Ridgewood NJ, reader says its been pointed out so many times before ,cottage place lot and other muni lots are like an artillery range of deep potholes…if Parkers fall an break bones and sue town for outright neglect..completely mill and repave and
repaint stall lines for all of those lots.people don’t see those lots as safe and useable.Impossible to shovel and plow those surfaces to any degree of safety..they are ice fields and broken unsafe utilities…shackle and spit
Fill never worked and was a waste of towns money.
RIDGEWOOD — Public hearings are winding down on two more applications for multifamily housing projects proposed for the village’s downtown. If approved, the developments could bring great change to the bustling business district.
A 43-unit apartment complex with affordable housing units mixed in has already been approved on Chestnut Street at the site of an old MVC inspection station. Two more — a mixed-use 66-unit project at the former Ken Smith Motors site on Franklin Avenue; and The Dayton, a 93-unit residential building slated for the Brogan Cadillac property on South Broad Street — are nearing their conclusion.
By MARY BROPHY MARCUS CBS NEWS May 3, 2017, 6:09 PM
Last fall, before the presidential election in November, a survey of U.S. employees found many were stressed out by political conversations happening in the workplace. So have stress levels died down now that the election is history? Just the opposite, it seems. A new post-election survey indicates that the political climate for workers has only gotten worse.
“We did the survey last fall in the lead-up to the election and found, indeed, all these discussions swirling around at work were affecting people on the job. So, on the heels of the election, we were curious about how that might have changed,” Dr. David Ballard, director of the American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence, told CBS News.
Ridgewood NJ, Village attorney Matt Rogers told the council the Village is not obligated to fly the “Rainbow or Gay flag”. Rogers talked at length of both legal and policy implications .Rogers went on to explain the “freedom of Speech ” issues as well as the Village flag pole had not history been used to make a political statement or as a public forum . Temporary signs are also banned from Village public property which would include the Village hall flag pole .
Mike Sedon chimed in that the American flag is inclusive and is the most potent symbol of inclusion world over. Both Bernie and Jeff were supportive of the Rainbow flag on the idea of “inclusiveness ” along the road that other groups celebrate on Village property like the RBSA and so on. Councilmen Hache worried about other groups who may want to raise a flag that may not be supported by the community in general. The mayor worried it was a road we don’t want to go down to be auditing countless groups looking to fly their flag over the Village hall.
Ridgewood NJ, the Pike Company made a very impressive parking garage presentation to the Ridgewood Village Council . Pike uses a pre-manufactured system , like a modular home ,and they have been doing so for 15 years.Pike looked at Hudson Street ,and came up with a precast approach to the Hudson Garage . The reason for pre-cast is to keep down the cost and also cost controls.
Pike was founded in 1873 and is a billion dollar company ,has no debt and no law suits .Pike views Ridgewood as a good risk and they would front the costs ie… a “no money down ” deal.
Pike used aerial drone footage and then semi imposed the proposed garage on the site . Pike pointed out that there would be fire access on all sides of the garage . Pike said there would be no encroachments on any easements. The company seemed to go to great lengths to fit the garage into the Central Business District ,be respectful to Mount Carmel Church and think through the logistics of building the garage unlike in the past. Planning included everything from lighting ,safety to the brick face.
Pike offered many options including even a management lease option .According to Pike the project would take about 8 months of construction with cost estimates for 240 spaces coming in at $8 million dollars. Pike would provide all financing using lender mandated requirements .
Ridgewood NJ, The massive new 66 unit, multi-retail store complex coming to Franklin and Broad sets off a chain reaction of traffic problems in Ridgewood. As always, taxpayers will be left holding the bag for nearly a million dollars worth of needed traffic signal upgrades alone.
In the zoomed in version of developer John Saraceno’s “rendering” above we see the Franklin & Broad intersection which will be drastically impacted by the new 5 story building and the nearby 4 story Chestnut apartments. The archway on the right is one of two entry/exit for the 150 new parking spots on Franklin. The current lot is private and not open to the public. There will be a great deal of new traffic at one of the most important, dangerous, and crowded intersections in the village.
The new light at this intersection will cost $300k, Saraceno has offered to pay 25% [which is more than the law requires]. The bigger problem is how other, non-upgraded intersections will handle the traffic flow. By law, developers of Ridgewood’s 4 new high-density buildings only have to pay a small fraction of any needed new lights.
The board also spent considerable time with its own traffic professional, Andrew Feranda, further discussing the Franklin Avenue thoroughfare. They looked specifically at the coordination of traffic lights in the area. Feranda recommended coordinating the timing of the lights on Franklin Avenue at Broad Street and Oak Street to ensure more efficient traffic flow.
Voigt said any traffic improvements made to those intersections, the two closest traffic lights to the development, could necessitate changes at all lights from Wilsey Square to Maple Avenue. Feranda agreed the corridor would be more efficient with all the lights working in tandem.
“It certainly doesn’t move traffic efficiently if they’re not coordinated,” said Feranda.
Feranda said his layout would look “similar” to the plans put forth by the applicant. He cited the use of the signalized intersection at Broad Street and Franklin Avenue, and the fact that the driveway, on Chestnut Street, was about as far away from Franklin Avenue as possible.
All 4 of the high-density developments downtown are allowed thanks to controversial laws championed by Ridgewood resident Saraceno and then-mayor Paul Aronsohn.
Ridgewood NJ, Mayor puts the hammer down on personal attacks during the pubic comment period . After a bitter attack by Rurik Halaby on the council praising former Mayor Paul Aronsohn and former Village manager Roberta Sonnefeld .Halaby called the council unprofessional amateurs at the same time praising the Financial Advisory Committee .Halaby questioned weather the FAC was invited into the village budget discussions.
Once the Ridgewood blog reminds you that in order for the Financial Advisory Committee to be an effective part of the Village governance the following criteria must be met:
Publish clear and realistic by-laws Post agenda’s of all meetings Post minutes of all meetings promptly All members must sign Financial disclosure forms All members must sign NDA’s or non-disclosure forms
These are professional standards that are used and commonly accepted everywhere in the world.
In the real world this is how you run a financial decision body. It is also important to fill the committee with people who have some experience in finance, not failed or “wannabe” politicians who are promoting their own secret agenda.
Maple Shade is in contention for a best main street competition, as is Haddonfield,
By Amy Kuperinsky | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on May 02, 2017 at 1:42 PM
New Jersey is home to some of the country’s most beloved main streets and downtowns, according to an ongoing national contest.
Maple Shade and Haddonfield are both contenders in Independent We Stand’s America’s Main Streets competition.
The winner of the contest, whose goal is to “help promote the importance and strong economic benefits of these main streets and the small businesses that help them thrive,” gets $25,000. Business associations, improvement districts and main street groups were all invited to enter.
Independent We Stand is a national network of independent small business owners. The competition is sponsored by Stihl, a manufacturer of chainsaws and other outdoor equipment (the winner also gets a $1,000 certificate for Stihl products).
Ridgewood NJ, Celebrating the 450th anniversary of the composer’s birth, Eric Dale Knapp conducts the New Jersey Choral Society’s presentation of Monteverdi’s monumental Vespers of 1610 (Vespro della Beata Virgine). The NJCS Festival Youth Chorus, directed by Noelle Dachis, will join NJCS for performances of this rarely-performed masterpiece, the first to be held on Saturday, June 3 at 8:00 pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair, in celebration of the 100th Centenary of the church’s Austin Organ. A second performance will take place Tuesday, June 6 at 7:30 pm at the West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood.
Orchestra Nexus and organist, Linda Sweetman-Waters, will accompany the chorus. Guest soloists are Kristen Plumley, soprano, Noelle Dachis, soprano, Teresa Buchholz, mezzo-soprano, David Adams, tenor, Scott Joiner, tenor, Wesley Morgan, tenor, Damian Savarino, bass, and Edward Schmiedecke, baritone. The NJCS chamber choir, Camerata, will also be featured.
Advance tickets are $35.00 for adults and $30.00 for students, seniors, and patrons with disabilities. (Add $5.00 at the door). A 10% discount for groups of 10 or more is also available. Come one hour prior to performance time forThe Inside Line, a complimentary lecture for all ticket holders that provides an intimate and entertaining preview of the music. For reservations or more information, visit www.NJCS.org or call the New Jersey Choral Society at(201) 379-7719.
Established in 1980, the New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state’s most prestigious choral groups, well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, NJCS performs three major concerts annually in Bergen and Essex counties. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House and have toured internationally in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia, England, France and, this summer, in Italy.
Church of the Immaculate Conception and West Side Presbyterian Church are wheelchair accessible. Large-print programs and assistive listening devices are available with two weeks’ advance notice. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
MAY 3, 2017
REVISED
1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Presentation:
a. Addition of Name to War Memorial
b. Estate Card – Property Tax Reduction
c. PIKE – Parking Garage
7. Discussion:
a. Ridgewood Water
Water Conservation Ordinance
b. Parking
1. Village Hall & Library Parking Lot
c. Budget
Award of Contract – Firehouse Roof
Award of Contract – Rebid of School Bus Transportation
Authorize Additional Funding for Special Attorney for RCRD
Award of Contract – Rock Salt
Award Professional Services Contract – Historic Consultant – Schedler Property
d. Policy
1. Flag Flying Policy for Village-Owned Lands and Buildings
2. Boards and Committees – Structures and By-laws
3. Amend Chapter 212 – Parks & Recreation Areas – Prohibition of Dogs in Parks
e. Operations
1. County OEM Shared Services Agreement – Borrowing of Equipment
2. Encroachment Agreement Resolution
3. Amending Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Illuminated Signs in the Business District
8. Review of May 10, 2017 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
9. Manager’s Report
10. Council Reports
11. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
12. Resolution to go into Closed Session
13. Closed Session
a. Legal – COAH; Valley Hospital; Divestiture of Ridgewood Water
b. Contract Negotiations – Whole Foods; Property for Green Acres Division
c. Personnel – Appointments to Boards and Committees; Appointments of Professionals
d. Personnel/Contract Negotiations – Blue Collar, White Collar, and Supervisory Unions
Ridgewood NJ, A large tree limb fell unexpectedly during an operation being performed by a Village of Ridgewood Shade Tree Division crew working near 558 Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood on Tuesday morning, 05/02. Primary electrical wires and a pole mounted transformer were damaged as the limb fell. Ridgewood PD and FD personnel responded to the incident. A portion of Hillcrest Road was blocked for several hours until PSE&G workers completed repairs. It is unknown how many homes in the area lost power as a result of the mishap. No injuries were reported by members of the tree crew.
New Jersey has the highest property taxes, foreclosure rate and is the most expensive state in the nation to own a home. Common sense and basic economics tell us that there is too much supply and too little demand, with high taxes and a dense population distorting total housing costs upward.
Now we are facing the equivalent of housing Armageddon. A non-profit entity with ties to developers is attempting to force towns across the state to build 280,000 affordable housing units in the next nine years.
Ridgewood NJ, American culture loves to celebrate the entrepreneurial breed – those daring men and women willing to take calculated risks to create new enterprises that will grab the nation’s imagination along with its pocketbooks.
Those who reach the pinnacle of entrepreneurial excellence – such as Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos – are viewed with a mixture of awe and envy.
But what separates those who experience wild success from those left picking up the pieces of a failed enterprise?
Part of it comes down to good old work ethic, says Bill Green, founder and CEO of The Crestar Group of Companies and author of “ALL IN: 101 Real Life Business Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs” (www.bgreenauthor.com).
“If you don’t want to work harder than everyone and you don’t have your passion, you shouldn’t be an entrepreneur,” Green says.
But that’s far from the whole story, says Green, whose own route to success began in a flea market. There are plenty of other lessons that budding entrepreneurs need to learn. Just a few include:
• Become a tactical and strategic CEO. Tactical leadership is doing things right. Strategic leadership is doing the right things. “You probably are doing a lot of things right tactically to get your startup off the ground,” Green says. “But now it’s time to think about your long-term strategy.” The greatest CEOs are visionaries, always plotting their company’s next big move, he says. “If you see a way to improve your business, you’d better have the vision and the guts to pull the trigger,” Green says, “even if the naysayers say it can’t be done. • Let your employees complete you. “Most of us can’t do it all or know everything, so it’s important to hire a team that can compensate for your shortcomings,” Green says. The best way to do that, he says, is to think like an NBA owner who builds a championship team by drafting a well-balanced roster of players whose abilities complement each other. • Good customers complain, bad customers go away. No one enjoys hearing complaints, but those angry customers should be viewed as a gift, Green says. They care about your product or service and they want you to fix whatever problem they’re experiencing so they can continue to have that product or service. Many unhappy customers just walk away never to return, so you don’t know why you lost their business. • The best deals are the ones you don’t make. There are good business deals out there, but there are many more bad deals, Green says. It’s important that any deal you make is the right one for your company, and not something you do just because making a new acquisition or introducing a new product is exciting. People will always try to seduce you with the “next great deal,” but stay focused on what’s best for your business. “Don’t let anyone influence you into making a deal you don’t want to make,” he says.
Ultimately, though, entrepreneurial success comes down to your own passion and tenacity.
“It doesn’t cost anything not to believe in something,” Green says. “It costs everything to believe in an idea so much that you’re willing to spend your life doing it and doing it until it becomes a reality. That’s guts. That’s passion. That’s the resolve you need to succeed.”
About Bill Green
Bill Green, founder and CEO of The Crestar Group of Companies, is author of “ALL IN: 101 Real Life Business Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs” (www.bgreenauthor.com). Crestar is comprised of private equity, specialty finance, and real estate businesses. Green is also the CEO of LendingOne, which was founded in 2014 and provides real estate bridge and rental loans to non-owner occupied real estate investment properties. Prior to forming Crestar, he was with Interline Brands, founding the company in 1977. For 25 years he led Interline as its CEO from a small retail outlet to one of the largest industrial distribution companies in the country. Today, Interline Brands is owned by The Home Depot.
Ridgewood NJ, Pianist Drew Petersen will be featured with the Ridgewood Symphony on Friday May 5th at 8:00 PM. Drew, currently a masters student a Juilliard, just won a major piano competition – The American Pianist Award ($50,000 prize!). Read more at: https://www.northjersey.com/…/oradell-pianist-23-…/100374270/
This is going to be a very exciting concert.
The Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra (RSO), with Artistic Director and Conductor, Diane Wittry, will perform its final concert of the 2016-2017 season on May 5, 2017, at 8:00pm at the West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe Street, in Ridgewood, NJ.
The program will feature Oradell native Drew Petersen, playing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
The Ridgewood Symphony will also perform Jean Sibelius’ Karelia Overture, Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and the world premiere of composer Craig Morris’ Enigma Fantasy.
Advanced ticket prices for the performance are $25, $20 for senior and $10 for students. At the door prices are $28, $23, and $13. For tickets and more information call: (201)612-0118, or go to the RSO website: www.RidgewoodSymphony.org.
You hate taxes but love buying stuff. So what’s better than reducing your tax burden by purchasing a slice of pizza or new floors for the house?
A growing number of New Jersey municipalities are introducing property tax rebate cards into the community — an idea birthed by Marlboro Township in 2012.
Residents register cards with their homes, and when they present their cards upon making a purchase at participating businesses, portions of those purchase are eventually shaved off their third-quarter property tax bills.
Since May 2016, Union Township residents realized $4,350 in property tax savings as of February with the Union VIP card, according to Fatimah Raymond, executive director of the town’s Special Improvement District.
