file photo by Boyd Loving
December 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Resident Jackie Hone reminded me this morning of this video done by Dana Glazer . The plan still stands for a field at Schedler. Pay close attention to what is said about the toxic fumes. A doctor spoke against this plan at a recent meeting. Why then is the committee and Council saying yes to a field? Would you allow your children to play here? Full plan in comments.
file photo
December 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee Presentation to Village Council , it appears nothing has changed and the committee seemed to disregard all efforts of by local historians ,neighbors and friends of Schedler .
The committees presentation to the Village Council was basically reduced to a full on push for more ball fields at Schedler and nothing else matters .
The report suggest the Schedler was nothing more than a use of open spaces funding as a land grab for sports fields .
Like parking the need for ball fields in town has been questioned and the complete lack of transparency of field use has lead to little taxpayer support .
Jan Phillips really has balls. Oldest trick in the book, try to divert attention from the FACTS by claiming that facts are not involved. Aronsohn and Sonenfeld were found GUILTY of misusing public funds. This was not Ridgewood residents who determined their guilt. It was a group of seven independent people who have nothing to do with Ridgewood and everything to do with open, honest government. Open, honest government is something that Aronsohn, Sonenfeld, and their defenders know nothing about.
December 22,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the ethically challenged former Ridgewood Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld attempted once again to interject herself in village affairs in a letter to the editor exclaiming ,” I must admit that I’ve been stunned as well by the misinformation, changing stories and fluctuating revenue numbers coming from Village Hall. It would be laughable if it wasn’t all so disturbing and costly to us Ridgewood taxpayers.” https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/12/20/letter-ridgewoods-handling-parkmobile-situation-puzzling-and-disturbing/968874001/ . This is not the first time a contract arranged by the former Village manager that has generated controversy and not been viewed as being in the best interest of the Village of Ridgewood .
The facts are actually very simple and the Sonenfeld letter is filled with misinformation and fails to mention two key items:
1. The Resolution that the Council signed in February of 2015 stated a 2-year contract. She signed a 35 month contract.
2. The Resolution that the Council signed in February of 2015 stated NO FEES. She signed a contract with fees.
![Rodman-Lora[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Rodman-Lora1.jpg "Former New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission clerk indicted with nine alleged co-conspirators for Masterminding a payoffs for permits and licenses scheme")
December 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) clerk was indicted today along with nine alleged co-conspirators in a scheme in which the clerk allegedly accepted thousands of dollars in payments in return for allowing more than 220 individuals to obtain permits and licenses without passing required exams.
Rodman Lora, 39, of Ridgewood, N.Y., a former clerk at the Lodi MVC Agency, allegedly altered MVC driver records for more than 220 individuals between 2014 and 2016, enabling the individuals to obtain various permits and licenses without having passed the mandatory written and/or driving exams. In return, Lora allegedly received cash payments that averaged more than $700 per license or permit.
The Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau today obtained a state grand jury indictment charging Lora with the following crimes:
Official Misconduct (2nd degree),
Pattern of Official Misconduct (2nd degree),
Conspiracy (2nd degree),
Computer Criminal Activity (2nd degree), and
Tampering with Public Records or Information (3rd degree).
The official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct charges against Lora carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison, with a mandatory minimum period of five years of parole ineligibility. The nine co-defendants indicted with Lora include four customers of the illegal scheme, three “runners” whom Lora allegedly used to recruit customers, and two co-conspirators who worked at the Lodi MVC Agency, one as an MVC clerk and the second as a security guard for a private security firm contracted by the MVC. Each of those defendants is charged with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree computer criminal activity, and third-degree tampering with public records or information.
“Corrupt motor vehicle clerks have the power to undermine public safety by issuing fraudulent documents to criminals seeking false identification, or as alleged here, by issuing driver’s credentials to unqualified individuals,” said Attorney General Porrino. “Lora sold out the trust placed in him as a motor vehicle clerk and now faces serious criminal charges, thanks to the vigilance of the MVC and the work of our detectives and attorneys.”
“This indictment sends a strong warning to those who participate in the illegal brokering and sale of driver’s licenses,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll continue to work with the MVC to root out dishonest clerks and aggressively prosecute anyone involved in this type of criminal scheme.”
“The MVC does not tolerate any type of criminal activity whatsoever, either from customers or employees,” said MVC Chairman and Chief Administrator Raymond P. Martinez. “Working together with our partners in law enforcement, we continue to make great strides in weeding out fraud and abuse, while enhancing security throughout our entire organization.”
The following nine additional defendants were charged in the indictment with second-degree conspiracy, second-degree computer criminal activity, and third-degree tampering with public records:
Alleged Runners
Masood Ahmadi, 54, of Lake Hiawatha, N.J., is the owner of Ideal Transportation, a school bus company that holds busing contracts with several schools and school districts in northern New Jersey. He allegedly recruited customers seeking commercial driver’s licenses into the scheme. Most were relatives of his or were seeking employment as bus drivers with Ideal Transportation.
Luis Tiburcio, 46, of Passaic, N.J.
Carlos Vicuna, 36, of Elizabeth, N.J.
Alleged Co-Conspirators at Lodi MVC Agency
Rosa Vargas, 51, of Lodi, N.J., an MVC clerk, allegedly obtained a motorcycle permit without taking the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for her.
Mark Hingston, 55, of Toms River, N.J., a private security guard at the Lodi MVC Agency, allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s permit and license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him.
Alleged Customers
Wander Jimenez-Villanueva, 25, of Bogota, N.J., allegedly obtained a Class D driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him. Jimenez-Villanueva previously had failed the exam on four occasions.
Angel Nunez-Lora, 27, of Parlin, N.J., allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him. Nunez-Lora previously had failed the exam on one occasion.
Jose Lora, 44, of Newark, N.J., who is Rodman Lora’s brother, allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him.
Wilge Rojas, 55, of Clifton, N.J., allegedly obtained a commercial driver’s license without passing the required written exam. Lora allegedly entered a passing written exam score for him. Rojas previously had failed the exam on one occasion.
Deputy Attorney General Christopher Keating presented the indictment to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Attorney General Keating, Detective Cecil Boone, Sgt. Kelly Howard, Detective Jessica Marcacci and Analyst Terri Drumm, under the supervision of Sgt. Andrea Salvatini, Lt. Bill Newsome, Deputy Bureau Chief Andrew Johns, Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, and Division of Criminal Justice Deputy Director Jill Mayer.
The Motor Vehicle Commission uncovered the alleged scheme involving Lora and referred the case to the Division of Criminal Justice after an initial internal investigation and audit. Attorney General Porrino thanked the Motor Vehicle Commission’s Division of Security, Investigations & Internal Audit for its referral and valuable assistance. He also thanked the following agencies that assisted in the investigation: New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, New Jersey Department of Treasury-Division of Payroll, Lodi Police Department, Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $15,000. The charges of official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison without possibility of parole upon conviction.
The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Robert Billmeier in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Bergen County, where the defendants will be ordered to appear in court for arraignment on the charges at a later date.
Attorney General Porrino and Director Honig noted that the Division of Criminal Justice has a toll-free tip line 866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to report corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities. The public can also log on to the Division of Criminal Justice webpage at www.njdcj.org to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially.
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, yesterday December 19th, the Tyler Clementi Foundation invited you to remember Tyler by sharing a special wish in his memory.
December 19th would have been Tyler’s 26th birthday. On this occasion, the Tyler Clementi Foundation invites you — and all Upstanders — to make a wish and share it on social media.
You can also support Tyler’s legacy by spreading the word about the Tyler Clementi Foundation and taking action to end bullying. https://tylerclementi.org/
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,Ridgewood blog reader’s continue to rave about the food at Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. in Ridgewood , in a recent visit a reader described the food as “Absolutely delicious” and the “Wild mushroom arancini is outstanding. Osso bucco with saffron risotto and short rib risotto excellent as well. The fished up saying,” We will definitely be regulars ” other readers shared a similar experience ,” Great food and great service. Can’t wait to go back to try something else as so much looked good” .
Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. is located at 34 Franklin Ave , Ridgewood, New Jersey , Call (201) 670-7311 and check the Facebook page for specials https://www.facebook.com/radicchionj/
![dr-strangelove1[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/dr-strangelove11.jpg "Ridgewood Water: No Truth to the Rumor that the fluoridation of Water is A Communist Plot")
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water does not add fluoride to your drinking water.Water hardness in our service area is 14 grains or 250ppm.
If your water is discolored, (gray, brown, yellow, orange) this is most likely due to minerals building up in our water mains. These minerals are harmless, but as more people start watering their lawns and turning on sprinkler systems, these minerals can loosen and end up in the water supply. This discoloration can also occur when Ridgewood Water does routine maintenance on it’s facilities that increases the velocity in the mains. Although it is aesthetically unappealing, it is safe to drink. We recommend avoiding doing laundry until discoloration clears.
If your water has a cloudy or milky appearance this is usually caused by air dissolved in the water. We recommend to take a glass of cold water from the tap and set it on a flat surface. If the water begins to clear from the bottom up within a few minutes, it can be concluded that dissolved air is the cause of the cloudiness. If the water does not clear up or you notice particles settling on the bottom of the glass please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526 and notify them of your issue.
If your water has a unusual taste or odor, please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526.
Ridgewood Water does not make recommendations as to water filters or softeners.
Had har her de har har.
Consultant HIRED by the Village?
So the consultant HIRED by the Village is going to say otherwise?
And how much of our tax dollars went to this asshole and who at the water department authorized this?
Where’s the accountability ?
And guess what? The 3 towns are going to get every penny because when judge Friscia reads the report and stops laughing she will take the report for what it is… COMPLETE BULLSHIT.
Hows that Elks club purchase coming along?
High density housing set the stage for developers to subdivide and cram lots. This is only the beginning and there is no recourse to stop them. It’s all now permissible and within code. How does Planning Board say No? Attorneys will milk this.
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the staff of the Ridgewood blog has noticed on the Facebook page of the Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock ie CRAB , chaired by Jan Philips was an ad to help illegals resist deportation and does appear that the board is openly looking to resist federal law . The blog wonders if the Village of Ridgewood Chief of Police Jacqueline Luthcke is in accordance with this policy ?
ICE just reported the arrests 101 in a New Jersey operation targeting criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and immigration violators.
ICE reports that a Mexican national in the country illegally, who has a prior conviction for sexual assault on a minor, is among 101 foreign nationals taken into custody during a five-day operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week in New Jersey, targeting at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and other immigration violators. The operation was supported by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) New Jersey Field Office.
Of those arrested during the operation, which was spearheaded by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), 88 percent were convicted criminals and 80 percent of them had prior felony convictions.
The New Jersey enforcement effort comes days after the agency announced a 40 percent spike in administrative arrests nationwide over last year – 92 percent of which had a criminal conviction or a pending criminal charge, were an ICE fugitive, or were an illegal re-entrant.
“The continued results of our Fugitive Operations officers and their law enforcement partners underscore ICE’s ongoing and steady commitment to public safety,” said John Tsoukaris, field office director of ERO Newark. “As part of this operation, we continue focus on the arrest of individuals who are criminal and are a threat to public safety and national security. Because of the tireless efforts of these professional officers, there are 101 fewer criminals in our communities.”
“HSI is committed to leveraging its broad jurisdiction to further public safety in New Jersey,” said Michael McCarthy, acting special agent in charge for HSI Newark.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is extremely proud to have assisted in this operation,” said Leon Hayward, acting director for the New York Field Office. “It is through collaborative efforts, such as the one leading to these arrests, that law enforcement agencies can combat illegal acts and apprehend criminals who pose a threat to the Homeland.”
The individuals arrested throughout New Jersey were nationals of Brazil (3), Colombia (4), Congo (1), Costa Rica (3), Cuba (4), Dominican Republic (18), Ecuador (2), Egypt (2), El Salvador (7), Ethiopia (1), Georgia (1), Guatemala (6), Guyana (3), Haiti (3), Honduras (8), Jamaica (1), Korea (2), Liberia (1), Mexico (15), Nicaragua (1), Nigeria (1), Pakistan (1), Philippines (2), Peru (2), Portugal (1), Spain (2), Turkey (2), United Kingdom (1), Ukraine (1), Venezuela (1) and Vietnam (1).
These individuals were arrested in the following counties in New Jersey: Atlantic (2), Bergen (6), Burlington (7), Camden (11), Cumberland (3), Essex (14), Hudson (15), Mercer (6), Middlesex (11), Monmouth (3), Morris (1), Passaic (9), Somerset (4), and Union (6) and the following counties in New York: Kings(1), New York (1), and Suffolk (1).
They range from age 20 to 71 years old and all were previously convicted of a variety of offenses. Some of the convictions included sexual assault on a minor, child abuse, possession of narcotics, distribution of narcotics, robbery, trespassing, DUI, fraud, possession of child pornography, domestic violence, battery, receiving stolen property, theft, possession of a weapon, burglary, larceny, aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, assault by auto, shoplifting, invasion of privacy-recording sexual act without consent, resisting arrest, endangering the welfare of a child, and illegal reentry.
Among those arrested during this operation include:
A Mexican citizen convicted of sexual assault of a minor
A Turkish citizen convicted of possession of child pornography
A Peruvian citizen convicted of invasion of privacy-recording a sexual act w/o consent
A Colombian citizen convicted of aggravated battery and domestic violence assault
A Spanish citizen convicted of storing/maintaining child pornography
A Philippines citizen convicted of possession of methamphetamine
A Dominican citizen convicted of cocaine distribution and possession
A Guyanese citizen convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon
An Egyptian citizen convicted of possession of heroin
An El Salvadorian citizen convicted of aggravated assault with serious bodily injury
A Korean citizen convicted of distribution of cocaine
ICE deportation officers conduct targeted enforcement operations every day in locations around the country as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation, uphold public safety and protect the integrity of our immigration laws and border controls.
During targeted enforcement operations, ICE officers frequently encounter additional suspects who may be in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. Those persons will be evaluated on a case by case basis and, when appropriate, arrested by ICE.
ICE continues to focus its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement in compliance with federal law and agency policy. However, as ICE Acting Director Thomas Homan has made clear, ICE does not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States.
Jan Phillips, Chair of the Community Relations Advisory Board you should know better. You should be stripped of your title and removed from the Board immediately. How do you hold such a position and undermine a legal process that defended a public that was violated? The complaint was substantiated, evidence reviewed and they were found guilty. Instead You should work towards improving community relations without prejudice. Have you reached out to the public they violated? What about an open forum, at your next meeting, to hear true resident input?
December 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, for the third time in as many weeks a supporter of the failed Aronsohn administration attempts to make excuses for the unethical behavior of both the former mayor Paul Aronsohn and his side kick former Village manager Roberta Sonnefeld . In a letter , “Regarding ethics fines brought against former officials”https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/12/14/letter-regarding-ethics-fines-brought-against-former-officials/952325001/ Ridgewood resident Jan T. Philips attempts to throw dispersions by attacking “transparency” , in her letter she says , “what was the basis for the seven-member board’s determination? Without the finding of fact for a conclusion, what we are left with is a capricious and arbitrary ruling that mocks transparency.”
Funny coming form supporters of the Aronsohn Administration aka the 3 Amigos , did they not lie and obfuscate the size and scope of the garage as well as its intended use ? Did not the former Village manager make a mess of the Parkmobile contract ? And what about the gimmie at Habernickel Park ?
The Ridgewood blog has documented at length their disgraceful and abusive behavior toward residents while pushing special deals for their friends and supporters . It time for residents to distance themselves from this aberrant behavior and treat these followers like the social piranhas they are. Unethical behavior should never be supported , endorsed or promoted, period.
file photo
December 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in a new twist on the long standing lawsuit again Ridgewood Water a consultant hired by the village says Ridgewood Water actually undercharged ratepayers in 2010 and 2011, a time when the utility was found by a Superior Court judge to have wrongly raised rates to cover village debt.
In July, Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia ruled in favor of the plaintiffs ;Wyckoff, Midland Park and Glen Rock, which are served by Ridgewood Water and had sued the village over rate increases between 2010 and 2012. The three municipalities argued that Ridgewood Water was using the excess fees to cover unrelated operating costs for the village of Ridgewood.
As previously reported Judge Friscia, called Ridgewood Water’s rate hikes arbitrary, and told the village to recalculate the charges.
An announcement Monday by Village Manager Heather Mailander said that Howard Woods, the consultant hired to recalculate the correct rates, released a 247-page “initial report” to Judge Friscia on Monday, stating that customers were actually undercharged for their water usage during the first two years covered in the lawsuit.
Mailander’s announcement went on to say that despite the increase there was still an overall “shortfall” of over $400,000 for the span of all three years.
Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff are currently appealing the July decision and are asking for not only a recalculation of rates, but are seeking $13.4 million in refunds and $3.6 million in damages.
December 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The project is progressing along with two of the stream crossings, East Ridgewood Ave. & North Irving St. completed with the exception of final restoration which will be completed in the Spring of 2018. The third stream crossing, Spring Avenue is 60% completed.
Keeping to schedule, Deven’s Construction will mobilizing to the fourth stream crossing, Linwood Avenue during the week of December 4th. Construction activities will include moving equipment and materials on site followed-up by mobilization of the crew. The first order of business will be to install the sheet piling in the stream bed and construction of the new water main thru the stream. We anticipate approximately 5 – 7 weeks for completion of the entire Linwood Avenue water main reconstruction barring any unforeseen conditions and inclement weather.
Devens Construction will be coordinating with the Ridgewood police who will be directing traffic around work areas on an as needed basis. Expected work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7am – 4:30pm, with possible Saturday work.
