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De Blasio administration raises concerns about new Manhattan bus terminal

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By RYAN HUTCHINS and SALLY GOLDENBERG

02/07/17 06:02 PM EST

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration is raising concerns about the effects of building a new Port Authority Bus Terminal on the Far West Side of Manhattan, saying this week that the bi-state agency must explore possible alternatives as it prepares to construct a new facility.

The position is sure to stoke fresh acrimony between public officials on both sides of the Hudson River after they had come to an understanding about how to move forward with the new terminal.

https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/02/de-blasio-administration-raises-concerns-about-new-manhattan-bus-terminal-109420

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February is National Cancer Prevention Month

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February 8,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Take a moment to dispel some cancer myths and misconceptions by sharing this fact sheet from the National Cancer Institute.

Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions

Certain popular ideas about how cancer starts and spreads—though scientifically wrong—can seem to make sense, especially when those ideas are rooted in old theories. But wrong ideas about cancer can lead to needless worry and even hinder good prevention and treatment decisions. This page provides the latest science-based information about some common cancer myths and misconceptions.

Is cancer a death sentence?

In the United States, the likelihood of dying from cancer has dropped steadily since the 1990s. Five-year survival rates for some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers, now exceed 90 percent. The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is currently about 66 percent. For more information, see the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer.

It is important to note, however, that these rates are based on data from large numbers of people. How long an individual cancer patient will live and whether he or she will die from the disease depend on many factors, including whether the cancer is slow or fast growing, how much the cancer has spread in the body, whether effective treatments are available, the person’s overall health, and more.

Will eating sugar make my cancer worse?

No. Although research has shown that cancer cells consume more sugar (glucose) than normal cells, no studies have shown that eating sugar will make your cancer worse or that, if you stop eating sugar, your cancer will shrink or disappear. However, a high-sugar diet may contribute to excess weight gain, and obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Obesity and Cancer.

Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer?

No. Researchers have conducted studies on the safety of the artificial sweeteners (sugar substitutes) saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low®, Sweet Twin®, NectaSweet®); cyclamate; aspartame (Equal®, NutraSweet®); acesulfame potassium (Sunett®, Sweet One®); sucralose (Splenda®); and neotame and found no evidence that they cause cancer in humans. All of these artificial sweeteners except for cyclamate have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for sale in the United States. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer.

Is cancer contagious?

In general, no. Cancer is not a contagious disease that easily spreads from person to person. The only situation in which cancer can spread from one person to another is in the case of organ or tissue transplantation. A person who receives an organ or tissue from a donor who had cancer in the past may be at increased risk of developing a transplant-related cancer in the future. However, that risk is extremely low—about two cases of cancer per 10,000 organ transplants. Doctors avoid the use of organs or tissue from donors who have a history of cancer.

In some people, cancers may be caused by certain viruses (some types of human papillomavirus, or HPV, for example) and bacteria (such as Helicobacter pylori). While a virus or bacterium can spread from person to person, the cancers they sometimes cause cannot spread from person to person. For more information about cancer-causing viruses and bacteria, see the NCI fact sheets on Helicobacter pylori and Cancer, HPV and Cancer, and Cancer Vaccines.

Does my attitude—positive or negative—determine my risk of, or likely recovery from, cancer?

To date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that links a person’s “attitude” to his or her risk of developing or dying from cancer. If you have cancer, it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or discouraged sometimes and positive or upbeat at other times. People with a positive attitude may be more likely to maintain social connections and stay active, and physical activity and emotional support may help you cope with your cancer. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Psychological Stress and Cancer.

Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy cause cancer to spread in the body?

The chance that surgery will cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body is extremely low. Following standard procedures, surgeons use special methods and take many steps to prevent cancer cells from spreading during biopsies or surgery to remove tumors. For example, if they must remove tissue from more than one area of the body, they use different surgical tools for each area. For information about how cancer spreads in the body, see our page on Metastatic Cancer.

Will cancer get worse if exposed to air?

No. Exposure to air will not make tumors grow faster or cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body. For information about how cancer spreads in the body, see our page on Metastatic Cancer.

Do cell phones cause cancer?

No, not according to the best studies completed so far. Cancer is caused by genetic mutations, and cell phones emit a type of low-frequency energy that does not damage genes. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Cell Phones and Cancer Risk.

Do power lines cause cancer?

No, not according to the best studies completed so far. Power lines emit both electric and magnetic energy. The electric energy emitted by power lines is easily shielded or weakened by walls and other objects. The magnetic energy emitted by power lines is a low-frequency form of radiation that does not damage genes. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer.

Are there herbal products that can cure cancer?

No. Although some studies suggest that alternative or complementary therapies, including some herbs, may help patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, no herbal products have been shown to be effective for treating cancer. In fact, some herbal products may be harmful when taken during chemotherapy or radiation therapy because they may interfere with how these treatments work. Cancer patients should talk with their doctor about any complementary and alternative medicine products—including vitamins and herbal supplements—they may be using. For more information, see the Botanicals/Herbal Products section in Topics in Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies.

If someone in my family has cancer, am I likely to get cancer, too?

Not necessarily. Cancer is caused by harmful changes (mutations) in genes. Only about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused by harmful mutations that are inherited from a person’s parents. In families with an inherited cancer-causing mutation, multiple family members will often develop the same type of cancer. These cancers are called “familial” or “hereditary” cancers.

The remaining 90 to 95 percent of cancers are caused by mutations that happen during a person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and exposure to environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke and radiation. These cancers are called “non-hereditary” or “spontaneous” cancers. For more information about the risk of getting cancer, see the NCI fact sheet on Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes and Cancer Causes and Risk Factors.

If no one in my family has had cancer, does that mean I’m risk-free?

No. Based on the most recent data, about 40 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. Most cancers are caused by genetic changes that occur throughout a person’s lifetime as a natural result of aging and exposure to environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke and radiation. Other factors, such as what kind of food you eat, how much you eat, and whether you exercise, may also influence your risk of developing cancer. For more information, see Cancer Causes and Risk Factors.

Do antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer?

No. The best studies so far have found no evidence linking the chemicals typically found in antiperspirants and deodorants with changes in breast tissue. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer.

Does hair dye use increase the risk of cancer?

There is no convincing scientific evidence that personal hair dye use increases the risk of cancer. Some studies suggest, however, that hairdressers and barbers who are regularly exposed to large quantities of hair dye and other chemical products may have an increased risk of bladder cancer. For more information, see the NCI fact sheet on Hair Dyes and Cancer Risk.

the website of the National Cancer Institute (https://www.cancer.gov)

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NJ’S SOLAR STUMBLE: SECTOR SHEDS 1,000 JOBS IN PAST YEAR

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TOM JOHNSON | FEBRUARY 8, 2017

While rest of country showed strong 25 percent growth in solar jobs, New Jersey’s solar employment fell by 14 percent

The solar sector helped the economy grow last year by creating 51,000 jobs across the nation, but not in New Jersey, once one of the biggest success stories in the industry, where more than 1,000 jobs were lost.

While the rest of the country witnessed a 25 percent increase in job growth in the sector, New Jersey solar employment fell by 14 percent, according to the nonprofit Solar Foundation. It is one of only four states to experience a drop in jobs in the field, its annual report said.

The annual survey is startling given that the state experienced its second-biggest growth year ever, installing 353 megawatts, according to data compiled by the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. The state has more than 66,000 solar projects deployed.

For years, solar has been one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy, but the annual report by the foundation suggests otherwise. Its survey of thousands of solar businesses said total jobs in New Jersey fell as of November 2016 to 6,056, a drop from 7,071 over the previous 12 months.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/02/07/nj-s-solar-stumble-sector-sheds-1-000-jobs-in-past-year/

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N.J. bill would fund sanctuary cities denied federal dollars by Trump

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James — you should post this and then seek comment from the progressive Clinton/Gottheimer fans. How much are they willing to pay Hudson County over and beyond the Abbott money already going there?

By Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 07, 2017 at 8:06 PM, updated February 08, 2017 at 9:27 AM

UNION CITY — New Jersey lawmakers from immigrant-rich Hudson County on Tuesday announced a bill that would provide state aid to sanctuary cities denied federal funds for failing to comply with immigration rules.

The bill was introduced in both houses of the legislature on Tuesday by State Sen. Brian Stack, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji and Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, all Democrats from the 33rd District.

The three held a press conference in the garage at City Hall in Union City, where Stack is also the mayor.

“Union City, technically, has always been a sanctuary city,” said Stack. “We have never turned away anybody, documented or undocumented, when they come in looking for help.”

The difference now is that President Donald Trump issued a Jan. 25 executive order intended to, “ensure that jurisdictions that fail to comply with applicable Federal law do not receive Federal funds, except as mandated by law,” specifically targeting sanctuary cities and states.

https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2017/02/state_bill_would_fund_sanctuary_cities_denied_fede.html#incart_river_index

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NOVO in Ridgewood offers a Winter prix fixe every Sunday through Thursday

NOVO

February 8,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Today we are pleased to announce our Winter prix fixe every Sunday through Thursday: an appetizer, entree, and a dessert for $29.95 per person! Call us at 201-444-4910 or click here to make your reservation now: https://www.opentable.com/novo-reservations-ridgewood

NOVO
37 Chestnut St
Ridgewood, New Jersey
@NovoNJ
Call (201) 444-4910

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD : VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

Village Council Meeting Uber

file photo by Boyd Loving

VILLAGE COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD

VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

FEBRUARY 8, 2017

8:00 P.M.

1.   Call to Order – Mayor

2.   Statement of Compliance with the Open Public       Meetings Act

3.   Roll Call – Village Clerk

4.   Flag Salute and Moment of Silence

5.   Acceptance of Financial Reports

6.   Approval of Minutes

7.   Proclamations

A.   Dad’s Night Days – Hawes School and                    Somerville School

B.   Read Across America Day

C.   Super Science Saturday

8.   Swearing-in of Police Officers

Police Officer Douglas Busche

Police Officer Douglas Christopher

Police Officer Brandon Donnelly

Police Officer Jack Knudsen

Police Officer Zachary Knudsen

Police Officer Kyle Scarpa

9.   Swearing-in of Police Lieutenant Brian Pullman

10.  Swearing-in of Police Captain William Amoruso

11.  Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes

per person – 40 minutes in total)

12.  Village Manager’s Report

13.  Village Council Reports

14.  ORDINANCES – RIDGEWOOD WATER

NONE

15.  RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-26 THROUGH 17-37 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

17-26      Title 59 Approval – Landscaping Services –             Approves the plans and specifications for             Landscaping Services prepared by Ridgewood             Water, pursuant to Title 59

17-27      Award Contract – Landscaping Services (NTE              $113,820) – Awards the second year of a two-            year contract to the sole bidder, Pat                 Scanlan, 14 Plains Drive, New City, NY

17-28      Title 59 Approval – Cold Water Meters and               Accessories – Approves the plans and                   specifications for Cold Water Meters and               Supplies prepared by Ridgewood Water,                  pursuant to Title 59

17-29      Award Contract – Cold Water Meters and                 Accessories – Awards the first year of a two-           year contract to the lowest responsible                    bidder, Rio Supply, Inc., 100 Allied Parkway,          Sicklerville, NJ

17-30      Title 59 Approval – Pipe, Appurtenances, and            Service Materials – Approves the plans and           specifications for Furnish and Deliver Pipe,             Appurtenances and Service Materials for Water          Distribution Maintenance prepared by                   Ridgewood Water, pursuant to Title 59

17-31      Award Contract – Pipe, Appurtenances, and              Service Materials – Awards the second year of         a two-year contract to the following lowest              responsible bidders in various categories of               materials: Water Works Supply Co., Inc., 660           State Highway 23, Pompton Plains, NJ; HD               Waterworks Supply, 61 Gross Avenue, Edison,             NJ; and Capitol Supply Construction Products,        Inc., 149 Old Turnpike Road, Wayne, NJ

17-32      Title 59 Approval – Furnishing and Delivering           of Sodium Hypochlorite Solution –Approves           the plans and specifications for Furnishing           and Delivering of Sodium Hypochlorite                  Solution prepared by the Ridgewood Water               Department, pursuant to Title 59

17-33      Award Contract – Furnishing and Delivering of           Sodium Hypochlorite Solution ($3.62/gallon)-             Awards the second year of a two-year contract        to the sole responsible bidder, Miracle               Chemical Company, 1151B Highway 33,                    Farmingdale, NJ

17-34      Title 59 Approval – Servicing and Repair of            Water Pumping Facilities – Approves the plans       and specifications for Servicing and Repair               of Potable Water Storage Tanks, prepared by              Ridgewood Water, pursuant to Title 59

17-35      Award Contract – Servicing and Repair of               Water Pumping Facilities – Approves the plans       and specifications for Servicing and Repair               of Potable Water Pumping Facilities, prepared       by Ridgewood Water, pursuant to Title 59

17-36      Award Professional Services Contract – USEPA           Compliance Services for Evaluation of                  Groundwater Wells (NTE $35,000) – Awards a               Professional Services contract to Legette,               Brashears & Graham, 600 East Crescent Avenue,        Upper Saddle River, NJ. The required Pay to             Play forms have been filed with the Village            Clerk’s office.

17-37      Authorize Change Order – Installation of               Backup Power at Critical Facilities (NTE            $62,445) – Authorizes the change order which            was necessary due to additional permitting               work, including Planning Board approvals a             the Township of Wyckoff and the Borough of            Midland Park, as well as NJDEP flood plain             and wetland permits

16.  ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION

3581 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic –            Prohibit Parking – Sections of Sherman Place –          Designates several areas for no parking at any          time on various sections of Sherman Place, due      to safety concerns

3582 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Angle  Parking – Allows vehicles to be parked in            parking lots with perpendicular parking stall      spaces with either the front or rear of the            vehicle facing perpendicular to the nearest curb  line. Vehicles parked in angled parking stall           spaces must park with the front of the vehicle      facing the nearest curb line. Vehicles parked in  parallel parking spaces must have the front of          the vehicle facing in the travel of direction of      the roadway nearest the parking space.

3583 – Amend Chapter 238 – Sewers and Sewage Disposal –  Addition of Masticated Food Waste – Adds            masticated food waste and its definition to the         liquid waste acceptance program, including the           basis for billing

3584 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage          Disposal – Liquid Waste Acceptance Program Fees          – Amends the fees charged for various acceptable    liquid wastes including grey water/septage;           masticated flowable food waste; wastewater          meeting certain requirements; and pumpout FOG            (fats, oil, and grease) of various              concentrations

3585 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Bus        Stops – Amends the Village’s bus stop ordinance      so that the bus stops listed reflect the bus        stops which exist in the Village. It also lists           the bus stop numbers.

3586 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer           Discharger Fees – Increases the fees for           significant sewer dischargers from $4.03 per      thousand gallons of flow in excess of one EDU as  measured by water meter consumption to $4.27 per    thousand gallons of flow. This increase is            includes commercial/industrial/institutional as        well as tax exempt and tax credited users. This          fee was last increased in 2010.

3587 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Graydon Pool Fees –         The fees for adult, child, and day passes will        remain the same for 2017 and 2018. There will be  a late season discount of 50% off of the price         on or after August 1st. There will also be a 10%      early bird discount for those badges purchased       in the month of April.

17.  ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING

3578 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Day Camp Fees

3579 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and                      Development – Institutional and Religious            Uses and Public Utilities

3580 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – CBD        Parking

18.  RESOLUTIONS

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-38 THROUGH 17-53 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

17-38      Authorize Membership Agreement – Cooperative           Purchasing Program – North Jersey Wastewater           Cooperative Pricing System through Lead                  Agency Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission –              Authorizes the Acting Village Manager and            Mayor to execute the membership agreement               with the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission            on behalf of the North Jersey Wastewater             Cooperative Pricing System

17-39      Title 59 Approval – Maintenance of Irrigation           Systems/Water Fountains – Approves the plans            and specifications for Maintenance of                 Irrigation Systems/Water Fountains for                 Contract Years 2017 and 2018, prepared by the       Parks and Recreation Department, pursuant to            Title 59

17-40      Award Contract – Maintenance of Irrigation              Systems/Water Fountains – Awards this                  contract to the lowest responsible bidder,               Tanz, Inc., 3 River Edge Road, River Edge, NJ

17-41      Award Contract under Cooperative Purchasing             Program – Truck Chassis for Sludge Hauling           Tanker Truck (NTE $153,895.85) – Awards a            contract under Middlesex Regional Educational         Services Commission to Gabrielli Truck Sales,           2300 Route 130 North, Dayton, NJ

17-42      Award Contract under Cooperative Purchasing            Program – Vacuum Tank Unit for Sludge Hauling         Tanker Truck (NTE $60,890) – Awards a                 contract under Middlesex Regional Educational           Services Commission to Vacuum Sales, Inc., 51           Stone Road, Lindenwold, NJ

17-43      Award Contract under Cooperative Purchasing             Program – Pumps for Ridgewood Lawns Sewer            Pump Station (NTE $48,862.30) – Awards a               contract under the North Jersey Wastewater              Cooperative Pricing System administered by             the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission to             Pumping Services, Inc., 201 Lincoln                   Boulevard, Middlesex, NJ

17-44      Award Professional Services Contract –                 Surveys of Intersections for Upgrade of                   Traffic Signals (NTE $28,700) – Awards a           Professional Services contract to Daniel M.               Dunn of Dunn Surveying and Mapping, P.S., 40            East Prospect Street, Waldwick, NJ for                 intersection area surveys for upgrade of             traffic signals. The required Pay to Play             forms have been filed with the Village                 Clerk’s Office.

17-45      Award Professional Services Contract – 2017            Land      Surveying Services Retainer for                   Preparation of Tax      Assessment Map (NTE                $1,700) – Awards a Professional Services            contract to Daniel M. Dunn, of Dunn Surveying           and Mapping, P.A., 40 East Prospect Street,            Waldwick, NJ

17-46      Authorize Designation of Acting Municipal              Court Administrator ($35/hour) –Designates             Kimberly McWilliams, CMCA as the Acting                 Municipal Court Administrator, on a                    provisions basis to undertake the duties of             the absent Municipal Court Administrator or            Deputy Municipal Court Administrator during              scheduled or unscheduled leaves. This is               required under the new Criminal Justice               Reform legislation.

17-47      Authorize Girl Scout Troop 1136 and Ridgewood           Shade Tree Commission Project – Shade Tree              Nursery – Authorizes Girl Scout Troop 1136              and the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission to             remove the accumulated debris, trash, and               garbage and establish a Shade Tree Nursery at           203 East Glen Avenue. This project has been           reviewed by the Village Engineer and the             Director of Parks and Recreation who have               helped to address various safety issues.

17-48      Increase 2017 Deferred School Taxes –                  Increases deferred school taxes from                   $45,630,455.58 to $46,515,256.20, an increase          of $884,800.62 from 12/31/15 to 12/31/16

17-49      Approve Budget Reserve Transfers – Resolution           which transfers money in the 2016 budget from       departments which have excess funds to those           departments which do not have adequate funds

17-50      Authorize Application for Sustainable Jersey            PSE&G Grant – Authorizes an application for a       Sustainable Jersey PSE&G Grant for a                   professional to conduct a tree survey in the               Village

17-51      Authorize Execution of Grant Agreement –                Community Development Block Grant –                    Handicapped Accessible Ramp at Gate House of             Irene Habernickel Family      Park – Authorizes             the Acting Village Manager to sign the grant               agreement and the Village Chief Financial               Officer to sign all County vouchers

17-52      Award Professional Services Contract – Noise            Assessment – Schedler Park Property (NTE               $6,100) – Awards a Professional Services               Contract to Sharon Paul Carpenter of Paul             Carpenter Associates, Inc., 7 Columbia                 Turnpike, Suite 101, Florham Park, NJ

17-53      Award Professional Services Contract – Review           of Village Hall HVAC System Operation (NTE           $19,385) – Awards a Professional Services              Contract to LAN Associates, 445 Godwin                    Avenue, Midland Park, NJ. The required Pay to           Play forms have been filed with the Village            Clerk’s Office.

19.  Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)

20.  Resolution to go into Closed Session

21.  Closed Session

Contract Negotiations – Potential Purchase of   Property

Personnel – Village Manager’s Office; Village   Manager Search

Legal – HealthBarn

22.  Adjournment

All Village Council meetings broadcast LIVE – Tune in on Optimum Channel 77 or Verizon channel 34! Public Meeting – Wednesday, February 8 @ 8pm.

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Ridgewood wrestling team rides winning momentum

wrestling_greek

George Thompson, Correspondent11:27 p.m. ET Feb. 6, 2017

Since defeating Northern Highlands on Jan. 25, the Ridgewood Maroons wrestling team has picked up several victories. These included wins over NV/Demarest, Bridgewater-Raritan and Ramapo.

Following the victory over the Highlanders, the Maroons traveled to NV/Demarest to take on the Norsemen on Jan. 27. By the time the final weight class had been wrestled, it was the Maroons who had earned a 45-32 victory.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2017/02/06/ridgewood-wrestling-winning-momentum/97579570/

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PSE&G Storm Update and Preparadness

Hurricane sandy damage theridgewoodblog.net

PSE&G Prepares for Wintry Weather Extra personnel and equipment at the ready

February 8,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is preparing for the wintry weather forecasted to arrive Wednesday night into Thursday.

“Based on the forecast, we will quickly go from record warmth on Wednesday to six to eight inches of heavy, wet snow that can weigh down trees and bring down power lines,” said John Latka, senior vice president of electric and gas operations for PSE&G. “We have additional personnel scheduled and on standby, with extra tree crews and equipment at the ready. We’re prepared for whatever the storm brings our way.”

In advance of the storm, PSE&G advises customers to prepare an emergency kit that includes:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Manual can opener for food
• Cell phone with chargers

PSE&G urges its customers to be cautious during and after the storm:
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline powered engine, including generators and snowblowers, in a garage or any other enclosed space.
• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.

To report downed wires or power outages, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Also, customers can report outages by logging into their PSE&G account online or by texting “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734). The utility’s mobile-friendly website includes an “Outage Map” that is updated every 15 minutes and displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service area.

# # #

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company.

Visit PSEG at:
www.pseg.com
PSEG on Facebook
PSEG on Twitter
PSEG on LinkedIn
PSEG blog, Energize!
ALETP

Posted on 8 Comments

Reader asks what is the official explanation for why already high Ridgewood Parking permit prices were raised even more

Ridgewood Village Council

James – as I said, I am still waiting to hear to official explanation for why already high permit prices were raised even more, while simultaneously slashing slots and limiting access.

You counter by saying that the same would have happened had the garage been built. But at least in that case the justification would have been clear – higher $$ collected —> Garage.

What is the justification now? What is being built? Where is this money going? Who decided to collect this extra amount? Where will this be spent? Why were fees not cut in further out parking spots to attract people?

The Council has chosen to not answer, hoping that eventually people will give up. You seem to be a very vocal and aggressive defender of all Council moves. Looks like you are on the inside. So may be you can answer these questions?

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Washington better catch up to this business-minded president, ex-Chrysler chief says

alarm clock

Elizabeth Gurdus | @elizabethgurdus
6 Hours AgoCNBC.com

President Donald Trump’s rapid overhaul of rules and regulations is not an unusual pace for business, so the nation’s capital better get used to his modus operandi, ex-Chrysler chief Bob Nardelli said Tuesday.

“Washington better catch up to this business-oriented, business-minded president,” Nardelli told “Squawk Alley.” “We have a lot of gnashing of teeth right now about the rate with which the president is moving. That’s not fast in the business world.”

Nardelli touted the speed at which Trump has set the stage for delivering on key campaign promises, but acknowledged that two major promises — corporate tax reform and repatriation — have not yet been addressed.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/07/washington-better-catch-up-to-this-business-minded-president-nardelli.html

Posted on 1 Comment

Village of Ridgewood Snow Removal Regulations

Snow Blizzard of 2016 Ridgewood CBD

file photo by Boyd Loving

February 8,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In the business and office districts, snow shall be removed 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. Snowfalls commencing after 6:00 p.m., will be cleared by no later than 9:00 a.m. the following morning, Sundays and holidays included. For snow occurring Monday through Saturday, 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.

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Winter Storm Watch Late Wednesday Night and Thursday

Ridgewood_snow_storm_theridgewoodblog
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

The National Weather Service in Upton has issued a Winter Storm
Watch...which is in effect from late Wednesday night through
Thursday afternoon.

* Accumulations...Snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches...locally
  higher.

* Locations...Long Island...New York City...Northeast New
  Jersey...the Lower Hudson Valley of New York...and Southern
  Connecticut.

* Hazard types...Heavy snow.

* Timing...Late Wednesday night through Thursday.

* Impacts...Hazardous travel due to snow covered roads and poor
  visibilities. Blowing and drifting snow is possible.

* Temperatures...In the 30s.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow...sleet...or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.
Posted on 3 Comments

New Jersey tax collections still struggling to reach pre-recession levels

14405_trenton_new_jersey_s_state_house_capitol_in_trenton

STEVE HUGHES Staff Writer

New Jersey is one of 23 states still trying to boost its tax revenue levels to pre-recession levels, according to a Pew Charitable Trust report.

At its peak, the fourth quarter of 2007, the state took in $8.7 billion in revenue. It hit a low point at the end of 2011, with only $7.1 billion in revenue that quarter.

As of the end of 2016, the state’s quarterly tax revenue was 10.9 percent lower than the third quarter of 2008, Pew found, as the state took in $7.8 billion.

https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/new-jersey-tax-collections-still-struggling-to-reach-pre-recession/article_0333b0d0-03ee-58c3-b2b7-70f6ed8d8708.html

Posted on 14 Comments

The war on Betsy DeVos is all about the teachers unions

Ridgewood Teachers

By Post Editorial Board

February 5, 2017 | 3:32am

Get past all the noise, and the opposition to Betsy DeVos, President Trump’s pick for the Education Department, is all about the teachers unions — which consider it their right to have a friendly face running federal policy even in Republican administrations.

Yes, two Senate Republicans have come out against DeVos — the only two who routinely get A’s on the National Education Association’s “report card” because they vote the union line. Efforts to find another GOP vote against her will almost surely fail, because the other 50 Republicans aren’t in unions’ pocket, and Vice President Mike Pence can deliver a 51st vote if needed.

https://nypost.com/2017/02/05/the-war-on-betsy-devos-is-all-about-the-teachers-unions/