March 22,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on March 17, Ptl. Busche responded to a residence on Kensington Road to investigate a theft in the past. Upon arrival the victim reported approximately $2000 in jewelry was missing from the residence. The victim reported there were no signs of forced entry into the residence. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.
March 22,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report a business located at 193 East Ridgewood Avenue (Starbucks) reported on March 20, discovering criminal mischief at the rear of the business. The manager of the business reported an unknown actor caused damage to a storage shed at the rear of the business sometime overnight. The manager reported similar incidents in the past and wished to document the incident on this occasion.
March 22,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, On March 20, a Shelbourne Terrace resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report fraudulent activity on his TD Bank account. The victim reported between 3/09/17 and 3/18/17 an actor transferred $52000 from his bank account without authorization in Massachusetts at three different locations utilizing a fictitious drivers license. The victim reported the actor attempted a fourth withdrawal in the amount of $35000, however the withdrawal was denied by the bank and the Quincy, Ma. Police were notified, responded and arrested the actor. Quincy, Ma. Police and TD Bank are investigating the incident. The victim requested documentation of the incident to assist in recovering the stolen funds.
March 22,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on March 16, a Ponfield Place resident reported a theft by deception. The resident reported receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to be from the I.R.S. The caller reported the victim owed $6000 and needed to pay immediately or they would be arrested. The victim was instructed to purchase sixty iTunes gift cards to bring her account up to date. The victim then purchased sixty $100 gift cards and the caller requested the serial numbers, the victim then scratched off the back portion of the gift cards and provided all the serial numbers. The victim realized shortly thereafter the call was a scam and reported the incident to the iTunes theft department, the victim was then advised to report the incident to the Ridgewood Police Department before they would further their investigation.
The Ridgewood Police Department once again would like to remind citizens of the increased amount of scams. Always investigate communications made through postal mail, telephone, and/or the internet to prevent fraud and deceptive activity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department to ensure you’re not becoming a victim of these scams.
file photo by Boyd Loving
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
MARCH 22, 2017
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. FAC Assessment in Paying for a Parking Garage
7. Discussion
e. Operations
9. Council Reports
10. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
11. Resolution to go into Closed Session
12. Closed Session
A. Legal – Valley Hospital; Request for Payment of Health Benefits for Former
Employee
B. Contracts/Negotiations – White Collar Negotiations and Blue Collar Negotiations
13. Adjournment
file photo by Boyd Loving
JOHN REITMEYER | MARCH 21, 2017
The bad news is that the amount of money available for property-tax relief is shrinking; the good news, there are still a plethora of programs and options available
Once a top priority for government leaders in Trenton, property-tax rebates and other direct-relief programs received nearly $3 billion in funding from the state budget a decade ago.
But this year, with Gov. Chris Christie proposing a $32.5 million reduction in funding for direct property-tax relief in his latest state budget proposal, the total will be just over $1 billion unless lawmakers can convince him to allow for an increase before the next fiscal year begins in July.
The reduction comes as Christie, a second-term Republican, in recent years has instead been using revenue growth to ramp up state contributions to the public-employee pension system, which has been another top priority for Democrats who control the Legislature. Christie has also pointed to his efforts to address property-tax increases at their root, including the 2 percent cap on annual property-tax hikes that he and lawmakers passed on a bipartisan basis in 2010.
Still, data released recently by the state Department of Community Affairs showed the average New Jersey property-tax bill rose to a record high of $8,549 last year, putting new heat on lawmakers to more fully address property taxes as they prepare to run for reelection this year with all 120 legislative seats on the ballot in November.
By David Matthau March 20, 2017 4:30 AM
New Jersey 101.5 video archive
Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed New Jersey budget for fiscal year 2018 holds state aid to municipalities flat once again.
The result is towns across the Garden State are now scrambling to make ends meet, which in some cases will mean an increase in property taxes beyond the state-mandated 2 percent cap.
Michael Darcy, the executive director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, said the cap is doing its job, holding the line on increases that have been significantly higher in the past, but there are built in exceptions to the cap, such as insurance and pension costs.
“The result is towns across New Jersey are finding it increasingly difficult to hold the line on tax hikes while providing necessary services because municipal aid from the state has been held flat for the past nine years,” he said.
Read More: How can NJ towns balance their budgets without raising property taxes? | https://nj1015.com/how-can-nj-towns-balance-their-budgets-without-raising-property-taxes/?trackback=tsmclip
file photo by Boyd Loving
March 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, after the recent spat what the Ridgewood Police Department called, “diversion burglaries” .A diversion burglary is when someone posing as a utility worker or chimney inspector or repairer comes to your door and while you are distracted speaking with them or when they request you take them to a distant part of the home, an accomplice enters and burglarizes your home.Readers say it time for a Village no-knock ordinance .
“More door knockers this week. Maybe a time for an ordinance change?”
Other posters agreed , “I have requested a no-knock ordinance for years and years. Time to end it. Sorry, Scouts. Of course, utilities wouldn’t be banned anyway. Just never open the door. I don’t even ask “who is it?” any more.”
file photo by Boyd Loving
March 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the recent “no parking” ordinance pushed on Bogert and Cambridge has raised concerns over how the Village of Ridgewood communicates it business. Be it a “no parking “ordinance or a raise in commuter parking fees the Village however well intentioned is falling far short at getting the word out.
Many suspect the massive amount of Village committees with overlapping responsibilities seems to be creating more confusion as well as a ‘make work” atmosphere . This often results in nothing more than holding the committees captive to special interest agendas.
But the main question remains is ,’How are these types of proposed changes communicated/broadcast?”
A reader added , “How are 50 to 60 asleep? A posting was possibly put in the classified section of the Ridgewood News, that nobody reads? The people on the two streets should have been given proper notice. The village never enforced the “no parking 50 feet from the corner” sign and this ridiculous ordinance has no parking halfway up the street. This member of the Travell Safety Committee has overstepped her bounds. The council has said they will re-look at the ordinance and hopefully they mean that. Bogert and Cambridge are quiet streets that do not have a heavy traffic flow and this is totally unnecessary.”
Another reader asks ,”How do 50 people not know about it, if it was so well publicized???The Village did not include the people who are directly affected. A notice could have been sent to the people on the blocks affected and they would have been forewarned. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to make my own coffee and drive my regular sized car!”
While some suggest , “Ignorance is no excuse. This change was not slipped in during the middle of the night. It was broadcast, publicized, discussed, discussed some more. So sorry that some of you are too busy having lattes and driving around in massive SUV’s to pay attention to local happenings.”
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Roots Steakhouse & Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood will host a “Davidoff 702 Dinner” on March 28th at 6pm at the Davidoff Lounge and then 7pm at Roots Steak House .
Tickets are $125 and you will receive at 3 coarse meal and 2 Davidoff 702 cigars . Tickets are limited .Call (201)447-2204 by March 22nd .
“One of the most iconic blends to ever come from Davidoff was the original 702, a limited edition cigar that was met with accolades. This year, Davidoff has released a cigar under the guise of that brand name, that is significantly different then the original release. The most obvious is the wrapper. The original release features a 702 Connecticut wrapper, while this time around it features a 702 Habano wrapper. The other difference is the cigar is released in a multitude of sizes that are the same blend as their corresponding lines, with a different wrapper.” Cigar Review
“It is time to unexpect. Davidoff Masterblenders have taken on the challenge to reimagine and reinvent our most iconic cigars –2000, Special R, Special T, Aniversario No. 3 among others – and give them an exciting twist for those seeking a more intense, bolder taste experience. These cigars, that have defined and refined Time, are wrapped in the new 702 ‘Habano’ wrapper from Ecuador to give them a bolder edge. The 702 Series is an exciting opportunity for those who have not yet had the chance to discover, or may want to rediscover, these iconic cigars,” explained Charles Awad, Senior Vice President Global Marketing and Innovation at Oettinger Davidoff AG in a press release.
10 Chestnut St
Ridgewood, New Jersey
@TheTobaccoShopOfRidgewood
Call (201) 447-2204
2017 BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULE
2017 Budget Hearings
The public is invited to the following scheduled Village Council Budget Hearings:
Monday, March 27 Court Room @ 5:30pm
UPDATE FOR SANITATION PICK UP – WEEK OF MARCH 20TH
Update on Sanitation Pick-Up
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Due to the recent snow storm and a prediction of additional snow over the weekend , placing solid waste at the curb will be extended into next week. Regular rear-yard pickup will resume Monday, March 27th. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
A bishop in Sicily has banned known mafia criminals from acting as godfathers at baptisms in churches in his diocese.
Michele Pennisi, bishop of Monreale, near Palermo, said Friday he had issued a decree to that effect in a bid to challenge any notion that the bosses of organized crime have a paternalistic side to them.
“The mafia has always taken the term Godfather from the Church to give its bosses an air of religious respectability, whereas in fact the two worlds are completely incompatible,” the bishop told AFP.
Pennisi’s diocese includes Corleone, a vendetta-haunted village inland from Palermo which was the birthplace of Don Corleone, the fictional Godfather in Mario Puzo’s novel and Francis Coppola’s films.
In February the bishop made headlines by criticizing a priest who had allowed the son of one of Sicily’s most notorious mobsters, Toto Riina, to act as godfather at a baptism.
https://www.thelocal.it/20170317/mafia-godfathers-cant-be-church-godfathers-bishop-rules
Thursday, March 23 at 6:45 PM – 9 PM
Namaste Organic Spa
30 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Guess who’s back!
Ridgewood NJ , Namaste Organic Spa is very excited to have Bhante Sujatha .
Rumi says “what you seek is seeking you”… perhaps it’s true. The evidence of the power of our minds is undeniable.. The ancient texts of the Buddha tell us that no external condition can be the cause of our happiness, only the mind has that ability. When people understand how they are influenced, the root causes of struggle and what we can do with our minds to make things better, sustainable happiness and radiant joy are the result. My life as a Buddhist monk has given me a front row seat to incredible transformation within so many people as I teach them how to empower the mind and cultivate the qualities that will help you find strength and happiness, as well as give you a burning desire to add more love to the world. When we understand our mind, we begin to re-shape our behavior and feelings about so many things… it’s the most loving act of service one can do for themselves and the world.
Connect with your natural healing power with the gentle guidance of Bhante Sujatha, Buddhist monk from Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock, IL. This 2-hour workshop has been life-changing for many of its participants, regardless of religious background. The teaching is centered around the cultivation of self love, for without healthy self love, you cannot be fully present to love anyone or anything else.
Proceeds go to Bhante’s Incubator Project in Sri Lanka
Bhante will do his book signing after the workshop and his CDs are also avilable for purchase.
Bhante Sujatha, a 35+ year Buddhist Monk, is singularly focuses on adding more love in the world. Bhante teaches loving-kindness meditation to people around the globe for all those seeking the art of happiness and contentment. His approach to meditation is deep and simple, bringing core Buddhist teachings to everyone in a way that is practical and easy to understand. A joyful, radiant, funny and wildly energetic monk, Bhante will help you obtain peace that can only be found in deep silence. He is originally from Sri Lanka and is the head monk / abbot of the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center in Woodstock, IL.
Bhante believes his purpose is not only to teach meditation, but also, “teaching people how to be happy.”
Fee: $35 (Checks or Cash)
*First come, first serve basis*
Space limited. Advanced registration required (cash or check) by Sunday, March 19, 2017. Stop by the spa or mail payments to: 30 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Checks can be made to Bhante Sujatha.
March 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, According to Backgroundchecks.org Ridgewood came in ,in the top 50 safest places to live in New Jersey .Ranking number 47,and scoring a top 10 in Bergen County and Passaic County . Ridgewoood scored well despite have a larger population than many of the top place towns, a larger school district , a local hospital and easier commuter access with a train , bus station and highway park and ride .
Rounding out the Bergen County and Passaic County list were :
#2 Saddle Brook
#6 Mahwah
#14 Wanaque
#21 Tenafly
#27 River Edge
#30 Ringwood
#31 Hasbrouck Heights
#33 Wyckoff
#38 Franklin Lakes
#45 Hawthorne
#47 Ridgewood
#49 Rutherford
#50 Westwood
The Backgroundchecks.org list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary BackgroundChecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 261 for violent crime and 1,734 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.
The website described #47 Ridgewood in glowing terms , “Located in Bergen County, Ridgewood is a village that is home to 24,900 residents. Just 20 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan, Ridgewood is considered a suburban bedroom community and was included on Money’s list of Best Places to Live in the U.S. The violent crime rate here is 43.6, and residents of Ridgewood have a 1% chance of being affected by property crime.”
https://backgroundchecks.org/50-safest-cities-in-new-jersey-2016.html
