Photo by Ereny Milad Seaside Heights looks like early Sunday evening… storm didn’t even hit yet
WEATHER ALERT : Hurricane Sandy still remains hundreds of miles away from New Jersey
October 29.2012
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Hurricane Sandy still remains hundreds of miles away from New Jersey but the superstorm has been making its approach known, with high winds, rough surf and coastal flooding. Landfall is expected near Barnegat between 7 and 11pm tonight.
According to News 12 New Jersey Meteorologist James Gregorio , Hurricane Sandy is about 425 miles southeast of New York City and the center of the storm is expected to be near the Jersey Shore late tonight.( https://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=338541&position=1&news_type=news®ion_name=NJ®ionId=2&utm_source=News12NJ&utm_medium=twitter )
Gregorio says the storm has top sustained winds of 75 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the storm’s center and a potentially lethal storm surge of 4 to 11 feet across much of the region. The punishing winds that could cause widespread power outages. ( https://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=338541&position=1&news_type=news®ion_name=NJ®ionId=2&utm_source=News12NJ&utm_medium=twitter)
Over $60,000 in Welfare Spent Per Household in Poverty
3:27 PM, OCT 26, 2012 • BY DANIEL HALPER
New data compiled by the Republican side of the Senate Budget Committee shows that, last year, the United States spent over $60,000 to support welfare programs per each household that is in poverty. The calculations are based on data from the Census, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congressional Research Services.
“According to the Census’s American Community Survey, the number of households with incomes below the poverty line in 2011 was 16,807,795,” the Senate Budget Committee notes. “If you divide total federal and state spending by the number of households with incomes below the poverty line, the average spending per household in poverty was $61,194 in 2011.”
This dollar figure is almost three times the amount the average household on poverty lives on per year. “If the spending on these programs were converted into cash, and distributed exclusively to the nation’s households below the poverty line, this cash amount would be over 2.5 times the federal poverty threshold for a family of four, which in 2011 was $22,350 (see table in this link),” the Republicans on the Senate Budget Committee note.
Keller Williams Reaches Out to Neighbors offers a Safe port in the storm
Al Donohue
If you lose power during the storm, and our Market Center retains power, please make use of it as a 2nd home. We have two refrigerators, lots of power outlets, a big training center with lots of room for sleeping bags and 4 flat-screen TV’s for the kids. Luckily, even without power, your homes should not get too cold.
However, if your kids are not comfortable sleeping in a dark house or can’t live without a TV or a fully charged iPhone then spend a night or two (or more) at the market center. We will show movies on the TV’s, stock the market center with food and try to make everyone as comfortable as possible.
We’ve also had several agents whose homes have not flooded and have retained power in previous storms volunteer their homes for use during the storm. No one knows exactly how this will play out but we just want you to know that your Keller Williams Family is here to help you, and your family, any way we can
Ridgewood Public Schools closed on Monday, October 29th and Tuesday, October 30th
10.28.12: IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
4:50 P.M.: The Ridgewood Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 29th and Tuesday, October 30th due to Hurricane Sandy. We will continue to monitor the situation. Please take proper precautions. We will continue to send information out from the Ridgewood Office of Emergency Management. You still can sign up to get these important messages from Village directly by going to the Village website at www.ridgewoodnj.net and look for E-notices on the right side of the page.
Thank you and be safe.
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D
Superintendent
Ridgewood Public Schools
Diabetes Foundation and Ridgewood YMCA To Host “Everything Diabetes” Health Fair
October 26,2012
Ridgewood NJ, On Saturday morning, November 10th, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. and the Ridgewood YMCA will hold an informational health fair titled “Everything Diabetes”. The event will provide information, advice, and resources for those living with diabetes, and those who are looking to prevent it. The morning will offer free health screenings, include eye health, foot, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings; fitness and BMI assessments; and other types of testing, all free of charge. Certified diabetes educators, dietitians and other medical professionals will be available to discuss nutrition, weight loss, diabetic medications and supplies, physical activity, behavior change, complications, and signs and symptoms for those at risk. Hourly educational seminars on nutrition and other related topics will be presented by various professionals in the field, including the Valley Hospital. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask the experts if you have a particular concern. Attendees will enjoy giveaways, cooking demonstrations, and refreshments from vendors and local businesses and healthcare professionals. Admission is free. The fair will be held from 9:00am to 1:00 pm at the Ridgewood YMCA, 112 Oak St., Ridgewood, NJ.
Since 1990, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc, located in Paramus, has been improving the care and quality of life for people living with diabetes throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area. The Foundation serves a population that lives day-to-day with this serious chronic disorder and needs help “now” in managing their disease. Programs of the Foundation include: assistance with medications and supplies to those in financial need; camp sponsorships for diabetic children; and, free public education programs on diabetes-related topics.
The Ridgewood YMCA welcomes and supports children and families by teaching the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. There are programs of interest to everyone-girls, boys, men and women, of all ages, races, religions, incomes and abilities. The YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Membership is open to all.
For further information about the event, contact the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. at 201-444-0337 or [email protected].
New Executive Pastry Chef at Park Steak House
October 27,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood bliog
Ridgewood NJ, The Park Steak House has named Jessie Cecala as their new executive pastry chef .After graduating from Johnson & Wales, Jessie went on to work at some of Northern New Jersey’s best restaurants. Jessie is also owner of her own business called “Desserts by Jessie” that specializes in cakes and biscotti.
With Jessie on board here are some new desserts that will be featured on the new fall dessert menu:
TRIO OF POT DE CREMES: Dark Chocolate Chambord – Milk Chocolate Baileys , White Chocolate Grand Marnier
GROWN UP S’MORES: Kahlua Ganache – Graham Cracker Bottom , Toasted Homemade Marshmallow Fluff Mini Shot of Hot Chocolate
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE BLACKOUT : Devils Food Cake – Blackout Filling,Tahitian Vanilla Gelato – Caramel Mousse
Red Hawaiian Salt
MINI PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE: Pecan Crust – Spiced Caramel Sauce
American Dream Mall project more than just a White Elephant and complements sports neighbors
By Kathleen A. Donovan Bergen County Executive and John D. Mitchell Chairman of the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders
October 25,2012
The Record
WOODY JOHNSON, Steve Tisch and John Mara have an obligation to fans of the New York Jets and New York Giants to put a winning football team on the field. We have an obligation to the people of New Jersey to promote economic development in Bergen County. We don’t tell the Jets whether to start Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow and we do not need them to tell us how to jumpstart the economy in Bergen County and the region.
American Dream Meadowlands is prepared to put 9,000 construction workers on the job, turning this opportunity into a viable economic engine for the region. They are prepared to create 15,000 new permanent jobs. The only thing standing in their way are the two New York Teams with a misguided view of protecting their economic interests from perceived competition for entertainment dollars.
At a recent New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority hearing, Mara, representing both teams, worried that amusement attractions and a water park will impact his debt payments on Metlife Stadium. But investors are not worried. The teams just sold the naming rights to the fourth and final cornerstone entrance to their stadium. Would an astute business enterprise have made that deal with the teams if they felt somehow a water park would scare fans away from professional football games? Of course not.
Many fans bemoan the loss of the old Giant stadium and the imposition of personal seat licenses by the teams. The Jets and Giants rejected plans to upgrade the old facility at an estimated cost of $250 million. They choose to keep up with the Joneses – as in Jerry Jones in Dallas. They opted to build a new stadium that, with cost overruns, came in at $1.6 billion. That is their right. It is the American way.
They chose debt
Mara worries about debt on the stadium. But it is debt he and his partners chose to incur.
Let’s look behind the numbers. The NFL contributed a reported $300 million to the construction of the stadium. They gave the teams the opportunity to reap the financial reward of hosting the Super Bowl.
The New York Jets and New York Giants fans were hit with personal seat license fees that were geared to raise another $800 million. So how much debt do Johnson, Tisch and Mara really have? The public does not know. But we doubt we will need to throw a benefit for them anytime soon.
The New York teams tell us their fight against American Dream Meadowlands is all about traffic. We all would like to leave our homes, work sites and, yes, entertainment venues without encountering any traffic on our drive to our next destination. But this is New Jersey and traffic is a fact of life every day, not just when the teams are playing.
We are resourceful, we plan trips around traffic. You try to avoid major highway arteries during the holiday season. You don’t drive by the neighborhood school when the kids are being dropped off in the morning. You probably won’t choose to leave the water park and amusement area as a football game is concluding. And if you are at the game, you likely will come over to American Dream for a post-game meal or to visit the attractions while the traffic is dissipating.
A win-win for everyone
American Dream Meadowlands will complement, not complicate, life for the teams and their fans. If the teams, developers and Sports Authority work together to enhance the total game day experience for both patrons and fans, this will be a win-win for everyone.
And, most importantly, people – 9,000 construction workers and 15,000 people with permanent jobs, and all the ancillary jobs created – will go back to work in Bergen County.
THIS IS AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE RIDGEWOOD OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
HURRICANE SANDY IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT OUR AREA AS EARLY AS SUNDAY NIGHT. WIND GUSTS COULD REACH 75 MPH CAUSING SIGNFICANT RISK TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. MAJOR FLOODING IS ALSO EXPECTED.
RESDIENTS ARE WARNED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PREPARE.
SECURE OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND OTHER LOOSE OBJECTS.
MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IF YOU ARE IN A FLOOD-PRONE AREA.
BE PREPARED TO SELF-EVACUATE. ALSO BE PREPARED TO SHELTER IN PLACE, WITH AT LEAST A 3 DAY SUPPLY OF FOOD AND WATER.
IF YOU MUST GO OUTSIDE, AVOID DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES. AND STAY AWAY FROM FLOOD WATERS.
CALLL 9-1-1 ONLY FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES.
Christie Administration Announces Full Suspension of NJ Transit Service, Beginning this Afternoon. The systematic shutdown of NJ TRANSIT service will require a minimum of 12 hours to complete. Bus, Light Rail, Access Link to Suspend Operations at 2:00 am. Atlantic City Line to Close by 4:00 pm Due to Evacuation of Atlantic City; All Other Lines to Begin Shutdowns Later This Evening.
Port Authority will shut down all PATH train service and stations will be shutdown at 12:01 am Monday, October 29 until further notice due to Hurricane Sandy.
The MTA has been directed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to begin an orderly shutdown and suspension of all subway, bus and commuter railroad service at 7 p.m. Sunday. NY Subway services will begin an orderly suspension of service at 7 p.m. this evening , and 9:00 p.m. for buses.
Governor Chris Christie announces Monday closure of state offices ahead of hurricane Sandy .
Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas in New York City . New York City also announced the closings of New York City school system .
Christie Administration Begins Preparations For Possible NJ TRANSIT System Shutdown
TRENTON, NJ –The Christie Administration has announced that preparations have officially begun for the potential shutdown of NJ TRANSIT bus, rail, light rail and Access Link service, effective Monday, October 29. This preliminary step is being implemented as the statewide transportation agency continues preparations for Hurricane Sandy.
“The safety of our customers, employees and the public-at-large is paramount,” said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson. “By beginning this important process, NJ TRANSIT will be better able to support the state’s response to Hurricane Sandy by freeing up buses or other resources that may be needed for hurricane relief.”
During Hurricane Irene, NJ TRANSIT implemented a full-scale system shutdown spanning nearly 36 hours. This decision is credited with saving billions in NJ TRANSIT assets, which enabled NJ TRANSIT to restart service with all equipment available for use. Additionally, no customer or employee injuries were reported during this time.
The systematic shutdown of NJ TRANSIT service will require a minimum of 12 hours to complete. The process requires the relocation and securing of buses, rail equipment and other NJ TRANSIT assets away from flood-prone areas. It also requires complete coordination with state and local officials throughout the process.
It is important to specifically note that this step is being taken solely as a precautionary measure. No final decisions have been made regarding any potential future service suspension.
Earlier today, Governor Christie announced system-wide cross-honoring of all rail, bus and light rail tickets starting Monday, 12:00 a.m. and continuing through Wednesday, 6 a.m. This important step will allow customers holding NJ TRANSIT tickets to use alternate means of transportation to get to their final destination, such as PATH, PATCO and private bus carriers. Due to the duration of the storm and the potential impact to the NJ TRANSIT system, this timeframe could be extended if necessary.
NJ TRANSIT PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE SANDY
Rail and Light Rail Operations
NJ TRANSIT’s maintenance forces continue inspecting culverts, drainage pipes and rights-of-way to ensure they are clear of blockages that could exacerbate flooding and disrupt service.
NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to respond to downed trees, wires and flooding.
Bus and Access Link Operations
NJ TRANSIT Bus and Access Link maintenance and support staff will be on standby 24/7 to respond where needed.
Customer Service
Customer Service Field Offices will extend their hours of operations if necessary.
The Transit Information Office (TIC) – NJ TRANSIT’s call center, is also prepared to extend its hours if necessary.
TRAVEL ADVICE
For the latest travel information, customers should listen to broadcast traffic reports, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT prior to starting your trip.
In the event of service delays or adjustments, including the suspension of service, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, floors and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or to NJ TRANSIT staff.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE : FLOOD WATCH
554 AM EDT SUN OCT 28 2012
…SIGNIFICANT FLOODING POSSIBLE MONDAY INTO TUESDAY…
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY AFTERNOON…
THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT…NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND
SOUTHEAST NEW YORK…INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS…IN
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT…NORTHERN FAIRFIELD…NORTHERN
MIDDLESEX…NORTHERN NEW HAVEN…NORTHERN NEW LONDON…
SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD…SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX…SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN
AND SOUTHERN NEW LONDON. IN NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…EASTERN
BERGEN…EASTERN ESSEX…EASTERN PASSAIC…EASTERN UNION…
HUDSON…WESTERN BERGEN…WESTERN ESSEX…WESTERN PASSAIC AND
WESTERN UNION. IN SOUTHEAST NEW YORK…BRONX…KINGS
(BROOKLYN)…NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)…NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK…
NORTHERN NASSAU…NORTHERN QUEENS…NORTHERN WESTCHESTER…
NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK…ORANGE…PUTNAM…RICHMOND (STATEN
ISLAND)…ROCKLAND…SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK…SOUTHERN NASSAU…
SOUTHERN QUEENS…SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER AND SOUTHWESTERN
SUFFOLK.
* FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON
* A DANGEROUS COASTAL STORM IS EXPECTED TO BRING BETWEEN 2 AND 6
INCHES OF RAIN EARLY MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY. THE HIGHEST
RAINFALL AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS…IN
AREAS THAT EXPERIENCE PROLONGED HEAVY RAIN BANDS AS WELL AS
AREAS THAT ARE NEAR THE CENTER OF CIRCULATION OF THE STORM.
file Photo Boyd Loving
RAINFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR ARE POSSIBLE IN THE
HEAVIEST BANDS.
* THESE RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL CA– USE WIDESPREAD URBAN AND POOR
DRAINAGE FLOODING MONDAY MORNING INTO TUESDAY…WITH FLOODING
OF FLASHY…FAST RESPONDING STREAMS LIKELY AS WELL. THE URBAN
AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING WILL LIKELY BE EXACERBATED BY
FALLEN LEAVES CLOGGING DRAINS…AND ALONG COASTAL AREAS DURING
THE TIMES OF HIGH TIDE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON
CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE
ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO
FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING
DEVELOP.
How to Report Power Outages and Downed Power Lines
In preparation for Hurricane Sandy, expected to hit New Jersey early next week, local utility companies have provided information on how customers can stay safe and report power disruptions and downed power lines.
PSE&G Customers:To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly.
The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information.Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com.
General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at https://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress.
Housing proposal in Ridgewood revisited
Friday October 26, 2012, 1:51 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
After many months, a proposal to construct a mixed-use residential and commercial building on North Maple Avenue has resurfaced before Ridgewood zoning officials.
Ridgewood developer John Saraceno has filed a zoning application and is seeking a number of bulk and use variances to construct The Enclave, a mixed-use building that, if approved by the Ridgewood Board of Adjustment, will incorporate the existing commercial space with a new five-story residential addition.
As stated in the application, the former Sealfons building at 253-257 E. Ridgewood Ave. will remain relatively intact while the construction of the residential area will take place along North Maple Avenue next to the Brake-O-Rama site on Franklin Avenue. The five-story addition includes a parking area for the dwelling units as well as limited spots for visitors and the area businesses.
According to project architect David Minno, who spoke at Tuesday’s zoning board meeting, the developer’s planners and engineers scaled down the application from when it was initially introduced. Though unforeseen circumstances prevented the applicant from presenting new expert testimony during this week’s hearing, Saraceno and his representatives reviewed the changes that were made.
“We listened to the [zoning] board’s comments and to the public,” Minno said, referring to September’s board of adjustment meeting.
As of October 24th 4,900 (65%) properties have been inspected. A map showing the progress is available by clicking here. ( https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/assmt/2013_reassmt/Inspection_progress_map.pdf ) The inspection procedure calls for an exterior inspection with an attempt to make an interior inspection.
Properties are being inspected between the hours of 9am – 5pm. If a homeowner is not home, we are performing an exterior inspection, verifying the existing data. If anyone in an area that is shown as completed and did not have an interior inspection but would like one, they are welcome to call Appraisal Systems at 201-493-8530 to set up an interior appointment at a mutually convenient time.
It is our goal to inspect as many interiors as possible. We anticipate finishing the assessments and sending out the valuation letters to property owners in February. The informal hearings will then be held throughout the month of February and the first couple weeks of March.
Ridgewood News Op-Ed: A vision for downtown
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012
BY MAYOR PAUL ARONSOHN AND DEPUTY MAYOR ALBERT PUCCIARELLI
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Ridgewood’s downtown is at a crossroads.
Having survived the past few challenging years, there is a new sense of life and vitality in our Central Business District. Grand openings, expanded stores and a range of programs – from the Guild’s “Amazing Race” to the Chamber’s Fashion Show – are generating excitement and a lot of buzz.
This is an important moment in the life of our community, and it is incumbent upon all of us to seize it and make the most of it.
To that end, we offer our vision of Ridgewood’s downtown – a vision rooted in a profound appreciation of our village’s past and a steadfast commitment to its future.
1. Ridgewood needs high-end apartments.
2. Ridgewood needs a performing arts center.
3. Ridgewood needs parking decks/garages.
4. Ridgewood needs to be more business-friendly.
