Category: Bergen County

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School Bus Crash Route 4 eastbound near Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn Slows Traffic Friday Morning

Bus Crash Fair lawn

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

February 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair lawn NJ, Only minor injuries were reported following a crash in which a small school bus hit the concrete center divider of Route 4 eastbound near Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn on Friday morning, 02/10. The damaged bus wound up on the highway’s left shoulder, facing the opposite direction; it was removed from the scene by a hydraulic lift tow truck. A portion of the concrete divider was pushed into the left westbound travel lane, which was closed until a front end loader was able to remove it from the highway. Fair Lawn PD was assisted by a unit from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and Paramus PD. An ambulance from Hackensack University Medical Center also responded, as did a NJDOT crew. Traffic through the area was slowed throughout the emergency response period.

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Imprisoned ex-Glen Rock cop sues for sick and vacation pay

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Allison Pries , Staff Writer, @allisonpriesPublished 12:47 p.m. ET Feb. 10, 2017 | Updated 5 hours ago

A former Glen Rock police officer who is serving prison time for sexting teenage girls and pawning guns is suing the borough for payment for unused sick and vacation time.

Eric Reamy, 52, pleaded guilty to a second-degree count of endangering the welfare of a child and a third-degree count of failure to make the required disposition of property in March and was sentenced in September to three years in prison. The original charges could have sent him to prison for 15 years.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2017/02/10/imprisoned-glen-rock-police-officer-sues-borough-sick-and-vacation-pay/97744804/

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INTERACTIVE MAP: PLOTTING STUDENT LOAN DEFAULTS ACROSS THE GARDEN STATE

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COLLEEN O’DEA | FEBRUARY 10, 2017

At 9.1 percent, New Jersey’s default rate is 11th in the country, particularly good news given that students tend to carry a heavy debt burden.

Students from New Jersey’s colleges and trade schools default on their federal loans at a relatively low rate overall, although the proportion of defaults exceeds the national average at four of 10 schools.

This news comes as a package of bills designed to help New Jersey students — particularly those who borrowed through the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority — deal with loan repayment problems and the high cost of college in general awaits further action in the Legislature.

Data from the website Student Loan Report put the state’s default rate at nearly 9.1 percent, the 11th lowest in the nation for borrowers who had to begin repayment in the 2013 fiscal year, the most recent year for which data is available because the U.S. Department of Education uses a three-year period to define defaults. Of nearly 90,000 students who borrowed money while at a New Jersey school, 8,153 were in default, defined as nine months of nonpayment.

The national default rate was 11.3 percent, a drop from 11.8 percent the previous year and the third year in a row of declines, from 14.7 percent in 2010. Nationally, more than 5.2 million borrowers entered repayment status in 2013 and nearly 600,000 of them have defaulted.

One reason for the state’s relatively low default rate could be that many students take out New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students loans through HESAA. According to the authority’s 2015 annual report, it distributed more than $163 million for 10,686 students in and out of state that fiscal year. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, New Jersey is one of three states — the others are Texas and Minnesota — with significant state student loan programs.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/02/09/interactive-map-plotting-student-loan-defaults-across-the-garden-state/

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Members of Paramus and Oradell Fire Department Fight Smokey Single Family Blaze in Paramus

Smokey Single Family Blaze in Paramus

photos courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook

February 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Paramus FD units battled a smokey blaze in a single family home located at 734 Gerald Street on Wednesday morning, 02/08. Hazardous materials were reportedly being stored in the attached garage of the structure. Paramus PD, EMS, and Rescue Squad personnel were also dispatched to the scene. Members of the Oradell FD’s truck company were also observed operating at the scene.

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Joe Piscopo a surprising 2nd among GOP hopefuls for N.J. governor in latest poll

Paul DiGaetano and Joe Piscopo

By Claude Brodesser-Akner | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 09, 2017 at 9:28 AM, updated February 09, 2017 at 1:56 PM

TRENTON — A new poll that has the potential to shake up this year’s race for New Jersey governor shows still-undeclared Joe Piscopo is just six points behind Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno among Republican primary voters.

The Fairleigh Dickinson University Public Mind poll released on Thursday found at least half of Republican and Democratic primary voters in the state haven’t made up their minds about who to support in this very early going.

But it gives Guadagno, the Republican frontrunner, just an 18 percent to 12 percent edge over comedian Piscopo. State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset) and Nutley township commissioner Steve Rogers each got support from 2 percent of GOP voters.

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/shock_poll_joe_piscopo_in_2nd_place_for_gop_gov_no.html

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This is why NJ once again has the highest auto insurance costs

Rollover Crash on Lincoln Ave in Ridgewood leaves Driver Trapped

file photo by Boyd Loving

By Joe Cutter February 9, 2017 2:33 AM

For the fifth year in a row, New Jersey has the highest average auto insurance costs in the country.

The figures are from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Christine O’Brien, president of the Insurance Council of New Jersey, says this is a result of New Jersey being such a densely-populated state.

“The chances of accidents are high. The frequency is high, the severity can be high. The cost to repair your car, to pay for your medical bills while in an accident, are all high in New Jersey.”

O’Brien says we have the good fortune of owning fairly decent cars in New Jersey, but they cost a lot to maintain.

“We also have a number of them on the road in record numbers,” she adds.

O’Brien says the average premium runs about $1,200 a year. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners report said Jersey drivers pay an average of $1,263 a year as of 2014. They say the national average for auto insurance is $866.

Read More: This is why NJ once again has the highest auto insurance costs | https://nj1015.com/this-is-why-nj-once-again-has-the-highest-auto-insurance-costs/?trackback=tsmclip

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Don’t Forget to Remove Ice & Snow Before You Go !

iceandsnow_theridgewoodblog

February 9,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Remember to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. It’s the law in New Jersey! Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. There are approximately 500 fatalities in the United States per year due to icy road conditions.

Winter Driving Tips 
Drive slow (at or below the posted speed limit) and adjust your speed for the changing road conditions.
Turn on your headlights, using low beams when traveling in snow.
Increase your following distance. In winter weather, travel at least eight to 10 seconds behind the car in front of you.
Give snowplows plenty of room to work. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution in doing so. Remember, a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see him, but they don’t always see you.
If you skid, don’t brake or accelerate. Remove your foot from the gas, and gently steer your car in the direction of the skid (the direction the rear of your vehicle is sliding.) When your car starts heading in the desired direction, carefully straighten the wheel.
Slow down before exiting the highway. Exit ramps often have icy patches, sharp curves and stalled or stopped vehicles.
Have a personal safety kit easily accessible in your vehicle that includes: an ice scraper/brush; shovel; jumper cables or battery starter; blanket; sand, salt or kitty litter for traction; lock de-icer; flashlight and new batteries; extra windshield wiper fluid; safety flares/warning device; cell phone with spare battery; water and non-perishable food (i.e., granola or protein bars); and paper towels or a cloth.
If your vehicle does become disabled, pull off the road as far as possible and turn on your emergency flashers. Remain with your vehicle until help arrives. If you can’t get your vehicle off the road and are uncertain about your safety, do not stay in your vehicle or stand behind it. Proceed carefully to a safe location away from traffic.

https://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/ice-and-snow.html

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NJ’S SOLAR STUMBLE: SECTOR SHEDS 1,000 JOBS IN PAST YEAR

solar_power_theridgewoodblog

TOM JOHNSON | FEBRUARY 8, 2017

While rest of country showed strong 25 percent growth in solar jobs, New Jersey’s solar employment fell by 14 percent

The solar sector helped the economy grow last year by creating 51,000 jobs across the nation, but not in New Jersey, once one of the biggest success stories in the industry, where more than 1,000 jobs were lost.

While the rest of the country witnessed a 25 percent increase in job growth in the sector, New Jersey solar employment fell by 14 percent, according to the nonprofit Solar Foundation. It is one of only four states to experience a drop in jobs in the field, its annual report said.

The annual survey is startling given that the state experienced its second-biggest growth year ever, installing 353 megawatts, according to data compiled by the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. The state has more than 66,000 solar projects deployed.

For years, solar has been one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy, but the annual report by the foundation suggests otherwise. Its survey of thousands of solar businesses said total jobs in New Jersey fell as of November 2016 to 6,056, a drop from 7,071 over the previous 12 months.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/02/07/nj-s-solar-stumble-sector-sheds-1-000-jobs-in-past-year/

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N.J. bill would fund sanctuary cities denied federal dollars by Trump

money-growing-on-tree-image-8

James — you should post this and then seek comment from the progressive Clinton/Gottheimer fans. How much are they willing to pay Hudson County over and beyond the Abbott money already going there?

By Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 07, 2017 at 8:06 PM, updated February 08, 2017 at 9:27 AM

UNION CITY — New Jersey lawmakers from immigrant-rich Hudson County on Tuesday announced a bill that would provide state aid to sanctuary cities denied federal funds for failing to comply with immigration rules.

The bill was introduced in both houses of the legislature on Tuesday by State Sen. Brian Stack, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji and Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, all Democrats from the 33rd District.

The three held a press conference in the garage at City Hall in Union City, where Stack is also the mayor.

“Union City, technically, has always been a sanctuary city,” said Stack. “We have never turned away anybody, documented or undocumented, when they come in looking for help.”

The difference now is that President Donald Trump issued a Jan. 25 executive order intended to, “ensure that jurisdictions that fail to comply with applicable Federal law do not receive Federal funds, except as mandated by law,” specifically targeting sanctuary cities and states.

https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2017/02/state_bill_would_fund_sanctuary_cities_denied_fede.html#incart_river_index

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NJ has had more than 130 reported UFO sightings since Jan. 2016

Roswell_Space_Alien

By Dino Flammia February 6, 2017 4:30 AM

“Saw a large triangular craft and other small round craft in the sky. Likely not of this earth.”

“It was perfectly still, hovering right over a highway.”

“White ball of light flying very fast then disappeared.”

If there’s life beyond this world, they must love the Garden State.

More than 120 sightings of unidentified flying objects were reported in 2016 throughout New Jersey, according to the National UFO Reporting Center. In 2017, there’s been more reported UFO sightings than there have been weeks.

Many of them cite quick bursts of light, or “orbs” of different colors and sizes that lingered just long enough to be captured in a photo. But others specifically point to physical aircraft that look unlike anything they’ve seen before.

“When I was in the Air Force, we chased them regularly,” Medford resident George Filer, New Jersey State Director of the Mutual UFO Network, told New Jersey 101.5. “A lot of us in the military or intelligence agencies chased or saw UFOs and believe in their existence.”

According to Filer, most citizen reports are submitted during the warmer months when people are more likely to be outside. He said in the summer, an estimated 1,000 UFO sightings are reported per month nationally.

Read More: NJ has had more than 130 reported UFO sightings since Jan. 2016 (PHOTOS) | https://nj1015.com/nj-has-had-more-than-130-reported-ufo-sightings-since-jan-2016-photos/?trackback=tsmclip

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GOP candidate for Governor Joseph Rullo Speaks Out on New Jersey’s bail reform Issues

Rullo

February 7,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Only one GOP candidate for Governor is going on record against New Jersey’s bail reform woes, and that is Joseph Rullo who lives in Little Egg Harbor the eye of the storm.

The subject was highlighted after a two-time child sexual predator was released back into the small southern Ocean County community of Little Egg Harbor to the dismay of the local police chief and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato.
GetOutOfJail

Rullo told the Ridgewood blog that bail reform has many problems. Intended originally to allow low-income offenders out of jail for minor offenses, it has become a golden ticket or “get out of Jail free card “,for some of New Jersey’s most hardened criminals.

Rullo insisted that New Jersey should not be releasing violent offenders back into the community without supervision.  He added that the state raised taxes to pay for the $500 million cost of the reform.

Rullo said. “needless paperwork, rather than being on patrol, adds to overtime for police, and added expense to the municipalities.”

Rullo went on the biggest issue with bail reform from his standpoint, beyond the inherent public safety concerns is that now the public will have to pay for those who fail to return to court to be located and relocated.  Prior to bail reform, the job of finding those who skipped bail was left up to private bail bondsmen at no cost to the public.

According to Rullo, the municipalities will bear the cost of finding and returning those who skipped their court hearing, putting police departments in the unnecessary position, risking resources and officers in an effort to bring those people back to justice for a second time, sometimes three and four times.

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Former NJ Assemblyman Schroeder Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

NJ_assemblyman_Bob_Schroeder_theridgewoodblog

By Max Pizarro • 02/06/17 5:21pm

Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that former New Jersey Assemblyman Robert Schroeder (R-Bergen) was sentenced to prison today for stealing nearly $1.9 million from individuals who loaned him money for a business venture in North Dakota and writing over $3.4 million in bad checks to other creditors who loaned him money or provided goods and services for his various companies, including All Points International Distributors, Inc., which sold tents and prefabricated buildings to the U.S. military.

https://observer.com/2017/02/former-nj-assemblyman-schroeder-sentenced-to-eight-years-in-prison/

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COMMUTER PARKING AVAILABLE IN WYCKOFF

wyckoff

COMMUTER PARKING AVAILABLE IN WYCKOFF – PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

For Immediate Release
For further information
Contact: Joyce Santimauro Municipal Clerk
201-891-7000 ext. 101

2017 Permits Still Available for Commuter Park and Ride at Cornerstone Church

495 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff

Approximately 50 commuter parking permits remain available on a first come, first served basis.

The fee for a non-resident commuter park and ride permit is $300.00. Non-residents may purchase one (1) permit per household.

Bus service to New York City is provided from the Park and Ride by Coach USA /Shortline bus service. A link to the schedule can be found here: (Please note: Coach USA names the stop as “Russell Ave and Wyckoff Ave P/R)

Parking permits can be purchased from the Township Clerk’s office at Town Hall, 340 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff.

A current driver’s license must be provided by all commuter park and ride permit applicants.

Purchasing a park and ride permit does not guarantee a parking space.

Parking permits are non-transferable.

Replacement fee for a lost or stolen parking permit is $25.00.

The Cornerstone Church commuter park and ride program allows vehicles to park at this facility Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

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Xanadu Still Nothing More than and Eyesore

Xanadu_main_theridgewoodblog

Men Not at Work at Troubled Mall Development

Feb 2, 2017 · by Ilya Marritz

The half-built American Dream mall in New Jersey’s Meadowlands has yet again missed a target date to secure construction financing, raising fresh questions about the developer’s ability to complete the project.

On December 8th, developer Don Ghermezian told WNYC all the money is teed up  — nearly $2.7 billion dollars to complete work on the 90-acre mall near Met Life Stadium. The money is to be raised through tax-free municipal bonds and through private borrowing.

“I anticipate that prior to the Christmas holiday the public will know fully about the commitment on the financing,” Ghermezian said.

But Christmas came and went. Then a company spokesman said early January was more likely. Now it’s February, and there’s still no news of how the Ghermezians’ company, Triple Five, will pay to make a retail and entertainment pleasure dome out of the eyesore on state-owned land next to the New Jersey Turnpike.

https://www.wnyc.org/story/men-not-work-troubled-mall-development/

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N.J. man who disguised foreign donations to Obama campaign gets probation

Obama-Golf

By Thomas Moriarty | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 02, 2017 at 2:14 PM, updated February 02, 2017 at 3:17 PM

NEWARK — A Bergen County man was sentenced Thursday to a year of federal probation after admitting he helped disguise $80,000 in foreign contributions to Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign committee in order to help Albanian politician attend a campaign event.

Bilal Shehu, of Paramus, previously pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in Newark to charges he “knowingly and willfully” made foreign contributions to the committee, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman.

The case stemmed from an appearance Shehu and Edi Rama, head of the Albanian Socialist Party and now the country’s prime minister, made at an October 2012 Obama campaign event in San Francisco.

Prosecutors say Rama was denied admission to the event but managed to be photographed with the president.

https://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2017/02/nj_man_who_disguised_foreign_donations_to_obama_ca.html?utm_campaign=Observer_NJ_Politics&utm_content=New%20Campaign&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=New%20Jersey%20Politics#incart_river_index