Ridgewood NJ, A candidate for public office should not be signing a pledge from a special interest group. This is just wrong and I am surprised that candidates need to be told this.
If you support garage design D that is fine, just say it. This information is helpful to voters.
In NJ conflict of interest includes:
5) No State officer or employee or special State officer or employee should undertake any employment or service, whether compensated or not, which might reasonably be expected to impair his objectivity and independence of judgment in the exercise of his official duties.
(6) No State officer or employee or special State officer or employee should accept any gift, favor, service or other thing of value under circumstances from which it might be reasonably inferred that such gift, service or other thing of value was given or offered for the purpose of influencing him in the discharge of his official duties.
(7) No State officer or employee or special State officer or employee should knowingly act in any way that might reasonably be expected to create an impression or suspicion among the public having knowledge of his acts that he may be engaged in conduct violative of his trust as a State officer or employee or special State officer or employee.
So our Deputy Mayor Pucciarelli was pontificating about the signs on Wednesday night in his usual condescending manner, about how they can legally be planted all over public property and of course pretending he has no idea who might still have signs up. And what does he say in the midst of his sermon?: “I think we are getting perilously close to having our say about who’s good and who’s not.” Say what Mr. Pucciarelli? Were you trying to say that this would be a terrible thing (the word “perilously” certainly implies such). You were saying that sitting council members should not say “who’s good and who’s not” from among the candidates? This was on Wednesday night, and your ridiculous letter of support for Willett Weitz and Brooks was already on file with the Ridgewood News for publication on Friday. So clearly you have absolutely no problem whatsoever with a sitting (although thank god lame duck) council member stating which candidates he prefers. You are so two-faced Mr. Pucciarelli, so smug and superior, so arrogant and assholic. Oh my God I cannot wait until you are gone. You and the two idiots you are aligned with.
Ridgewood NJ, It’s never too late to make health lifestyle choices so that you can stay active. Seniors and active older adults are invited to “Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging” presentation by Registered Nurse Joanne Wendolowski on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at YWCA Bergen County, 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ. This free event will be held from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Making smart food choices can be simpler than you think, learn facts and tips to help you make wise choices with this talk.
Joanne Wendolowski, RN, BC, MS is the Public Health Nurse Supervisor of Health Awareness Regional Program (HARP) at HackensackUMC. HARP has a long history of providing health promotion programs to participants throughout Bergen County. Health education programs focus on the prevention of chronic illness by teaching the community to eat healthy, be active, avoid tobacco, and manage stress. These programs are designed to help the community increase control over their health with an opportunity to learn positive coping strategies and healthy habits.
To register, please visit https://ywca-smart-food-choices.eventbrite.com. For more information about this presentation, please contact Barrie Lynn Lifton at 201-345-4614, email[email protected] or visit www.ywcabergencounty.org.
Location: Ben & Jerry’s, Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
COME MEET “JERRY”
Co-Founder Of Ben & Jerry’s
Jerry Greenfield will be in our Ridgewood scoop shop to meet and greet
Learn Jerry’s favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor.
Jerry may even scoop you your favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor just for you.
Take your photo with Jerry.
TUESDAY, MAY 3rd
7:00PM
Live Music by Jazz House Kids &Tim Gysin
timgysinmusic.com
facebook.com/TimGysinMusic
Ridgewood NJ, Perhaps Evan Weitz hasn’t lived here long enough to realize that he’s plastering Paramus with his signs? Maybe if he ever once attended a council meeting or visited the village hall he could familiarize himself with a map of our great village.
His disrespect for our village-it’s look and feel, are evident in his decision to place signs in planters and leave them there no matter what residents feel about it. I mean, this is the man who has no problem with the rest of the town going to pot.
They’re placed in the PSEG Right of ways on Grove and at the exits to 17.Wonder if the person he has out doing his bidding (because we know he’s WAY to busy with his JOB and kids- that’s why he has never voted here, right. Amazing someone has actually voted LESS times than Janice Willet!!!!)
We wonder if who’s placing these signs is the same troll who is ripping DOWN all the Walsh, Hache and Voigt signs….?
Cameras everywhere these days, folks!!
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood blog has learned that the Village of Ridgewood was put on notice regarding Schedler historic preservation of both parcel and house, wildlife and migratory act despite claims to the contrary .
According to the County the house must be registered historically and the parcel must be inspected for historical elements . The New Jersey DEP identified two species of protected or endangered species with in the property .Including as previously reported on this blog the American Bald Eagle and the Heron. Its seems the Village manager lied on record dismissing the claims .
Council Members:
As stated during public comment, attached are the County public meeting minutes ofMarch 28. The Village was put on notice regarding Schedler historic preservation of both parcel and house, wildlife and migratory act.
As such, the Village must move forward with historic registry of the Schedler house, historic eligibility of parcel and enforce wildlife preservation. Additionally, nothing can be done on this parcel, NO clean up/Phase 1, until after July 31 and only after historic and wildlife preservation/eligibility/registry is complete.
I have all the supporting documentation if you need them as well.
I recently received an invitation from Paul Vagianos, local Ridgewood business owner, on behalf of Progress for Ridgewood, inviting me to participate in a candidate forum at the Park West Tavern on May 2 nd . I was rather surprised to learn that the price of admission to the forum,however, was a signed pledge to support the immediate construction of a five level (Design D)parking garage at the Hudson Street site. It would be inappropriate for me to make any pledge about matters to be decided shortly in an upcoming Village referendum. What are candidates to do if the referendum vote doesn’t come out in their favor, and they are elected? Not honor the referendum?
While I agree Ridgewood needs more parking and; even agree that an appropriately sized garage at this location should be built (i.e. one that fits with the surrounding character of the neighborhood and does not impact traffic adversely), we should also look at other parking solutions throughout town. The Riche and Associates 2002 report (the only recent study done on parking) even stated that traffic would be an issue at the Hudson Street location and;recommended other sites as more appropriate for a garage (i.e. Ken Smith site and North Walnut St). Lastly, based on Ridgewood being designated as a transportation hub (as part of the $20 billion Gateway project essentially linking Bergen County to NY Penn Station), as time goes on, we likely will require more parking options that fit with our Village.
Also, this election is about multiple issues; not just one issue. It is more appropriate to focus our efforts on comprehensive master planning and inclusive governing for all of Ridgewood. If elected, it is my intention to respect the results of the garage referendum vote and to work with my fellow council members to address all issues efficiently and effectively. Needless to say I declined the invitation, keeping instead my pledge for open, transparent leadership working with all interests in the community. This is the most effective way to ensure the best outcomes for our village.
Paul Vagianos needs to carefully re-consider what he is asking: Seeking a pledge from the candidates that will pit prospective council members against one another – those who will sign on his demand vs those who won't – even BEFORE the election. It is exactly this type of divisive and binary thinking that has created the current toxic climate. It has to stop; enough is enough.
Like all the candidates, I have my views, they are well formulated and clear, and I am open to listening to the other side. However, I want no part of any organization that proposes a restrictive litmus test for those who would seek to serve in public office.
This is so beyond the pale that one is compelled to check with another source before commenting as one would simply not think that Paul Vag’s letter was for real. Paul Vag says “you can come join my public debate” but he insists “so long as you pledge to accept my views.” NO candidate should accept an ultimatum or a demand like this. This is what you expect in North Korea where everyone gets one vote for one candidate, the exulted leader. Its not America, and it is certainly not the Village of Ridgewood.
Have these people no sense of shame? Have they no sense of decency? Have they no pride in themselves? Is there no shred of dignity left in these cronies, or did the loss in the last election mortally wound them beyond any hope of repair that they should stoop this low.
Clearly, the downtown developers are are desperate and concerned over losing money in their business interests to have gone to this depth. I would like to see which cowardly candidate accepts this demand – – which one of them pledges their dignity in exchange for votes.
I would like to see each and every one of the candidates stand up and denounce this assault on our democracy. They have all been mouthing the words “independence” “progress” “whats right for our Village.” Well, now is the chance to stand up and give meaning to those words. It won’t take any courage or any strength. It will simply take common sense to say “no, Paul, I don’t won’t any part of you, your petty partisan politics or your childish, pathetic pandering.”
Ridgewood NJ, Experience the crashing of cymbals, the power of over 100 voices, and thesonority of two pianos and a percussion ensemble as the New Jersey Choral Society presents “O Fortuna – A Celebration of Hope and Joy” featuring Carl Orff’s epic masterwork “Carmina Burana.” The Connecticut Choral Society and the NJCS Festival Youth Chorus, directed by Noelle Dachis, will join NJCS in this exciting performance, which will be held on Saturday, June4 at 8:00 pm at the West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood.
The exhilarating program, under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, focuses on Carl Orff’s scenic cantata “Carmina Burana,” based on 24 medieval poems, which cover a wide range of topics, including the fickleness of fortune and wealth, the ephemeral nature of life, the joy of the return of spring, and the wonders and joy of food, drink and physical love. This eclectic collection was written in Latin, Middle High German and French and included fragments of musical notation suggesting it was used as a songbook in 11 th and 12 th centuries.
Messages of goodwill and humanitarian understanding are also represented in the diverse program through such inspirational works as “Lux Aeterna” by Abel Di Marco, “Peace” by Daniel Brewbaker, the profoundly moving “Inscription of Hope” by Z. Randall Stroope, and the musically inventive “Sizzle!” by Nathan Daughtrey.Pianists Linda Sweetman-Waters and Ruth Draper, along with a Percussion Ensemble, will accompany the choruses. Guest soloists Megan Knapp (soprano), Nathan Munson (tenor) and Peter Kendall Clark (baritone) will also be featured. A procession of 90 local Boy and Girl Scout troops as well as a local Color Guard presenting flags of the world will open this spectacular concert.
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 for The 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.
The West Side Presbyterian Church is wheelchair accessible. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Location: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E Ridgewood Ave and Oak St
Coming this spring: Family Promise Hike or Bike!
Join us on Sunday, May 1st as we Hike or Bike to support Family Promise of Bergen County. Choose your route – 3 mile hike or bike OR 15 mile bike. We begin and end at Van Neste Square in Ridgewood. Fun for everyone with food, music, games, prizes, giveaways and more!
New for 2016 – Hike or Trike or kids under age 5! Free with adult registration.
Click here to register now!
Form a team! Create your own fundraising page! Have fun!
Family Promise is the only organization in Bergen County that provides shelter and support to homeless, working families with children. Thank you for your support.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or 201-833-8009
Ridgewood NJ, There is a new facebook page called ‘the truth behind ridgewood’. It’s founder is running sponsored ads against Bernie, Jeff and Ramon and is also running ads in favor of Weitz, Willet and Brooks. The founder has also posted that he is a contributor to “Progress Ridgewood” group. The progress ridgewood group is supporting Weitz, Willet and Brooks They have recorded campaign videos for all three with same background at the same office and posted on same youtube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZHBgmFO5y7g30tg-Fsm-A
Here is the truth about the founder of “the truth about ridgewood” facebook page, who is backing these three candidates. What favors will he expect from them after they are in the office?
Ridgewood NJ, As you imagine there was a lot of talk about campaign signs in planters. According to Matt it is legal presently but there was talk of an ordinance prohibiting signs on public property or limiting the time they are permitted to be displayed.
The head of Project Pride proposed a basketball court at Vets as they are highly used and would add to the complex. A thought: Move the 60 foot baseball field to Schedler which would allow a basket ball court. However Jackie Hone brought up a great point: The Federal Migratory Act prohibits any removal,cleanup or trimming of trees during migratory season which means they can’t touch the Schedler woods until after July. By then the new council will be in place.
Probably the most important issue to many is the petition filed to rescind the bond ordinance for 11.5 million dollars to finance the Hudson Street Parking Garage. The vote was 4 to 1 in favor of moving forward. Under the Faulkner Act , the petitioners have 10 days to rescind their petition request that would result in no special election. It is not possible to postpone the election til November saving the estimated 45,000 dollars for a special election because of the timing. The vote has to occur in no less than 40 days and no more than 60 days after the 10 days allowed to the petitioners. The date of the vote in the special election will occur on June 21st.
The village engineer gave a report on contaminated sites in Ridgewood in relation to water safety which many felt was lacking full disclosure. According to Chris we’re in good shape and although we have all these underground sites cited for remediation on village owned property.
Gwenn had one”mean girl” moment when Susan asked that they postpone approving some minutes. until she could speak to Heather as Heather was unavailable( business reasons). There was some talk about why Susan needed to clarify something and then Gwenn suggested that why should one council member hold up the vote if the majority had no problem. Mike saw no reason not to allow for the postponement and Matt Rogers felt that it was a completely reasonable request and so thankfully Albert and Sir Paul didn’t object.
There were some nice moments regarding the Community Access Group and all the things they have accomplished and a future ordinance to make it a village sanctioned committee.
Mike obtained a grant for shade tree enhancement and Earth Day was a complete success. Anne Loving made a great comment regarding Gwenn’s comment about her dogs and Paul’s dog enjoying Van Neste Park on Earth Day. Anne reminded everyone that there is an ordinance banning dogs in that very park. Some thought it would be great if they had received tickets and then we changed the ordinance to allow dogs in the parks as we love dogs , but Paul and Gwenn not so much!
Ridgewood NJ, Mayor Aronsohn After stating that my question would be answered “at the end of public comments” this evening, you then chose to ignore my question and end the meeting. Even when I attempted to remind you that I had an unanswered question, you refused to follow through on your word that questions would be answered and allow the Village Attorney to address the issue.
No problem, I answered it myself by looking at the Village Code (pasted below). As I already knew, dogs are prohibited from most Village parks, so you as well as anyone else who had dogs at the event last Sunday were in violation. How convenient that you chose to ignore my question rather than admit at the public meeting that you broke the law. And for your information most, if not all, of these parks have signs stating this law.
As I indicated, I completely disagree with this ordinance and firmly believe that dogs should absolutely be allowed in all Village Parks. It is my experience that humans create much more waste in parks than dogs do, as witnessed by the countless cigarette butts, soda cans, candy wrappers, and water bottles that are found scattered about. In general, I think dog-owners tend to be very cautious about picking up after their pets. Many towns even provide “poopie bag” dispensers to make clean-up extra convenient.
I would love to see this ordinance rescinded. But until or unless that happens, dogs are prohibited in the parks listed below. It is always good to know – and obey – the local laws, especially when you are an elected official.
Dogs are hereby prohibited from certain parks as follows: Citizens Park, Graydon Park, Maple Park, Pleasant Park, Twinney Pond Park, Van Neste Park and Veteran’s Memorial Field.
#1. so here is a pic of Paul Vagianos’ invitation to his party at the “clubhouse”, with his fellow restaurants owners,
landlords, developers, investors and everyone else who stands to make a HUGE PROFIT off of the garage and multifamily housing.
#2 But you can only play with us “if you sign a pledge”
This is absurd.The three respectable candidates will absolutely not be signing this ridiculous pledge.
Thank you Jeff Voigt, Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh and Ramon Hache for pledging to represent the people of Ridgewood as independent candidates.
Paul Vagianos, landlord/restaurant owner – hanging up sign at KEN SMITH SITE, recently rezoned for high density housing at 35 units per acre – under the guidance of PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY GAIL PRICE – wife of Rich Brooks, Village Council Candidate –
Sign endorses the Three New AMIGOS…slogan is Ridgewood 2020 A Clear Vision For Our Future .Shouldn’t RIDGEWOOD be thinking PROGRESS well past 2020?
#3 A sign supporting Richard Brooks, Evan Weitz, and Janice Willett for Village Council recently appeared in the window of the former Ken Smith Motors building, a property now managed by Onyx Equities, LLC. Ridgewood resident and local property developer John Saraceno is a principal of Onyx Equties, LLC.
