It will include a large fitness component as well as wellness programs and community education. It will be the largest fitness and wellness center of its kind in the region,” Mr. Garrett says.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/11-leading-health-system-ceos-share-top-goals-for-2012.html

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>Plug-in electric vehicles that can pump power back onto the grid

>Plug-in electric vehicles that can pump power back onto the grid


In the not-too-distant future, the so-called smart power grid may want to have a quick conversation with your plug-in electric vehicle.

In a demonstration in Trenton yesterday of emerging technologies that are driving the development of electric vehicles, the University of Delaware and others showcased prototypes that not only draw electricity from the power grid, but also can deliver rapid bursts of power the other way. And the vehicles get paid for that power.

The technology, dubbed Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), can help grid operators like PJM Interconnection correct short-terms changes in electricity use, an issue that can affect the stability of the power system. Although the problem, dubbed frequency regulation, is largely unknown to the public, it has attracted the attention of grid operators and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/1205/2325/
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>N.J. solar-energy companies face challenges

>N.J. solar-energy companies face challenges


It was the early 2000s, and Steve Masapollo was about to take the leap and quit his job managing a chain of psychiatric-treatment centers and start his own solar-installation company.

The market was wide open, and the combination of state and federal incentives was an alluring package for homeowners who could afford solar’s hefty up-front price tag. By early 2009, Masapollo said, his company was approaching $100 million in sales.

But almost three years later, as incentives for homeowners to go solar have diminished, he has watched the industry shift. It has gone from a small cast of homespun contractors installing modest, rooftop systems to large projects undertaken by big out-of-state solar companies and the utilities themselves.  (Osborne, The Philadelphia Inquirer)

https://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20111206_N_J__solar-energy_companies_face_challenges.html
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>Schools Development Authority: Shovels in the ground—almost

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Schools Development Authority: Shovels in the ground—almost

For the first time since Gov. Chris Christie revamped its management, the Schools Development Authority yesterday put out to bid a new construction project for one of the state’s neediest districts.

The proposal is for the first phase of the Academic High School in Elizabeth, among the 31 districts targeted for the court-ordered construction program. A second project for a new Long Branch elementary school remains under final review, but continues to be promised for the end of the year.

“That’s still the target,” said Kristen MacLean, the SDA’s communication director.

The deliberate restart of SDA’s work has been eagerly awaited and long criticized by Democratic and even some Republican legislators. Christie put a pause on new work while his administration revamped the beleaguered agency, but even after naming a dozen projects last spring that would proceed, none had yet to be put to bid, let alone broken ground.  (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/1205/2331/
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>LAST CHANCE! The Ridge Holiday House Tour is this Thursday, December 8

>LAST CHANCE! The Ridge Holiday House Tour is this Thursday, December 8

47heightsroad theridgewoodblog.net

LAST CHANCE! The Ridge Holiday House Tour is this Thursday, December 8. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event at 325 Beechwood Road, Ridgewood, for $45. Call Nina at 201-857-4422 or email mikeandneens@yahoo.com for more information. There will also be a raffle and holiday treats on the tour. The house tour will feature seven fabulous homes ranging from contemporary chic to classic elegance. On display will be authentic Edwardian, Georgian-Revival and Colonial homes that reflect the stunning architectural beauty and diversity typical of our historic Ridgewood neighborhood. Holiday decor includes design elements from The Little Flower Shoppe, The Secret Garden, Folly, Hermes, West Elm, Bloomingdale’s, Beers and Pottery Barn.  Tickets are $45.00 per person. Tour hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Go to www.ridgehousetour.com to print out the invitiation, and forward to your friends. Kick off the holiday season in style!

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>Second Annual Winterfest!

>Second Annual Winterfest!

On Sat. Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, The Ridgewood Guild will sponsor its second annual Winterfest!  Van Neste Square will set the stage for live entertainment, ice sculptures, and  a horse drawn hayride around town.  So save the date for this wonderful event to welcome in the holiday season brought to you exclusively by The Ridgewood Guild.

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>Study: Postal closure would save $11.3M annually

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postman theridgewoodblog.net
Study: Postal closure would save $11.3M annually

Nearly half of the more than 200 employees at the U.S. Postal Service distribution center in Eatontown could lose their jobs next year if the service follows through on its plan to close the facility.
The Postal Service would save about $11.3 million a year if that facility is closed, according to the results of a feasibility study done on the proposal.

A public hearing on that plan is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls.
Also being studied for closure is the Kilmer Processing and Distribution Center in Edison. That study is still in its early stages and no savings or projected job losses have been made, said postal service spokesman George Flood.  (Bowman, Gannett)

https://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20111206/NJNEWS10/312060024/Study-Postal-closure-would-save-11-3M-annually
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>N.J. solar-energy companies face challenges

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N.J. solar-energy companies face challenges

It was the early 2000s, and Steve Masapollo was about to take the leap and quit his job managing a chain of psychiatric-treatment centers and start his own solar-installation company.

The market was wide open, and the combination of state and federal incentives was an alluring package for homeowners who could afford solar’s hefty up-front price tag. By early 2009, Masapollo said, his company was approaching $100 million in sales.

But almost three years later, as incentives for homeowners to go solar have diminished, he has watched the industry shift. It has gone from a small cast of homespun contractors installing modest, rooftop systems to large projects undertaken by big out-of-state solar companies and the utilities themselves.  (Osborne, The Philadelphia Inquirer)

https://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20111206_N_J__solar-energy_companies_face_challenges.html
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>Proposal caps outside earnings for disabled cops, firefighters

>Proposal caps outside earnings for disabled cops, firefighters


A new Democratic bill aimed at reforming police and fire disability pensions would cap outside earnings and set up a law enforcement unit to investigate pension fraud.

The new measures are expected to be included this week in a proposal by state Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, according to a source familiar with the decision.

The initiative comes amid rising disability claims in the aftermath of state Supreme Court decisions that loosened requirements.

Under the proposal, former police officers and firefighters who are receiving two-thirds of their salary under an accidental pension would be capped from earning more than the extra one-third in a second job after retiring.  (Method, Gannett)

https://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20111206/NEWS02/312060016/Bill-targets-disability-pensions?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|State