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Posted on February 4, 2014February 4, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Planning Board Special Public Meeting – February 4 at RHS Student Center

Planning Board Special Public Meeting – February 4 at RHS Student Center

Special Public Meeting: Tuesday, February 4, 2014

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 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014, in the RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CENTER, 627 E. RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning at 8:00 p.m.

The Board may take official action during this Special Public Meeting at which time the Board will continue the public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to the Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan which would recommend changes in zone district classifications and boundaries within the Central Business District and surrounding area including AH-2, B-3-R, C-R and C Zone Districts. The Board anticipates that the order of presentation to the extent known as of this date will consist of the following:

a) Commencement of expert testimony – professional planning (direct and cross examination of planners on behalf of any interested party – opportunity to ask questions after the conclusion of each witness’ testimony)

b) Announcement of next hearing date and other Planning Board business per the agenda.

The proposed master plan amendment and related exhibits are at the office of the Secretary of the Ridgewood Planning Board on the third floor of Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey and are available for public inspection Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The amendment and exhibits are also posted as a courtesy on the Village’s website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.

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.

Posted on February 4, 2014February 5, 2014 by James — 13 Comments

Reader says this Council instead on focusing on running this town engage in petty bickering, retaliation and furthering their own personal agendas

Reader says this Council instead on focusing on running this town engage in petty bickering, retaliation and furthering their own personal agendas

Yes the departments are all understaffed and our taxes are still obscenely high. You are correct about our current Council – they are all pushing their own pet projects without at all acknowledging that at some point taxes alone will crush the value of our homes. Who will ever buy your house if the taxes are $40,000 a year?

Mrs. Hauck wants to double the size of Valley but clearly has not considered the impact of a facility that size on the town’s neighborhoods and infrastructure. Valley pays no taxes yet their drain on Village resources will also double with this project. You think departments are understaffed now?

And how about Mr. Pucciarelli and building up the CBD? Has anyone done any math on the impact on our tax base? I’ll tell you right now they would be shouting it at every meeting if ONE PERSON thought that building apartments in town would make our taxes go down. Instead they choose to tell us that traffic will improve and only 4 new kids will enter the school system.

I’m shocked at how out to lunch this Council is in the face of such a crisis. Look at this weekend alone – Super Bowl parties at the bank and a big skating party at Graydon. Then on to having lunch with the elderly, and banning smoking outside. Maybe they should Google Stockton, CA for a glimpse into our future when they have a minute.

Oh yea, and don’t forget to put your garbage out on the curb tonight….

Posted on February 4, 2014February 5, 2014 by James — 23 Comments

Reader says Aronsohn has failed to deliver on basic Village services

Reader says Aronsohn has failed to deliver on basic Village services

This is what happens when you put political hacks like Aronsohn in place. He has no real world management experience, says what’s expedient or that will make a good sound bite, and has yet to come up with (or back) a plan for anything that’s original, effective or efficient.

Start with the Christmas trees and the leaf pick up. Move to the potholes. Then look at our snow plowing it’s horrendous!

It’s supposed to be curb-to-curb, not 3′ from the curb on both sides. Drive along any street in Ridgewood that connects with a bordering town. The other towns are often down to black, while we still have snow on our streets – the boundaries are clearly visible. Look at Linwood Ave or Grove St as they enter Paramus, or Monroe St as it enters Waldwick, or Glen Ave as it enters Midland Park, or Lincoln Ave as it enters Glen Rock. Are these towns 15 degree warmer than we are?

Are we better off since these clowns got put into office – I don’t think so!!

Posted on February 4, 2014February 4, 2014 by James — 22 Comments

Ridgewood chief asks Bergen County prosecutor to investigate attempt to hire two police officers

Ridgewood chief asks Bergen County prosecutor to investigate attempt to hire two police officers

Monday, February 3, 2014 Last updated: Monday February 3, 2014, 5:24 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Record

RIDGEWOOD — The village police chief wants the county prosecutor to assess his decision to extend conditional job offers to two candidates, even though it exceeded the number of patrol officers allowed on the force.

Police Chief John Ward said he made the request last Thursday — the morning after he appeared before the Village Council to support a retroactive amendment to the code, boosting the number of officers to 32. Currently, the department can only have 30 patrol officers.

Ward extended offers of employment to two Ridgewood residents on Jan. 17; both men are related to current or retired officers, and were supposed to start police academy training last week.

“I requested the investigation to reassure the community, so they know they can still have faith in the department and my actions,” Ward said Monday, adding that he also reached out to his department’s own internal affairs officers to initiate an inquiry.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/Ridgewood_chief_asks_Bergen_County_prosecutor_to_investigate_attempt_to_hire_two_police_officers.html#sthash.DwnAPVhE.dpuf

Posted on February 4, 2014February 4, 2014 by James — 2 Comments

Port Authority policies, structure to face scrutiny by special committee

Port Authority policies, structure to face scrutiny by special committee

Monday February 3, 2014, 7:03 PM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER
The Record

The George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal and a pair of controversies that grew out of them have exposed ugly truths about the Port Authority, the agency that has earned a reputation for secrecy, imperialism, and now political high jinks.

One leading Port Authority official said Monday the crisis has also created an opportunity to tackle some of the root causes and consequences of the agency’s recently-aired problems, including political patronage, a culture of fear, and conflicts of interest by commissioners.

Scott Rechler, the vice-chairman of the Port Authority, said in an interview that a five-member special committee, composed of three governor-appointed commissioners from New York and two from New Jersey, will be created later this month to consider policy changes and significant structural reforms to the 93-year-old bi-state agency.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/Port_Authority_policies_structure_to_face_scrutiny_by_special_committee.html#sthash.j2mHXRBb.dpuf

Posted on February 3, 2014February 2, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Earthlings unite to confront the asteroid menace

Earthlings unite to confront the asteroid menace

The first meeting of an international group tasked with figuring out how to react to asteroids that threaten our very existence is set for next week.

by Eric Mack
January 31, 2014 10:09 AM PST

Next week in Germany, representatives of all mankind’s space-faring nations will get together in a room to begin coordinating efforts to prevent the end of the world…or at least to figure out how to identify and prevent really big space rocks from smacking us around like that meteor that hit Russia last year.

We’ve all watched those scenes in science fiction movies where the leaders of the planet (or planets) all sit around a large table and come to a consensus about the best way to confront the latest existential threat. I’m always left wondering where the heck they get such a huge table, and how they managed to come up with a unanimous plan of action in less than 5 minutes. It’s a little different from the endless gabfest of political posturing translating to minimal real-world action that is a meeting of today’s United Nations.

Or is it? The first ever meeting of the Space Mission Planning and Advisory Group (SMPAG, pronounced “same page” — see what they did there?) set to be hosted by the European Space Agency on February 6 and 7 sounds a little more like the Hollywood version of consensus-making, just with less melodrama and fewer ridiculously beautiful people everywhere.

https://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57618150-1/earthlings-unite-to-confront-the-asteroid-menace/

Posted on February 3, 2014February 2, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Mitch McConnell: Obama, IRS Fight to Keep Conservative Nonprofits from Forming

Mitch McConnell: Obama, IRS Fight to Keep Conservative Nonprofits from Forming

by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) 30 Jan 2014 406 post a comment

James Madison had it exactly right.

Referring to infringements on our freedoms, the Father of the Bill of Rights once wrote that such encroachments were more often “gradual and silent” than “violent and sudden.”

That’s exactly what we’re seeing with President Obama’s proposed regulation on so-called 501(c)(4) groups: a stealth attempt to stifle the ability of ordinary Americans to participate in the political process.

The administration’s proposal, quietly floated over Thanksgiving, is just the latest in a long line of attempts to skirt the Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling in Citizens United, which basically said that businesses and independent groups have the same right to free speech under the First Amendment as anybody else.

https://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/30/Exclusive-Mitch-McConnell-Obama-Attempts-to-Prevent-Conservative-Nonprofits-from-Forming

Posted on February 3, 2014February 3, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Did Showdown Kill Boehner’s Immigration Dreams?

Did Showdown Kill Boehner’s Immigration Dreams?
by Jonathan Strong 31 Jan 2014

Immigration is the zombie of political issues–even when it is dead, it is still alive. The combination of the Democratic Party, business interests, and a GOP operative class yearning for its promise of improved standing with Hispanic voters means that you can never really count it out.

That said, it is hard to imagine Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) moving forward after yesterday’s closed-door showdown. According to estimates from those who were in the room–both in favor of moving forward and against–the dozens of GOP lawmakers who spoke were at least 80-20 against bringing a bill to the floor this year.

There is a palpable sense of disappointment among those interested in moving forward. In private conversations, the word that is used is that the meeting was “predictable.” The same people in the GOP conference who kept Boehner from moving on a bill in 2013 are just as opposed in 2014.

Immigration hawks, meanwhile, sense they scored a major victory.

https://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/31/Did-Showdown-Kill-Boehners-Immigration-Dreams

Posted on February 3, 2014February 3, 2014 by James — Leave a comment

Rentals on historic pace in New Jersey

Rentals on historic pace in New Jersey
Sunday, February 2, 2014 Last updated: Sunday February 2, 2014, 11:05 AM
BY KATHLEEN LYNN
STAFF WRITER
The Record

New Jersey’s got a new pattern of home construction, and it’s much denser and more urban.

In a state long dominated by single-family development, multifamily construction — especially rentals — last year accounted for 57 percent of home permits in the state, and helped to propel home building to its strongest year since 2007.

“It’s probably the biggest rental housing boom in the state’s history,” said James Hughes, a Rutgers economist.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/243167861_Homebuilding_has_a_different_face_in_NJ__and_it_s_multifamily.html#sthash.EINkNGQX.dpuf

Posted on February 3, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — Leave a comment

Reader says No matter who gets hired, someone else will be upset because they didn’t get the job

Reader says No matter who gets hired, someone else will be upset because they didn’t get the job

Its not a perfect world but operating within the civil service rules is most ‘transparent’ way to deal with hiring and promotions.
Read the Bergen Record sometime. Constant lawsuits in Paramus over promotions.
Police departments have many recurring ‘themes’ that happen in every one.
Officers dislike each other because of ‘perceived slights’.
Who get a better schedule?
Who got the better squad car?
Who got promoted ‘over’ someone who ‘thought’ they deserved it?
Who got more ‘details/side jobs’ (PSEG work etc)
Who got ‘credit’ for an arrest?
Who got a better office?
Who’s ‘brownosing’ the brass and getting preferable treatment. ETC ETC.
Then it gets personal. Who is fooling around with someone’s ex-wife, ex-girlfriend etc.
Its a fact of life in law enforcement.
Its not a perfect system, but civil service has more guidelines that must be followed than a department that has not decided to operate under these rules.
No matter who gets hired, someone else will be upset because they didn’t get the job.
Such is life in the real world.
Suck it up and move on.

Posted on February 3, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 2 Comments

Reader : Our Village Council has a history of reacting, rather than acting, to issues

Reader : Our Village Council has a history of reacting, rather than acting, to issues

Our Village Council has a history of reacting, rather than acting, to issues. Those offers never should have gone out without the proper approvals, and if HR and/or the VC missed it (just like they missed the PSE&G letter about the hundred foot poles) then it’s their fault.

Failure of management. They could have resolved the issue at the meeting and gotten it off the table but they drag it out, just like they drag everything out. If I read one more article about Valley Hospital I’ll scream. Make a decision already. You’re losing 7 officers, the chief wants to replace with 4, and if you don’t do the hires you’ll make up the coverage in overtime costs. Put a pencil to paper and figure it out.

The ‘nepotism’ clause requires VC approval so if the recruits are well qualified and the hires are needed then what is the problem? I feel very bad for the young guys affected due to this mismanagement and a quick resolution should be sought.

Posted on February 3, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 23 Comments

Readers Begin to talk RECALL

Readers Begin to talk RECALL

All I can say is that if you don’t like what went on here then sign the RECALL PETITION when it comes around and believe me it coming around. A councilperson that signs a Ordinance and then claims that it was someone else fault does not deserve to be in office. Take responsibility for action.

New Jersey*

Const. Art. 1, §2(b)

Any elected official in the state or representing the state in the United States Congress. Includes local officials.

Recall may not commence during first year in office.

No specific grounds are required

Time for gathering signatures is 160 days.

Signature requirement is number equal to 25% of the registered voters of the district

Posted on February 3, 2014February 3, 2014 by James — 10 Comments

Reader says all Village departments are understaffed

Reader says all Village departments are understaffed

Yes they do. All Dept are understaffed. The new council had almost two years to do the right thing. We all suffer for the political line that we are keeping taxes down.The reason our taxes are high is because the BOE.

Although I some times break balls with he the DPW poster he is right in saying the they are under staffed. What I disagree with the posting is that he attacked other dept. I feel his frustration but that’s what this new council want ( in fighting) to distract the residents.

In the 70s and 80s ever dept was staffed higher then it is now.That will never happen again but it does mean that were have to drop to the levels that we have now. You know the saying. A house divided cannot stand. That’s their plan.

Posted on February 3, 2014June 27, 2021 by James — 7 Comments

2 Toyota SUVs collide in pre Super Bowl Ridgewood Crash

2 Toyota SUVs collide in pre Super Bowl Ridgewood Crash
February 2,2014
Boyd A. Loving
8:45 PM

Ridgewood NJ, A Toyota Highlander collided with a Toyota Sequoia at the intersection of North Walnut Street and Robinson Lane just prior to the Super Bowl kickoff on Sunday evening.

The Highlander’s driver was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood with non life threatening neck & back injuries; the Sequoia’s driver was uninjured. The collision’s force propelled both vehicles head on into immovable objects; the Highlander wound up smashed into a utility pole and the Sequoia wedged against a large tree. Each car sustained heavy front end damage; both were removed by flatbed tow trucks. Air bags deployed in both vehicles during the crash. A stop sign was destroyed in the crash and the utility pole requires replacement.

RIdgewood FD personnel attended to a minor fluid spill resultant from the crash. One summons was issued in connection with the incident; police at the scene did not reveal its nature.

Posted on February 3, 2014April 11, 2020 by James — 13 Comments

UPDATE SCHOOLS CLOSED :MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL TODAY

MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL TODAY

Ridgewood Public Schools Are Closed Today

5:25 a.m UPDATE: SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED TODAY, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

2.03.14 at 5:25 a.m.

Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff,

Due to the severity of the winter storm, the Ridgewood Public Schools will be CLOSED today, Monday, February 3. All afterschool and evening activities are canceled.

Thank you .
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ridgewood Public Schools

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
410 AM EST MON FEB 3 2014

…MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL EVENT TODAY…
…SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM POSSIBLE FOR ALL BUT EASTERN LONG
ISLAND TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY…

NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-
WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-
ORANGE-PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-
410 AM EST MON FEB 3 2014

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS
EVENING…
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NEW YORK HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

* LOCATIONS…SOUTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT…THE LOWER HUDSON
VALLEY…AND NORTHERN PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY.

* HAZARD TYPES…MODERATE SNOW TODAY. POTENTIALLY HEAVY SNOW AND
ICE TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY.

* ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 3 TO 6 INCHES TODAY. 5 TO
10 INCHES OF SNOW…ALONG WITH ICE ACCRETION OF UP TO A HALF AN
INCH…TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY.

* VISIBILITIES…ONE QUARTER TO ONE HALF MILE AT TIMES TODAY.

* TIMING…A MIX OF LIGHT RAIN AND SNOW WILL CHANGE QUICKLY TO ALL
SNOW JUST BEFORE DAYBREAK. THE SNOW WILL BE MODERATE TO HEAVY AT
TIMES…IN PARTICULAR DURING THE MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON
HOURS. SNOW WILL DEVELOP TUESDAY NIGHT…THEN MIX WITH AND
CHANGE TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN FROM SOUTH TO NORTH WEDNESDAY.

* IMPACTS…SNOW COVERED ROADWAYS…MAKING FOR SLIPPERY TRAVEL.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW…SLEET…OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CA– USE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND — USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

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.

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