Shotline Buses Route 17 Bergen County / New Jersey service advisory
Shotline Buses-Delays and changes to normal operations sometimes become necessary due to road construction, severe weather, and other factors.
Whenever possible we will try to post information on our website about changes that affect our services
Bergen County / New Jersey service advisory – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 CANCELLATIONS- FROM SUFFERN to NYC- 4:45 a.m, 5:29 a.m, 5:59 a.m, 6:29 a.m. 6:59 a.m and 7:59 a.m are ALL cancelled. FROM NYC to BERGEN COUNTY- 7:15 a.m is cancelled.
Ridgewood Police : Ice & Snow – Remove It Before You Go
Remember to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. It’s the law in New Jersey! Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.
Ridgewood Police :Keep fire hydrant clear
If you have a fire hydrant in front of your house, help yourself and help your neighbors by keeping it clear of snow.
Ridgewood Police : Overnight parking is suspended in the Village
Overnight parking is suspended in the Village. Residents are prohibited from parking on village streets overnight. Residents residing in the Central Business District are permitted to park vehicles in the Cottage Place and Hudson Street lots.
Ridgewood Police : Village Ordinances pertaining to clearing sidewalks of snow and ice
Snow and Ice Removal 249-1
A. The owner of any land abutting upon the streets or public highways in the Village, if such land is owner-occupied or vacant, otherwise the tenant or occupant of such land situate in all zones of the Village of Ridgewood as shown on the 1990 Zoning Map, with the exception of the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 Zones of the Village, shall remove all snow and ice from the abutting sidewalks of such streets or highways within 24 hours after the same shall fall or be formed thereon. No snow or ice so removed, however, shall be deposited or placed in the street or highway in such a manner or location so as to impede the flow of traffic. For purposes of this section, such land shall be deemed owner-occupied if occupied by either the owner or owners of record or any agent, servant or employee thereof.
B. Owners, tenants and occupants of any land abutting the streets or highways of the Village situate in the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 Zones of the Village are subject to the following snow removal regulations. Special regulations are adopted for the business and office zones in order to maintain an attractive and safe environment in the business and professional office zones of the Village by assuring that the snow will be removed from the sidewalks in and around the central business district on a timely basis.
C.Snow is required to be removed in the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 Zone Districts from the sidewalks concurrently with its fall. To assure compliance with this section, more than one clearing may be required to keep the sidewalks as free of snow as is practical. The following specific regulations are hereby adopted. Snowfalls commencing during the evening, that is, after 6:00 p.m., will be cleared by no later than 9:00 a.m. the following morning, Sundays and holidays included. During weekday storms, Monday through Saturday, occurring during business hours, sidewalks shall be cleared to a five-foot minimum width to provide access from the storefront to the curb, between meters, if meters are installed. After 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays, sidewalks will be completely cleared into the street.
D. A court appearance will be required to answer any summons issued for a violation of this section occurring in the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 zones of the Village. A court appearance will be required to answer any summons issued for a second or subsequent violation of this section in all zones of the Village.
[Amended 7-11-1995 by Ord. No. 2533]
Ridgewood Guild : Friday Jamboree show has been cancelled due the winter storm
As you know our Friday Jamboree show has been cancelled due the winter storm. We are unable to reschedule the show at this time. However, Friday night ticket holders may opt to exchange their tickets for the Saturday evening show at 7 pm.
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee the exact seat location and availability as their Friday tickets. It will be on a first come first serve basis. We apologize for the inconvenience but appreciate your continued support of Jamboree. Thank You.
NJ TRANSIT TO SUSPEND SOME RAIL AND BUS SERVICE THIS EVENING DUE TO WINTER STORM
SERVICE UPDATE – NJ TRANSIT TO SUSPEND SOME RAIL AND BUS SERVICE THIS EVENING DUE TO WINTER STORM
Below are the last trains for the rail lines being suspended. Trains will make local stops:
M&E Eastbound: 6672 (7:54 PM from Dover to NY); 882 (7:08 PM from Hackettstown to Hoboken)
M&E Westbound: 1085 (7:22 PM from Hoboken to Dover/Hackettstown); 6667 (8:03 PM from NY to Dover)
Montclair-Boonton Eastbound: 6264 (7:07 PM from Montclair State University to NY)
Montclair-Boonton Westbound: 1085 (7:22 PM from Hoboken to Hackettstown); 6293 (8:37 PM from NY to Montclair State University)
Gladstone Eastbound: 436 (8:50 PM from Gladstone to Hoboken)
Gladstone Westbound: 443 (7:32 PM from Hoboken to Gladstone)
Due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and in the interest of customer and employee safety, NJ TRANSIT will be suspending some bus and rail service later this evening. Customers are advised to check njtransit.com for the latest service information.
Bus Service: NJ TRANSIT bus service in northern and central New Jersey (all routes north of I-195) will be suspended as of 8 p.m. This includes all routes that serve Port Authority Bus Terminal and George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, all routes that operate via U.S. Route 9, and all northern local bus routes. This service suspension will remain in effect until further notice, and will be lifted when buses can again safely operate throughout the impacted area.
Bus service will continue to operate in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester,Mercer and Salem counties unless weather conditions change.
Rail Service: NJ TRANSIT’s Morris & Essex Lines (including Gladstone Branch service), Montclair-Boonton Lines and all Midtown Direct services will be suspended as of 8 p.m.
Due to high wind gusts, heavy snow accumulation and the possibility of falling trees, NJ TRANSIT is suspending rail service onthese lines that were heavily hit by Hurricane Sandy, which took away system redundancies. This step also is being taken to avoid potentially stranding customers in the territory that is being hardest hit by the storm.
This suspension will continue through tomorrow, Saturday, February 9, 2013. It should be noted that it takes at least 12 hours to restore rail service once it has been suspended.
However, rail crews will be on standby at key locations to expedite the start of service after crews have completed inspections, any necessary repairs are complete, and conditions have been deemed safe for customers and employees.
In addition, customers are advised that prior to 8 pm, some trains may be cancelled and/or combined due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Customers are encouraged to log onto njtransit.com – or follow NJ TRANSIT’s twitter feed at @nj_transit for further service updates.
Senator Robert Menendez, at Ridgewood REORG photo by Boyd Loving Senator Bob Menendez Is Under Investigation For Sordid Ethics Violations
Agence France Press Feb. 7, 2013, 10:42 AM | 2,508 | 9
A U.S. Senate ethics panel is reviewing claims the head of the Foreign Relations Committee accepted inappropriate gifts from a Florida donor who flew him to the Dominican Republic, lawmakers said Friday.
U.S. media reported that the FBI conducted a raid on Tuesday on the West Palm Beach offices of Salomon Melgen, a friend who has made financial contributions to the political campaigns of Democratic Senator Robert Menendez.
The Miami Herald said investigators were probing the eye doctor’s links to Menendez, and how he flew the senator on his own private jet for a pair of trips to his estate in the Dominican Republic.
“The Ethics Committee will follow its established procedures in this matter,” panel member Senator Johnny Isakson said in a statement.
Lawmakers are launching a preliminary investigation, but the panel does not confirm its probes due to confidentiality concerns.
On Wednesday, Menendez issued a statement denying allegations that he and Melgen had held parties with prostitutes.
AFP – A stock market slide, escalated conflict between Japan and China and more Gangnam-styled success for South Korean singer Psy will shape the incoming Year of the Snake, say Asian soothsayers.
Those who make predictions according to the study of feng shui — or literally “wind-water” — are influential in many parts of Asia, where people adjust their lives or renovate houses and offices based on the advice.
As they bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon, the fortune tellers warn that the “black water snake” that emerges to replace it on February 10 — the first day of the Lunar New Year — could be a venomous one that brings disaster.
Ridgewood Police Department:The snow is accumulating. Please try and stay off the roads to allow the salters and plows to do their job
Winter Storm Information from Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan
“With the potential for extremely heavy snow fall, wind, rain and icy conditions, we are urging our Bergen County residents to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings.” Bergen County Executive Kathleen A Donovan said today in a storm preparedness conference call with officials from all 70 municipalities.
Please stay informed by checking the County Website,, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date storm information.
We would prefer you didn’t drive unless absolutely necessary, if you must, our Office of Emergency Management has compiled Winter Driving Tips: Click here.
If you lose power do not assume your service provider knows you are without power, call them to report any outages or downed wires.
Planning Board Special Public Meeting – February 11
PLANNING BOARD
AMENDMENT TO MEETING SCHEDULE
Cancelled: February 19, 2013, Public Meeting
Called: Work Session & Special Public Meeting: Monday, February 11, 2013
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting and work session for MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2013, in the VILLAGE HALL COURT ROOM, 4th Floor, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Board may take official action during this Work and Public Meeting at which time the Board will:
have a concept subdivision review for Mr. and Mrs. George Halwagy, 313-319 West Glen Avenue, Block 1607, Lot 3.
have discussion regarding multi-family housing and mixed-use developments in and near the CBD.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Ridgewood Police Department : Ice & Snow – Remove It Before You Go
Remember to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. It’s the law in New Jersey! Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.
No street parking is permitted during a snowstorm to allow the street department to clear the roadways of snow and ice.
Village parking Ordinance 265-75
In accordance with the provisions of § 265-43, no person shall park a vehicle upon either side of any of the streets or parts of streets thereof listed below, whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that it covers the street or highway.
Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal 249-1
A. The owner of any land abutting upon the streets or public highways in the Village, if such land is owner-occupied or vacant, otherwise the tenant or occupant of such land situate in all zones of the Village of Ridgewood as shown on the 1990 Zoning Map, with the exception of the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 Zones of the Village, shall remove all snow and ice from the abutting sidewalks of such streets or highways within 24 hours after the same shall fall or be formed thereon. No snow or ice so removed, however, shall be deposited or placed in the street or highway in such a manner or location so as to impede the flow of traffic. For purposes of this section, such land shall be deemed owner-occupied if occupied by either the owner or owners of record or any agent, servant or employee thereof.
B. Owners, tenants and occupants of any land abutting the streets or highways of the Village situate in the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 Zones of the Village are subject to the following snow removal regulations. Special regulations are adopted for the business and office zones in order to maintain an attractive and safe environment in the business and professional office zones of the Village by assuring that the snow will be removed from the sidewalks in and around the central business district on a timely basis.
C.Snow is required to be removed in the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 Zone Districts from the sidewalks concurrently with its fall. To assure compliance with this section, more than one clearing may be required to keep the sidewalks as free of snow as is practical. The following specific regulations are hereby adopted. Snowfalls commencing during the evening, that is, after 6:00 p.m., will be cleared by no later than 9:00 a.m. the following morning, Sundays and holidays included. During weekday storms, Monday through Saturday, occurring during business hours, sidewalks shall be cleared to a five-foot minimum width to provide access from the storefront to the curb, between meters, if meters are installed. After 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays, sidewalks will be completely cleared into the street.
D. A court appearance will be required to answer any summons issued for a violation of this section occurring in the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 zones of the Village. A court appearance will be required to answer any summons issued for a second or subsequent violation of this section in all zones of the Village. [Amended 7-11-1995 by Ord. No. 2533]
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST SATURDAY…
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
421 AM EST FRI FEB 8 2013
…MAJOR WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE TRI-STATE AREA TODAY INTO
SATURDAY…
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST
SATURDAY…
* LOCATIONS…INTERIOR NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY.
* HAZARD TYPES…HEAVY SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 10 TO 14 INCHES…WITH
LOCALIZED HIGHER AMOUNTS WITHIN DEVELOPING SNOW BANDS.
* WINDS…NORTH 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES…FALLING INTO THE UPPER 20S BY THIS EVENING.
* VISIBILITIES…ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.
* TIMING…THE STRONGEST WINDS AND HEAVIEST SNOW WILL OCCUR
THIS EVENING INTO SATURDAY MORNING.
* IMPACTS…HEAVY SNOW AND WINDS WILL MAKE FOR DANGEROUS DRIVING
CONDITIONS WITH VISIBILITIES NEAR ZERO IN WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW
ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN
EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT…FOOD…
AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
Additional crews and equipment on hand to restore service
Ridgewood NJ, Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) Company, New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is closely monitoring the track of the approaching nor’easter and is making emergency preparations should the storm bring heavy snow and strong winds to our service territory. At this time, the storm is expected to begin impacting New Jersey on Friday and continue through Saturday, with the full brunt of the storm hitting the area on Friday night.
In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to what may be widespread power outages:
• Ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning Friday.
• Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce.
• Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.
• Ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go.
• Testing generators at utility locations.
• Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.
Snow, by itself, does not pose a serious problem for utilities, but heavy snow, icing and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and associated power outages. Cars striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down. And cold weather can affect the number of calls we receive from customers with insufficient or no heat.
Depending on the severity of the storm, response times for both electric and gas emergency services may be longer than usual. PSE&G asks for our customers’ patience and cooperation as we work to safely restore service as quickly as possible. As the storm gets closer, the utility will provide information about estimated restoration times.
To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information.
Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com.
General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.
In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at https://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress.
This storm clearly has the potential to interrupt service, and customers should prepare for the possibility of long outages. PSE&G offers the following tips:
DOWNED POWER LINES
Accumulation of ice and heavy snow may weigh down power lines and as a result cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.
CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT
Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Even though customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSE&G will receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.
IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G.
GENERAL TIPS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. Here are some things to include:
• A battery powered radio.
• A corded telephone. (Cordless phones will not work if the power is out.)
• Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
• A first-aid kit.
• Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
• A non-electric can opener.
• Matches and candles with holders.
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.
OEM – STORM INFORMATION & TIPS – FEBRUARY 7, 2013 3:00PM
Storm Update: A powerful winter storm will impact the region Thursday night into Saturday morning. The storm will begin as snow early Friday morning, changing to rain by noon Friday before turning back to snow Friday afternoon in time for the evening commute. Sustained winds are expected to reach 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH. Snow accumulations are in the range of 6-9 inches.
Dangerous Conditions: Heavy wind and freezing rain will make for dangerous driving conditions and could result in near blizzard conditions, bringing down tree limbs and causing power outages. Residents are advised to limit travel and only go outdoors if absolutely necessary.
Power Outages: If power outages occur, residents are reminded to report power outages directly to PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734. Power can only be restored if PSE&G is aware of the problem. Please report a problem to PSE&G.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: OEM asks that residents check on their neighbors before and during the storm.
Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Stay Informed: Please visit https://oem.ridgewoonj.net for information on making a family plan, building an emergency kit, and staying informed before and during a storm.
Ridgewood schools superintendent discusses impact of housing proposals
Thursday February 7, 2013, 5:00 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
The head of Ridgewood public schools made an appeal Tuesday night to Planning Board members and four developers who hope to build separate multi-family housing complexes in the Central Business District.
And the message was plain and simple: The proposed housing will impact Ridgewood schools.
“When predictions don’t pan out, we’re here to deal with it,” said Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein, expressing the district’s cautionary viewpoint on the suggested impact the proposed developments will have on student enrollment as well as traffic and the overall revenue stream to the village, among other factors.
All four developers and their teams appeared before the Planning Board this week, each rehashing highlights of their proposals. The presentations essentially capped the developers’ individual requests that Ridgewood ease zoning requirements and amend its Master Plan to allow mixed-used and multi-family housing in the downtown area.
Ridgewood Council at the REORG Photo by Boyad Loving
Ridgewood Council plans to set up protocol for non-public meetings
Thursday February 7, 2013, 5:06 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Mayor Paul Aronsohn issued a public apology Wednesday night for allowing a portion of the Jan. 30 Ridgewood Council work session to escalate into a war of words filled with accusations and personal attacks.
Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn, Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli and Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh listen to residents’ complaints at a Village Council meeting on Wednesday.
“I want to apologize to my colleagues, and most importantly, I want to apologize to the public because frankly, you deserve better,” the mayor said, addressing those in attendance as well as the viewers watching on cable television and online. “You don’t deserve a fighting council, you deserve a working council … We have to work through some issues and we will work through them, but we’ll do them in a more civil and respectful way.”
The controversy from last week’s meeting, which residents have referred to as “infamous” and “the worst meeting they had ever seen,” was fueled by questions regarding non-public meetings involving developers, village-paid attorneys and fewer than three members of the governing body. The questions, which were raised by Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh and directed mainly at Aronsohn and Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli, resulted in an exchange of allegations and insults instead of answers and clarity.
