Ridgewood NJ, Amazingly Anthony Damiano the Ridgewood Guild President and owner of Mango Jam posted and email yesterday claiming that “I have successfully postponed the debilitating pseg project”.
As if we think or are expected to believe that PSEG took a meeting with, and then rearranged a project timeline at the request and demand of Anthony Damiano, and not the hard work of our mayor, acting village manager, and engineers.
It is rather disturbing that Damiano and his cohorts would attempt to falsely and blatantly takes full credit for getting PSEG to change their start date, especially asking for kudos to be heaped on The Ridgewood Guild. Apparently he and some of the sore loser comrades of the 3 amigos have a serious hang up with Mayor Susan Knudsen and clearly have a hang up with the fact she is a women and good at her job.
Ridgewood NJ, PSE&G representatives agreed to reschedule work on North and South Broad Street to begin in January after meeting Village officials Monday.
While is was well known that the previous Mayor Paul Aronsohn had issues with PSE&G Mayor Knudsen moved quickly to resolve the situation putting old issues to rest.
Village officials including the Mayor Susan Knudsen and Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser met this morning with David Hollenbeck, PSE&G regional public affairs manager, who along with other representatives from the utility agreed to implement a work-around schedule pushing the start date to on or about January 9, 2017, avoiding a critical fourth quarter impact on businesses in that area.
The rescheduling resulted from a cooperative effort to resolve the issue of work previously scheduled to begin Sept. 26, in the Village’s historic business district.
“The meeting was cordial and professional,” Knudsen said. “PSE&G officials appreciated the vulnerabilities of our small businesses, especially during the fourth-quarter holiday retail season. They responded and we’re most appreciative.”
The Village Council, recognizing the serious nature of the work in upgrading utility infrastructure, expressed gratitude to PSE&G for working collaboratively with Village officials. The Village Engineer is already began planning to ensure both the Village and PSE&G are prepared for the January start date.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Blog has learned the Ridgewood new code enforcement officer has been making the rounds in the CBD counting chairs and tables to check if restaurants are in compliance with their the outdoor cafe permits . She has issued several written warning for those that are in violation. We wonder if she is also check for encroachments in to the pedestrian right of way? Is she checking for planters and flower pots that made impeded people from walking or parking their car ( and lets nor forget people with disabilities) ? Does she do her checking during her 9-5 work day or does she come out at night and on the weekend when restaurants load up the sidewalk and tables?
This morning at 10 am I had the opportunity to meet with PSEG officials along with Village Engineer, Chris Rutishauser and Janet Fricke, Assistant to the Village Manager. The hour long meeting resulted in PSE&G representatives agreeing to reschedule work on North and South Broad Street to begin in January. David Hollenbeck, PSE&G regional public affairs manager, who along with other representatives from the utility agreed to implement a work-around schedule pushing the start date to on or about January 9, 2017, avoiding a critical fourth quarter impact on businesses in the area. The rescheduling resulted from a cooperative effort to resolve the issue of work previously scheduled to begin Sept. 26, in the Village’s historic business district. The meeting was cordial and professional. PSE&G officials appreciated the vulnerabilities of our small businesses, especially during the fourth-quarter holiday retail season. They responded and we’re most appreciative.
The Village Council, recognizing the serious nature of the work in upgrading utility infrastructure, is grateful to PSE&G for working collaboratively with us.As well we appreciate the patience of our businesses while we worked through the details with PSEG. We wish you all the greatest success and many, many sales during the upcoming fourth quarter.
“Setting regular chores probably means you will argue more. A third of parents in the U.S. who require their youngsters to perform regular household duties argue with them once a week, according to the survey. That compares with just 21% of parents that do not require that their kids perform household chores.
But the payoff is big. According to the survey, among parents who require chores:
87% report their kids are doing well in school, vs. 61% of parents who do not require chores.
92% report their kids are creative, vs. 80% of parents who do not require chores.
88% regard their kids as responsible, vs. 63% of parents who do not require chores.
92% regard their kids as disciplined, vs. 78% of parents who do not require chores.”
(all timeframes and the order of agenda items below are approximate and subject to change)
7:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Statement of Compliance, Flag Salute, Roll Call – In accordance with the provisions of Section 10:4-8d of the Open Public Meetings Act, the date, location, and time of the commencement of this meeting is reflected in a meeting notice, a copy of which schedule has been filed with the Village Manager and the Village Clerk, The Ridgewood News and The Record newspapers, and posted on the bulletin board in the entry lobby of the Village municipal offices at 131 North Maple Avenue, and on the Village website, all in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.Roll call: Knudsen, Voigt, Altano, Joel, Reilly, Patire, Thurston, Scheibner, Torielli, McWilliams
7:35 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. – Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board
7:40 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics, Correspondence Received by the Board
7:45 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. – Ridgewood/Dayton, Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan, 100 & 152 South Broad Street, Blocks 3707/3905, Lots 5.01/1.01 – Public Hearing continued from September 6, 2016
10:15 p.m. – 10:20 p.m. – Adoption of Minutes: October 20, 2015
10:20 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – Unfinished Business and New Business- Open Space Committee Liaison, Resolution re: Appointment of Alternate Planning Board Counsel, Scheduling of meetings and applications, Committee Appointments, and discussion of any other open items
10:30 p.m. – Executive Session (if necessary)
AdjournmentIn accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, all meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work sessions, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings, which are always open to members of the general public.
Members: Susan Knudsen, Jeff Voigt, Joel Torielli, Melanie McWilliams, David Scheibner, Richard Joel, Kevin Reilly, David Thurston, Isabella Altano, Debbie Patire
We have a case of FOOT IN MOUTH disease, as in when someone says something completely moronic. Currently on Facebook Rurik Halaby is making a gigantic fool of himself on It Takes a Ridgewood Village. Rurik do you want some salt and pepper with that shoe you are eating?
It is good to see that Rurik’s Facebook posts are challenged. Many people don’t like to get in arguments on Facebook but we have a dedicated group of residents who challenge him with the facts. He just posts misinformation and lies. Any idiot can do that.
It amazes me that a business owner in town can show up at a council meeting and blame them for the PSEG work schedule. Why doesn’t he complain to PSEG?
Why doesn’t he embrace the Ridgewood Fall Craft Fair? It is great to have Ridgewood Ave closed for a pedestrian fair.
Ridgewood NJ, according to Rurik Halaby, the following is an email sent to Tony Damiano, owner of Mango Jam and President of The Ridgewood Guild in response to a letter written by Tony to the Mayor re the PSE&G project:
Dear Tony,
I can’t express how disappointed I am with your email. First, PSEG work schedules are not controlled by Village Council and I, along with council colleagues, have taken the concerns of the business community very seriously. Personally, I began working on this tirelessly since 7:00am Thursday morning and have not stopped. The (former)Village Manager was involved in, and is responsible for, any decisions made in May or June and up until the date of her resignation. l was not included or apprised of those discussions or decisions. It’s unfortunate any time working on resolving this has been interrupted by this antagonistic and angry email.
Your assertion that I am “micro-managing” anything is shameful and regrettable. Five council members selected the members of the CBDAC. Furthermore, your suggestion that you could have been a “great asset” to the Central Business District Advisory Committee is undermined by the tone and content of your email. I have great confidence in Councilman Hache and this wonderful group of CBDAC committee members.
Council members Hache, Voigt and Walsh along with Deputy Mayor Sedon, myself and Village Staff have worked diligently to support for our business community. Your email is gratuitous and offensive.
I will continue my efforts to resolve the PSEG matter and am in the process of scheduling a meeting with them. I hope we can move on from this and will keep you informed of any progress.
-Susan
Mayor Susan Knudsen
Councilwoman
Rurik Halaby added on Facebook , “I could not believe the insulting, sarcastic, and disdainful tone and nature of this letter. Tony deserves better. He is a passionate man who is totally dedicated to making Ridgewood a better place for all of us, particularly the CBD.
Ms. Knudsen swore to uphold the U.S. Constitution. The first amendment guarantees Tony’s right to express himself. As importantly, it guarantees his right “to petition the Government for redress of grievances.”
If Mayor Aronshohn had written such a letter the Vocalantis would have hung him in effigy.
Ms. Knudsen, you owe Tony an apology!”
Yes Rurik we all know how much Paul Aronsohn loved PSE&G.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood blog has received the following email from Tony Damiano of the Ridgewood Guild . It’s odd though no one ever made such a big deal over the “traffic easing ” which greatly reduced the inflow of traffic into the Ridgewood’s central business district. No one also ever brought up these objection with the Hudson Parking Garage . Funny how best estimates would put many Ridgewood CBD stores under great duress during the construction period .
Subject: Re: fr: Tony Damiano re: PSEG Update
Ramon,
I understand that. What I was referring to was the the recent dialogue from yesterday.
What you are telling me only makes the situation worse. Now I am shocked that the Council knew about this as far back as May and never communicated with The Ridgewood Guild or the business community. At the “wonderful” meeting that took place on Tuesday of this week at the Chamber office, again, nothing was mentioned. The Chamber of Commerce wasn’t even notified. I spoke with Joan Groom yesterday. I thought Council learned about the project a couple of weeks ago. Now you are telling me this was on the table back in May or June and none of us knew???
While I have your ear. I am very disappointed that I cannot be a part of your new Downtown Committee. I know I would have been a great asset, a historian so to speak, on what works and what may not. As I stated at the July meeting and at Wednesday night’s meeting, I need to know who the resident committee members are. It seems Susan is micro-managing the choices. Allegedly, Lorrainne Reynolds and Amy Borque have been selected. I am curious to know who the other 3 are. You need a good mix of people on this committee in order for it to succeed. Committee members who have different points of view, but can work amicably together. These 2 people are huge supporters of Susan’s. Lorraine said she would support the Hudson St. garage if it were taken down a level. Amy formed for Save Ridgewood group and opposed the residential complexes. She is lovely, but I’m afraid to say that this is a conflict of interest. Her family owns a residential complex just on our border. I know Philip Davis is representing the Chamber. He will, no doubt contribute, however he has only been in town for 2 years. Gary Kolsaire is the right choice. His business has been in town a number of years. Also, please do your homework before speaking. At the July meeting you suggested bringing the Christmas tree to the park. You will need to further investigate that one. That created a backlash that business owners and residents are still talking about.
You say you are working to support the business community. Here are 3 examples of how you are not…
1) You have swept the parking deck under the rug, not having it on the past 2 Council Meeting Agendas, even though the past Mayor, past Deputy Mayor, past Councilwoman, Assistant Village Manager, president of The Ridgewood Guild, current president, and 3 past presidents of The Chamber of Commerce, all f which are considered “Community Leaders” were in favor of it. Much time, effort and money was spent listening to professionals and consultants regarding design, financial reports, (which were approved by our Council appointed Financial Committee), and a professional traffic consultant. While I’m on the subject, is it true you have assigned another traffic consultant who is not certified to do, and yet another study?
2) You didn’t inform us of the PSEG work that will greatly effect 4th Quarter.
3) Rumor has it that the Council is looking to raise the parking meters to $.75 an hour.
Best………………..Tony Damiano – President
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author & Actress, Jamie Lee Curtis, will sign her new book: This is Me
TOMORROW NIGHT (Monday, September 19th) @ 6:00pm
JAMIE LEE CURTIS will sign her new book: This Is Me ($16.95).
*Each person attending must purchase a copy of the book*
*ONLY copies of This Is Me will be signed (No memorabilia) and photos will be allowed.
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.
Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
Community Conversation September 21 – MAKING RIDGEWOOD MORE AGE FRIENDLY
WHAT: An Encore presentation of our 55 and Over Survey Data and Age-Friendly concepts. Then A GROUP THINK, a COMMUNITY BRAINSTORMING session- we need YOUR IDEAS about how to Ridgewood more Age Friendly
WHO: Anyone interested in life in Ridgewood after age 55. If you are 55 or over or you are planning for your future or you have parents in this age group or your customers are older please join us.
WHERE: Ridgewood Library Auditorium
WHEN: Wednesday September 21, 3:30-5:30 pm.
WHY: We have wonderful data about both the strengths and needs of the community from our Ridgewood 55 and Over
Survey. We are ready to take the next step and create an action plan. For that we need community input about specific improvements that we should consider implementing, especially in the following areas:
· housing options,
· flexible transportation
· pedestrian safety
· enhanced communication and marketing, directory of resources
· leveraging the expertise of the older population and
· assisting homeowners with difficult tasks.
We want Ridgewood to be as great a place to grow old as it is to grow up and we are interested in what age-friendly means to you and what your priorities are. What would make you remain in Ridgewood after your kids are grown and gone?
Any questions please email [email protected] or call 201-652-1614.
Beth Abbott and Sheila Brogan, of the Age-Friendly Ridgewood Initiative
Ridgewood NJ, Today’s the day! Open your heart and home to a friend for life at our 11th Adopt-A-Pet Day, 11am-4pm, Rain or Shine! We have 25 rescue groups and shelters coming with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, all ready to find their furever homes! We will see you soon!
Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital
320 E Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 447-6000
Open
Today 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Ridgewood NJ, No sign in the central business district seems to raise more consternation that the “parkmobile App” only sign at the Chestnut street parking lot. The lot it seems is only accessible for smart phone users with credit cards.
As reported on this blog it all started in May of 2015 , “Starting May 11th the Multi-space meter in the Chestnut Street Parking Lot will be deactivated. The new method of payment for up to 3 hours of parking at .50 cents per hour will be by phone using the Parkmobile App” https://theridgewoodblog.net/chestnut-street-parking-lot-goes-parkmobile-app/
While some find it hard to believe that people actually function in this day and age without a smart phone or a debit/credit card . Others are not fond of giving out credit card information or being tracked by the latest app. Parkmobile has gone to great lengths to assure uses that you personal information is encrypted and safe . Non stop stories of the latest hacking give one pause to think.
So is the latest parking technology a convenience or a nuisance ? Or survival of the fittest and just one more step in the battle for parking in Ridgewood’s central business district ?
And the sign said “Long-haired freaky people need not apply” So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why He said “You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you’ll do” So I took off my hat, I said “Imagine that. Huh! Me workin’ for you!” Whoa-oh-oh
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?
And the sign said anybody caught trespassin’ would be shot on sight So I jumped on the fence and-a yelled at the house “Hey! What gives you the right?” “To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in” “If God was here he’d tell you to your face, man, you’re some kinda sinner”
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?
Now, hey you, mister, can’t you read? You’ve got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat You can’t even watch, no you can’t eat You ain’t supposed to be here The sign said you got to have a membership card to get inside Ugh!
And the sign said, “Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray” But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all I didn’t have a penny to pay So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign I said, “Thank you, Lord, for thinkin’ ’bout me. I’m alive and doin’ fine” Wooo!
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?
Ridgewood NJ, Don’t miss this award winning ” Best of Bergen County” street fair with “Something for Everyone” in the family.
One hundred & seventy five exhibitors from four states will be participating with arts & crafts. Downtown Ridgewood will be lined with tents bursting with handicrafts & photography. A large food court offering delicious festival foods will be a set up in front of the park. The popular Kids Zone with inflatibles, pony rides & a petting zoo will once again be a part of this fun day. All day music will be provided by Ritchie G & Ginger.
Please note customers start to walk earlier than Noon. Held rain or shine. Free admission
Ridgewood NJ, Windsor Bergen Academy in Ridgewood gets a new playground . According to their Facebook page “A day of pure bliss! Thank you to everyone who made play possible at WBA! We could not be more grateful to the volunteers, donors and especially KaBOOM! and PSE&G Foundation for making the tremendous playground possible”
Before the event Windsor Bergen Academy released a statement on Facebook , “With the help of over 125 volunteers we will build our playground on September 15, 2016! We can hardly wait! We are still in need of volunteers on Build Day and Prep Day ( September 13/14) , if you or anyone you know wishes to help build please contact us to register as a volunteer”
Windsor Bergen Academy (Grades Pre-K through 8) is a state-approved, nonprofit, private school located in Ridgewood NJ, for classified students who exhibit learning, behavioral and attention disorders and require a therapeutic environment to address their social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
It is also the home of ; The R.I.S.E. (Recognizing and Inspiring Student Excellence)Program, located at Windsor Bergen Academy, is a specialized preschool for children ages 3 to 5 years old. It is a comprehensive early intervention program, which utilizes a strengths-based approach to promote social and emotional growth, school readiness and overall wellness.
Windsor Bergen Academy is located on 56 Passaic St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (201) 857-4785
