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Borough of Oakland Police Department : Email Tax Scam Warning

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May 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Oakland Nj, Borough of Oakland Police Department is warning residents to beware of an email from a company named ontracksolutions requesting resident to pay their property tax payment to them through their website. This email which also states it comes from the Oakland Tax Assessor is not real and was not sent from the Borough Of Oakland. Do not pay this as it is a scam!!! See the below sample of this email:
To: “Your name will be here”
Subject: Invoice # 6856473259
Afternoon,
This is a friendly reminder that your bill from Oakland Tax Assessor is due soon. If you have not already sent or scheduled a payment, please do so now. Payment options are also available on link:
>>> https:// “The link has been deleted”
Thank you,
Oakland Tax Assessor

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Upper Saddle River Attorney Files Criminal Complaint against Developer Toll Brothers for Alleged Intentional Discharging Storm Water

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May 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Upper Saddle River Nj, In the spirit of the below Toll Brothers settlement GreenUSR member accompanied by his lawyer Garth Molander, Esq. filed criminal complaint against Toll Brothers with the local prosecutor‘s office for alleged intentional discharging storm water into Pleasant Brook and dumping remediated arsenic and lead sediment into local waterways. Instead of following the above settlement agreement Toll Brothers recklessly dumped heavy mud for four consecutive months and didn’t take any precautions to protect our beloved GreenUSR environment.

“EPA estimates the settlement will prevent millions of pounds of sediment from entering U.S. waterways every year, including sediment that would otherwise enter the Chesapeake Bay, North America’s largest and most biologically diverse estuary. The bay and its tidal tributaries are threatened by pollution from a variety of sources and are overburdened with nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that can be carried by stormwater.”
( https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/homebuilder-toll-brothers-inc-pay-741000-clean-water-act-penalty-and-implement-company-wide ) ”

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The Glen Rock Police Department will be presenting a scam and fraud workshop on Wednesday May 23rd at 7:00pm

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May 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, The Glen Rock Police Department will be presenting a scam and fraud workshop on Wednesday May 23rd at 7:00pm.

On Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 at 7pm in Borough Hall Council Chambers, Glen Rock Police Department’s, Detective James Calaski will present Residents with information on:
Grandparent Scams
Craigslist/eBay/Online Postings
Diversion Burglaries
Fake Lotteries
Utility Scams
And More

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Fallen Tree Traps House Occupant in Ho Ho Kus

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photo courtesy of the Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department  Facebook page

May 16,2918

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho Ho kus NJ, According to the  Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department , at approximately 16:52 hours Department 7 responded to a residence on Bernard Place for a fallen tree onto a house and vehicle with an occupant trapped inside the vehicle. Arriving units advised live wires were involved and reported access problems to the trapped occupant. PSE&G was dispatched before rescue operations could begin. Once power was secured to the area companies extricated the occupant who was transferred to the care of EMS with non-life threatening injuries. The home involved suffered extensive structural damage. This call was a unified effort by all Borough agencies. Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department , Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Ho Ho Kus DPW

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The Bergen County Mosquito Control Division

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May 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, The Bergen County Mosquito Control Division provides for the safety of the community by controlling the population of mosquitos in Bergen County.

The Bergen County Mosquito Control Division, founded in 1914, has the goal of reducing the number of nuisance and disease-transmitting mosquitos within the county. The division employs numerous field-tested techniques in its efforts to control mosquito outbreaks and the insects’ impact on Bergen’s residents. All of this work is done with minimal impact on the environment. The program can be summarized as follows:

Water Management – When assistance is requested from municipalities, this division will carry out extensive efforts to remove blockages from Bergen County waterways and to maintain drainage systems as required. Such work is done carefully, with the potential impact on the environment in mind. This program helps to reduce the use on insecticides needed to control mosquitos.

Larval Control – Mosquitos all start out in water, as larvae, or “wrigglers”. In areas where water management is not feasible, larval control is necessary. Some locations are suitable for stocking with mosquito eating fish, which provide continuous biological control of mosquitos. In other areas, larvicides may be used to eliminate mosquitos. We choose only low-impact products for this purpose, and these products are distributed by our trained staff. Locations receive treatment only when surveys show that large numbers of mosquitos are a threat to populated regions. These products are put out by hand crews, by light ground equipment or by helicopter. Larval habitats are treated only when larvae are present.

Adult Control – Although this is the most visible aspect of mosquito control, the division considers this to be the last resort. We try to halt mosquitos before they are out and airborne. When adult control is needed because of severe mosquito infestation, we generally use truck-mounted sprayers which distribute a prescribed amount of material per acre. Sometimes, small hand sprayers are used to treat remote locations.

Bergen County
Mr. Peter Pluchino, Director
Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control
Department of Public Works
220 East Ridgewood Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652
TEL: (201) 634-2880, 2881
FAX: (201) 599-2888
Email: [email protected]

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MENENDEZ FLIP-FLOPS ON IRAN DEAL

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May 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Following Senator Menendez’s embarrassing flip flop on the Iran Deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Hugin Communications Director Megan Piwowar released the following statement:

“After shamefully and disgracefully flip-flopping on the Iran Deal, it’s no surprise that Senator Menendez didn’t want to show his face at the U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem. New Jersey and the Jewish people deserve better than an empty suit career partisan political hack who flip-flops on stopping the terrorist regime of Iran from spreading hatred and destabilizing the Middle East.”

WHAT HE SAID THEN:

“I have looked into my own soul and my devotion to principle may once again lead me to an unpopular course, but if Iran is to acquire a nuclear bomb, it will not have my name on it. It is for these reasons that I will vote to disapprove the agreement and, if called upon, would vote to override a veto.” (Menendez Delivers Remarks on Iran Nuclear Deal at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, 08/18/2015)

“I believe we could still get a better deal and here’s how: We can disapprove this agreement, without rejecting the entire agreement…I will vote to disapprove the agreement…” (Menendez Delivers Remarks on Iran Nuclear Deal at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, 08/18/2015)

“We can provide specific parameters for the Administration to guide their continued negotiations and ensure that a new agreement does not run afoul of Congress.” (Menendez Delivers Remarks on Iran Nuclear Deal at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, 08/18/2015)

WHAT HE’S SAYING NOW:

“The most surprising opponent is New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, who presented the most clear and compelling case against the accord back in 2015 and proposed a viable alternative (in answer to those who claimed no better deal was possible). But then Menendez, fresh off his corruption trial, is up for re-election. And in deep-blue New Jersey, anything that looks like support for Trump is a political liability.” (Post Editorial Board, “Schumer, Menendez and the other Iran-deal hypocrites,” The New York Post, 04/12/2018)

“U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez was one of only four Democrats to oppose Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker joined most other Senate Democrats in supporting it…Menendez needed no convincing to oppose the deal.” (Jonathan D. Salant, “Menendez, Booker were on opposite sides of Iran deal. But both hate what Trump just did,” NJ.com, 05/09/2018)

“As the Senate Foreign Relations ranking member who opposed the deal, he said it’s a ‘grave mistake’ to walk away from it without a plan.” (Roll Call, “7 Lawmakers Who Opposed Iran Deal and Trump’s Decision to Withdraw From It, 5/8/18)

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Arrest Made in Bomb Threat Against the Bergen County Courthouse

Bergen_County_Courthouse

May 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of CHRISTOPHER CAMARGO (DOB: 10/30/1992; single; and unemployed) of 267 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, on charges of Terroristic Threats and False Public Alarm. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, and members of the Hackensack Police Department under the direction of Officer-in-Charge Francesco Aquila.

On Monday, February 5, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a telephone caller using technology to anonymize his calling line identity contacted the Hackensack Police Department and made a bomb threat against the Bergen County Courthouse. Members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit and Hackensack Police Department initiated an investigation to trace the call.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher CAMARGO was charged on Friday, May 11, 2018 with one count of False Public Alarm Against Critical Infrastructure, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3C, a 2nd degree crime, and one count of Terroristic Threats, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3A, a 3rd degree crime. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending an appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Hackensack Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

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Tree Service Truck Rolled Over on Paramus Road No one Hurt

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

May 15,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, An aerial lift truck owned by a tree service rolled over onto its side in front of 387 Paramus Road, Paramus on Monday afternoon, 05/14. Fair Lawn Heavy Rescue and Rochelle Park Fire Department responded to the incident on a mutual aid basis because Paramus Fire Department and Rescue Squad personnel were engaged at a multiple alarm fire in Paramus. The driver of the truck self-extricated from the vehicle and was uninjured. A hazardous materials response team was summoned to evaluate/remediate a diesel fuel spill resultant from the crash. Paramus Police was assisted at the scene by members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Service Division. An overhead communications cable was also damaged in the mishap.

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Paramus Fire Department and Oradell Fire Department Fight Multiple Alarm Blaze in Paramus

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photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

May 15,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Paramus Fire was assisted by Oradell Fire Department in fighting a Monday afternoon, 05/14, structure fire in a single family home located on Arbor Road, Paramus. Paramus EMS was observed attending to an adult female who was apparently in the structure when it caught fire. The victim was conscious and alert while being attended to. Damage to the home appeared to have been severe enough that it was uninhabitable. Paramus PD and Rescue Squad also responded. No word as to what caused the multiple alarm blaze.

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Schepisi slams Murphy for cutting affordable housing funding

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May 15,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed budget would use nearly $80 million to help fund affordable housing projects to fill gaps in his spending plans. Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi is having none of it.
At the conference of mayors a couple weeks ago in Atlantic City, Schepisi spoke to dozens of mayors who said that affordable housing obligations were crushing their own budgets.

“The affordable housing funds are already far below what towns really need to fulfill court-ordered projects,” said Schepisi (R-Bergen). “Mayors from both sides of the aisle have pleaded for help from the state on this issue and Governor Murphy is callously ignoring their calls by cutting the only funding they have, and that isn’t enough in the first place. The affordable housing issue will continue to crush our communities until the legislature and the governor decide to stop turning the other way and actually address this problem.”

Governor Murphy plans to redirect $59.3 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and another $18.5 million from the Housing and Mortgage Financing Agency. Those two funds are the largest source of relief for municipalities who are forced by courts to provide affordable housing, regardless of demand.

Schepisi introduced a package of bills to address the affordable housing crisis last year, but they have not yet been considered for a vote. Schepisi’s affordable housing package includes:
Ending municipal obligations and requiring COAH to calculate and administer a statewide obligation (A1645/A1647/ACR80).
Requiring COAH to determine if towns can afford new housing and establishing a challenge to the obligation (A1646/A1648).
Eliminating the urban aid exemption from affordable housing obligations and amending the constitution to prohibit exclusionary zoning (A1649/ACR79).
Terminating the builder’s remedy that coerces affordable housing (A1650).

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Beware of Orange and Rockland Power Payment Scam on Facebook

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May 13,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Upper Saddle River NJ, had this passed on by the Upper Saddle River Police department .

A Message from Orange and Rockland Power ,

Orange and Rockland Power: CUSTOMERS BEWARE NEW BILL PAYMENT SCAM ON FACEBOOK

PEARL RIVER, NY May 8, 2018 — O&R warned its customers today about a new phony bill-payment scheme — this time in Spanish on Facebook — in which crooks pose as “consultants” who offer to help customers pay their debts. In reality, the crooks are stealing the customers’ money.
The thieves say on Facebook that if customers wire a percentage of their “electric, cable, cell phone or any utility bill” to the scammers, the crooks will put up the difference to fully pay the bill. The example the phony post uses is if a customer’s bill is $250, the customer can wire the thief $150 and thief will cover the rest.
It looks too good to be true. That’s because it isn’t true. The scammer doesn’t cover the customer’s bill. The scammer steals the customer’s money.
To make things worse, after the customer sends the payment to the scammer, the thieves send the customer a bogus 646 phone number for the customer to call to confirm that their payment was received by the company and the bill was paid in full.
Once again, not true. No payment was made on the account. The thieves stole the customer’s money that was intended to pay the bill, the thieves had no intention of helping retire the debt and the bill still needs to be fully paid.
Don’t let this happen to you.
If you have questions about your O&R bill payment, call O&R Customer Service directly at (877) 434-4100 or email us.

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Ho Ho Kus Police Out Looking for “law abiding citizens”

Ho Ho Kus Police

May 12,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho Ho Kus Nj, Get caught by the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department !! If we catch you being a law abiding citizen, you will receive a card redeemable for one free scoop of Italian ice or one free cookie at the Ho-Ho-Kus Bakery. (Sponsored by Ho-Ho-Kus PBA Local# 353)

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Court Ordered over development Scam Facing Bergen County

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May 8,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Vale NJ, Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi laid out the forced court ordered over development facing Bergen County :

This is what is happening all over the State of New Jersey. Over the past several weeks I have spoken with Mayors from all over the State who are begging for help.
I couldn’t agree more with Mayor Keith Misciagna. Our communities are being destroyed by ridiculous over development all throughout the State. A couple of factoids regarding our current regulations:
1. If a suburban community builds affordable housing it is prohibited from giving preference for that housing to its own residents in need. So the divorced single mom who is losing her house, the family who can longer afford their home because of a loss of a job or a medical crisis cannot receive preference for the affordable housing being built or the housing no longer counts for a community fulfilling its obligation.
2. A community may not build more than 25% of the affordable housing in its community for seniors or it “doesn’t count” towards their obligation (and a community cannot give preference to their own seniors who have lived in the community paying taxes). Likewise, a community may not build more than 25% of the affordable housing in its community for those with special needs
3. Any Urban Aid Communities in the State have no obligation to provide ANY further affordable housing. However what would have been their obligation gets divided up and split among the suburban communities. By way of example, Jersey City has given out new construction building permits for over 37,000 units over the past several years. Under the affordable housing guidelines it would have had a obligation to provide approximately 7,000+ units of affordable housing. Jersey City is an Urban Aid community so it has no obligation. However those 7,000 units get split up and sent to our communities.
4. The financing available to communities to build affordable housing through governmental programs was manipulated by the legislature so that 40 percent of all available money MUST GO TO URBAN AID communities which have no affordable housing obligation.
5. There are currently over 40,000 foreclosed homes in this State that could be used as affordable housing but the powers that be refuse to allow them to be counted.
6. Section 8 housing or affordable housing with vouchers has historically not been counted as fulfilling affordable housing obligations in a community.
7. If you are a community trying to recruit business and jobs, you are penalized and your community now gets hit with additional numbers of affordable housing you must provide for in your total calculations.
8. The environmental impacts and a community’s infrastructure, schools, roads, capacity of volunteer services are not permitted to be taken into account under current regulations.
The system is so broken.
Help us fix this. MAKE YOUR VOICES BE HEARD IN TRENTON.

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Glen Rock Police Department Issues a Scam Alert for a Chimney Repair/Sales/Inspection Company that is Calling Residents

chimney sweeps

Mat 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, Glen Rock Police Department issues a scam alert, saying “We were just notified that a chimney repair/sales/inspection company is calling residents which may be a scam. They are very aggressive and trying to give the impression that they are working for the Borough of Glen Rock or that the Borough setup and is requiring the inspection. A phone number provided by the resident comes back to a disconnected number which also fuels our suspicion. While there are legitimate and reputable chimney companies out there, unfortunately this is a area that has been rife with fraud in the past. The GRPD recommends residents should always research companies and seek out trustworthy recommendations from people you know before hiring a company for chimney work or any service. Although cold calling can be a legitimate way for companies to earn new business, be extremely wary of any company displaying aggressive tactics, uses pressure or fear to get your business and will not honor callbacks or waiting for you to do your research.”

The GRPD will be presenting a scam and fraud workshop on Wednesday May 23rd at 7:00pm. Check back later for additional details

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“OPERATION LOUD SPEAKER” CHARGES BERGEN RESIDENTS IN MULTI-STATE MARIJUANA DRUG TRAFFICKING NETWORK

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May 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Englewood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of OSCAR HOLGUIN (DOB: 8/3/1979; single; and employed as an entertainment promoter) and his girlfriend PAOLA AMADOR (DOB: 12/21/1988; single; and unemployed) of 3301 Riverview Avenue, Englewood, NJ on narcotics and related and child endangerment charges. Additionally, NATALIE STOJANOV (DOB: 12/14/1990; single; and employed as a bartender) of 90 Bristol Station Court, Carteret, NJ was arrested on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. These arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.

In January 2018, detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding suspicious packages being shipped from California to the NY/ NJ area. The investigation revealed that OSCAR HOLGUIN was the ringleader of a nationwide drug-trafficking network. Over the course of the following two months, detectives from the BCPO were able to uncover the details of HOLGUIN’s illicit operation and identified AMADOR and STOJANOV as co-conspirators.

Traveling under the guise of a music promoter, HOLGUIN made weekly trips to an area north of San Francisco, California known for the production of marijuana in outdoor grow facilities. HOLGUIN large quantities of the marijuana at wholesale prices, planning to re-distribute it in New York and New Jersey. Breaking the bulk marijuana down into smaller, tightly sealed packages, HOLGUIN secreted his illegal product in large “subwoofer”- style speakers typically used by professional musicians, which he then shipped to various locations throughout New York and New Jersey.

The investigation culminated in the seizure of approximately 100 pounds of raw marijuana at several locations in New York and New Jersey, which were found secreted in speakers. Detectives froze bank accounts for HOLGUIN and seized a Range Rover and Dodge Durango, believed to be proceeds of his criminal activities. Detectives estimate that HOLGUIN and his associates used this method to ship thousands of pounds of marijuana over the course of 3 to 4 years from California to New Jersey. Although arrests have been made, more arrests are anticipated in New York and New Jersey.

As a result of the investigation, OSCAR HOLGUIN and PAOLA AMADOR were arrested on April 20, 2018 in Englewood, NJ and each charged with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana in a quantity greater than twenty-five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5B(10)(A), a crime of the second degree; Possession of Marijuana in a quantity greater than one ounce but less than five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(11), a crime of the third degree; Possession of THC Edibles in a quantity greater than one pound but less than five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(10)B, a crime of the second degree; and Child Endangerment, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4A(2), a crime of the second degree. HOLGUIN also faces additional charges in New York in relation to Marijuana and THC Edibles in Yonkers. OSCAR HOLGUIN made a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on April 23, 2018.

NATALIE STOJANOV was arrested on April 20, 2018 in Carteret, NJ and charged with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana in a quantity greater than twenty-five pounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5B(10)(A), a crime of the second degree. STOJANOV and AMADOR are scheduled to make their first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on May, 3, 2018.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Englewood Police Department, Tenafly Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Paramus Police Department, the United States Postal Service, and The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York for their assistance in this investigation.