The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Photos courtesy of Nevada Brown
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The streets of Ridgewood were alive with patriotic pride and community spirit as residents came together for the 2025 Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, themed “The Road to Independence.” Organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee, a dedicated all-volunteer group, the event honored key milestones that led to America’s independence ahead of next year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
photo courtesy of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Restoration and bank stabilization efforts are now in full swing at Dunham Trail, a cherished 1.75-acre nature preserve along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, as Ridgewood Water works to protect critical infrastructure and enhance environmental safety.
As people age, many prefer to stay in their own homes instead of moving to a care facility. This is known as aging in place. It allows seniors to remain in a familiar environment, stay close to loved ones, and maintain their independence. With the right care and support, aging in place can be a safe and comfortable option.
Today, there are many senior care solutions designed to help older adults live at home longer. These services support health, safety, and day-to-day living needs. Here are some of the top care options that can make aging in place easier and more enjoyable.
Continue reading Top Senior Care Solutions to Support Aging in Place
When people think about climate change, they often picture melting glaciers or rising sea levels. But the effects are much closer to home. According to the World Health Organization, over 13 million deaths each year are due to environmental causes that could be prevented. Air pollution, extreme heat, and unsafe drinking water are already making people sick—and in some cases, costing them their lives. These issues are no longer problems of the future. They’re happening now.
Continue reading Public Health and the Planet: How Education is Driving Eco-Conscious Change
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — According to Village Manager Keith Kazmark, drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4. On average, New Jersey loses 10 children per year to this tragic and preventable cause.
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — July 2025 — In a significant turn of events, Ridgewood has reduced its fourth-round affordable housing obligation from 427 units—the number initially assigned by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs—to just 4 units, all of which the village says are already covered through surplus credits.
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Ridgewood NJ, a former taxi stand office at the train station, now vacant, was supposed to have been occupied with a paying tenant beginning in early 2024. The space is still vacant.
Continue reading Some Promises Made from the Ridgewood Village Council Dais Have Not Been Kept
Online sports betting is on the rise across New Jersey, and Ridgewood is right in the thick of it. From phone apps to buzz locally, this is the way the wave of online gambling is impacting close by.
Just a few years back, sports betting appeared to be the domain of casino floors in Atlantic City or smoke-filled back rooms out of a movie. Now? It’s just another phone app. And in Ridgewood, this is how that shift has really taken hold more than maybe some might have expected.
In today’s short-term rental market, presentation and hygiene are everything. Guests don’t just want a clean space—they expect a consistently spotless, hotel-level experience from the moment they walk through the door. Whether it’s a quick overnight stay or a week-long booking, expectations have evolved. And for hosts, that means elevating their Airbnb cleaning routines from “good enough” to guest-ready on every level.
A well-cleaned rental does more than impress—it sets the tone for the entire stay, affects reviews, and influences repeat bookings. But achieving and maintaining this level of readiness requires more than basic tidying. It takes a strategic, thorough approach to both house cleaning and deep cleaning routines, designed specifically for short-term rentals.
Continue reading The Guest-Ready Standard: What Airbnb Cleaning Should Look Like in Today’s Market
When homeowners think about remodeling, the focus often zeroes in on one room—perhaps a kitchen in need of modern updates or a basement waiting to be finished. But what many don’t anticipate is how a single improvement can trigger a wave of positive changes throughout the rest of the house. At BBC Construction, clients often find that upgrading one space leads to rethinking others, as form and function begin to align in new and exciting ways.
Continue reading The Remodeling Ripple Effect: How One Upgrade Impacts the Entire Home
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — July 2025 — After decades as a respected voice in financial journalism, Neal Lipschutz—the former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal and Ridgewood native —has embarked on a new literary journey: mystery fiction. His debut novel, No Write Way to Die, is set to release July 8 and promises suspense, sharp character development, and a plot that explores the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.
As 2025 begins, homeowners and landscaping professionals alike are searching for the most efficient and innovative ways to improve their yards. From eco-friendly options to high-performance gear, investing in the right tools can transform any outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for lawn care equipment for sale or need powerful commercial landscaping tools for large-scale maintenance,
this guide covers the top must-haves to elevate your lawn care routine this year.
Continue reading Upgrade Your Yard: Must-Have Lawn Care Tools and Equipment for 2025
For many people, mornings set the tone for the entire day. A rushed, chaotic morning can lead to lingering stress, while a calm and collected start can increase productivity and focus. While various factors influence how our mornings unfold—like sleep quality, diet, and schedules—there’s one often overlooked contributor to a good morning: the state of your home.
Continue reading Why Clean Homes Make Happier Mornings: A Look at the Psychology of Routine
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Ridgewood NJ, citing “cable and conduit failures,” and in conjunction with approval of an upcoming roof replacement project, the Ridgewood Village Council will likely vote this coming week to ditch all solar panels on the roof of Village Hall.
Continue reading Ridgewood Village Council plans to ditch solar panels on roof of Village Hall
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Ridgewood NJ, we remind voters that taxpayer funded purchases of “open space” ARE NOT AND SHOULD NOT be limited to properties intended for use as athletic fields.
Continue reading Our thoughts on the proposed Ridgewood “Open Space Tax Levy” increase