Category: Bergen County

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People Continue to Flee the New York Metropolitan Region

realestate_forsale_theridgewoodblog

November 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, More people are leaving the New York region than any other major metropolitan area in the country. The New York Metro region includes Northern New Jersey, Connecticut, the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island .The out flow has in one year swelled from 187,034 in 2015 to 223,423 in 2016. Records also show the number of international immigrants settling in the tristate area dwindled from 181,551 to 160,324 over the same period.

Over 1 million people moved out of the New York area to other parts of the country since 2010, a rate of 4.4 percent, that’s the highest negative net migration rate among the nation’s large population centers, US Census records show.

Its partially the same old story Americans have been increasingly relocating from the eastern US and the Rust Belt to warm weather cities in Florida, Texas and the quite of the Northwest. A better nationwide economy has also attracted a lot of talent to lower cost destinations.

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Black Friday Sales Jump Powered By Consumer Confidence and Online Sales

suburbs malls

November 26,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood Blog

Paramus NJ, Black Friday and Thanksgiving online sales in the United States surged to record highs as shoppers reached for discounts and bought more on their mobile devices.U.S. consumer confidence has been strengthening over this past year, due to a labor market that is churning out jobs, rising home prices and stock markets that are hovering at record highs.

Stores were less crowed but U.S. shoppers spent more than $1.52 billion online by Thanksgiving evening. This accounted for a 16.8 percent year-over-year increase in online spending, by 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving alone.

In combined Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales U.S. retailers raked in a record $7.9 billion in online sales on Black Friday and Thanksgiving, up 17.9 percent from a year ago, according to Adobe Analytics, which measures transactions at the largest 100 U.S. web retailers, on Saturday.

Adobe said Cyber Monday is expected to drive $6.6 billion in internet sales, which would make it the largest U.S. online shopping day in history.

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Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office : Tis the Season of Opportunity Crimes

Ridgewood Real-estate

November 26,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, It is that time of year again. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office reminds us that its also the time for crimes of opportunity…the prime time…think about it…colder out now, gets dark early, and neighborhoods are quieter than usual. Your packages will be left at your doorstep, and shopping bags can fill the backseat of your car in a parking lot or in your driveway…all of it is an attractive target for a burglar, a thief, or a so-called porch pirate. So do something about it:

Lock up your house and car tight! Windows should be locked too. Always. Remove temptation by keeping bags and valuables out of sight in your car and around your home.

Have deliveries scheduled for a time when you will be home, or have them shipped to a neighbor, or to your place of business where someone can secure them for you. If you run out of options, see about having your package left somewhat out of sight…maybe on the back porch, in the backyard, or behind your fence away from the front porch.

Set timer lights if you don’t get home until well after sunset. Have an impression that your house is occupied so an opportunist is scared off.

Check on your neighbors and pay attention in your neighborhood for suspicious people. Don’t let a solicitor, repairman, or anyone claiming to need access to your property inside your home without first checking ID and perhaps notifying your local police first.

Good locks. Good lighting. Good neighbors. These things make a difference.

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New Jersey State Police Dish Out a Hefty Serving of Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving and Post Holiday Weekend

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file photo by Boyd Loving

The 2017 Thanksgiving holiday period begins on Wednesday, November 22, at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Monday, November 27 at 6:00 a.m.

November 25,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

West Trenton NJ,  Millions of Americans will hit the road today and battle the holiday traffic on one of the busiest travel days of the year. At the end of the journey awaits a freshly carved turkey and all of the fixings, but you have to get there first. A few preparations and a little bit of planning could be all the difference between a hot plate of turkey or a cold sandwich. Motorists can increase travel safety by following these tips:
· Fill up your gas tank
· Check fluids (including windshield washer fluid and antifreeze)
· Check tire pressure
· Bring a mobile phone charger
· Carry a flashlight with new batteries
· Bring bottles of water and nonperishable snacks
· Don’t drive drowsy. Symptoms of driving tired are similar to those of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Use service areas to rest, stretch your legs, or grab a cup a coffee
· Let someone know your travel plans
· Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly
· Plan to leave yourself more time to get where you are going
During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday period, there were six fatal crashes that resulted in seven deaths on New Jersey roadways. Drug or alcohol impairment was found to be a contributing factor in two of the crashes. These types of tragedies can be easily avoided by having a designated driver, using a taxi or transportation application such as Uber or Lyft, or making plans to stay with friends or family.
The New Jersey State Police will have more than 130 additional troopers statewide during the holiday period in addition to normal patrols. Troopers will focus their efforts on speeding, aggressive driving, seatbelt usage, cell phone violations, distracted driving, and DWI.
“We are doing our part by having extra troopers on patrol to help keep our roads safe, but we cannot do it alone,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Getting behind the wheel while impaired is like playing Russian roulette with not only your life, but the lives of your passengers and innocent motorists. So please don’t drink and drive and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.”

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Decorating the Ridgewood tree at Van Saun Park

Ramon Hache

November 25,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Decorating the Ridgewood tree at Van Saun Park – Bergen County Winter Wonderland – Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen trimming the tree with Councilman Ramon M Hache and a few Ridgewood residents. The Ridgewood tree looks beautiful and lane of 70 lighted municipal trees is an enchanting entrance to Winter Wonderland! Visit Van Saun and enjoy some winter fun!

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https://www.bergencountywinterwonderland.com

 

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Bergen County Regional SWAT Team takes to the Streets on Black Friday

Bergen County Regional SWAT Team

November 25,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, in our area are enjoying “Black Friday” shopping, our region is protected by the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team. This highly trained and equipped elite police unit trains constantly to keep you safe. When you see the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team on the streets and around shopping areas this season, take a moment to thank them for protecting us all.

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Two Accidents within Minutes of Each Other Puts the Breaks on Black Friday Shoppers

Two Accidents within Minutes

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

November 25,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, A busy 0700 hour Black Friday for Paramus PD as they investigated two (2) separate MVAs that were reported 15 minutes apart, and occurred within 500 feet of one another. 1) The adult male driver of a red SUV sustained non life threatening injuries after slamming into a pole on Glen Avenue near Route 17 southbound, Paramus. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. 2) No injuries were reported after a 4-door sedan overshot the exit ramp of Route 17 northbound at Ridgewood Avenue westbound, Paramus. Flatbed tow trucks were called to removed both wrecks from the roadway.

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The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Warns of “contempt of a Grand Jury appearance” Phone Scam

Bergen County Sheriff's Office

SCAM ALERT!

November 24,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackemsack NJ, The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving reports of an attempted criminal scam where people are being contacted via telephone by someone claiming to be a member of our agency asking for money to satisfy a warrant for contempt of a Grand Jury appearance. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT ask for money over the phone. Do not give anyone claiming to be a member of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office any payment over the phone

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Reader says government agencies can cheerfully raise taxes and tell the folks it’s for their own good

Bergen_county_court-House _theridgewoodblog

Executive Order No. 2017-01, officially making Bergen County the first county in the state of New Jersey to adopt a $15 minimum wage for its full time county worker

” most employers cannot simply raise prices to cover the higher minimum wage, particularly in the competitive services sector”. True. But government agencies can cheerfully raise taxes and tell the folks it’s for their own good.
Minimum wages have been most strongly advocated by unions to reduce competition from non-union workers and, historically by Jim Crow and apartheid governments to reduce hiring of minorities.

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Reader says it all , Not every job is a career. If you want more money, get a skill.

mike_rowe_dirty_jobs

Executive Order No. 2017-01, officially making Bergen County the first county in the state of New Jersey to adopt a $15 minimum wage for its full time county workers.

Not every job is a career. If you want more money, get a skill.
It’s interesting that the Democrats use this crap to buy votes, but there will be fewer jobs as a result.
I find it very interesting that the Democrats use this issue to grandstand , but ignore the facts of how one of their own takes advantage of skilled workers. And it’s never reported in the media.
Maybe this blog can out it out there and get credit for exposing this abuse.
Dan Wolf owns Cape Air, a small regional airline that serves the northeast, the south, and Guam. They receive government subsidies for “essential air service ” to small communities in upstate NY. Cape air receives some of the highest RPMSM (revenue passenger seat miles ) in the industry. It costs more to fly from Boston to Nantucket in their ancient 9 passenger Cessna 402C than from NY to fla . In order to to work for Cape Air, the pilot/captain must have an ATP (airline transport pilot rating) which requires 1500 hours to even take th test. This requires YEARs of experience to obtain and easily $75-100,000 of training. According to the cape air website, (as of last month) the starting pay is $16.17 per hour. It’s a disgrace that this company takes advantage of skilled pilots who seek to build time and experience so they can get a better paying job with an airline that cares about their employees. Oh, and I must mention, Dan Wolf has been a Massachusetts State Senator for years. Perhaps he decided not to run again since this would be an issue. So the democrats are comfortable with paying no brain no skill fast food workers the same as their fellow democrat pays skilled pilots.

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Reader says, Hard to believe that these freeholders can just dip into the taxpayer base like this

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

Executive Order No. 2017-01, officially making Bergen County the first county in the state of New Jersey to adopt a $15 minimum wage for its full time county workers.

What a disgraceful use of a taxpayer supported political stance. Sure, everyone wishes better pay for all. Thanks to this type of thievery of robbing Peter to pay Paul makes virtually all the private unskilled jobs that much less attractive. Hard to believe that these freeholders can just dip into the taxpayer base like this. Why not make it $50-$75 /hr? Maybe the freeholders could kick in their salaries minus $15/hr to help offset what is more than likely a huge arbitrary increase in the county tax bill.

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Paramus Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person

Paramus Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person Dennis Meeman

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page and Paramus Police
November 23,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Paramus OEM mobile command post deployed at Paramus Park, Paramus in connection with a missing person on Wednesday evening, 11/22.

Paramus Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person Dennis Meeman, a 56 yo white male. He left Paramus Park Mall around 415 pm on Wednesday, November 22, 2017. He was last seen by the west entrance by Urban Coal. He is wearing wearing blue jeans, black shoes, blue hooded jacket and maybe wearing a black safely helmet. Any information on this missing person please contact Paramus Police Dept 201-262-3400

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As off 11/23/2017: Paramus PD continues the search near Paramus Park, Paramus for a 56-year old male missing since 1615 hours on Wednesday, 11/22. A NJSP helicopter with thermal imaging equipment is being used as of 0900 hours.

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Bergen County Becomes the first County in the State of New Jersey to adopt a $15 minimum wage

replacement

November 24,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco , “This afternoon I was joined by my colleagues on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, along with representatives from USUW 755, USUW 655, and the Executive Director of New Jersey Working Families Analilia Mejia, to announce and sign Executive Order No. 2017-01, officially making Bergen County the first county in the state of New Jersey to adopt a $15 minimum wage for its full time county workers.

Good people are essential to good government, and good managers understand that their employees need to be valued. County employees who put in 40 hours or more every week, in service to their friends and neighbors throughout Bergen County, deserve and have earned a $15 minimum wage. It is important to me that we do this for our workers in time for holidays.”

While the reality is most employers cannot simply raise prices to cover the higher minimum wage, particularly in the competitive services sector. … But a preponderance of evidence has shown that there are no positive effects on employment of low-skilled workers that offset the negative effects from an increase in the minimum wage.

Look for more automation , layoffs , business closings ,less full time work and even less opportunities for starter jobs in Bergen county.

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Reader calls Fair Share Housing a bully

bully's

Fair Share Housing will bully their way as they know nobody will bother to fight them. It takes balls to stand up and this VC and the village in general is full of lightweights who are more concerned with leaf collection than the long term livability in this place. I would rather see us risk a lawsuit than just crawl under a rock and be inundated with hundreds of apartments who will basically spell the end for Ridgewood and the birth of New Hackensack.

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No injuries were reported for 208 Crash in Wyckoff

whycoff police and fire

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

November 21,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wyckoff NJ, No injuries were reported by the occupants of a 4-door passenger sedan that overshot the exit ramp and crashed into a wooded area while exiting Route 208 southbound at Cedar Hill Avenue in Wyckoff on Monday evening, 11/20. Wyckoff Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the incident. The wrecked vehicle was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Entrance and exit ramps to/from Route 208 southbound at Cedar Hill Avenue, Wyckoff were temporarily closed while emergency crews worked at the scene.