Category: village of ridgewood

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Ridgewood Water violation enforcement only on Ridgewood

ridgewood water
June 24,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood blog asks , How many tickets were given out last year to Ridgewood residents last year for water irrigation violations ?

Just wondering if any other towns that Ridgewood water supplies were issued tickets for the same violations?

Our newly hired code violation enforcement person does not have jurisdiction in those towns to issue tickets . So in a nut shell the Village Manager Roberta hired and employee with taxpayer money to issue tickets only to Ridgewood residents .Other towns that are supplied by Ridgewood Water do not have a dedicate employee for that service.

Do you really think they were issued the same amount of violations?

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Does Ridgewood Water own 2 small boats ?

Ridgewood Water , boats

June 23,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Just one day after an announcement of stage 2 water restrictions ,does the Village’s water utility own 2 small boats, or are some of the utility’s employees now being permitted to store their personal property on land owned by the utility? Roberta, are you on this?

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DECLARATION OF STAGE II WATER USE RESTRICTIONS

ridgewoodwaterlogo-061912-rn-tif

June 23,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood bog

Ridgewood NJ, What a mess the Village of Rdgewood and the Water Co are. At almost every Council meeting Ridgewood Water is asking for money ( Big Money) and yet here we are within two week we went from sage 1 to stage 2.

So why do we have that 36 inch water line that was put in many years ago. Yes thats right that water line is a hook up to United Water . Thats right residents we buy water from them. Many resident talk about high taxes. Is this what we get for taxes. No need to build big tanks just buy more water from United Water or is this a parting shot from the 3 Amigos and  Ms Queen Bee?

DECLARATION OF STAGE II WATER USE RESTRICTIONS

In accordance with the Codes of the Village of Ridgewood, the Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park, and the Township of Wyckoff, Stage II water restrictions in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff, New Jersey are in effect beginning June 23, 2016 until further notice.

Residents, businesses, governmental agencies, and all other water users must adhere to Stage II of the restrictions shown on our website,water.ridgewoodnj.net.

If your address is an odd number, you may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. If your address is an even number, you may irrigate on Wednesdays and Sundays only. A handheld hose may be used at any time including Mondays. No irrigation is allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except the use of a hand held hose.

The restriction level had to be increased to Stage II because water is being consumed at a greater rate than the supply system can sustain, thus reducing the amount of water in reserve for fire fighting and other emergencies.

Compliance with the Stage II restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Violators will be subject to a fine and court appearance

Roberta Sonenfeld

Village Manager

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Ridgewood’s Twinney Pond gets Mosquito eating fish

Twinney Pond Park
June 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  in a new weapon against the spread of the Zika virus a village pond has been stocked with mosquito-eating fish as part of a program to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses in Bergen County.

In a campaign called Bergen Bites Back, the Bergen County Mosquito Control stocked Twinney Pond with the mosquito eating fish ,the Gambusia fish .The fish feed on mosquito larvae.  Bergen County Mosquito Control is using the Gambusia fish, along with regular spraying of standing water, as part of a mosquito population control and an attempt prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, including the Zika virus.

More Information
For additional information on efforts underway in Bergen County, please call the hotline at 201-225-7000 or visit the Bergen Health website and click on “West Nile Virus”.

System
Bergen County Mosquito Control Program is based on a system of  “Integrated Pest Management” consisting of surveillance source reduction, water management, and biological and chemical control.

Mosquito Control in Bergen County is an ongoing, year round program.

Early Spring
In early spring, the surveillance and application program begins. Surveillance entails looking for larvae and applying materials to prevent hatching.

After Pre-Season
After the pre-season is completed, a regularly scheduled inspection and control program begins in the eleven districts covering the 70 municipalities.

Nearly 4000 specific breeding sites are routinely inspected and larvae is collected and identified.

Bacillus Thuringiensis
If mosquito larvae is found, Bacillus Thuringiensis (BTI) is applied. BTI is a selected larvicide which affects mosquito and black fly larvae and causes no harm to

Animals
Beneficial insects
Birds
Humans
Marine life
Pets
Vegetation
Wildlife

Warmer Months
During the warmer months, mosquito breeding habitats are stocked with Gambusia, a small fish with a hearty appetite for mosquito larvae. During this time a variety of traps are installed county-wide to monitor the adult mosquito population.

Adulticiding to control the adult population is only done when necessary, from a truck or hand held unit, not by helicopter, in response to adult mosquito surveillance and identification.

Biological Control Program
The NJ State Mosquito Control Commission funds a Biological Control Program which uses five species of mosquito-eating fish which are raised at the DEP’s Division of Fish, and Wildlife’s Charles O. Hayford Hatchery in Hackettstown.

These fish are distributed at no charge to county mosquito control agencies. Where practical, these fish control mosquito populations and reduce the need for pesticides.

Winter Months
During the winter months, hand labor and heavy equipment is used to clear and desilt ditches, streams and ponds to allow for free movement of water. Tide-gates and dikes are inspected and repaired to prevent flooding of low-lying areas and water in ditches and brooks are lowered to minimize mosquito breeding.

MOSQUITO PREVENTION TIPS
Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan Encourages Residents to Take Simple Precautions

It’s time to take important steps to protect yourself and your family against West Nile Virus (WNV) infection and mosquito annoyance in general.

WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, so it’s important to take steps to prevent getting mosquito bites and to clean or remove items on your property that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water on your property.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill drainage holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Clean clogged roof gutters every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend to plug drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.

For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.

• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

WNV is an arboviral disease which people can acquire through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. WNV is not directly transmitted from birds to humans. About one in 150 persons, or less than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease. Symptoms of more serious illness include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

The elderly are at higher risk of more severe disease. Bergen County’s WNV surveillance, control, and prevention activities involve the coordinated efforts of a number of federal, state and local agencies. These include DHSS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State Mosquito Control Commission, the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology, local and Bergen County Health Departments, and of course our Bergen County Department of Public Works Division of Mosquito Control.

For more information about mosquito control in Bergen County,
call the Health Hotline: 201-225-7000 or visit the website:https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/index.aspx?nid=325

To contact the Bergen County Division of Mosquito Control about a mosquito problem, call 201-634-2880.

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Ridgewood Shakespeare in the Park

Porch Light Productions Shakespeare in the Park,
Sun, July 17, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave.-Walnut-Van Neste

The is FREE to the public.

Shakespeare in the Park July 17th
(weather permitting)

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and Porch Light Productions proudly presents a
“Midsummer Night’s Dream,”
William Shakespeare’s most popular comedy!

It portrays the adventures of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with woodland fairies and a duke and duchess. Taking place in a mythical Athens and an enchanted forest, there is a handsome fairy king, a misguided parent, star-crossed lovers, a weaver who’s transformed into a half-donkey, wood sprites and elves. This work is widely performed around the world, and no wonder – it’s about the world’s most popular pastime, falling in love. But as Puck knows, falling in love can make fools of us all.

Bring your umbrella-hat for shade, blankets-chairs to sit on, cold drinks to stay cool and your listening ear for some of Shakespeare’s best words.

for more details and weather reports
201-445-2600 or email –
[email protected] for updates.

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market

RidgewoodFarmersMarket_theridgewoodblog

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market
Sun, June 26, 2016 – Sun, October 30, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Train Station Parking Lot, Godwin Ave & W Ridgewood Ave

Sundays
June 26, 2016 – October 30, 2016
9:00am – 3:00pm

Enjoy New Jeresy’s Own
“Jersey Corn, Tomatoes, Blueberries and Strawberries”

Ridgewood Train Station
Parking Lot West Side

or call 201-445-2600

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Reader says The current rent structure eliminates most low margin businesses and any real chance for mom and pop shops to succeed long term in Ridgewood

Ridgewood-CBD_goingonutof-business_theridgewoodblog

Correct me if I are wrong. My general understanding is there is not widespread ownership of downtown commercial properties but that many of the downtown buildings are long time holdings by several who enjoy relatively low acquistion costs.

It appears that vacancies can be sat on instead of lowering rent because they can given the large cash flow coming in from other ongoing rentals. I do understand the basic economic principle that supply and demand sets prices and the market will bear what it can but I also understand that artificial price supports can be in place given any degree of monopoly and I believe that this is reflected in vacancies and heavy turnover at many spots.

Landlords do have the right to decent ROI at current values but rents do appear excessive in comparision to other towns and some numbers Ive seen for spaces are simply astronomical . The current rent structure eliminates most low margin businesses and any real chance for mom and pop shops to succeed long term so you see the opening and closing of many fine hopefuls which has as much or more to do with high rents than parking.

Ive watched numerous places with good nearby parking turnover a few times, ie the cozy coffee shop on the park corner, not because of parking but because of exorbitant rents. I do think parking should be addressed as it could be improved but landlord wishes to maintain high prices or further raise rents are secondary because their bottom lines dont need to be supported or subsidized.The value of their holdings can also operate and fluctuate in a fair market . It would be optimal to get the most convenient parking spot when visiting an establishment and not have to circle around but I eventually find one within walking distance in relatively short time .

The new council appears to be prudent and open to exploring parking options that could address the whole spectrum and I would also hope that they have discussions with the few dominant landlords and prod them to do their part in seeing housed businesses succeed and seeing that vacancies dont persist. To landlords, I would say look at your bottom lines vs today’s values and decide if you have squeezed the lemon too hard and if it is hurting the community in which you’ve invested.

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Reader says Time for the Chamber of Commerce to come up with their own solutions and invest in their own future

snow castle cbd theridgewoodblog.net

Many businesses invest in their own future…for our town that seems to be a novel idea but that’s usually how businesses expand…

Time for the Chamber of Commerce to come up with their own solutions and invest in their own future – in case you didn’t get the message, we aren’t going to pay for it…

From the Chamber’s website for new members:
Member Benefits – Membership decal with the Chamber decal – We promote “Spend Locally” and encourage shoppers and diners to look for the logo. The logo identifies your business as a member of the Chamber, and supporter of the Ridgewood community.

“supporter of the Ridgewood community” – that’s rich…

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Reader says I Think it is healthy that there is a housecleaning of the council because there was obviously mistrust

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog

We are simply fortunate that this is a educated town for the most part and that the public serves as checks and balances. Think it is healthy that there was a housecleaning of the council because there was obviously mistrust whether warranted or not. Certain issues can now be looked at with a relatively clean slate. though some large issues like Valley will still carry forward. On that matter, I hope Ridgewood will stand its ground and not accept any cave in and also follow what other communities are doing as far as challenging the farcical tax exempt status From experience , local govt isnt easy especially for newcomers who are usually idealistic before realities set in. NJ govt excesses and obligations to an over sized public sector has impacted all municipalities .

I can say that no one should come in to local politics with a personal agenda unless it is to serve their community. Shouldnt be a stepping stone to better and greater things. Ridgewood doesnt need career politicians but civilans that fight for their townspeople at every turn. Unfortunately influence peddlers muddy the waters so much that which was once a clear vision become foggy. It can be difficult to stand against the self interests of the influential when you become influential enough to be in those circles.Others simply make mistakes out of good intent.
I wish this new council the best and hope that they remember that they were elected to serve their community first and foremost. This isnt about them but the overriding wishes of the majority. Best advice I can give is to listen to your citizenry and communicate with them with honesty. Never gonna make all happy but Ii people respect your reasoning then they can accept even if they cant embrace
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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD :NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES

village-hall-theridgewoodblog

Looks like Matt Jessup may be getting the boot

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD :NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOODCOUNTY OF BERGEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES

The Village of Ridgewood is soliciting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Bond Counsel Services, from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, as it is frequently called upon to provide representation on behalf of the Village in bond and related financial matters.  The selection of Qualified Respondents is not subject to the bidding provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et. seq.; however, it is subject to the “New Jersey Local Unit Pay to Play Law”, N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et. seq.

Date RFQ Package will be available:                        June 20, 2016 – June 30, 2016

Address where package is available:                       Village Clerk’s Office

Village of Ridgewood

131 North Maple Avenue

Ridgewood, NJ  07450

RFQ Submission Deadline:                                      June 30, 2016 – 10:00 a.m.

RFQ submissions will be opened:                             June 30, 2016 – 10:00 a.m
Village Clerk’s Office, 5th floor
Ridgewood Village Hall
131 North Maple Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ  07450

All responses should be addressed to:                   Heather A. Mailander, RMC/MMC/CPM

Village Clerk

Village of Ridgewood

131 North Maple Avenue

Ridgewood, NJ  07450

The RFQ response should be returned in a sealed envelope which bears of the name of the Respondent to the RFQ and should be clearly marked:

RFQ BOND COUNSEL SERVICES

Attn:  Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk

The Village of Ridgewood reserves the right to waive any and all formalities or altogether reject any RFQ that is not in the best interest of the Village.  Selections shall be made to the vendor whose proposal is most advantageous to the Village of Ridgewood.  Factors include, but are not limited to experience and/or reputation in the field, knowledge of the subject matter to be addressed under the proposal and contract and other factors determined to be in the best interest of the Village of Ridgewood.  All awards are subject to Village Council approval.

Heather A. Mailander, RMC/MMC/CPM

Village Clerk

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Reader says If Ridgewood landlords are content with empty storefronts for months on end, then that’s that

parking CBD fullhouse theridgewoodblog.net

If the landlords are content with empty storefronts for months on end, then that’s that. They could lower rents, but that hurts their bottom line. Their misguided solution is increase the crowd level with high density housing – so we’ll have more people ignoring the shops in the CBD, and more Amazon deliveries to the new apartment blocks. This is a market issue that can’t be legislated away.

Any business that provides an incremental service will continue to survive in the downtown setting. Restaurants provide cooking and service, in addition to a social atmosphere. Bars provide a meeting place, booze, and a bartender who will listen to your bellyaching when nobody else cares (the bartender doesn’t care either, by the way…and that dancer at Satin Dolls is not working her way through college, and doesn’t think you’re funny, but I digress). Certain goods, like high end clothes that need to be fitted, will still sell. Tailors, barbers, etc etc. See a pattern? Even a used guitar store that buys select instruments online, sets them up well, and offers them to be played before they’re bought might do well. But the traditional consumer goods re-seller is dead on arrival – they can’t pay their rent on razor thin markups necessitated by competition from Amazon.

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Reader says People come to Ridgewood to dine out, many love the fact that we have so many byob establishents.

Village _resturants_theridgewoodblog

The “toxic” situation has not arrived. You are imagining a Walking Dead future. Relax.

People will shop if there are products that they want, at a good price.

Restaurants do fine. They all wish that they could sell alcohol and make big bucks on the bar. The restaurants, like Valley, are regional businesses. People come to Ridgewood to dine out, many love the fact that we have so many byob establishments. This is the crux of the “parking problem”. People from all over Bergen county come to Ridgewood. The busineses would like more but feel that they are hampered by lack of parking.

They need to come up with a solution that does not rely on me for funding.

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N.J. pension proposal is ‘economic armageddon,’ business leader says

14405_trenton_new_jersey_s_state_house_capitol_in_trenton

 

As a Democrat-backed plan to constitutionally protect public pension payments pushes closer to the fall ballot, an opponent on Monday cautioned that there is plenty of time to consider alternatives that won’t result in “economic armageddon.” Samantha Marcus, NJ.com Read more

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BREAKING: Ridgewood Voters Say “No” to bonding of Parking Garage

Vote Ridgewood NJ
file photo by Dana Glazer
June 21,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ,  Ridgewood voters decided today in a special election to repeal an ordinance to bond $11.5 million to construct the Hudson Street parking deck!

Voters turned out to overwhelming say NO in every district in  what can only be called a landslide for the NO votes.

Full results

1425 yes votes 34.8%
86 absentee 
2675 no  votes  65.2%
81  absentee
total turn out 4097  24%
total registered voters 16901 

Proposal – Ordinance No. 3521 for $11,500,000 Bond to Finance Hudson Street Parking Deck

 

Click Here for District Results.

 

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I think we need to vote NO, I personally don’t trust what is going on regarding the Ridgewood garage project

3 amigos

file photo by Boyd Loving, the 3 amigos

I think we need to vote NO, I personally don’t trust what is going on regarding the garage project. I think we need to have the incoming council with the help of our residents and town professionals ie engineer and superintendent take a step back and come up with a plan that is acceptable to our residents. The vote that elected new council members basically was an outcry from our residents that enough is enough and we need a council that works together.

I went to many town council meeting over the last year and could not believe how Susan and Michael were not given information regarding the Garage. If they were given info it was hours before the meeting while the 3 amigos had all the information way ahead of the meetings. IT is apparent by the 2015 vote for a new garage our town wants additional parking, I say let’s let the new Council resolve this issue. I have lived in this town 26 years and can wait another 6 months to resolve this problem.

Charlie Nowinski

Ridgewood Nj