PORT AUTHORITY UPDATE ON CONDITIONS AT TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
October 29, 2012
As landfall of Hurricane Sandy approaches, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reports the following update on conditions at its transportation facilities as of 7 a.m. today:
Airports
The Port Authority’s airports – John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, Stewart International and LaGuardia airports – are open. However, air carriers have ceased operations until further notice, and we are encouraging travelers not to travel to the airports.
Rail service on AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark has been suspended until further notice.
PATH
All PATH service was suspended as of midnight until further notice.
Ports
The Port Authority’s maritime facilities are closed until further notice.
Tunnels and Bridges
The Port Authority’s tunnels and bridges are open. However, Port Authority staff will closely monitor the wind and flooding conditions. Closures will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on high winds, rainfall and roadway conditions. However, closures are anticipated later today. Motorists are urged reduce speeds when roadways are wet, and pay close attention to posted electronic messages for important information.
Port Authority Bus Terminal
All public and private bus service has been suspended until further notice.
Passengers are reminded to check https://www.panynj.gov/ for updated information about PATH, the airports, the tunnels and bridges, and all other Port Authority facilities. For further information about safety precautions, evacuation routes and best practices for New York State, visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/stormwatch. For New Jersey, visit www.ready.nj.gov.
Reform group’s study finds Garden State teachers unions among most influential
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2012
BY LESLIE BRODY
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
New Jersey teacher unions are among the strongest nationwide, a report due for release today by a conservative research group says.
The Fordham Institute in Washington, D.C., aimed to show how teacher unions exert influence through spending, politics and clout at the bargaining table. It rated unions in each state by 37 indicators, such as membership, campaign donations, and the degree that local policies suited union interests. New Jersey ranked No. 7 overall.
With 97 percent of its teachers unionized, the report said, New Jersey’s teacher unions ranked No. 1 in resources. They’re No. 2 in “perceived influence,” judging by surveys of business people, parents, civic groups, advocates and educators. And they fall in the middle of the pack in the rating for political involvement, such as donations to candidates for state office.
The analysis comes after three years of heated battles between Governor Christie and the New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teacher union. Both sides claimed victory in last summer’s passage of a new tenure law. The governor touted his leadership in improving a century-old system that often protected weak teachers, while the NJEA boasted the new law still shielded seniority rights during layoffs.
The NJEA, with 198,475 members, has long wielded power, though it suffered a setback when Christie signed a law in 2011 boosting public workers’ contributions to their pensions and health benefits.
For two years the Council, community, and Village Staff have discussed options to increase accessibility to Graydon Pool.
At this point a ramp allowing direct access into the pool is in the design phase. Below are two plans that the Council plans to review at its November 28th Meeting.
Click Here for Plans for Option 1. https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2012OpNo11026.pdf
Click Here for Plans for Option 3. https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2012OpNo31026.pdf
Following the selection of a design the Village Engineer will develop detailed plans to enable bidding the work and construction will begin in late Spring 2013
Washington Policy Wonks need to look no further than recent History of 1990 Japan for answers
Meanwhile In Japan…
Submitted by Tyler Durden on 10/27/2012 18:46 -0400
Two of the saving features that allowed Japan to internalize 30-some years of failed fiscal and monetary policy (and yes, not one, not two, but now 8 failed iterations of quantitative easing) and to offset one relentless deflationary vortex was i) its demographics coupled with an investing culture that favors deposits and bonds over equities, which incentivized its aging population to invest its savings into government bonds, and ii) its trade surplus which led to foreign capital flows to enter the country. Well, as far as i) is concerned, Japan may have reached its demographic limit, since as reported several months ago, Japan’s pension funds are now not only selling JGBs to meet redemption and cash needs, but forced to do truly stupid things like investing in the riskiest of assets to generate a return at any cost. In other words, demographics will no longer be a natural source of demand for deficit funds. As for ii), well… here is what has happened with Japan’s trade surplus status in recent weeks following the collapse in the country’s foreign relationship with China.
Policy experts continue to be stymied by their inability to get the economy moving again .A look at recent history would suggest that both the talking heads and Washington policy wonks should know better and be better served if they took a look at the failings of Japan in the 1990’s.
In the not too distant past Japan was faced with many of the same issues caused by collapsing property and stock markets,leaving Japanese banks upside down on much of the nations collateral. Japan’s once invincible economy ran aground with similar policy missteps that our current policy makers are making .
First Japan embarked on printing money and zero interest rates to accelerate demand ,but this is like pushing on a string. It failed in the 1990’s for Japan and in reality did nothing to effect the supply and demand curve. This priming the pump or inflating your way to prosperity has historically proven to have dangerous consequences such as run away inflation and in the worst case could lead to a currency collapse.
At the same time both Japan in the 90’s and the US government today have engaged in a massive buildup of regulation for both personal and business behavior with the net effect being to suffocate business initiative.
Both countries engaged in wrong headed Government “Stimulus” plans that never work , I repeat NEVER. Most of the stimulus money is wasted or lands in the hands of public unions with little or no job creation. Again Japan in the 1990’s embarked on the same foolishness with a huge capital investment plan for infrastructure .Like the fool hearty promotion of alternative energy in the US today where at the end of the day much of the money was wasted ,taxes have to be raised to cover the debt which further suppresses economic growth.
Japanese banks simple hid there loses and in many cases have yet to recognize the depreciated collateral.The US has similar issues with the destruction of the credit markets, the 2000 stealth stock market crash and the inability for the government to offer any reliable economic statistics. There is a consistent theme of not facing the reality of the current economic situation.
Finally for both countries their constant central and state government tweaking or interference with the economy and its unintended consequences have created so much uncertainty that they have virtually stifled business decision making.
The current period of economic decline will not end until more substantive pro-growth policy’s are enacted ,such as deregulation, shrinking the size and scope of government ,paying down debt and lowering taxes. It is just that simple.
WEATHER ALERT : Secure all Halloween Decorations and Garden Gnomes
October 29,212
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police announce due to the potential severe impact of the impending storm you are hereby advised that solid waste and recycling services will be suspended on Monday, Tuesday and Wednseday of this week.
The recycling center will be open to residents should you need to dispose of solid waste or recyclables that cannot be held. The normal pick up schedule will resume on Thursday.
Please remember that in no case will branches be allowed to be placed in the street. It is also requested that you withhold any reports of property damage normally made to law enforcement staff until after the storm has passed. Please continue to check the Village website for further updates.
The Ridgewood police also remind everyone to secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects .
Alice Gainer from News 12 New Jersey , reminds us , “This may seem obvious….but I’ve still seen em out…bring in your Halloween decorations…. or any lawn decorations for that matter…you know those garden gnomes or whatever people are into. Last thing anyone needs is to be knocked unconscious by a flying gnome while out in a storm. (Also- don’t go out in the storm) “
US Stock Markets Closed on Monday as Storm Hobbles New York
Published: Monday, 29 Oct 2012 | 1:03 AM ET Text Size
By: Reuters
U.S. stock and options markets will be closed on Monday, and possibly Tuesday, as regulators, exchanges and brokers worried about the integrity of markets in the face of Hurricane Sandy.
Market participants and regulators decided to shut the market because the storm will make it difficult to ensure the safety of employees, major exchanges said.
The decision to close stock and options markets came after regulators, exchanges, and dealers discussed the unknowns that would have been tested if the markets opened on Monday, three of the sources said.
Photo by Ereny Milad Seaside Heights looks like early Sunday evening… storm didn’t even hit yet
WEATHER ALERT : Hurricane Sandy still remains hundreds of miles away from New Jersey
October 29.2012
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Hurricane Sandy still remains hundreds of miles away from New Jersey but the superstorm has been making its approach known, with high winds, rough surf and coastal flooding. Landfall is expected near Barnegat between 7 and 11pm tonight.
According to News 12 New Jersey Meteorologist James Gregorio , Hurricane Sandy is about 425 miles southeast of New York City and the center of the storm is expected to be near the Jersey Shore late tonight.( https://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=338541&position=1&news_type=news®ion_name=NJ®ionId=2&utm_source=News12NJ&utm_medium=twitter )
Gregorio says the storm has top sustained winds of 75 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the storm’s center and a potentially lethal storm surge of 4 to 11 feet across much of the region. The punishing winds that could cause widespread power outages. ( https://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=338541&position=1&news_type=news®ion_name=NJ®ionId=2&utm_source=News12NJ&utm_medium=twitter)
Over $60,000 in Welfare Spent Per Household in Poverty
3:27 PM, OCT 26, 2012 • BY DANIEL HALPER
New data compiled by the Republican side of the Senate Budget Committee shows that, last year, the United States spent over $60,000 to support welfare programs per each household that is in poverty. The calculations are based on data from the Census, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congressional Research Services.
“According to the Census’s American Community Survey, the number of households with incomes below the poverty line in 2011 was 16,807,795,” the Senate Budget Committee notes. “If you divide total federal and state spending by the number of households with incomes below the poverty line, the average spending per household in poverty was $61,194 in 2011.”
This dollar figure is almost three times the amount the average household on poverty lives on per year. “If the spending on these programs were converted into cash, and distributed exclusively to the nation’s households below the poverty line, this cash amount would be over 2.5 times the federal poverty threshold for a family of four, which in 2011 was $22,350 (see table in this link),” the Republicans on the Senate Budget Committee note.
Keller Williams Reaches Out to Neighbors offers a Safe port in the storm
Al Donohue
If you lose power during the storm, and our Market Center retains power, please make use of it as a 2nd home. We have two refrigerators, lots of power outlets, a big training center with lots of room for sleeping bags and 4 flat-screen TV’s for the kids. Luckily, even without power, your homes should not get too cold.
However, if your kids are not comfortable sleeping in a dark house or can’t live without a TV or a fully charged iPhone then spend a night or two (or more) at the market center. We will show movies on the TV’s, stock the market center with food and try to make everyone as comfortable as possible.
We’ve also had several agents whose homes have not flooded and have retained power in previous storms volunteer their homes for use during the storm. No one knows exactly how this will play out but we just want you to know that your Keller Williams Family is here to help you, and your family, any way we can
Ridgewood Public Schools closed on Monday, October 29th and Tuesday, October 30th
10.28.12: IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
4:50 P.M.: The Ridgewood Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 29th and Tuesday, October 30th due to Hurricane Sandy. We will continue to monitor the situation. Please take proper precautions. We will continue to send information out from the Ridgewood Office of Emergency Management. You still can sign up to get these important messages from Village directly by going to the Village website at www.ridgewoodnj.net and look for E-notices on the right side of the page.
Thank you and be safe.
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D
Superintendent
Ridgewood Public Schools
Diabetes Foundation and Ridgewood YMCA To Host “Everything Diabetes” Health Fair
October 26,2012
Ridgewood NJ, On Saturday morning, November 10th, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. and the Ridgewood YMCA will hold an informational health fair titled “Everything Diabetes”. The event will provide information, advice, and resources for those living with diabetes, and those who are looking to prevent it. The morning will offer free health screenings, include eye health, foot, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings; fitness and BMI assessments; and other types of testing, all free of charge. Certified diabetes educators, dietitians and other medical professionals will be available to discuss nutrition, weight loss, diabetic medications and supplies, physical activity, behavior change, complications, and signs and symptoms for those at risk. Hourly educational seminars on nutrition and other related topics will be presented by various professionals in the field, including the Valley Hospital. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask the experts if you have a particular concern. Attendees will enjoy giveaways, cooking demonstrations, and refreshments from vendors and local businesses and healthcare professionals. Admission is free. The fair will be held from 9:00am to 1:00 pm at the Ridgewood YMCA, 112 Oak St., Ridgewood, NJ.
Since 1990, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc, located in Paramus, has been improving the care and quality of life for people living with diabetes throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area. The Foundation serves a population that lives day-to-day with this serious chronic disorder and needs help “now” in managing their disease. Programs of the Foundation include: assistance with medications and supplies to those in financial need; camp sponsorships for diabetic children; and, free public education programs on diabetes-related topics.
The Ridgewood YMCA welcomes and supports children and families by teaching the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. There are programs of interest to everyone-girls, boys, men and women, of all ages, races, religions, incomes and abilities. The YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Membership is open to all.
For further information about the event, contact the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. at 201-444-0337 or info@diabetesfoundationinc.org.
New Executive Pastry Chef at Park Steak House
October 27,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood bliog
Ridgewood NJ, The Park Steak House has named Jessie Cecala as their new executive pastry chef .After graduating from Johnson & Wales, Jessie went on to work at some of Northern New Jersey’s best restaurants. Jessie is also owner of her own business called “Desserts by Jessie” that specializes in cakes and biscotti.
With Jessie on board here are some new desserts that will be featured on the new fall dessert menu:
TRIO OF POT DE CREMES: Dark Chocolate Chambord – Milk Chocolate Baileys , White Chocolate Grand Marnier
GROWN UP S’MORES: Kahlua Ganache – Graham Cracker Bottom , Toasted Homemade Marshmallow Fluff Mini Shot of Hot Chocolate
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE BLACKOUT : Devils Food Cake – Blackout Filling,Tahitian Vanilla Gelato – Caramel Mousse
Red Hawaiian Salt
MINI PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE: Pecan Crust – Spiced Caramel Sauce
American Dream Mall project more than just a White Elephant and complements sports neighbors
By Kathleen A. Donovan Bergen County Executive and John D. Mitchell Chairman of the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders
October 25,2012
The Record
WOODY JOHNSON, Steve Tisch and John Mara have an obligation to fans of the New York Jets and New York Giants to put a winning football team on the field. We have an obligation to the people of New Jersey to promote economic development in Bergen County. We don’t tell the Jets whether to start Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow and we do not need them to tell us how to jumpstart the economy in Bergen County and the region.
American Dream Meadowlands is prepared to put 9,000 construction workers on the job, turning this opportunity into a viable economic engine for the region. They are prepared to create 15,000 new permanent jobs. The only thing standing in their way are the two New York Teams with a misguided view of protecting their economic interests from perceived competition for entertainment dollars.
At a recent New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority hearing, Mara, representing both teams, worried that amusement attractions and a water park will impact his debt payments on Metlife Stadium. But investors are not worried. The teams just sold the naming rights to the fourth and final cornerstone entrance to their stadium. Would an astute business enterprise have made that deal with the teams if they felt somehow a water park would scare fans away from professional football games? Of course not.
Many fans bemoan the loss of the old Giant stadium and the imposition of personal seat licenses by the teams. The Jets and Giants rejected plans to upgrade the old facility at an estimated cost of $250 million. They choose to keep up with the Joneses – as in Jerry Jones in Dallas. They opted to build a new stadium that, with cost overruns, came in at $1.6 billion. That is their right. It is the American way.
They chose debt
Mara worries about debt on the stadium. But it is debt he and his partners chose to incur.
Let’s look behind the numbers. The NFL contributed a reported $300 million to the construction of the stadium. They gave the teams the opportunity to reap the financial reward of hosting the Super Bowl.
The New York Jets and New York Giants fans were hit with personal seat license fees that were geared to raise another $800 million. So how much debt do Johnson, Tisch and Mara really have? The public does not know. But we doubt we will need to throw a benefit for them anytime soon.
The New York teams tell us their fight against American Dream Meadowlands is all about traffic. We all would like to leave our homes, work sites and, yes, entertainment venues without encountering any traffic on our drive to our next destination. But this is New Jersey and traffic is a fact of life every day, not just when the teams are playing.
We are resourceful, we plan trips around traffic. You try to avoid major highway arteries during the holiday season. You don’t drive by the neighborhood school when the kids are being dropped off in the morning. You probably won’t choose to leave the water park and amusement area as a football game is concluding. And if you are at the game, you likely will come over to American Dream for a post-game meal or to visit the attractions while the traffic is dissipating.
A win-win for everyone
American Dream Meadowlands will complement, not complicate, life for the teams and their fans. If the teams, developers and Sports Authority work together to enhance the total game day experience for both patrons and fans, this will be a win-win for everyone.
And, most importantly, people – 9,000 construction workers and 15,000 people with permanent jobs, and all the ancillary jobs created – will go back to work in Bergen County.
THIS IS AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE RIDGEWOOD OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
HURRICANE SANDY IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT OUR AREA AS EARLY AS SUNDAY NIGHT. WIND GUSTS COULD REACH 75 MPH CAUSING SIGNFICANT RISK TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. MAJOR FLOODING IS ALSO EXPECTED.
RESDIENTS ARE WARNED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PREPARE.
SECURE OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND OTHER LOOSE OBJECTS.
MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IF YOU ARE IN A FLOOD-PRONE AREA.
BE PREPARED TO SELF-EVACUATE. ALSO BE PREPARED TO SHELTER IN PLACE, WITH AT LEAST A 3 DAY SUPPLY OF FOOD AND WATER.
IF YOU MUST GO OUTSIDE, AVOID DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES. AND STAY AWAY FROM FLOOD WATERS.
CALLL 9-1-1 ONLY FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES.
Christie Administration Announces Full Suspension of NJ Transit Service, Beginning this Afternoon. The systematic shutdown of NJ TRANSIT service will require a minimum of 12 hours to complete. Bus, Light Rail, Access Link to Suspend Operations at 2:00 am. Atlantic City Line to Close by 4:00 pm Due to Evacuation of Atlantic City; All Other Lines to Begin Shutdowns Later This Evening.
Port Authority will shut down all PATH train service and stations will be shutdown at 12:01 am Monday, October 29 until further notice due to Hurricane Sandy.
The MTA has been directed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to begin an orderly shutdown and suspension of all subway, bus and commuter railroad service at 7 p.m. Sunday. NY Subway services will begin an orderly suspension of service at 7 p.m. this evening , and 9:00 p.m. for buses.
Governor Chris Christie announces Monday closure of state offices ahead of hurricane Sandy .
Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas in New York City . New York City also announced the closings of New York City school system .
