Ridgewood NJ, Representatives from the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association recently accompanied Santa Claus to The Valley Hospital Pediatric Unit and Pediatric Emergency Room to give holiday gifts to hospitalized children. Pictured here are (standing back row, from left to right): Aleyamma Varghese, R.N., Bergenfield; Heather Evers, APN, Ocean Grove; Chief Frank Regino, Westwood; Lori Check, Fair Lawn; Chief Daniel Maye, Bogota; Christine Trent, Kinnelon; Chief William Skidmore, Edgewater; Retired Chief Fred Stahman, Glen Rock; Janine Cook, Saddle Brook; Tom Hauck, FBI; and Chief Michael Cioffi, Englewood Cliffs. Front row (from left to right): Nadine Morton, Waldwick; Santa; and Kristin Harmon, R.N.
Ho Ho Kus NJ, Train traffic on NJ Transit’s Main and Bergen Lines was halted in both directions through Ho-Ho-Kus on Sunday evening, 12/25 after the adult female driver of a 4-door Acura sedan became disoriented and drove her vehicle onto the tracks just north of the Ho-Ho-Kus train station platform. The vehicle was removed from the tracks by a flatbed tow truck. There was no damage to the tracks and following removal, the vehicle was able to be driven away on its own power. Ho-Ho-Kus PD, Ridgewood PD, and NJ Transit PD officers responded to the incident.
Tom Nobile , Staff Writer, @TomNobile5:16 p.m. EST December 23, 2016
The tribe has also been charged with moving soil without permission.
MAHWAH — The Ramapough Lenape Nation must go to court to fight summonses issued by the township alleging that the Native American tribe erected teepees and tents on a property off Halifax Road without permission.
RIDGEWOOD, NJ, The American Water Works Association New Jersey Section (AWWA NJ) has continued its mission as the authoritative resource on safe water by delivering testimony on two issues critical to New Jersey’s safe drinking water. On November 3, 2016, AWWA NJ Chair Michael Furrey provided written and oral testimony for the NJ Senate Environment and Energy Committee in Trenton regarding Hexavalent Chromium. Senator Bob Smith, Chair for the Committee, made a request to the drinking water industry for technical testimony on this emerging contaminant. Hexavalent Chromium (also known as ‘chromium-6’ or ‘Cr(VI)’) was the contaminant depicted in the film “Erin Brockovich.”
Cr(VI) is currently regulated under a US drinking water standard for total chromium of 0.1 mg/L, set in 1991. EPA is currently revising its risk assessment for Cr(VI). The AWWA NJ recommends that the NJ Water Quality Institute reconvene and examine a science-based strategy to address Hexavalent Chromium.
On November 30, 2016, members of the AWWA NJ Infrastructure Management Committee provided testimony to the Joint Task Force on Water Infrastructure in Trenton NJ. AWWA NJ leaders joined former Governor James Florio in providing critical testimony to the Committee for developing a comprehensive strategy to address water infrastructure and lead contamination issues. AWWA NJ will be partnering with NJDEP, USEPA, NJ Water Works, AEA (Public) and the NJUA (Private) to help the NJ legislature address this important issue.
AWWA published a report in 2014 called “Buried No Longer,” which concluded that restoring existing water systems as they reach the end of their useful lives and expanding them to serve a growing population will cost at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years, if we are to maintain current levels of water service.
On September 16, 2016, the U.S. Senate approved S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act or WRDA. The House is still working on its own version of a WRDA bill. A key water infrastructure element in S. 2848 is a provision for $70 million so the new Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan program, or WIFIA, can start making actual loans. In the two previous fiscal years, Congress has provided funds for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set up WIFIA administration. Another important element is $100 million to the state revolving loan fund program to assist communities where there has been a drinking water emergency, such as Flint, Mich.
Information about Hexavalent Chromium and Water Infrastructure, along with copies of AWWA NJ’s written testimonies on these issues, are available at www.njawwa.org.
About AWWA NJ
AWWA New Jersey Section is part of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the world’s largest association of water professionals with over 50,000 members. The AWWA New Jersey Section represents over 1,300 members united in a mission to provide New Jersey residents with a safe and reliable supply of drinking water. Members include most of New Jersey’s public and investor-owned water utilities along with engineering and environmental professionals and allied industry businesses. AWWA works to make advances in public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of drinking water professionals.
By Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on December 22, 2016 at 2:24 PM, updated December 23, 2016 at 8:43 AM
WASHINGTON — Social Security recipients who owe student loans have found their payments garnished to pay off their debt and some have been forced into poverty as a result, according to a report released Thursday by the investigative arm of Congress.
The Government Accountability Office said 114,000 Americans receiving Social Security payments either because of their age or disability have had their payments cut because of outstanding debt, an increase of 540 percent over a decade. More than two-thirds of recipients in default, 69 percent, were on disability.
Most of the money collected, 70 percent, went to pay interests and fees, not to reduce the outstanding balance. Among those over 65, the number receiving Social Security benefits below the poverty grew to 67,300, up from 8,300 in 2004, the GAO said.
Sarah Nolan , Staff Writer, @sarnolan5:59 p.m. EST December 22, 2016
The borough’s affordable housing obligation would be cut from 278 units to 30 under the proposed agreement.
HO-HO-KUS — The borough will build 13 homes for low- to moderate-income residents and a developer will reduce the number of houses it builds in town as part of proposed settlement agreements announced by borough officials this week.
Borough Administrator William Jones shared overviews of the proposed agreements with the Fair Share Housing Center and Chamberlain Developers at a Borough Council meeting Tuesday “in the hopes of ending what has been a year of speculation and wild rumors that have carried on,” he said.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page Tractor Trailer Rollover Impacts Christmas Shoppers Using Route 17 and Route 4
December 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, A flatbed tractor trailer carrying building materials rolled over on Route 4 Westbound after exiting the ramp from Route 17 Southbound on Thursday morning, 12/22. The truck driver was uninjured in the mishap. Local lanes of Route 4 Westbound were closed between Route 17 Southbound and the Garden State Parkway until the scene was cleared of the wrecked vehicle and debris. Response by Paramus PD, Paramus EMS, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, NJ State Police, and NJDOT.
Paramus Police :The ramp from route 17 south to route 4 west is closed. Local lanes of Route 4 westbound will be closed, at route 17.Local lanes of Route 4 westbound will be closed until further 3:30 pm.
Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of FRANCIS TATTOLI (DOB: 06/07/1992) of 258 Summer Street, Apartment 1B, East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, December 18, 2016, on charges of attempted murder and possession of a weapon. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino, and the East Rutherford Police Department under the direction of Chief Lawrence Minda.
On Saturday December 17, 2016, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information from the East Rutherford Police Department that a 25-year-old female was attacked inside of 258 Summer Street, a multi-unit dwelling. The victim, identified as MONET THOMAS (DOB: 02/14/1991) of 184 Devon Street, Kearney, New Jersey, was found unresponsive and was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ, where she remains in critical condition.
An investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad and the East Rutherford Police Department revealed that on Saturday, December 17, 2016, MONET THOMAS visited an acquaintance in a different apartment at 258 Summer Street. Shortly after 9:00 p.m., THOMAS left the dwelling at 258 Summer Street. Upon her return a short time later, TATTOLI attacked her, including with a knife; her body was later discovered just inside the doorway of TATTOLI’s first floor apartment. TATTOLI subsequently fled his apartment, but was soon apprehended by East Rutherford Police a short distance from the home.
As a result of the investigation, TATTOLI was arrested and charged with one count of Attempted Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1), a first degree crime, and one count of possession of a weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 39-4D, a second degree crime. The Honorable Bonnie Mizdol, A.J.S.C. of Bergen County set bail at $2,000,000.00 with no ten percent option. TATTOLI appeared today before the Honorable James J. Guida, J.S.C., for a first appearance and entered a not guilty plea, and his bail was continued.
Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutor Grewal would also like to thank the East Rutherford Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this investigation.
By Claude Brodesser-Akner | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on December 15, 2016 at 3:23 PM, updated December 15, 2016 at 3:25 PM
TRENTON — A bipartisan bill that would add 20 new judges to New Jersey’s courts to help reduce the number of people in jail only because they can’t afford to post bail cleared the budget committees in the Senate and Assembly on Thursday.
The reform “will help make the state’s judicial system fairer and more effective with standards based on public safety rather than the ability to pay” for bail, said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), one of its co-sponsors.
Currently, the average criminal defendant in New Jersey spends more than 10 months in jail awaiting trial, but in 40 percent of the cases, it’s only because they cannot afford to post bail.
CDC: Walk This Way! Taking Steps for Pedestrian Safety
December 18,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, According to the CDC and as many readers have noted over the years on the Ridgewood blog it is important to take steps to be safe when walking on roadways. This includes exercising caution at intersections and crosswalks and increasing your visibility at night by wearing retro-reflective clothing and carrying flashlights.
Walking is good for your health, and it’s good for the environment too. But before you head out on foot for a stroll, power walk, or errand, there are important safety tips to remember.
What’s the problem?
Pedestrians—people who travel by foot, wheelchair, stroller, or similar means—are among the most vulnerable users of the road.
In the next 24 hours, on average, 430 people will be treated in an emergency department for traffic-related pedestrian injuries.1 In the next 2 hours, on average, one pedestrian will die from injuries in a traffic crash.2
A total of 4, 735 pedestrians were killed in traffic deaths in 2013,2 and more than 156,000 were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries. With numbers like these, it’s critical to understand the risks and learn how to stay safe.
Who’s at risk?
Pedestrians of all ages are at risk of injury or death from traffic crashes, but some people are at higher risk.
Male pedestrians are more likely to die or be injured in a motor vehicle crash than females.2
Teen and young adult (ages 15-29 years) pedestrians are more likely to be treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries compared to any other age group.1
The rate of pedestrian death generally increases with age.2
In 2013, 34% of all pedestrians killed in traffic crashes had a blood alcohol concentration of greater than or equal to 0.08 grams per deciliter.2
As pedestrians, children are at even greater risk of injury or death from traffic crashes due to their small size, inability to judge distances and speeds, and lack of experience with traffic rules.
One in five traffic deaths among children ages 14 and under are pedestrian deaths.2
Take Steps for Safety
Whenever you’re walking, keep these tips in mind:
Whenever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.
Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing retro-reflective clothing.
It’s safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if one is not available, walk on the shoulder and face traffic.
Avoid distractions such as electronic devices that take your attention off the road.
By Mark Di Ionno | The Star-Ledger
on December 18, 2016 at 8:45 AM
On Friday afternoons, about 70 Muslims arrive at a municipal center for weekly prayers. They include an African-American disabled veteran and an Italian octogenarian, but most are men in their 30s and 40s, wearing ID badges from local companies.
Blue rugs are laid out, wall to wall, in two meeting rooms. Worshipers face the direction of Mecca.
On Sunday mornings, in the same town, Muslim families arrive at a public grammar school, where the cafeteria is used for Islamic religious study. On this day, three dozen children are given treats to celebrate Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of the prophet Mohammad. They recite poems about his teachings.
This community is not Jersey City or Paterson, both known for large Muslim populations.
It’s Bernards Township, the community recently sued by the federal Department of Justice for denying a local Islamic society’s request to build a mosque in the Liberty Corner section of town.
And while the use of town-owned buildings by Muslims demonstrates the need for a local mosque, it also suggests the town might not be as bigoted as outsiders think.
What follows is a story filled with such nuances because facts are what people make them. Let’s compare two cases that came before the town by religious organizations on the same stretch of road in the Liberty Corner section of the township.
Mohammad Ali Chaudry, president of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge (ISBR), submitted his first application to build the mosque on April 20, 2012. It was denied last December after 39 hearings.
The Presbyterian Church down the street filed an application for a property improvement in 2011. It was denied after two hearings, and church did not appeal.
Glen Rock NJ, An adult male resident of Glen Rock was struck by a motor vehicle at the intersection of Ackerman Avenue and Rock Road in Glen Rock on Thursday evening, 12/15. The victim sustained non life threatening injuries to his arm and lower extremities. He was transported by a Glen Rock EMS ambulance to The Valley Hospital. A paramedic unit from The Valley Hospital assisted Glen Rock EMS with on scene evaluation of the patient. The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident remained at the scene and was cooperating with Glen Rock PD.
Glen Rock NJ, two (2) youths walking home from school were struck by separate motor vehicles within five (5) minutes of one another just blocks apart in Glen Rock on Thursday afternoon, 12/15. The first incident (accompanying photos) occurred on Hamilton Avenue near Rock Road – the victim here reportedly sustained non life threatening injuries to both knees and was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. The second incident occurred at the intersection of Harristown Road and Thurston Terrace – the victim of that incident also transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital with a non life threatening foot injury. Glen Rock PD and EMS responded to both locations. Ridgewood PD provided assistance at the intersection of Harristown Road and Thurston Terrace.
JOHN REITMEYER, ILYA MARRITZ, AND SUSAN BERFIELD | DECEMBER 13, 2016
American Dream’s developers argue that they’re not just building a mall, they’re creating a global destination
This is the second installment of Mall Madness, a five-part series on the American Dream retail and entertainment complex under construction in the Meadowlands. The series was produced through a reporting collaboration between WNYC, NJ Spotlight, and Bloomberg Businessweek. The first story and the third story, and fourth story are also available online.
As the retail industry undergoes a massive transformation thanks to new technology and online shopping, is there any mall out there that can be considered “Internet-proof?” Maybe not, but that’s exactly what Triple Five, the developer of the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands, is betting on.
American Dream, the garish, multicolored complex that sits alongside the New Jersey Turnpike in East Rutherford, is designed to be not just a mall, but a giant entertainment destination, featuring an amusement park, full-size ice-skating rink, indoor ski slope, waterpark, towering observation wheel, and, oh yes, some stores, too.
