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Category: Village of Ridgewood
>“the Telephone Pole Solar Panel Rip-Off”
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“the Telephone Pole Solar Panel Rip-Off”
While I am finishing up part 5 of the series “the Telephone Pole Solar Panel Rip-Off”, I want to bring to everyone’s attention some interesting information that is being compiled on the operation of solar panels by Germany. The reason it should be of interest is because many in the state use Germany as a blueprint for New Jersey’s solar panel program.
Since the 1980’s the Green Party in Germany has pushed the country to invest enormous amounts of money in “Green” power projects. Because of this the installed solar cell base is 1.1 million power systems and is rated at 25 gigawatts. That might sound impressive until you convert is to megawatts and realize that it is 25,000 megawatts. That is about the same amount of electricity, if all of the cells are producing at the same time what would be produced by 25 average coal fired or nuclear powered generating plants.
To get this 25,000 megawatts Germany has paid a tremendous price. They have invested over 100 billion Euros to install these units and just recently the return on investment in the form of electricity from this expenditure was: ZERO.
Of course you will not read about this in the New York Times, Washington Post or on NBC, ABC or CBS since it does not support the green energy myth they have been pushing. You will though find out about these problems if you are an investor researching various companies in the alternative energy fields.
I was reading an article entitled Dark Clouds Threaten German Clean Energy Ambitions: Global Implications by John Peterson, an American living in Switzerland. This one quote really hit home:
“For weeks now, the 1.1 million solar power systems in Germany have generated almost no electricity.”
Because of this Germany has had to import electricity from France and Czech Republic. 100 billion Euros spent and they still have to import energy to heat and light their homes. Could this be the future of New Jersey? Well, some people want it that way and are willing to lie to us in order to make it so.
Writing at EcoOutfitters.net, Dawn Allcot compares Germany and New Jersey then makes this statement:
There’s a simple answer, and the proof is in the power. (So to speak…) Germany is currently the world’s leader in solar energy production. Last year, the country’s solar plants produced more than 13,000mw of solar energy – enough to power 4.3 million homes, according to an article on the BBC website about solar power in Europe.
And Germany isn’t exactly noted for its sunny, temperate weather. Let’s look at a snapshot of conditions in a few areas around Berlin today, according to Weather Underground:
• Scattered clouds
• Mostly cloudy
• Scattered Clouds
• Scattered Clouds
• Clear
• Mostly Cloudy…
This sure sounds a lot like the weather we get in New Jersey, and if we accepted what Allcot takes as gospel from the BBC, it might make sense for New Jersey to follow in Germany’s “green” footsteps. But before we open the checkbook, how about we consider this little piece of information by Alexander Neubacher at Spiegel Online International:
It gets worse:
https://conservativenewjersey.com/a-new-look-at-solar-panels
>‘Islamist Firster’ president not what he claimed
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‘Islamist Firster’ president not what he claimed
By Charles Hurt-The Washington Times
ANALYSIS/OPINION:
GOLAN HEIGHTS — Surveying the live minefields, cratered roads and mortar-pocked concrete buildings along the border here between Syria and Israel, it is hard not to be reminded of the historic and monumental disappointment President Obama has been.
When he was campaigning to become the most powerful man in the last standing superpower on Earth, he spoke passionately about changing the world, restoring America’s greatness and bringing more peace and fairness to everyone.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/31/hurt-islamist-firster-president-not-what-he-claime/
The Ridgewood Public Library and the Ridgewood Historical Society will jointly welcome Abraham Lincoln impersonator Robert Costello to Ridgewood on Sunday, February 5
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The Ridgewood Public Library and the Ridgewood Historical Society will jointly welcome Abraham Lincoln impersonator Robert Costello to Ridgewood on Sunday, February 5
The Ridgewood Public Library and the Ridgewood Historical Society will jointly welcome Abraham Lincoln impersonator Robert Costello to Ridgewood on Sunday, February 5. Costello, who serves on the Board of the North Jersey Civil War Roundtable, is a member of the New Jersey Civil War 150th Committee, and is the resident Lincoln at the Lehigh Valley Historical Museum, has portrayed President Lincolnfor the past 10 years before audiences young and old, traveling throughout the tri-state area. Students in grades 3 through 12 and adults are invited to the Ridgewood Library auditorium to hear his talk on the presidency and the Civil War.
Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and $10 for families. Buy tickets at the Schoolhouse Museum during open hours or by mail, sending a self-addressed stamped envelope, an order form, and a check made payable to the Ridgewood Historical Society to The Schoolhouse Museum, 650 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Following Lincoln’s talk, the Schoolhouse Museum will be open to welcome ticket holders to see the Civil War Years: At Home and on the Battlefield exhibit.
https://www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/localhistory/pdf/Lincoln%20Flier%20with%20Order%20Form.pdf
What happened to N.J. watershed management?
>What happened to N.J. watershed management?
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
BY RICHARD R. PARDI
THE RECORD
ABOUT five years ago, New Jersey, in response to a cycle of flooding and drought, instituted an ambitious plan of watershed management.
Since every resident in the state lives in a watershed, it was a matter of dividing the state into manageable areas. There are 20 delineated watershed areas. Some watershed areas, such as the Passaic River, are so large they are divided into three areas.
The Department of Environmental Protection was to have a representative in each of the watersheds (one DEP representative may cover more than one area), a utility (sewerage authority, water authority, gas and electric company), health departments, environmental commissions, academic institutions, community parks groups and public interest citizens. Management of each watershed had four components: public advisory, open space, technical advisory and education and outreach. It was one of the best ideas put forward by our state.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/131377823_What_happened_to_N_J__watershed_management_.html
Flood Warning
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FLOOD STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
652 AM EDT THU SEP 8 2011
...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON NY CONTINUES THE FLOOD WARNING FOR THE
RAMAPO RIVER AT MAHWAH...
HEAVY RAINFALL THROUGH THIS MORNING HAS RESULTED IN FLOODING OF THE RAMAPO RIVER.
MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUR. MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN
WITH RAINFALL AMOUNTS BETWEEN AN INCH TO TWO INCHES ARE POSSIBLE INTO THIS
EVENING...KEEPING THE RIVER LEVEL ELEVATED.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
PSE&G Hurricane Irene Update: Sep. 1, 2011 at 5:30 a.m.
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PSE&G Hurricane Irene Update: Sep. 1, 2011 at 5:30 a.m.
— Outage update: About 15,000 PSE&G customers remain impacted by Hurricane Irene, down from 33,000 as of last evening
— Estimated restoration: By Friday midnight for remaining customers in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties. By Sunday for last remaining customers in central NJ counties of Union, Middlesex and Somerset, where power restoration has been hampered by severe flooding.
— Worst storm in the company’s history impacted more than one-third of the utility’s 2.2 million electric customers.
— PSE&G has 6,000 employees supporting the restoration effort, including crews from Wisconsin, West Virginia, Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The crews are working around the clock.
— Flooding is also affecting gas service in counties such as Somerset and Passaic.
— Next update will be approx. 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 1.
FLOODED BASEMENTS
Flooded basements can pose a genuine safety risk. Customers should be cautious:
If they lose electricity and their basement is flooded, notify PSE&G (1-800-436-PSEG (7734) and call their municipality for direction and assistance in pumping water out of their basements. Stay away from the breaker box if it’s in a flooded basement. And don’t go into a flooded basement if energized wires are present.
If water is rising to the height of any gas appliance, the gas supply to the appliance should be turned off. If customers are unable to do so, they should contact PSE&G or their local police or fire department for assistance. To restore gas service to appliances call PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) and have the appliances checked for safety and restored to proper operation.
Customers should call PSE&G (1-800-436-PSEG (7734) immediately if they smell gas.
GENERATORS
Customers who use portable electric generators should carefully read and follow the manual that came with it. Be sure your generator is UL-approved, installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local electrical inspector. There must be a way to physically disconnect your generator from utility lines. Customers who improperly install, operate or maintain a generator are responsible for any injury or damage suffered by themselves, their neighbors or utility workers.
To report a power outage, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
>Why are MVC offices in flood plains?
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Congressmen Scott Garrett Tours Oakland, Westwood and Hillsdale to Inspect Flood Damage From Hurricane Irene
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Congressmen Scott Garrett (R) Tours Oakland, Westwood and Hillsdale to Inspect Flood Damage From Hurricane Irene
WASHINGTON, DC, August 30, 2011 – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) yesterday toured towns in Bergen County affected by flooding from Hurricane Irene. Garrett toured flood-damaged areas in Oakland with Mayor John Szabo, Westwood with Mayor John Birkner and Hillsdale with Mayor Max Arnowitz. He will be touring flood-damaged towns in Warren and Sussex counties today.
Rep. Scott Garrett tours flood damage in Oakland.
Westwood family takes Rep. Garrett on tour of flood-damaged home.
Hillsdale flood victims talk with Rep. Garrett.
“This is some of the worst flooding I’ve ever seen in North Jersey. Words cannot describe how heartbreaking it is to see so many homes and businesses under water,” said Garrett after touring the flood damage on Monday. “I will do everything in my power to make sure FEMA helps 5th District residents recover from this disaster. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to pitch in and lend a hand to neighbors in need. The best thing we can do right now is stick together as a community. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Storm Related Pickups – Random Collection through Sept. 20th 2011
> Storm Related Pickups – Random Collection through Sept. 20th 2011
Yardwaste – Storm Damage
Branches which have fallen as a result of the recent storm can be placed on house side of sidewalk…NOT at curb or street. Please do not block sidewalks or place in the street. We will randomly be going around town to collect storm debris. Do not call for at least 2 weeks for a missed pick up. Collection will be for branches only, not tree stumps.
Water Damage
If you have bulk garbage as a result of flooding, please place at the curb and it will be collected. Wednesday, August 31st is a scheduled bulk pick up for the West side. For the East side just place at the curb and it will be collected. PLEASE only debris as a result of flooding.
Pickup anticipated completed by Sept 20th. All yardwaste must be placed house side of sidewalk. Not on sidewalk or road area.
>Irene: could have been so much worse had it hit as a category one hurricane!
>Irene: could have been so much worse had it hit as a category one hurricane!
Mary Ann Copp
The headquarters firehouse property flooded considerably
during Irene, including the area where the proposed cell tower was to
sited. While the tower theoretically could be built on stilts so large
equipment cabinets would not be flooded, one wonders how stable that
arrangement would be. Further, there are no federal standards for wind
speeds cell towers must be constructed to withstand. A communications
industry committee recommends somewhere around 85 mph, far less
than sustained wind speeds that Irene hit in the south and were
predicted to hit here. That said, cell towers are not appropriate for
virtually all of Ridgewood because of the hazards they pose to the
public and property in this largely residential and very populated area.
Seventeen cell towers fell during the Joplin, MO, tornadoes this
year. Cell towers have fallen even in 55 mph winds. All this risk is
unnecessary because Distributed Antenna Systems, or DAS, provide the
same, if not better, cell coverage through tiny antennas mounted on
telephone poles and connected by fiber optic wires.
Getting back
to our flooded headquarters firehouse–despite the relocation of fire
trucks and other equipment, our firefighters provided outstanding
service in our neighborhood, which was inundated. Firefighters surveyed
our neighborhood for flooded basements–there were a few–by early
afternoon, and by 4 p.m. returned to pump water from basements. They
did so between providing assistance to neighboring towns. We are
fortunate to have such an outstanding fire department. We were unable to
travel very far from our neighborhood due to roads being closed due to
flooding, but roads were very quickly blocked to prevent motorists from
going into flooded areas or areas where trees and power lines were down.
So village workers were out in full force and helping protect the
public.
My husband did a survey early Sunday morning of the
HoHoKus Brook to determine why so much flood water was coming
down nearby George Street and into our street. He found that water was
backing up behind an old cement bridge, much of which had fallen into
the brook. The bridge used to serve as a driveway from North Maple
Avenue into a house located on the western corner of Burnside Place.
Later, water was observed pooling around the area of this fallen bridge
and moving toward the firehouse, recycling center and water company
properties. Burnside Place residents told my husband that they have
asked the village to remove the dilapidated bridge many times. Now that
we have learned the hard way that this old bridge and its
debris contributes to flooding of residences and village property, the
village should take immediate action to remove it. As this constitutes
illegal fill in a floodway, the NJ DEP would agree. Village residents
and village property should not be subject to unnecessary additional
flooding risk, nor should our headquarters firehouse have further
impediments thrown in the way of its vital emergency services.
Did United Water inadvertently cause power outage ?
>Did United Water inadvertently cause power outage ?
Rumors continue to fly that a major cause of the blackout that has hit Washington Twp, Paramus, Oradell, River Edge and several other towns in Bergen County was the release of water from the Oradell reservoir by United Water Resources that in turn inadvertently flooded the PSE&G New Milford substation .
United Water began lowering the level of the Oradell Reservoir in an attempt to minimize flooding in the New Milford and River Dell areas.
PSE&G after the first denial than is now admitting that if your power is out because of a flooded substation it could take up to 7 days to restore you power .
Contrary to the predictions that PSE&G was prepared for the storm ,the most obvious danger for a hurricane in the North East is flooding .
According to Kathleen A. Donovan’s Bergen County Executive’s Office, United Water has reported that on Monday, over a foot of water is expected to spill over the Oradell dam with significant flooding expected to occur south of the dam. The flooding will effect Oradell and River Edge residents.
Bernie Walsh : Kudos to OEM, EMS, Police and fire for job well done
>Bernie Walsh : Kudos to OEM, EMS, Police and fire for job well done
“Just walked the east side of brook with councilman Wellinghorst. Met
with neighbors along the way offering assistance if needed. Everyone
seemed to have weathered the storm ok. Some basement and backyard
flooding. Was notified early this morning that water was breaching
village hall. Excellent preparation minimized damage and disruption.
River is impassable and we told residents we saw to stay out of the
water.
Kudos to OEM, EMS, Police and fire for job well done.”
Bernie Walsh Village Council
Village Voices: Frank Del Vecchio
>Village Voices: Frank Del Vecchio
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Ridgewood News
Print | E-mail
Occupation: Chief of Police, Borough of Fairview.
Frank Del Vecchio, a 14-year village resident, said his back porch is his favorite place to relax in Ridgewood.
Age: 41.
How long I have lived in Ridgewood: 14 years.
Interests and hobbies: Politics, government, music and walking/biking.
My favorite place to relax in Ridgewood: My back porch.
A “perfect day” in Ridgewood would include: Taking in a Ridgewood football game, high school or junior. Playing football with my sons Christopher and Aaron, going on a bike ride with my daughter Kaylee, and enjoying a walk and dinner in town with my wife.
The best-kept secret in the village: Dad’s Night, but that is really not a secret.
The best thing about Ridgewood: The people.
One thing I would like to change in the village: The taxes.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Brook is in major need of dredging, deepening, and cleaning
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photo by Boyd Loving
The Ho-Ho-Kus Brook is in major need of dredging, deepening, and cleaning
No question about it: the turf field served to exacerbate the flooding conditions at RHS experienced yesterday. I can recall a graduation ceremony held at RHS in 2001 during which thunderstorms, of about the same severity and intensity as those we saw yesterday, rolled through the area before and during the ceremony. The grass was very wet, but the field did not flood.
Here is what is going wrong: the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook is in major need of dredging, deepening, and cleaning; too, rules governing the construction of structures and fences within the flood plain of the brook need to be enforced. These are a few of the reasons why we are seeing the HHK brook overflow its banks with increasing frequency. And, of course, the turf field: located within the flood plain, it does not absorb the water but rather it collects it. Hence an area of pooled water that is very much in evidence in the photos provided

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