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Looks like Mayor Hache’s rush to be politically correct and garner favors with the pride community is going to backfire big time now

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photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Did anyone listen to the Council meeting the other night?  In between the discussions about Schedler and the parking garage, there was an interesting few minutes about the new flagpole in Van Neste. For those of you who have not been paying attention, that pole was erected on the North-West corner of the park in a big fat hurry in May, in order to get a PRIDE flag flying in time for June.  The pole was funded by “private” donation from the owner of Park West, Frank DelVecchio, JOLT, Vagianos, the owner of Pearl, and Siobhan Winograd.  Some on the Council seemingly did not even know about it until it was installed.  But Mayor Hache sure did know.  Although it was installed because of the impending Pride month, the flagpole was a gift to the Village and no group or entity has ownership of it.  Well, the pride flag went up in a very nice ceremony, and it flew there for the month of June, and now the Council has been tasked with figuring out what the heck to do about regulating other flags.  Attorney Matt Rogers floated a long list of factors-questions-concerns to consider including, but not limited to:

Continue reading Looks like Mayor Hache’s rush to be politically correct and garner favors with the pride community is going to backfire big time now
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Ridgewood Police ,Fire and EMS all Respond Driveway Crash

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Ridgewood Fire, and Ridgewood EMS rushed to aid the adult female driver of a Mercedes sedan who crashed her vehicle while pulling into her own driveway on Thursday afternoon, 08/08. A flatbed tow truck was called to remove the passenger car from its resting place. Fire Department personnel reported no structural damage occurred to the house. A medical episode may have immediately preceded the crash.

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Reader says , “What starts as promoting a trend of care and compassion turns into a major problem where it becomes a health crisis”

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file photo from the Ridgewood bus station

“This unfortunate segment of society will always gravitate to the points of least resistance. It’s why we have huge homeless populations in places like LA, San Francisco, NYC, etc. What starts as promoting a trend of care and compassion turns into a major problem where it becomes a health crisis.

Yes, I realize that this is not San Francisco and little Ridgewood will not become overrun with homeless juinkies, but I’m just saying that if you allow your liberal sensibilities to overlook or even coddle these people, it will quickly become a serious issue.”

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Reader bets that the Elks building will become the Library’s auditorium?

Ridgewood Elks

“Not so many years ago Ridgewood water was so good that pediatricians said it could be used for babies formula without being boiled. Now it is literally toxic and there are many times that our water filter cannot overcome the purely nasty taste and smell. Recently it was announced that our water rates will once again go up as Ridgewood isn’t selling enough water to meet their cost. Since most of it is being supplied by Suez they have to pay them first. Remember, the neighboring towns who receive Ridgewood water sued them because part of their bill payment was used to subsidize other Ridgewood departments. Ridgewood’s response was to hire someone who “proved” that the rate the other towns were paying was the right rate and thus the suit should be null and void. The other towns did not give up and Ridgewood will be eventually forced to pay reimbursement of the overage in charges. Unfortunately, our “wonderful Council” says the water company is self supporting and that it doesn’t cost anything in Ridgewood taxes. That is why they used “water company money” to buy the Elks. (Presumably all the water company’s cars and trucks will take the Library and Village hall parking spots on Maple as “adequate parking is not available at the Elks.”) Anyone want to bet that that building will not become the Library’s auditorium? Honesty and truth telling cannot be found in the Council, the BOE, or from any other official in Ridgewood. We are left to wonder WHY they prefer to hide their true actions?”

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Reader asks ,“What did they get out of it for lying so freely?”

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“All these problems that the Village has been denying would occur are almost here. The fact that the official people in Ridgewood would constantly parrot the builders quotes when it was obvious to even a child that all these additions would include a massive influx in needs for all our services. As someone stated “What did they get out of it for lying so freely?” Paul got his first state political appointment which he hopes will lead to bigger and better things. Our present Mayor changed to becoming a real estate agent and all these new developments will benefit him. What was gained by the others happily rushing into this? Will they all be gone when reality sets in? They all HAD to know what would be the reality of all this development. What did they gain by their massive pretend ignorance?”

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Summer Sessions at the Ridgewood Art Institute

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Summertime is officially here! There are still spaces available for our Summer Sessions.
These workshops are suitable for younger students just beginning their Art Journey, as well as older students working on a portfolio for college applications. All students are taught in direct relation to their own personal skill level.

Why not give your child the Gift of Art this summer?

12 E Glen Ave
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Call (201) 652-9615

Posted on 11 Comments

Reader claims Ridgewood Has Lost that Special Vibe

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

If your house is not already on the market, then you are not sitting on what you think will be a sizable retirement plan. Have you noticed how many for sale signs there are? Way more than is seasonably normal. There are a number of reasons for this exodus, some of it due to national and international changes, and some of it local. The local stuff that is negatively affecting real estate are things like the new SALT changes to what is tax-deductable in property taxes. The Ridgewood issues are the loss of that special vibe that Ridgewood had, which is quickly fading with affordable housing, apartment blocks, and a multi-story car park. Other factors that once made Ridgewood a highly desirable place to live was its schools reputation. This was mostly a myth, made possible by realtors, and parents that had fallen for the bs and now needed to re-state the myth to friends so that their home investment was maintained. These days, we live in a world of data. Home buys have a multitude of online tools where they can do their school research.

The world is also changing. There’s a gradual flattening process in terms of work. NYC generates most of the high-paying 6 figure salary jobs that fuels places like Ridgewood. These high paying jobs are slowing moving out. The advancements in technology are slowing changing the global landscape and places like NYC will no longer be one of the special places where “the talent” is.

I am moving out, having sold my place already. I’ve enjoyed my time here but I won’t be looking back at Ridgewood with any fondness.

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Heart in Motion Mostly Modern Master Class Series

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This Summer at HeART .Heart in Motion is thrilled to have these wonderful artists coming to teach this summer along with some live percussion to accompany a couple of the classes!

• July 30th – Lauren Beirne (Lauren Beirne Dance Works)
• August 6th – Lynn Needle (Art of Motion Dance Theatre) w/ live accompaniment
• August 13th – Robert Mark Burke (10 Hairy Legs)
• August 20th – Lara M. Friedman-Kats (Carolyn Dorfman Dance)
• August 27th – Alyson Monaco (Nikki Manx Dance Project)
Special Jazz Master Class: Saturday, July 27th
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Tammy & Rika of Studio Tammy Tokyo

HeART in motion location, 17 Chestnut St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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The Table at Latonas Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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\the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at The Table at Latona’s.

Thursday, September 12th 2019 at 6:00pm.

Although Joe and Gregg have been in business in Ridgewood for a few months, they are already making a name for themselves by not only giving back to the community but by their gorgeous window displays of one of a kind tableware.

Please join the celebration. It’s Sure to be a great event.

Thursday, September 12, 2019
6:00 PM
The Table at Latonas, 26 E. Ridgewood Ave.

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Official Groundbreaking Ceremony for Hudson Garage September 7, 2019 at 9:00 a.m

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Hudson Street parking lot will be shut down as of August 19, 2019 for the construction of the parking garage.   Please join us at the official groundbreaking ceremony, which will take place on September 7, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., at the Hudson Street parking lot.

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Ridgewood Business Victim of Harassment Campaign

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file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on July 15th, an East Ridgewood Avenue business reported being the victim of harassment in the past. The business owner reported surveillance cameras have captured a female actor opening the business dumpster during the overnight hours and removing garbage on a nightly basis. Garbage is repeatedly thrown about creating a hazardous condition and annoyance. The business wished to document the incident at this time.

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Ridgewood Police Respond to Nine reports of Car Burglaries and thefts from Motor vehicles in One Night

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file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on July 10th, the Ridgewood Police responded and investigated nine reports of car burglaries and thefts from motor vehicles. All the vehicles were reported to have been left unlocked during the overnight hours.

Additionally on July 12th, six car burglaries were reported to have occurred during the overnight hours. All six vehicles were left unlocked and discovered to have been entered and rifled through. Only one victim reported personal property was taken from the vehicle at this time.

The Ridgewood Police are investigating multiple car burglaries and thefts from within. Multiple vehicles have been stolen and in all cases the vehicles have been left unlocked.

We remind everyone to please remove all of your valuables from your vehicles and lock the vehicle doors. Remove all key fobs and valet keys from your vehicle.

These types of crimes are preventable and are crimes of opportunity.

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Reader says , “there are swarms of professional thieves being dropped off in our historically safe quite neighborhoods”

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“The problem is not cars getting stolen from Starbucks because keys left in car running. Nor is it stupid people living with us. The concern to all of us is, and should be, that there are swarms of professional thieves being dropped off in our historically safe quite neighborhoods. THAT has not been going on my entire life. As for the police, they did respond quickly and they did watch the neighborhood the nights after to see if they came back for stuff they had dropped in haste running away. I also know that because they stopped a car dropping off my child returning home late one evening shortly after one of the incident to check the person driving. I find it quite misplaced to direct blame or criticism towards the Police when this is occurring all over the county and in fact I know it has been going on in similarly nice areas in the Princeton area as well.”

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES IN RIDGEWOOD

Village Council Special Public Meeting

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council is seeking Village residents interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees:
-Ridgewood Planning Board
-Ridgewood Zoning Board of Adjustment
-Central Business District Advisory Committee

Continue reading VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES IN RIDGEWOOD
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Ridgewood Parks & Recreation : Kayak Classes

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Parks and Rec are hosting Kayak classes at Graydon Pool.

Kayak Classes- 1 session $45 each, 6:15 – 7:15 on Monday July 15 and/or July 29 – These courses are 1 hour and are available to anyone 13 and older. Children can participate as long as they are accompanied by a registered parent or guardian and are physically able to operate a kayak independently. These are introductory classes taught by a qualified instructor. All of the equipment is provided for you. The deep end and North Maple Avenue side of the pool will be closed off other than boating during this time period. There needs to be a minimum of 10 participants for this class to run, so bring your friends! Non members and non residents are welcome to participate for an additional $10 fee. You do not need a Graydon Membership to take this class.

Register on line at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypassor in person The Stable ,259 N. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450