Police, hazmat converge on hotels near MetLife Stadium on ‘unknown substance’ calls
Friday, January 31, 2014 Last updated: Friday January 31, 2014, 1:00 PM
BY JAMES M. O’NEILL AND MATTHEW MCGRATH
STAFF WRITERS
The Record
Bergen County has dispatched hazmat and bomb squad teams to three hotels near MetLife Stadium after a suspicious white substance was delivered to the hotels.
The substances were delivered this morning and reported to county officials at 11:42 a.m., said Jeanne Barratta, chief of staff to Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan.
She said the substance was delivered to two hotels in Carlstadt and one in East Rutherford. She said she did not know if anyone at the hotel was exposed to the substance. The FBI and New Jersey State Police are also working the case, she said.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/carlstadt/Police_converge_on_Carlstadt_hotel_on_hazardous_material_call.htm
FIRE and ICE – A Winter Festival – with Bonfires at Graydon – February 1
Fire and Ice – A Winter Festival in the Village New Date – Saturday, February 1st
Take part in the national initiative “Come Alive Outside” and join Ridgewood Parks and Recreation, Jacobsen Landscape Design and Construction, Ridgewood Fire Department and Eastern Mountain Sports as they create an outstanding winter late afternoon/evening event at Graydon Park and the surrounding parklands. Please use the Graydon parking lot and main entrance.
Village families can gather together, enjoy bonfires around Graydon Pool with winter dinner and comforting refreshments. Ice skating (bring your own skates), snow shoeing, hiking, ice sculptures, and music are a few of the festive offerings. A winter vendor’s market will host a variety of hot foods, desserts and homemade baked goods while others specialize in winter gloves, scarves, and mittens. There will even be honey from our local beekeepers.
Saturday, February 1st, 4 to 8 p.m. (rain date is 2/8) Graydon Park and the Stable environs (Please use the Graydon Pool parking lot and main entrance.)
We hope you will join us! The cost per person is $5. Pre-registration is requested and is offered online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass or in person/by mail: The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, weekdays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Locate the registration flyer on the Recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation. Call the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 if more information is needed.
Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward and Patrolman Michael Lembo Visit BF for a Youth Outreach Program
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward and Patrolman Michael Lembo Visited Benjamin Franklin Middle School during lunch as part of the Police Departments youth outreach program. It’s a great opportunity for the students to get to know our Officers, ask questions and share ideas.
Planning Board Special Public Meeting – February 4 at RHS Student Center
Special Public Meeting: Tuesday, February 4, 2014
In accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act,” please be advised that the Planning Board has scheduled a special public meeting and work session for TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014, in the RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CENTER, 627 E. RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ beginning at 8:00 p.m.
The Board may take official action during this Special Public Meeting at which time the Board will continue the public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to the Land Use Plan Element of the Master Plan which would recommend changes in zone district classifications and boundaries within the Central Business District and surrounding area including AH-2, B-3-R, C-R and C Zone Districts. The Board anticipates that the order of presentation to the extent known as of this date will consist of the following:
a) Commencement of expert testimony – professional planning (direct and cross examination of planners on behalf of any interested party – opportunity to ask questions after the conclusion of each witness’ testimony)
b) Announcement of next hearing date and other Planning Board business per the agenda.
The proposed master plan amendment and related exhibits are at the office of the Secretary of the Ridgewood Planning Board on the third floor of Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey and are available for public inspection Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The amendment and exhibits are also posted as a courtesy on the Village’s website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.
All meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work session meetings, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings which are always open to members of the general public.
Ridgewood planning board hears engineer on Valley Hospital expansion
Thursday January 30, 2014, 8:01 AM
BY BARBARA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
RIDGEWOOD – There were no surprises Wednesday night at a hearing for The Valley Hospitals plan to expand to nearly 1 million square feet. An engineer hired by the Planning Board told residents that there are no impediments to allowing the project to go forward.
Several of the audience members said they had been expecting M. Golam Kabir, from Converse Consultants in Whippany, to agree with testimony already presented by Valleys experts. Theyve been told for nearly a year that excavating 170,000 cubic yards of soil and rock and pulling out up to 300,000 gallons of water per day wont cause lasting damage to the neighborhood surrounding the hospital.
“Based on the review of the documents, it did not disclose any geotechnical impediments that could preclude the proposed construction,” Kabir said in his report to the board.
His testimony concurred with information presented by Valleys engineer, Moustafa Gouda, director of Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Services at Maser Consulting in Red Bank.
Ridgewood police recruits told to unpack bags for police academy
Thursday January 30, 2014, 5:18 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
The Village of Ridgewood is in violation of its own personnel regulations, a discovery that is preventing two police recruits from attending the Bergen County Police Academy. The two candidates, conditionally hired by the Ridgewood Police Department on Jan. 17, already received uniforms and were prepared for the six-month county training but were told to unpack their bags Wednesday night – just hours before the academy was slated to begin Thursday morning.
An ordinance currently included in Ridgewood’s code caps the number of police department patrol officers at 30. The department had 31 officers, though that number is permitted under the ordinance because one sergeant position remains vacant. The two Jan. 17 hires, however, pushed Ridgewood beyond the allowable limit.
As a reminder on days when snow or ice is forecast, residents will be required to bring their garbage cans to the curb for collection. VOR staff will only pick up garbage and recycling at the curb in snow or ice conditions. Ice condition is when ice is present in driveways and sidewalks. Due to numerous slip and falls today by Sanitation staff (some requiring Hospital visits) if your driveway was not clear your garbage has not been collected and should be placed at the curb.
DHS seizes $21.6 million in fake NFL merchandise, arrests 50 involved
Ahead of the Super Bowl, federal officials announced a crackdown on counterfeit National Football League merchandise, revealing the seizure of more than $21.6 million in fake NFL merchandise, Thursday.
In an initiative called “Operation Team Player,” the feds targeted international shipments of counterfeit merchandise from abroad as it came into the United States, as well as warehouses, stores, online vendors, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods and tickets nationwide. The operation began in June.
“Our agents are committed to combating the criminal enterprises selling counterfeit products which undermine our economy, and take jobs away from Americans,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director John Sandweg said in a statement. “No good comes from counterfeiting American products regardless of whether they are jerseys, airbags or pharmaceuticals.
Bridgeaplooza attorney’s firm has past ties to state Democrats, state records show
The firm that employs the attorney hired by the legislative committee investigating the George Washington Bridge scandal represented Democrats in both the 2001 and 2011 legislative redistricting efforts, collecting nearly $760,000 in the process, according to state records.
Jenner and Block, where attorney and former prosecutor Reid Schar is a partner, was legal counsel for the Democratic team that helped redraw the state’s legislative districts three years ago. That committee was led by then Democratic state Chairman John Wisniewski, who also leads the committee investigating the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge, a scandal that has engulfed the Christie administration and to date has cost four people their jobs.
Democrats ultimately prevailed in the 2011 effort, coming away with a map that all but ensured they’d keep control of the legislature for the next decade. For their efforts, Jenner and Block was paid $205,693, according to state records. The last invoice from the firm was submitted in December 2012.
The Chicago-based Jenner and Block also represented the Democratic team in 2001. That effort also led to a Democratic win. The law firm was paid $554,580 for that effort.
State Sen. Kevin O’Toole, a member of the committee, rasied the issue at the first meeting Monday. (Isherwood/NJ.com)
Federal prosecutors argue ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ couple aren’t entitled to separate trials on fraud charges
Wednesday January 29, 2014, 8:47 PM
BY PETER J. SAMPSON
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Federal prosecutors on Wednesday filed papers opposing a bid by Teresa and Joe Giudice, stars of Bravo television’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” to be granted separate trials on a slew of bank- and loan-fraud charges.
In a 37-page legal brief filed in federal court in Newark, prosecutors said the Montville couple are not entitled to a severance merely because Teresa Giudice would prefer not to testify against her husband in a joint trial, while Joe Giudice has not shown that his testimony would substantially clear his wife of guilt.
Earlier this month, the Giudices asked U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to grant them separate trials, arguing Joe Giudice has evidence of his wife’s innocence, but he would not take the witness stand if they are forced to stand trial together. Teresa Giudice, likewise, wants to testify on her own behalf, but not against her husband.
Indicted last year, the Giudices are facing 41 counts alleging that between 2001 and 2011 they engaged in conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. They both are charged with bank fraud, loan application fraud and bankruptcy fraud. Joe Giudice also is charged with failing to file tax returns for 2005-2009.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/Federal_prosecutors_argue_Real_Housewives_of_New_Jersey_couple_arent_entitled_to_separate_trials_on_fraud_charges.html#sthash.9Zxd63CP.dpuf
NJ Transit scrambling to protect its logos after trademarks lapsed in error
Thursday January 30, 2014, 12:00 AM
BY KAREN RO– USE
STAFF WRITER
The Record
NJ Transit is hurrying to register seven trademarks — including its well-known orange, magenta and blue bands — with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office because it failed to renew the marks before a 2012 deadline and a six-month grace period expired.
An official at the trademark office confirmed last week that one of NJ Transit’s most recognizable trademark slogans, “NJ TRANSIT The Way To Go,” accompanied by black and white bars, bands and lines, is among the marks canceled after lapsing for more than a year.
“They are applying [for a new registration], but nothing is registered,” spokesman Paul Fucito said.
This is not the first paperwork lapse at NJ Transit: Three years ago, the agency’s website, NJTransit.com, was shut down by its Web hosting company because the agency failed to pay its domain name fee. And while this instance is not as noticeable to the public and is not likely to result in the agency losing its logos, it shows a lack of attention to detail at the agency, experts said.
Breakthrough discovery creates stem cells in a flash
Wednesday January 29, 2014, 11:27 PM
BY MONTE MORIN
LOS ANGELES TIMES
The Record
In a feat that experts say is a significant advance for regenerative medicine, scientists have discovered a surprisingly simple method for creating personalized stem cells that doesn’t involve human embryos or tinkering with DNA.
Two studies published Wednesday in the journal Nature describe a novel procedure for “reprogramming” the blood cells of newborn mice by soaking the cells in a mildly acidic solution for 30 minutes. This near-fatal shock caused the cells to become pluripotent, or capable of growing into any type of cell in the body.
When the reprogrammed cells were tagged and injected into a developing mouse, they multiplied and grew into heart, bone, brain and other organs, the scientists found.
Bridgeaplooza: New allegations emerge from Zimmer lawsuit
HOBOKEN — Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer threatened to fire Carmelo Garcia, director of the local housing authority, unless he agreed to hire politically connected contractors, a recently filed lawsuit claims.
Zimmer’s lawyer says the claims are baseless and suggested they are retaliation engineered by Christie allies.
The strong-arm tactics alleged by Garcia, who is also a Democratic assemblyman, come two weeks after Zimmer, also a Democrat, claimed in a nationally televised interview that the Christie administration threatened to withhold Hurricane Sandy recover money for Hoboken unless she agreed to fast-track a development project the governor backed.
In the lawsuit filed last week in Superior Court in Jersey City, Garcia claims Zimmer pressured him to award contracts to her political allies. When he resisted, Zimmer and her husband, Stanley Grossbard, “began to subject Director Garcia to an unlawful pattern of harassment, threats, intimidation and extortion,” the suit claims. (Giambusso/Star-Ledger)
NJ Transit’s problems continue days before Super Bowl XLVIII
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 Last updated: Wednesday January 29, 2014, 6:45 PM
BY KAREN RO– USE
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Wednesday’s drama wasn’t part of NJ Transit’s playbook.
Just days before Super Bowl, the agency tasked with transporting thousands of ticket-holding fans to the Super Bowl saw two trains break down, stranding more than 800 passengers, and problems with its website.
Train problems began at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a New York-bound train carrying 27 passengers stopped under the Hudson River as the result of a downed overhead wire and a loss of power, said NJ Transit Spokeswoman Nancy Snyder. The passengers were trapped in the tube for several hours as temperatures dropped.
A Super Bowl Message From Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan
The Super Bowl is literally just around the corner and I wanted to take this time to express how exciting it is to have this major event right in our own back yard! The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks with their fans from around the world will be coming to this region to the biggest event in sports. With this influx of visitors, I strongly encourage residents to keep informed on traffic delays and to plan accordingly.
Traffic and Public Transportation: The Getting to the Game website (www.nj.gov/superbowl) is a collaborative effort involving the New Jersey State Police, the Department of Transportation, the Port Authority of NY/NJ, New Jersey Transit and other state public safety and transportation agencies. The website will serve as a location for state government and public transportation agencies to post important information for state residents and out-of- town visitors as New Jersey gears up for the Super Bowl.
The website will give users access to an interactive map showing real-time traffic delays in the area of MetLife Stadium. The Port Authority has provided links to information on bridges, tunnels, airports, and PATH subway services. New Jersey Transit has provided links to bus and train schedules, rail maps, and fare information. Real-time weather information for the East Rutherford area is posted. The website also allows local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to post public safety information.
Teterboro: Speaking of traffic, it will not only be cars. Be aware that you will hear an increase in airplane traffic at Teterboro Airport. There is a no-fly zone established on February 2 that will shut down air traffic at Teterboro from about 4:00 p.m. until one hour after the game ends. Then there will be a rush of traffic from about midnight until 5:00 a.m. on February 3. With that exception of post-game operations, the voluntary restriction on operations between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. will remain in effect and mandatory departure noise limits will be in effect. Aircraft with an operating weight in excess of 100,000 are not permitted to land or take-off. The increased air traffic at Teterboro will also increase car traffic in the area.
Events: There will be many events and celebration leading up to the game. In an effort to keep you up to date with the most current information, I have compiled the following links that will help residents to stay informed about the game, traffic, events and anything else you will need! These sites and more can also be found at the county’s website at www.co.bergen.nj.us.
FAQs – This Frequently Asked Question site is provided by the Super Bowl of NY & NJ Host Committee. Here you will find answers to your questions ranging from information about the stadium, NJ Transit, parking, events and the game itself. If you have a question, here you will find the answer.
A Guide to Staying Healthy for the Big Game – The New Jersey Department of Health has created this “Guide to a Safe Super Bowl” for both residents and visitors alike. It will provide you information on health-related issues that are specific to this Super Bowl – such as how to deal with extreme cold weather – as well as information on food safety for those having parties and how to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Here you will find videos, posters, facts sheets and other information that will help you stay healthy and enjoy this exciting game and the activities surrounding it.
NJTransit Super Bowl Information – NJTransit’s Super Bowl Page has all the information you will need to get around the “First Mass Transit Super Bowl”. Information on NJTransit’s SUPER PASS as well as a complete regional transit diagram can be found on this site.
Super Bowl Host Committee of NY & NJ – The site provides information such as a calendar of events, a NY/NJ visitor guide, game information and much more.
NorthJersey.com’s Fan Guide – North Jersey.com has compiled an evolving list of Super Bowl events in and around Bergen for you. New Jersey has all sorts of activities planned for Super Bowl week, including concerts, parties, family fun, ice skating, tastings, celebrity appearances and more. Check back frequently for new additions and updates.
Bergen County is honored to be home to the Super Bowl. To those visiting Bergen County for the first time – Welcome! Most importantly to residents and visitors alike, please be safe and enjoy the game!
