Glen Rock officials reveal $60K more to be spent on garage study, Ridgewood Council silent
Thursday November 21, 2013, 5:47 PM
BY RICHARD DE SANTA
STAFF WRITER
Glen Rock Gazette
Glen Rock and Ridgewood officials met on Nov. 13 to discuss additional studies of a proposed shared public works complex on Prospect Avenue.
At a Glen Rock Borough Council meeting that evening, Mayor John van Keuren said that he and Borough Administrator Lenora Benjamin met with their Ridgewood counterparts, to explore the next steps in the proposed development of municipal garage facilities serving both towns at the Ridgewood-owned site.
He referred to environmental impact and “capacity” studies that Ridgewood officials have estimated will cost approximately $60,000. The apparent decision by both towns to proceed follows preliminary feasibility and “truck turning” analyses already performed at the site by Conklin Associates, a Ramsey-based engineering firm.
The municipalities had split the $5,250 cost of those studies, and presumably will co-fund the subsequent workups, although van Keuren had not confirmed that as of the Glen Rock Gazette’s press deadline this week. Neither has it been disclosed what share of total costs would be borne by Glen Rock should the project proceed to completion.
At the council meeting, Glen Rock resident Jim Seaton raised questions about the suitability of the Prospect Avenue location, which is adjacent to Ridgewood’s water treatment facility
Vision for Ridgewood street will get second look by planning board
Thursday November 21, 2013, 3:05 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Economic and real estate climates have changed drastically since Ridgewood established a redevelopment plan specific to the North Walnut Street area, and municipal officials now believe they might require a new or revised vision for one of the most underdeveloped sections of town.
Planning Board members have been tasked with reviewing the land use standards for the zone’s existing redevelopment plan, which was adopted by the village’s governing body in 2007. The assignment, bestowed upon the board by a Ridgewood Council resolution that passed last week, comes in light of a developer’s pitch made earlier this year to bring an assisted living facility to downtown.
In June, representatives of Kensington Senior Development outlined a preliminary draft of a plan to construct a mixed-use, assisted living and retail complex at the municipal parking lot along North Walnut Street and Franklin Avenue. The company, headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., also offered to shoulder all costs of constructing a public parking garage at the site.
Kensington has not appeared before the Village Council or the Planning Board since its presentation this spring, but municipal officials have confirmed the company’s continued interest in the site. Additionally, The Ridgewood News has observed Kensington officers, including co-founder Harley Cook, at the location in recent weeks.
Ridgewood mayor says police believe student’s robbery report is unfounded
Thursday, November 21, 2013 Last updated: Thursday November 21, 2013, 9:51 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
RIDGEWOOD — A police investigation into an alleged slashing incident reported by a student has revealed no such attack occurred, according to Mayor Paul Arohsohn.
That conclusion was reinforced Thursday evening in a media statement issued by Police Chief John M. Ward that said no current danger exists as a result of the report.
A Ridgewood High School student had reported the alleged assault to school staff Wednesday afternoon. School staff relayed the account — that a man followed the juvenile for several blocks before approaching him with a knife and attempting to steal his backpack — to police, who opened an investigation.
That story, Aronsohn said Thursday, was just that.
“At this point, there is no evidence to confirm that the alleged crime was actually committed,” Aronsohn said. “The investigation is still ongoing.”
I realize that everyone has been rightfully frightened as a result of yesterday’s alleged slashing/ attempted robbery and I would like to take this opportunity to alleviate your fears and concerns.
After an exhaustive investigative effort we can now confirm that there was not, nor is there now any current threat to public safety or our children from the alleged slashing/attempted robbery incident which was reported to our police department yesterday.
As many of you have witnessed our community takes the safety of our children very seriously and will mobilize and take all necessary steps to ensure their safety. I would like to thank everyone for their support and cooperation in this matter.
Please be assured that we will continue with our increased presence in and around our schools along with patrols both marked and unmarked which have been in place since the previous attempted luring incident earlier this month.
I will apologize for not being able to provide more details on the matter, however there are portions of the investigation which are still ongoing.
You Get What You Deserve : Older hill aides shocked by Obamacare prices
By JONATHAN ALLEN and JENNIFER HABERKORN | 11/21/13 6:00 PM EST
Veteran House Democratic aides are sick over the insurance prices they’ll pay under Obamacare, and they’re scrambling to find a cure.
“In a shock to the system, the older staff in my office (folks over 59) have now found out their personal health insurance costs (even with the government contribution) have gone up 3-4 times what they were paying before,” Minh Ta, chief of staff to Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), wrote to fellow Democratic chiefs of staff in an email message obtained by POLITICO. “Simply unacceptable.”
A game called “Point-em-out, Knock-em-out” has made its way to Lansing, and it’s exactly how it sounds. The game consists of someone being randomly targeted, then attacked.
It’s a game that has been growing with popularity on the internet, with teenagers filming themselves punching unsuspecting victims. Lansing had its first case of the game brought to light this summer, but it’s possible that it has been happening under the radar for months.
On February 26th a man waiting for his six-year-old daughter to be dropped off from school, had no idea he would be the city’s first reported victim.
“I saw the van circle twice, and the second time three kids came out. I didn’t suspect anything. I hadn’t any enemies, or any reason to believe they would be looking to do anything to me.”
We are not revealing the victim’s identity for his protection.
The victim was attacked by 17-year-old Marvell Weaver. But Weaver did more than try to knock his victim out, he tried to do it with a taser. Luckily for the victim, the taser didn’t work and he was able to protect himself with his concealed-carry .40 caliber pistol.
“He shoved something into my side. I wasn’t sure what it was. It had some force to it. I wasn’t sure if it was a knife or a gun,” said the victim.
Weaver was shot twice, in the leg and an inch away from his spine. He’s been sentenced to a year in jail for the attack, but he admits he’s getting off easy.
“It was just a lesson learned. I wish I hadn’t played the game at all,” said Weaver.
Rep Garrett Demands More Government Openness
November 20th 2013
Dear Friend,
For the second time, I took to the House Floor this morning to draw attention to Secretary Jack Lew’s stonewalling. More than five months ago, I sent a letter to Sectary Lew asking three very simple questions: when did you find out about the IRS’ targeting of the American people; did you participate in any of the dozens of meetings then-IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman had at the White House; and, did you have any knowledge of rumors relating to the targeting of Americans?
Unfortunately, rather than simply answering my questions and putting to bed the appearance of impropriety, Secretary Lew continues to ignore my questions.
Today, I ask you to join me in demanding the openness that President Obama once promised us.
New Jersey Laborers Union Endorses Kathleen Donovan for Re-Election as Bergen Executive
(Hackensack. N.J.) One of the state’s most powerful unions, the New Jersey Laborers Union, endorsed Kathleen Donovan for re-election as Bergen County Executive today, citing her strong record of reforming county government, encouraging and attracting economic growth, and creating family-sustaining jobs for local residents.
With more than 20,000 members statewide–including 3,000 members of Building Laborers Local 3 and 8,000 members of General and Heavy Construction Laborers Local 472 representing Northern New Jersey–the New Jersey Laborers Union is committing its vast resources to the Donovan re-election campaign.
Laborers Vice-President and Eastern Regional Manager Raymond M. Pocino praised Donovan’s competence and commitment to Bergen County as the primary reason for the union endorsement “Since taking office three years ago, Kathe Donovan has improved county services and crafted policies that help residents and support and attract business,” said Pocino. “Our membership is greatly appreciative of what she has done to help Bergen County move forward.”
Donovan said she is extremely pleased with the endorsement of the Laborer’s union and welcomes the backing of the men and women who build our roads, construct our buildings and represent the families that are the backbone of our communities.”
Donovan, who will be seeking re-election to a second four-year term as county executive, following her 20 year career as Bergen County Clerk, said she will continue to fight for economic growth in the region, citing her support for the construction of the new $330 million LG Corporate Headquarters in Englewood Cliffs and the completion of the $3.7 billion American Dream Projection the Meadowlands. These projects are expected to create 11,000 construction jobs and 16,000 permanent jobs.
“I will continue to fight for good paying jobs in Bergen County and battle for sensible government reforms that help working families,” said Donovan.
According to Pocino, the union had very industry-specific reasons for supporting Donovan. “With regard to the New Jersey Laborers Union’s key industry—construction–Kathe Donovan has shown a keen understanding of the importance of responsible infrastructure investment and has implemented policies that raise both construction and community standards through the use of government policies such as Responsible Contractor Language and Project Labor Agreements.”
With the Bergen County Executive elections less than year away, it is anticipated that hundreds of laborers will volunteer time to the campaign through phone banking, voter registration drives, get out the vote drives, and member-to-member education. The New Jersey Laborers Union backed Kathe Donovan in 2010, as well.
The New Jersey Laborers Union is affiliated with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), and represents more than 20,000 members statewide in various industries, including construction, clean energy, environmental remediation, sanitation and recycling, security, and education. The New Jersey Laborers are widely viewed as having been instrumental in helping to lift living standards and workplace safety for employees in construction, clean energy, and hazardous materials removal, and for developing innovative cooperative relationships with employers.
Top N.J. economic adviser calls for tax cuts
Wednesday November 20, 2013, 3:51 PM
BY ANGELA DELLI SANTI AND GEOFF MULVIHILL
Associated Press
TRENTON — Lawmakers and economists dove back into the long-running debate Wednesday of whether the state can afford the broad tax cut that is one of Gov. Chris Christie’s top priorities for a second term.
One of Christie’s chief economic advisers told a gathering of economists in Trenton that the state can afford it. Meanwhile, lawmakers at a conference in Atlantic City debated the point.
Christie, a Republican who is seen as a possible presidential contender in 2016, proposed a tax cut last year. Lawmakers ultimately killed the proposal last year, saying the state budget could not handle a cut; and indeed, the state’s surplus for the budget year that ended June 30 was smaller than anticipated. Christie rejected the Legislature’s plan to link tax cuts for some to a higher income tax rate for high earners.
But on Wednesday, New Jersey Council of Economic Advisers chairman Robert Grady told economists and others at the state government-organized economic growth summit that the state can afford it now. He said revenue was up about 7 percent last year and is expected to rise about 5 percent this year.
“The economy is stabilized enough,” Grady said. “It will assist in both job creation, job retention and business attraction.”
State Extends New Jersey’s Homestead credit deadline
November 21, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey homeowners will have more time to apply for property tax credits. Officials announced on Wednesday that the New Jersey’s Homestead credit deadline would extend . The new deadline for applying for Homestead credits to Dec. 31. The original deadline was this Friday.
According to the AP ,the Treasury Department says the change will allow more people to apply. The state has only received about half of the total number of applications it expects to be filed, and officials say it’s unlikely that all eligible filers would meet the upcoming deadline.(https://www.northjersey.com/news/New_Jerseys_Homestead_credit_deadline_extended_.html#sthash.CUcQRQHm.dp )
Senior citizens and disabled homeowners with incomes under $150,000 are eligible for the tax credit, as are other homeowners with incomes under $75,000.
Ridgewood YMCA Christmas Tree Lot Opens November 29th!
Looking for the perfect tree this year? The Ridgewood YMCA’s annual Christmas Tree lot will open at 6pm on Friday, November 29 with a selection of Balsam and Fraser trees in sizes to fit any home.
All proceeds from tree sales benefit the Ridgewood YMCA Good Works Programs.
Through its Good Works Programs, the Ridgewood Y addresses community needs and strives to serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. “Buying a tree from the Y is a great way to make a difference in the community and get a wonderful tree at the same time”, says Gary Imhoff, Marketing and Membership Director at the Y.
The Christmas tree lot also sells wreaths, roping and other holiday items.
Opening hours for the tree lot are Fridays from 6pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 9am to 9pm and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The lot will remain open until December 22.
The Ridgewood Y Christmas Tree lot is located at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood, NJ.
Ridgewood Named as one of the best places to find a job in New Jersey
November 21, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , According to a study done by Nerdwallet Paramus, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn and Bergenfield are among the best places in New Jersey for job seekers .
NerdWallet crunched the numbers to find the best places for job seekers in New Jersey by asking the following questions:
1-Is the city growing? We assessed growth in the working-age population, ages 16 and older, from 2009 to 2011 to ensure that the city was attracting workers and exhibiting a trend of upward population growth.
2-Can you afford to live in the city comfortably? We looked at a city’s median household income to see if workers made a good living. We also analyzed the monthly homeowner costs, including mortgage payments, to see if the city had a reasonable cost of living.
3-Are most people employed? We looked at the unemployment rate.
NerdWallet Concluded that Ridgewood is a close proximity to New York City . Ridgewood saw a 2.7 percent increase in the working-age population from 2009 to 2011, and households earn a median income of $154,348 in 2011, the highest on the list. Additionally, the unemployment rate in August 2013 was only 5.4 percent.
Valley Health Systems head quartered in Ridgewood is a large employer in the region. and Bergen County’s Economic Development Corporation provides local businesses the information and resources necessary to expand.
Now we don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade , but when did Ridgewood become affordable ? and what exactly has Bergen County’s Economic Development Corporation done for the CBD in the town and many commuters might argue that the daily commute is not so inexpensive .
So it looks like we are left with Valley Hospital ,its a nice plug but we are not sure Valley has been a boom for economic growth in the community ?
Reader: with development comes more parking issues
I am typically pro development as long as it’s well thought out. So let’s think about a parking garage.
Parking rates will need to economically sustain the cost of building the garage, so they will be higher than the meter rates around town. That will create an imbalance, and people will park in the garage only as a last resort. People who live in Ridgewood (and pay for all this) will also face the squeeze (unless Ridgewood pulls a Hoboken and blocks out street parking areas for residents only).
Fast forward: some bright bulb with a newly minted MBA interns in Village Hall, and realizes that the Village could capitalize on the imbalance between street parking prices and garage parking prices. They commission a “study”, a red herring really, but someone’s friend could use the money so why not. The “study” will reveal the obvious: The Village can raise the price of on-street parking to be more in line with the garage prices because, you guessed it, fuck you, that’s why.
If that’s what you want, then stick your head back in the sand.
Ridgewood NJ, On November 19, 2013 Lt Glenn Ender, Ptl Kyle Finch and Sean Amoruso responded to a Best Court residence attempting to locate a person for the Saddle River Police Department. Anthony Ventura 20 of Ridgewood had a warrant issued by the Saddle River Municipal Court.
While attempting to arrest the accused he resisted and assaulted Ptl Finch. The accused was charged with Aggravated assault on a Police Officer and resisting arrest. He was then turned over to the Saddle River Police Department.
