February 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Midland Park NJ, the Midland Park Police Department have had several incidents of an unknown person walking their dog in front of the Godwin School and not picking up their dogs fecal matter. If you see someone walking their dog near the Godwin School and they do not remove the dogs fecal matter please call the Midland Park Police Department at 201-444-2300. Thank you!
February 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
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Midland Park NJ, the Midland Park Police Department report that apparently the Midland Park Borough Tax Office phone number 201-444-1388 has been spoofed and is now being used to sell solar panels. If you see this number on your caller ID simply ignore it. We are assisting the Borough in correcting this issue…..thank you.
Caller ID spoofing is the practice of causing the telephone network to indicate to the receiver of a call that the originator of the call is a station other than the true originating station.
If we don’t get SOME form of parking garage, SOME housing on the vacant sites and help prop up the high street merchants you DO know what happens next, right? The main drag gets rezoned for mixed use, a la Bogota and Closter, and our commuter town (which it is, look at the town seal) has MORE rental units developed by OUTSIDERS and the usual mix of chain stores.. the combo of reasonable housing proposals and some form of business/commuter parking will give the town a boost. I think if the current housing proposals can be negotiated further, you get some desperately needed new blood in. And the tides lift everything up as well as down.
No one on the council was against A garage, they were against THE garage as originally planned. Many pro garage residents also turned against the first iteration, based on the size of the proposed structure. Now the issue is a higher cost and the cost of money is slowly rising. a hundred bucks per basis point increase per million soon adds up over the life of the financing bond. The deputy mayor presented plan b last year, which seemed palatable and fit in the footprint.
February 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Public Library is hosting Reading Marathon Month at the Ridgewood Library . If you donate (even a dollar!) to the Friends of the Ridgewood Library, you could design your very own smiley face for our windows. Visit us at the library or online at www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/reading-marathon for more information.
February 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of the following individuals involved in a fraud scheme: TERRANCE HART (D.O.B. 2/22/1989, single, unemployed) of 211 S 8th Lincoln Place, Garfield, New Jersey; RASHAD BLACK (D.O.B. 12/29/1986, single, unemployed) of Hackensack, New Jersey; JAMES MILLER (D.O.B. 06/28/1987, single, unemployed) of Paterson, New Jersey; IVY HERNANDEZ (D.O.B. 4/09/1993, single, unemployed) of 211 Lincoln Place, Garfield, New Jersey; CHRISTIAN REYES (D.O.B. 1/18/1991, single, unemployed) of Secaucus, New Jersey; and TORI BEATO (D.O.B. 12/28/1992, single, unemployed) of 1538 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, New Jersey.
The arrests are the result of a cooperative investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert ANZILOTTI, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael SAUDINO.
In September 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit was notified by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office that Bergen County Jail Annex inmate commissary accounts were being used to receive and transfer illicit funds obtained from stolen credit cards.
A joint investigation revealed that Bergen County Jail inmates Christian REYES, James MILLER, and Rashad BLACK had used their assigned inmate commissary accounts and those of other inmates whom they enlisted, to receive illicit funds obtained through the use of stolen personal identifying information and credit cards. The information and illicit funds, which totaled in excess of $30,000, were transmitted to the suspect accounts via an internet-based commissary account system accessed by co-conspirators Terrance HART, Ivy HERNANDEZ and Tori BEATO, who were not incarcerated. A portion of the illicit funds were used by the inmates, and the remainder was transferred back to the co-conspirators through checks issued, at the inmates’ request through the jail commissary system. As a result of the investigation, other suspected accounts and victim credit cards have been identified.
As a result of the investigation:
Tori BEATO was arrested on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Paramus, New Jersey and charged with one count of Using a Stolen or Fraudulently Obtained Credit Card, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6H, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Impersonation, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17A(1), a 3rd degree crime; and two counts of Conspiracy, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a Summons, and BEATO appeared in Central Judicial Processing Court on January 3, 2018 and was released.
Christian REYES was arrested on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at the Bergen County Jail Annex in Hackensack, New Jersey, and charged with one count of Using a Stolen or Fraudulently Obtained Credit Card, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6H, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Impersonation, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17A(1), a 3rd degree crime; and two counts of Conspiracy, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a Warrant and REYES was released on his own recognizance.
Ivy HERNANDEZ was arrested on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in Paramus, New Jersey and charged with one count of Using a Stolen or Fraudulently Obtained Credit Card, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6H, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Fraudulent Use, Distribution, Manufacture, and/or Possession of Items Containing the Personal Identification Information of Another (Trafficking in Stolen Identities), ten or more items pertaining to five or more persons, N.J.S.A. 2C:17.3, a 2nd degree crime; one count of Impersonation, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17A(1), a 3rd degree crime; one count of Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (Money Laundering), N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25, a 3rd degree crime; and four counts of Conspiracy, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a Summons, and HERNANDEZ is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on February 14, 2018.
Rashad BLACK was arrested on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the Bergen County Jail Annex in Hackensack, New Jersey and charged with one count of Fraudulent Use, Distribution, Manufacture, and/or Possession of Items Containing the Personal Identification Information of Another (Trafficking in Stolen Identities), ten or more items pertaining to five or more persons, N.J.S.A. 2C:17.3, a 2nd degree crime; one count of Using a Stolen or Fraudulently Obtained Credit Card, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6H, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Impersonation, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17A(1), a 3rd degree crime; one count of Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (Money Laundering), N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25, a 3rd degree crime; and four counts of Conspiracy, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a Summons, and BLACK is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on February 14, 2018.
James MILLER was arrested on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the Bergen County Jail Annex in Hackensack, New Jersey and charged with one count of Fraudulent Use, Distribution, Manufacture, and/or Possession of Items Containing the Personal Identification Information of Another (Trafficking in Stolen Identities), ten or more items pertaining to five or more persons, N.J.S.A. 2C:17.3, a 2nd degree crime; one count of Using a Stolen or Fraudulently Obtained Credit Card, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6H, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Impersonation, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17A(1), a 3rd degree crime; one count of Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (Money Laundering), N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25, a 3rd degree crime; and four counts of Conspiracy, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a Summons, and MILLER is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on February 14, 2018.
Terrance HART was arrested on Friday, February 2, 2018 in Paramus, New Jersey and charged with one count of Fraudulent Use, Distribution, Manufacture, and/or Possession of Items Containing the Personal Identification Information of Another (Trafficking in Stolen Identities), ten of more items pertaining to five or more persons, N.J.S.A. 2C:17.3, a 2nd degree crime; one count of Using a Stolen or Fraudulently Obtained Credit Card, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6H, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Impersonation, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17A(1), a 3rd degree crime; one count of Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (Money Laundering), N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25, a 3rd degree crime; and four counts of Conspiracy, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2, a 3rd degree crime. The complaint was issued as a Summons, and HART is scheduled to appear in Central Judicial Processing Court at 8:30 a.m. on February 14, 2018.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a hit and run driver who struck a Ridgewood Police Officer on Van Emburgh Avenue at around 10:37 A.M. on Monday January 29th. The Ridgewood Police Officer was concluding a motor vehicle stop on Van Emburgh Avenue near the intersection of Cathleen Terrace (near the Washington Township Boarder), when a 2014 or newer dark colored Acura TLX sedan struck the officer causing minor injuries. The vehicle was traveling south on Van Emburgh Avenue and continued southbound toward East Glen Avenue after the collision. We are asking anyone with information to contact the Ridgewood Police Department at 201-670-5519 or email Detective Peter Youngberg at [email protected].
February 2,2018
John Paquin on Vintage Ridgewood New Jersey
Ridgewood NJ, What happened in 1788? The US constitution was ratified, and this wonderful Sugar Maple was born. I brought an arborist to the site this morning, and we took measurements, used accepted norms, did some calculations, and turns out this tree is 229 years old! give or take a year at least. actually decades older than the house even. Might even be the oldest tree in Bergen County?
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, The White House on Friday declassified a partisan and bitterly disputed memo on the Russia investigation, clearing the way for House Republicans to release allegations of what they say is FBI misconduct.
The memo alleges that the FBI abused U.S. government surveillance powers in its investigation into Russian election interference; using a fake dossier paid for by the Clinton campaign to gain permission from the FISA court to spy on the Trump campaign.
Read the memo :
https://docs.house.gov/meetings/IG/IG00/20180129/106822/HMTG-115-IG00-20180129-SD001.pdf
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Because there have been a significant number of reported cases of the flu in the communities we serve, The Valley Hospital has chosen to restrict visitation at this time in order to protect our patients, staff and other visitors. The flu is easily and most often spread as a result of coughs, sneezes or simply talking.
Those who will not be allowed to visit include: Children under 14 and anyone who has signs of influenza (including fever, sore throat, cough and cold). Only immediate family members (over age 14) and clergy will be allowed to visit. Valley asks you please speak with your nurse if you have extenuating circumstances.
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, Mahwah settled the “eruv ” lawsuit but local activist look to remove Mayor Laforet.
In a press release from the local group MahwahStrong said ;
The Board of Directors of MahwahStrong has reviewed the settlement agreement announced this evening. The settlement states that the eruv will currently remain in place. The PVC pipes will be painted at the BREA’s cost but Mahwah must pay $10,000 in attorney fees.
Mahwah taxpayers have funded over $200k in legal fees and endured over six months of acrimonious dialogue from within our town government. Throughout this process, MahwahStrong had a positive expectation based on the Town Council’s pledge to protect our community. The settlement put forward falls far short of our expectations.
While we partially fault the council for mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing this issue, MahwahStrong believes the issues revolving around the ERUV were created, approved, undisclosed, and manipulated by Mayor Bill Laforet. He was the first to learn of the intent to install the Eruv. He initially opposed it and then reversed his position. He then faulted the council when it served his political agenda. Among other culpabilities, he is largely responsible for an avalanche of negative press about our community that has damaged our reputation and potentially impacted property values.
In order to correct the dysfunction of our local government, we need to remove the cause of internal division. It is essential that Mayor Laforet be recalled and we stand by our decision to back the recall efforts.
MahwahStrong has been investigating its own legal initiatives which will be discussed at the appropriate point in time.
So let me get this straight. The Borough of Glen Rock sues the Village of Ridgewood over water rates and now the Village of Ridgewood is providing free fire protection services to the Borough of Glen Rock? Huh? Free fire protection services? Free as in paid for by taxpayers from the Village of Ridgewood?
Come on, people. Surely you’ve all heard of “Mutual Aid”? If it was one of our schools in danger, Glen Rock, and others, would be there. Hackensack is not our closest hospital but they have an ambulance standing by for “our” fireworks.
This goes above and beyond “mutual Aid.” It is regular daytime response to incidents at commercial/multi unit residential buildings.
Ridgewood taxpayers need to stay alert on this issue. Look what happened when Montclair made a deal to provide fire protection services to nearby Glen Ridge. Montclair’s taxpayers got screwed big time.
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village received 4 proposals for the Hudson street garage project. At last Wednesdays council meeting Village Manager Heather Mailander made it clear that the Wednesday review was a quick once over with more in-depth review to follow.
Reader says , “Several months ago Councilman Hache publicly (during an open public meeting of the Village Council) voiced his strong opposition to the construction of any sized parking garage that would result in either increased parking fees, expanded metered parking hours (he cited both of the aforementioned as simply “another form of taxation), and/or an increased property tax burden for homeowners.
Now, all of a sudden, he’s Gung Ho on proceeding with the review of parking garage designs even prior to the financials being discussed. He went so far as to publicly chastise Mayor Knudsen for “stalling” when she suggested that financing arrangements should be discussed first.
WTF Ramon? What gives? Why the sudden about face?”
Many readers pointed out that Councilmen Ramon Hache seemed very focused on pushing the garage project forward for both design and financing . While we are not sure we would agree with that assessment .
The garage issue has be bandied about for the better part of 30 maybe 40 years although some would trace it back to the time when parking meters were first introduced to the Central Business District in Ridgewood making it more like 60 years .
Frankly we think the issues should be moved forward or finally put to rest once and for all .We now 4 proposals coupled with proposals for financing . Either the garage makes sense or it does not .
An anti garage reader summed it up , “Why are we still arguing every week about a garage we don’t need.It’s become the national pastime in Ridgewood. It’s been happening for over 20 years.At this rate it will happen for twenty more. We voted it down and it refuses to die.Politicians continue to ignore the voice of the people and make side deals with developers.There are much better uses of our tax dollars that can be made in our Village’s infrastructure.Is there anyone on the council with some real vision?”
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood
Punxsutawney PA, Punxsutawney Phil, America’s most famous groundhog, and foremost weather rodent saw his shadow Friday morning, predicting six more weeks of winter.
With Groundhog Day festivities well underway in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the groundhog known as Phil saw his shadow Friday morning, which, according to legend, means another six weeks of winter.
The 20-pound groundhog’s predictions have been accurate 39 percent of the time since the first Groundhog Day in 1887, according to StormFax.com. Phil has done slightly better in recent years, getting the forecast right 46 percent of the time since 1988.
However the average weather man or women prediction fairs far worse predicting 25 or the last 6 snow storms .
Jason Vigorito gives us some history (I’m biased on this one since it’s my hometown!) On this day in 1887, Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist, was celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring. In 1993, the movie “Groundhog Day”, starring Bill Murray, popularized the usage of “groundhog day” to mean something that is repeated over and over. Today, tens of thousands of people converge on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney each February 2 to witness Phil’s prediction. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hosts a three-day celebration featuring entertainment and activities. Also as a sidenote, the Punxsutawney Area School District is the only district to have the day off as a holiday, since most of the students played hooky anyway before the policy went into effect.
