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The Forced Overdevelopment Game Just Got Harder to Play for Developers in New Jersey

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NJ Supreme Court Hands Towns a Massive Win: developers must now prove their projects will not substantially undermine local zoning plans before they can gain approval

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Montvale NJ, In a landmark decision that completely reshapes the landscape of real estate development in New Jersey, the N.J. Supreme Court has handed local municipalities a monumental victory.

The state’s highest court ruled unanimously that developers seeking use variances for “inherently beneficial” projects—such as senior living facilities, hospitals, schools, and childcare centers—must now prove their projects will not substantially undermine local zoning plans before they can gain approval.

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Massive Heat Wave Grips NJ, NY, and CT: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe This Week

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Dangerous Heat and Compromised Air Quality Grip the Tri-State Area: How to Stay Safe

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The National Weather Service (NWS) in New York has issued a multi-day Heat Advisory alongside a major Air Quality Alert for portions of northeast New Jersey, southeast New York, and southern Connecticut.

With heat index values expected to peak at a staggering 101°F, local meteorologists and environmental agencies are urging residents to take immediate precautions against heat-related illnesses and poor air conditions.

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The E-Bike Era in NJ Has Changed Forever: Strict New Registration Rules Take Effect This Week

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The E-Bike Era Changes Forever : NJ’s Aggressive New E-Bike Law Means for You

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood  NJ, If you ride an electric bicycle in the Garden State, your daily commute or weekend recreation is about to look completely different. New Jersey’s highly anticipated and strictly regulated new e-bike laws are taking effect this Thursday, bringing an end to the unregulated, wild-west era of micromobility.

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‘Unprecedented’ Summer Emergency: Extreme Weather Triggers Critical Blood Shortage in NY and NJ

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Blood Supply Plunges to Post-Pandemic Low: New York Blood Center Declares Unprecedented Second Summer Emergency

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The regional blood supply across New York and New Jersey has plummeted to its lowest level since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the New York Blood Center (NYBC) to issue a historic, second emergency declaration this summer.

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Vote Early Vote Often: PA Woman Pleads Guilty to Election Fraud in NJ-PA Double Voting Case

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 A Tale of Two Ballots: How a 2024 Double-Voting Scheme Spanning NJ and PA Unraveled

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A high-profile interstate election fraud case has concluded with a federal guilty plea, highlighting the ongoing efforts of local and federal law enforcement to protect ballot integrity.

A 40-year-old Philadelphia resident has officially pleaded guilty to one count of voting more than once in a federal election. The case, which spanned across state lines between northern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, involved casting multiple ballots during the 2024 presidential election.

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Paul Juliano Re-Elected as Bergen County Democratic Chairman; Executive Jim Tedesco Issues Statement

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Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco Congratulates Paul Juliano on Decisive Re-Election as DCBC Chairman

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

PARAMUS, NJ — In a strong demonstration of party unity and forward momentum, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco has officially extended his congratulations to Paul Juliano following his successful re-election as Chairman of the Democratic Committee of Bergen County (DCBC).

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The $675M Exodus: Why Major Corporations Are Ditching New Jersey

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The Hidden Cost of New Jersey’s Corporate Exodus: 7,000+ Jobs and $675M in Payroll Gone

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton, NJ — When a major corporation packs up and leaves the Garden State, headlines usually focus on the immediate layoffs. But a startling new report reveals that the true economic damage runs far deeper, cutting straight into local school budgets, property values, and community infrastructure.

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A Ridgewood Resident’s Guide to Planning a Move

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Moving day in Bergen County is rarely simple. Narrow village streets, weekend parking rules, and the pull of nearby New York City all add friction. A little planning turns a stressful day into a routine one.

Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash

Family loading moving boxes into a truck on a tree lined suburban street

This guide is for Ridgewood and North Jersey residents weighing a move. Either way, the early choices set the tone. Booking a vetted mover such as Coastal Moving Services early gives you room to compare quotes and lock in a date. That single step removes most of the last-minute panic.

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Samsung Leaves Bergen County for Texas: A Wake-Up Call for NJ Economic Development

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Samsung Exits Bergen County: Why a Tech Giant’s Move to Texas Is a Massive Wake-Up Call for New Jersey

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Englewood Cliffs NJ, The corporate landscape in Northern New Jersey just took a major hit. Samsung’s recent decision to pack up its operations, leave Bergen County, and relocate to Texas serves as an urgent warning sign.

According to John Dinice, candidate for Bergen County Commissioner, the region is rapidly losing its competitive edge when it comes to attracting and retaining major employers.

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Burgers and BBQ in Bergen County NJ: 8 Must-Visit Restaurants According to Local Readers

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The Ultimate Bergen County BBQ & Burger Guide: 8 Local Favorites You Need to Try

photo Cubby’s BBQ

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, When it comes to comfort food, North Jersey doesn’t mess around. From the smoky, slow-cooked pits of authentic Southern barbecue to the sizzling, lacy-edged perfection of a classic smashburger, Bergen County is low-key a foodie paradise.

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Bergen County Forces Quiet Return of $57,000 in COVID Funds Following Federal Audit Shocker

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Bergen County Returns $57K in Pandemic Relief to Federal Government After Audit Flags Missing Records

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Even years after the height of the pandemic, federal oversight committees are still tracking down every dollar spent during the health emergency.

Case in point: Bergen County, New Jersey, has officially returned $57,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funding to Washington. The repayment comes after a sharp desk review by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Inspector General (OIG) revealed that local officials could not properly document a series of payroll bonuses distributed during the crisis.

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Is It Actually Legal to Ride a Bicycle on New Jersey Highways? What You Need to Know

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Can You Legally Ride a Bike on New Jersey Highways? Here is What the Law Says

photo courtesy of NJDOT

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, With unseasonably warm weather hitting the Garden State, many New Jersey residents are dusting off their handlebars, tuning up their gears, and ditching four wheels for two.

Whether you are cycling to crush your fitness goals, dodging skyrocketing gas prices, or commuting to work, traveling by bicycle is booming in North Jersey. But if you are trying to get from point A to point B in the Garden State, you will inevitably run into a major highway.

This raises a crucial safety and legal question for local riders: Is it actually legal to ride a bicycle on New Jersey highways? The short answer is yes—but with major exceptions. Here is a breakdown of what New Jersey traffic law actually says about highway cycling.

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Wanted: Multi-County Burglary Suspect at Large After Two-Year Investigation

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Bergen County towns hit by Cerdavera include Saddle River , Cresskill, Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Waldwick and Upper Saddle River

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Saddle River NJ, A major multi-agency investigation has pulled back the curtain on a high-stakes burglary pattern spanning Bergen and Morris Counties. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella recently announced serious charges against 41-year-old Rogelio B. Cerdavera, formerly of Paterson, NJ, following a series of sophisticated residential break-ins.

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NJ Hate Watch: Why Bergen County Just Topped the List for Antisemitic Incidents in 2025

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Antisemitism in NJ: Bergen County Named #1 Hotspot as Violence Reaches Record Highs

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A chilling new report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals that antisemitism is becoming “normalized” across the Garden State. While the nation saw a slight dip in overall incidents, New Jersey remains a volatile exception, ranking third in the nation for antisemitic acts, trailing only New York and California.

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Massive Bergen County Drug Bust: $520,000 Cash and “Pink Cocaine” Seized in NJ/NY Sting

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Bergen County Drug Ring Busted: $520K Cash and Massive Arsenal of “Pink Cocaine” & Weapons Seized

the staff of the ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — In a major blow to tri-state narcotics trafficking, authorities have dismantled a sophisticated drug distribution network operating out of Bergen County. Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the arrest of four local residents following a high-stakes investigation that uncovered over half a million dollars in cash, high-capacity firearms, and a staggering variety of illicit substances.

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