Gov. Christie among those applauding Obama for fast-tracking Bayonne Bridge project
The local shipping industry, port officials and New Jersey’s Republican governor are applauding President Obama’s decision to fast-track a project to raise the Bayonne Bridge roadway.
“This is great news for New Jersey and great news for the region,” Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement tonight. “In addition to the job growth and economic activity created by this project — putting thousands of hardworking men and women of our building trades back on the job — this world-class project will secure the Port of New York and New Jersey’s role as the premier port of the east coast and as a powerful engine of our state and regional economies.” (Strunsky, The Star-Ledger)
Offshore wind developers worry that state will divert funds
The state’s efforts to develop offshore wind farms along the Jersey coast have run into an “unexpected” snag — fears that revenues targeted to projects for generating electricity may be diverted to cope with New Jersey’s budget problems.
The concern has stalled efforts to establish a financing mechanism to help make the projects economically feasible, so much so the state is on the verge of hiring a consultant to try and resolve the issue.
Unless the problem is resolved, no banks would be willing to provide the financing to construct the wind farms, which will cost more than $1 billion, according to people involved in the effort. (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)
Heated debate over Meadowlands casino, but immediate action unlikely
State lawmakers and stakeholders gathered today to debate the merits of building a casino in the Meadowlands, bringing attention to an issue that inspired heated discussion but is unlikely to advance any time soon.
At a hearing hosted by a state legislative panel, the debate focused on whether opening a North Jersey casino would steal gaming revenue from Atlantic City, which already is mired in uncertainty. The South Jersey resort destination is trying to rebrand itself and recover from years of rising competition and declining gaming revenues. (Burd, NJBIZ)
Those without souls have only themselves to sell which was exactly the point of the original posting. “You are known by the company you keep” my ma always told me. Aronsohn’s besties include one ethical nightmare after another (Bradley excluded). Richardson, Clinton, MCGREEVEY….His public image consultants, White Horse Strategies (Henne & Shields), hasn’t scrubbed him clean (yet). Henne who? you might ask…his company bio states that he “spent two years as a Communications Aide in the Office of the New Jersey Governor.” Yep, THAT NJ Governor..A 2004 Bergen Record article states, “Joshua Henne, 26, worked on McGreevey’s campaign before becoming a governor’s aide. A 2000 Emory University graduate with no experience outside of New Jersey political campaigns and government, he held the $45,000-a-year aide position for less than nine months before moving to the Board of Public Utilities.” NJ Governor James E. McGreevey hires a dozen “Pretty Boys”, Big jobs: No experience needed Bergen Record ^ | 10.10.04 Again, from his bio ,”Joshua has drafted remarks for Governors, Senators, Congressmen, State Legislators, Mayors, Council members”…ever watch Aronsohn in a meeting?? Can’t seem to stay off the personal communications device…..he’s either mute or parroting “drafted remarks” that rode in on a White Horse..as one politcal analyst put it, “Mayors are control freaks because you can do it.” Not so sure it’s a good idea to model yourself after the former mayor of Woodbridge, Paul
The state’s unemployment rate jumped slightly in June, according to the latest data from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Unemployment in June rose to 9.6 percent from May’s 9.2 percent, according to the agency’s release, which boasted the state’s employers added 9,900 jobs to their payrolls.
Despite the increase in the joblessness rate, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development stated that combined with May’s jobs growth, the state has added 25,000 jobs, the largest two-month gain in over 12 years. (Arco, PolitickerNJ)
Percentage of Federal Income Tax Revenue from Filers Making Over $200,000
July 16, 2012
By: Nick Kasprak
Today’s Map looks at the percentage of federal income tax revenue from each state that is paid by filers with incomes over $200,000. Such filers make up a small percent of the population but pay a high percent of total tax revenue.
Given that President Obama proposes to let the Bush tax cuts expire for single filers earning over this threshold (and for married filers earning over $250,000) this map gives an idea of the states that would be most affected.
Woody Guthrie Festival ALL ABOARD— Celebrate Woody Guthrie in Poetry and Song September 8th @ 1 pm
RIDGEWOOD – Calling all poets, musicians, foodies, fans, and anyone else who’s interested — or curious — to celebrate the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie on Saturday, September 8 at 1 p.m. at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church (271 Lincoln Avenue at West End Avenue).
The festival will celebrate the life, music, and legacy of Woody Guthrie–the legendary folk singer/writer–upon the centennial of his birth. Contact ERGO at ergo.therefore@gmail.com for more information or to be included in the roster of participating poets, musicians, or chefs.
All poets are invited to attend and read their works that reflect the many themes of social, political, and spiritual justice in Woody’s “people songs.” Musical performers are welcome to share Woody’s music or their own folk music. Any chefs willing to share the foods of America are welcome to participate. This event follows similar events by New Jersey poets, musicians, and chefs who gave successful tributes to Fats Domino and Elvis Presley at the same church.
Come join the train…we’re bound for glorifying this wonderful land!
Featured participants include:
Laura Boss, the Editor of Lips literary magazine and recipient of first place award in Poetry Society of America’s Gordon Barber Poetry Contest;
Maria Mazziotti Gillan, Director of The Poetry Center in Paterson, has received the 2011 Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award from Poets & Writers and the 2008 American Book Award;
James Gwyn, first prize winner in the 2008 Allen Ginsberg poetry contest and recipient of five Pushcart prize nominations;
Charles H. Johnson, winner of the 2010 Paterson Poetry Prize for Literary Excellence and the 2011 New Jersey Poets Prize;
Laine Sutton Johnson, published poet and songwriter as well as recipient of the 1998 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Outstanding Speech and Theatre Teacher;
Chef Jesse Jones, winner of Bergen County’s Ultimate Chef Competition for 2010 and known for his Southern cooking with a French twist;
Victoria Warne, songwriter and lead singer and guitarist with her Victoria Warne Band, has performed at the JVC Festival, many other New York area venues, and internationally.
12U Players (L to R): Chris Symington, Jake Dowson, Michael Dyrhaug, Bobby Sullivan, Timmy Conklin, Drew Granski, Matteo Conn, Charlie Cardew, Jack Neilson, Patrick Cummings, Davis Weil, Parker Scott
Coaches (Lto R): Terry Cardew, Head Coach Chip Conklin, Chris Dyrhaug, Bob Sullivan
Little League baseball: Ridgewood stays alive
SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012
BY GREGORY SCHUTTA
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
PISCATAWAY – Ridgewood American coach Chip Conklin wasn’t talking about how his players’ backs were against the wall Saturday. Instead, he simply sent them out on the field and let them do what they do best.
Ridgewood 12-year-old squad, here recently with title banner, was up to the challenge Saturday against Somerset Hills.
Chris Symington stroked a two-run single in the first inning and retired four of the final five batters at the end to notch the save as Ridgewood held off Somerset Hills, 6-4, to stay alive in the Little League Section 1 tournament.
“There was no win one for the Gipper speech,” Conklin said. “This team doesn’t have a Gipper. These kids just never quit. They’re resilient and every time they were stretched, they came back.”
Ridgewood Post Office Steps Up Saves the Day July 22,2012 PJ Blogger
Ridgewood NJ , Just a quick note about the Ridgewood post office while they have been getting a lot of flack lately on this very blog , I was at the Ridgewood post office on Saturday and got distracted leaving my keys in the Ridgewood Blogs PO Box .
The post office was already closed but within a matter of minutes I received a phone call from someone telling me I had left my keys in my box . I was still in front of the building looking at my mail and they even made a second call telling me they were closed but just ring the bell. The quick action saved the day I had a thumb drive on the key chain that was irreplaceable .
Urban homogeneity
July 21,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Springing up all over town, a clock, brick work at the crosswalks , vintage street lights and turf fields, some of the things that make the Village unique?
Not so fast towns all across the state from Hoboken to Woodridge all share some of the same features of Village ,why Hoboken even has two clocks .
So why all the sameness ,what happen to home rule and the unique experience that was the Village of Ridgewood ? Is the uniformity mandated from the state ?What about town character and who is making all the money ? We are not fans of urban homogeneity .
Other things spreading like turf fields are down town parking garages , didn’t get a picture of that yet in Ridgewood .
At my company, Honest Landscaping and Interiors, I have been hearing from my customers a lot about allergies. Millions of people suffer from severe allergies. Some people don’t even plant a garden for fears of making their allergies worse. Fear not, I have some hypoallergenic plants and tips for naturally eliminating your runny nose and headaches.
What to plant:
You can always count on boxwood. Boxwood are slow growing, flowerless, deer resistant, and hypo allergenic. Boxwood makes a great hedge row or standalone plant. They also tolerate sun or shade.
Hibiscus is a tropical plant that can only be outside in the spring and summer months. They get a large flower but the pollen is heavy and does not travel through the air. Rose of Sharon is a perennial variety that does grow in our area. Be sure to plant in sun or part sun for best results.
If you are looking for a more traditional plant Hydrangea may be what you want. There are many varieties of hydrangea including bush, tree,and climbing. They get an abundance of flowers in bright colors. Be aware that the Deer love to consume the flowers so you may want to use a natural deer repellant. Some selections will grow in sun some in shade.
Daffodils and Tulips bloom in the spring. Once again you have an assortment of colors and varieties. Plant them in rows or clumps for the best showing and be sure not to plant them too deep. Ask your local garden center about the varieties you are planting. Plant your bulbs in full sun or partial shade.
If you want fruit trees plant Apple, Pear, Plum or Cherry. Be sure to net your fruit trees to prevent birds or deer from eating your fruit. The first year of planting will sometimes not yield any fruit. Be sure to trim your
trees properly. Call a professional like me if you need someone to do it for you. Partial sun or full sun is the best for all fruit trees.
There are plenty of annuals you can plant in spring that will not agitate your allergies. Let’s start with the ones that grow in the sun. Sunflowers, Petunias, Periwinkles, Daisies and Pansies are great and add lots of color to your garden beds. For shady areas plant Begonias. The Periwinkle and Begonias are also considered deer resistant.
If you like Roses you are in luck. Believe it or not roses are considered hypoallergenic. I would say to plant smaller budded Roses. Roses have large pollen and that is not transmitted through the air, they are pollinated by insects. You may also cut them and bring them in your home. Roses prefer sun or partial sun for best growth.
Finally, plant a cactus garden. There are so many beautiful selections that thrive in this area. Don’t be afraid to mix them up. I would recommend speaking to your local garden center about which Cactus they will be carrying. If you ask for different types they can probably order them. Cactus love sunny and dry conditions. Perfect this year.
This article is presented by www.honestlandscapingandinteriors.com, a greener way to do landscaping and interior remodeling. Please contact Lisa with any landscaping questions or for a free estimate at (727) 637-8014 or hlandscapeandinteriors@gmail.com.
US sales of previously occupied homes drop 5.4 percent to 4.37 million, lowest since October.
Associated PressBy Christopher s. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | Associated Press – 4 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans bought fewer homes in June than May, indicating the weak economy could make a modest housing recovery choppy.
The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that sales of previously occupied homes fell 5.4 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.37 million homes. That’s the fewest since October.
Sales are up 4.5 percent from a year ago, evidence that the market is still recovering. But the annual sales pace is below the 6 million that economists consider healthy.
The June drop in completed re-sales contrasts with more encouraging data that show gains in new residential construction, higher builder confidence and more signed contracts to buy previously owned homes.
“It is only one month and the rest of the housing indicators have all continued to show improvement,” said Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. “Let’s hope this June decline is a blip.”
Calif. cities eye plan to seize mortgages
By AMY TAXIN and CHRISTINA REXRODE | Associated Press – 15 hrs ago
FONTANA, Calif. (AP) — In the foreclosure-battered inland stretches of California, local government officials desperate for change are weighing a controversial but inventive way to fix troubled mortgages: Condemn them.
Officials from San Bernardino County and two of its cities have formed a local agency to consider the plan. The securities industry has been quick to register its displeasure and say it will only make loans harder to get.
Discussion of the idea is taking place in one of the epicenters of the housing crisis, a working-class region east of Los Angeles where housing prices have plummeted. Last week brought another sharp reminder of the crisis when the 210,000-strong city of San Bernardino, struggling after shrunken home prices walloped local tax revenues, announced it would seek bankruptcy protection.
Now — and amid skepticism on many fronts — officials from the surrounding county of San Bernardino and cities of Fontana and Ontario have created a joint powers authority to consider what role local governments could take to stem the crisis. The goal is to keep homeowners saddled by large mortgage payments from losing their homes — which are now valued at a fraction of what they were once worth.
Colorado Shootings : One Glaring Omission
July 21,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, like everyone we are sadden to hear of the events in Colorado and commend the authorities for their quick response to the the crisis which probably averted more deaths. We also commend most of the media for showing restraint except for ABC News which could not resist making fools of themselves by immediately looking to politicize the crisis.
While in the coming days I am sure we will be inundated with the usually cries for gun control with the blame game looking to finger everyone from bugs bunny cartoons, Batman , TV violence, addiction to porn . Bushes fault, Obama’s fault ,the parents ,the Tea Party ,salt ,Slurpee’s , the economy and anything and everything but personal responsibility, because we all know that spoons make people fat.
The usual suspects of Hollywood’s clueless ,agenda driven politicians and bigots and uninformed talking heads will bombard us with their off the mark missives.
Before this all goes south we wanted to mention one glaring detail that as of now has gone unnoticed or at lest unreported To quote Time Magizine of all things “While it does take, primarily, a particularly deranged person to shoot up a crowded theater during one of the most anticipated movie premieres in recent memory, it also takes some serious firepower.” ( https://newsfeed.time.com/2012/07/21/colorado-theater-shooter-carried-4-guns-all-obtained-legally/ )
And James Holmes had no shortage of firepower . Holmes had four guns on him when he was apprehended an AR-15 assault rifle ,a Remington 8-gauge 1270 shotgun and two 40-caliber Glock handguns. FOXNews is reporting he also had 6000 rounds of ammunition including high capacity clips for the assault rifle . His apartment was also rigged with over 30 explosives and he was wearing a significant amount of body Armour and used smoke grenades.
Far be it for the Ridgewood blog to be cynical but how exactly did and unemployed student afford all this state of the art equipment and where did all that money come from. An AR-15 can cost $900 and $1,500 while the shot gun could run from $250- 500.00 and the Glocks about $500.00 each . A Bullet proof vests runs $450-600.00 so let me get this straight the guy is unemployed, paying rent ,eating , joining porn sites and investing in all this equipment ?
Something to think about over the next couple of weeks while the media starts shoveling the bull .
The check is in the Mail: Midland Park homes finally connect
July 21, 2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Village of Ridgewood received a long anticipated check from Midland Park in the amount of $330,000, for a one-time fee assessed back in 2009 allowing the borough of Midland Park to connect into the village’s sewage disposal system.
The Ridgewood News reported that Village Manager Ken Gabbert, informed the Village Council on Wednesday that funds hd finally been received, for the connection of approximately 60 homes along Erie and Glen avenues. ( https://www.northjersey.com/news/163189386_ayment_from_Midland_Park_to_aid_2013_Ridgewood_Budget.html )
The check is in the mail with Federal stimulus funds having been sought by Midland Park but the borough ending up getting help of village officials, receiving a low-cost loan from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust Fund to finance the project.The loan covers the construction costs as well as a connection fee paid to the Village of Ridgewood .
The money was already spent .Village Manager Ken Gabbert told the Ridgewood News ,”That revenue was counted in the 2009 budget. We didn’t get it in 2009 and it was part of our difficulties going into 2010,” Gabbert went on to say , “So all the pain that we had back in 2010, this time we get to count it as unexpected [revenue]. It will increase our surplus at the end of 2012, so it will actually help us in 2013.”
The project at the intersection of Glen and Erie avenues will begin around July 23 and last through Aug. 6. Glen Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic, and motorists should plan alternate routes to avoid delays.The price tag $600,000 to connect the Midland Park homes to Ridgewood’s gravity-driven system that feeds into the water pollution control facility and disconnect the homes from the current antiquated system.
