In the mid-1970s, the Open Public Meetings Act created the basis for government transparency in the state of New Jersey. A little more than 15 years later, the Open Public Records Act followed, replacing the nascent “Right-to-Know Law.”
Since then, the laws have seen few face-lifts, and the wrinkles are beginning to show.
“We want to bring the bills into the 21st century,” said state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, “some parts of which were written before there was such a thing as an Internet.”
There is no way that this tree is dying. I have three sycamores on my property and on that of my neighbors located not far from Graydon and each look the same as the one at Graydon. FWIW, the Almstead folks determined recently that each was healthy and thriving. When the limbs start dying and in danger of dropping, then then time arrives to seek an opinion on its viability; not before
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water will be performing system flushing. This work will include the operation of fire hydrants at flow velocities sufficient to remove naturally occurring minerals that have precipitated out of the water and settled. This may temporarily discolor the water so we will be conducting this activity late at night to minimize the effect on consumers. There are no health concerns associated with the minerals that get stirred up, but residents are urged to avoid doing laundry while crews are working. Ridgewood Water will notify residents using the Swiftreach calling system in advance of the work in their specific areas. Residents may register to receive these calls by clicking on the SwiftH2O link on the bottom of this page.
-To determine which flushing route you are in, or to see a video on the hydrant flushing process, please click here:
Flushing will begin in Route 1 on Monday, October 16th, between 9:00pm and 4:30am.
Tips for our customers:
Tap water may be discolored while crews are flushing in your area (9:00pm-4:30am) so you should avoid the use of washing machines and dishwashers during those hours. Even when it is discolored, the water is safe for consumption.
Discolored water may linger in your pipes after the flushing work has been completed. If so, run the cold water until the water runs clear.
Check at a nearby faucet for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap before doing laundry or running the dishwasher. If your laundry inadvertently becomes stained, DO NOT PUT YOUR LAUNDRY IN THE DRYER. Rewash clothes immediately using detergent and a rust remover such as “Red B Gone”. This product will be available from Ridgewood Water if needed. Most rust removers can also be used on stained fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and toilets.
If water pressure or water volume at the tap seems unusually low after flushing has been completed in your area, check your faucet aerators for trapped particles.
Glen Rock NJ, Police and fire departments from Glen Rock and Hawthorne responded to multiple 911 reports of a strong natural gas odor in the vicinity of Lincoln Avenue and Boulevard, Glen Rock/Warburton Avenue, Hawthorne on Sunday afternoon, 10/15. The source was identified as a vent pipe installed in connection with a nearby construction project. A PSE&G technician determined that a relief valve within the vent apparatus had failed which resulted in a constant gas release. A portion of Warburton Avenue in Hawthorne was closed to facilitate repairs by a PSE&G crew. Police and fire units were released from the scene following the deployment of portable traffic barricades. No structures were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is once again waging its annual battle against Mother Nature and fallen leaves on the rails. NJ TRANSIT is deploying its two AquaTrack machines throughout the fall season.
The AquaTrack equipment is a high-pressure power-washing system which removes leaves and oily residue from the tracks in an effort to prevent train delays caused by “slippery rail” conditions.
Last year, NJ TRANSIT unveiled its second AquaTrack unit which allows the cleaning process to maintain a larger coverage area in helping to prevent delays.
“While there is no way to completely eliminate the effect Mother Nature has on the railroad, the AquaTrack units have had great success in managing leaf-related slippage on our rails,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro. “By utilizing these two highly specialized pieces of equipment, we can keep the rails free and clear of fallen leaves, increasing safety and keeping trains running on time.”
Fallen leaves left on rail tracks can cause a condition known as “slippery rail” – a challenge facing all railroads in the Northeast and other parts of the world where deciduous trees are prevalent. The decaying leaves create an oily residue that coats the rails and causes poor traction. The decreased train speeds, in turn, create delays.
The AquaTrack system has been in use by NJ TRANSIT since October 2003. It consists of two 250-horsepower diesel-engine units mounted on a flat car with an operator control cab. Two pressure-pump units dispense water up to 20,000 pounds-per-square-inch directly to the top of the rail. The process uses 17 gallons of water per minute.
The original AquaTrack operated primarily on the M&E and Montclair-Boonton lines, which face particular challenges including the hilly areas around Glen Ridge and Summit stations, washing the rails twice a day Monday through Friday—once overnight and again during midday hours. On weekends, the Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County lines are usually covered. The addition of a second unit last year added cleaning on the Raritan Valley and North Jersey Coast Lines.
In addition to AquaTrack, NJ TRANSIT strategically spreads sand on the rails in front of peak-period trains to increase traction. NJ TRANSIT also trims trees to help stem the amount of leaves on the tracks. The leaf clearing operation runs from mid-October through mid-December.
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey Governor’s race gets ugly as a Democratic press release circulating in New Jersey with the names of more than a dozen Hispanic pastors denouncing Republican gubernatorial nominee Kim Guadagno’s ad linking Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Murphy to a violent crime committed by an undocumented immigrant.
The problem is that the pastors claim they did not endorse or give permission to use their names on anti-Guadagno release. At least two of the pastors included so far on the Spanish-language release including one who is the father of a Guadagno adviser says their names were added without their knowledge, let alone their permission.
The Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno said on Facebook ,”It is beyond the pale for Phil Murphy to go as far as to create a fake organization and forge the signatures of Hispanic clergy members to falsely attack Kim Guadagno,” said Guadagno Spokesman Ricky Diaz. “It should give all New Jerseyans pause that Phil Murphy would take advantage of men of the cloth to lie to the people of New Jersey. Phil Murphy should immediately take responsibility and apologize to these clergy members.”
The Murphy campaigns denies any involvement in the press release .
Ramsey NJ, from the Ramsey Office of Emergency Management ,the County of Bergen has contacted the Borough of Ramsey that they will be milling and paving a portion of North Central Avenue, from MacArthur Boulevard in Mahwah to High Street in Ramsey, starting on Monday October 16th. Weather permitting they are anticipating having it completed by Tuesday October 17th (2 day project). Please expect detours and periodic road closures.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Art Institute invites everyone to please join them TODAY, for our opening reception! 2-4pm
For Art Enthusiasts this is a wonderful opportunity to see the quality of work available for sale at our events. For Artists and Aspiring Artists, this is an amazing opportunity to explore the classes available here at RAI. Light refreshments to be served. Come meet, the highly esteemed Artists who teach at RAI. Art soothes the soul, fill your world with Art.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a prominent player in the perpetuation of Classical Realism today and is considered one the nation’s best community art associations. It’s origins are based in the 19th Century French Barbizon School and it is closely tied to The Art Students League’s history, as there are many esteemed artists who have taught and studied at both RAI and ASL.
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructors’ Exhibition features beautiful still lifes, florals and landscapes and wil…l give art enthusiasts a wonderful sampling of the quality of work available for sale at our events. For art students this is a wonderful opportunity to explore the possibilities of starting either a new class or a new medium in one of our beautiful studios.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. Our two unique north lit studios as well as our three galleries are just a part of what RAI offers. We also sponsor events and workshops throughout the year, that are of interest to artists and art enthusiasts alike. Why wait? Come see why RAI has become a treasured haven to so many, for more than 70 years.
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructors’ Exhibition
Opening Reception: Sunday, October 15th, 2017 2-4pm
On view: October 6th – November 2nd, 2017
The Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201 652-9615
Fort Lee NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced today that charges against CARMEN LOMBARDI (DOB: 10/24/1975; single; and employed as a vehicle inspector) have been upgraded to Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, a second degree crime, and a new complaint summons was issued to him earlier today. LOMBARDI was previously charged with Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1, a third degree crime, in connection with a hit and run accident that took place yesterday morning at the intersection of Lemoine Avenue and Bridge Plaza North in Fort Lee.
The 57-year-old female accident victim succumbed to her injuries last night while receiving care at Hackensack University Medical Center, which resulted in today’s upgraded charges. LOMBARDI’s initial appearance will still take place on November 3, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, N.J. The charge against LOMBARDI is merely an accusation and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
Fair Lawn NJ, Fair lawn Police arrested two men in connection with a hit-and-run reported at 3:14 a.m. on Saturday. Officers responded to a report of a pedestrian hit by a car on Plaza Road at Fair Lawn Avenue. The Police found a 29-year-old Park Ridge man on the ground with what police described as significant lower body injuries.
Witnesses reportedly told the police they were crossing Plaza Road at High Street when a blue 2006 Volkswagen Jetta almost hit them. When the Volkswagen stopped for a red light while traveling south on Fair Lawn Avenue, the group approached the vehicle and a fight ensued. A passenger from the vehicle pushed the Park Ridge man to the ground and got back inside the car, at which point he was run over, the vehicle then sped away.
The Police reported that the investigating officers found the occupants from the Volkswagen in another car parked in front of the Wells Fargo Bank at 22-11 Fair Lawn Avenue. As officers approached the vehicle, the driver attempted to flee. The officers were forced to stop the vehicle at gunpoint and arrested the driver, David Rodriguez, 21, of Fair Lawn, and a passenger, Danial Dushaj, 21, of Dix Hills, New York, when he did not comply with officers’ commands, police said.
According to police the blue 2006 Volkswagen Jetta was later recovered at Rodriguez’s residence on Hartley Place and impounded.
The victim was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson.
Rodriguez faces charges of second degree aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of an injured person, leaving the scene of a crash with an injury, failure to report a crash, reckless driving, careless driving, two counts of failure to produce vehicle documents and failure to inspect. Rodriguez was expected to be sent to the Bergen County Jail.
Subsequent to the arrest, officers found marijuana on Dushaj’s person, police said. Dushaj was charged with obstruction of justice and drug possession, police said. Officers released him pending a court appearance.
Criminal Activity Alert – Auto Theft – West Saddle River Rd – Lock Vehicles – Remove Key Fob’s from ALL vehicles
October 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Saddle River NJ, the Saddle River Police report that on Thursday the 12th a vehicle was stolen from the driveway of a residence off of West Saddle River Rd. The vehicle was unlocked and the key fob was left in the vehicle.
Saddle River and several neighboring jurisdictions have experienced high end auto thefts and auto burglaries. If everyone removes the keys and key FOB’s from their vehicles these thefts will stop. Locking your vehicle when its in the driveway prevents car burglaries from occurring and deters criminals from our area.
If you see suspicious activity call the Saddle River Police desk anytime at 201-327-5300 or call 9-1-1
Address/Location
Saddle River NJ Police
83 E Allendale Rd
Saddle River, NJ 07458
Glen Rock NJ, in a very busy week for Glen Rock Police and Glen Rock Fire and EMS a Saturday afternoon, 10/14, two (2) vehicle crash in front of 229 Rock Road, Glen Rock resulted in two (2) victims being transported to The Valley Hospital by ambulance. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Glen Rock Police and Glen Rock EMS responded.
Fair Lawn NJ,Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of KENNETH SMITH (DOB: 6/6/1971; single; and employed as a trucking company dispatcher) of Paterson, New Jersey on charges of Aggravated Arson and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Fair Lawn Police Department under the direction of Chief Glenn Cauwels.
On June 27, 2017, the Fair Lawn Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire at the Knights of Columbus located at 16-16 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn, N.J. The
subsequent investigation revealed an unknown male threw a Molotov cocktail type device through the front window of the building. Responding police and fire units found the front office area engulfed in flames. The fire was contained to the front office area and did not spread into the remainder of the structure.
As a result of the investigation, Kenneth SMITH was arrested on Friday, October 13, 2017 in Paterson, New Jersey and charged with one count of Aggravated Arson, N.J.S.A.
2C:17-2a, a 2nd degree crime; and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3, a 3rd degree crime. After being processed, Kenneth SMITH was remanded to the Bergen
County Jail pending a first appearance at the Bergen County Central Judicial Court on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,
and would also like to thank the Fair Lawn Police Department and the Paterson Police Department for their assistance in this investigation
Ridgewood NJ, A Blessing of the Animals, honoring the life and ministry of St. Francis, was held on Saturday, October 14 at Christ Episcopal Church, 105 Cottage Place, Ridgewood. It was a big success, with about 60 people and 40 animals who came to be blessed. Volunteers from Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. (RBARI) brought several orphaned dogs who are up for adoption. Contributions of much-needed supplies as well as financial donations were given and gratefully accepted by RBARI. During the service, Father Thomas Matthews blessed each animal individually and gave a St. Francis medal to the owner. Afterwards, cider and donuts were enjoyed while people and animals visited and got to know one another.
“Your government is working for you once again, not for the donors, not the special interests, but the hardworking taxpaying citizens of our country.” – President Donald J. Trump
October 14,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC ,President Donald J. Trump calls it ” Tax Reform for Hardworking Americans ” . Here is a short synopsis.
RAISE WAGES AND BRING JOBS HOME: President Donald J. Trump supports the unified framework for tax reform to bring back jobs and raise wages for American workers.
• Most economists agree that our corporate tax rate harms American workers by keeping their wages down.
o More than 70 percent of the corporate tax burden falls on American workers, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis.
• Cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent, as proposed in the unified framework, could boost wage growth for the median household to almost four times its current rate, according to analysis from Council of Economic Advisors (CEA).
o This increase could provide $4,000 in additional income to the average American household, according to CEA analysis.
• Corporate profits are being kept offshore, benefiting foreign workers and harming our own. In 2016, firms kept 71 percent of foreign-earned profits abroad, according to the CEA.
• Tax reforms and cuts like those in the proposed framework encourage the investment needed to create jobs so Americans can get back to work and get well-paying jobs, based on date from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
o After President Bush’s 2003 tax cuts, the economy created 7.8 million jobs over five years.
o After President Reagan’s 1981 tax cuts, the economy created 14.8 million jobs over five years.
o After President Kennedy’s tax cuts, the economy created 12.0 million new jobs over five years.
FAIR TAXES FOR HARDWORKING AMERICANS: The unified framework will cut taxes and put in place a fair tax code for American workers.
• Double the standard deduction so that more income is taxed at zero percent.
o The first $12,000 of income for individuals and $24,000 for married couples will be income tax-free.
• Consolidate the seven existing income tax brackets for taxable income to only three brackets: 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent.
• Increase the Child Tax Credit and expand it to benefit more middle-income families and eliminate the marriage penalty.
• Create a new $500 tax credit for those caring for an adult dependent or elderly loved one.
EASY TAXES FOR HARDWORKING AMERICANS: The unified framework will make taxes easy for hardworking Americans and let them recover the hours wasted on filing complicated forms.
• The vast majority of Americans will be able to file their taxes on a single sheet of paper.
o American individuals and businesses spend more than 6 billion hours complying with the tax code, according to the IRS National Taxpayer Advocate.
o Individuals spend 13 hours, on average, and $210 to comply, plan, and file their tax return each year.
o $33.7 billion is the estimated out-of-pocket costs taxpayers spent on software and professional tax services, according to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation.
• The plan repeals the Alternative Minimum Tax, which effectively requires many taxpayers to do their taxes twice.
• The plan ends the job killing “Death Tax.”
o Close to 20 percent of family business owners say planning for the death tax affects their ability to create jobs, according to Family Enterprise USA.
o In 2016, family business owners spent an average of $74,940 on insurance for the death tax and $170,800 on other planning costs, according to Family Enterprise USA
![Carmen_Lombardi[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/10-12-17_Carmen_Lombardi1.jpg "UPGRADED CHARGES IN CONNECTION WITH FATAL FORT LEE HIT AND RUN")
![Kenneth_Smith[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/10-13-17_Kenneth_Smith1.jpg "Bergen Prosecutor Announces Arrest of Fair Lawn Knights of Columbus Bomber")
