village of ridgewood - Page 775 of 885

Posted on April 22, 2016April 22, 2016 by James — 8 Comments

CITIZENS FOR A BETTER RIDGEWOOD ENDORSES VOIGT, WALSH AND HACHE FOR RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL

April 21, 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ – Citizens for a Better Ridgewood (CBR) is pleased to announce that we will be endorsing Jeff Voigt, Bernadette Coughlan-Walsh and Ramon Hache for VillageCouncil in the May 10th municipal election.

CBR is committed to ensuring that Ridgewood engages in inclusive and comprehensive
planning that will promote reasonable and appropriate growth and progress, while preserving the character, size and scale of our Village for generations to come. “We believe Jeff, Bernadette and Ramon will make decisions that protect and improve the quality of life of Ridgewood residents, as the next Village Council addresses opportunities and challenges that will impact us all,” said Trustee Amy Bourque.

CBR met with all six candidates and chose to endorse Voigt, Walsh and Hache because they support CBR’s goal of comprehensive planning for the future of Ridgewood. These three candidates are dedicated to community engagement that allows residents a voice in their future, and will exercise independent judgment always in the best interest of Village residents. Lori Weil noted, “we feel these three candidates will work hard to thoughtfully address the many issues facing Ridgewood, and trust they are best prepared to move toward the future while still maintaining the charm and character of our Village.”

Posted on April 22, 2016April 22, 2016 by James — 6 Comments

Do Recent Ridgewood Police Reports indicate A Sinister Plot Against Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

April 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, a recent spat of criminal activity at or near Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood has left many wondering in the Church has become a target of unsavory politics do to its objections to the proposed Hudson Street Garage?

On Thursday, April 14 at 10pm, a person reported that her purse was stolen while inside Mount Carmel Church. She reported she had left it unattended while inside the church and someone removed it. Patrol searched the surrounding area of the church and located the purse in a garbage can next to the bus stop a short time later. The matter is being investigated by the Detective Bureau.

On Monday, April 18, a resident reported she had parked her vehicle outside Mount Carmel Church between 3am and 4am. When she returned to her vehicle she discovered the front window was smashed. The matter is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

The Ridgewood blog also reported in March that the Ridgewood Police had responded to physical altercation outside of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-police-respond-to-physical-altercation-outside-of-the-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-church/

Long time residents smell some dirty politics or is it just a coincidence ?

Posted on April 22, 2016April 22, 2016 by James — 11 Comments

Jeff Voigt : it is time for Ridgewood to move on from the policies and ways of doing business that have existed under the Current Mayor

April 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, Council Candidate Jeff Voigt reflects on the League of Women Voters Candidates . Jeff told the Ridgewood blog ,”Night It was great to see so many residents turn up for the debate. It really shows how concerned and involved we all are in our Village on where we are headed. Secondly, the questions posed by the LWV provided to us and; as well those asked and not revealed were spot on – they hit all the key issues. It was a great opportunity for us to state our positions and how we think about these issues.”
Jeff went on ,”I would personally say hats off to both Bernie Walsh and Ramon Hache – they both did a really nice job.They would represent the interests of our Village well. If all three of us were elected, we would think about issues independently and critically and; come up with solutions that were best for the Village. As well we would complement Susan Knudsen and Mike Sedon on the council.”

Summing up evening Jeff said ,” I found it almost fitting that at the end of the night Mayor Paul Aronsohn was not allowed to ask a question – almost as if this current Council majority was being silenced. I know this was not intentional by the moderator, but it sent a rather strong message to the audience and those listening – that it is time for our Village to move on. This also means our moving on from the policies and ways of doing business that have existed and; unfortunately would be replicated if Evan Weitz, Janice Willet, and Richard Brooks replaced them (and who are all actively supported by Paul Aronsohn).”

Posted on April 22, 2016April 22, 2016 by James — 6 Comments

Reader says Ridgewood water is nothing but a black hole for money?

April 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Bergen Record is reporting that the class action lawsuit trial involving Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park and the Ridgewood Water utility is delayed through at least mid-June.

Originally scheduled to begin April 5,the dispute was assigned a go ahead trial date following the failure of two mediation attempts earlier this year, held in Ridgewood and presided over by retired Superior Court judge Peter E. Doyne.

As previously reported on this blog the class action by municipal water customers Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff alleges some $3.3 million in past overcharges, and that the Village of Ridgewood improperly comingled water company revenues to other areas of the Ridgewood municipal budget.

Other issues also effect Ridgewood water including onerous EPA regulation, massive up keep in infrastructure , summer water restrictions and water quality issues .

Reader says Ridgewood Water is nothing but a black hole for money;

“Ridgewood water is nothing but a black hole for money. Resident have forgotten all the trouble we resident have had with this utility and that BS the Queen Bee gave us last night about the Ridgewood Water Dept head is just that BS . If you believe her you probably voted for the 3 Amigos and their BS. Ridgewood Water cannot keep up with the new EPA and future regulation. Do you enjoy being on water restriction while your neighboring towns that are not served by Ridgewood Water are not? Do you enjoy getting tickets for violating those restriction? . Prospective Council Candidates talk about shared services with other towns or the county to save money but what to retain control of a failing water system. Ridgewood Water has lost their creditability. Get ride of it or privatize it and that goes for the other black hole our very own Ridgewood Sewerage Plant. Oh wait I guess some residents want to retain control of our sewerage.”

Posted on April 22, 2016April 21, 2016 by James — 8 Comments

Friends of Schedler Endorses Jeff Voight, Ramon Hache and Bernadette Walsh for Ridgewood Council

Save Our Schedler Members & Friends at the Schedler House3

Dear Neighbors,

Over the past few weeks a number of the Schedler core members have had theopportunity to observe and evaluate the perspectives and agendas of the six candidates in the upcoming village council election. Based upon our meetings we hereby express oursupport for the candidacy of Jeff Voight, Ramon Hache and Bernadette Walsh.

Jeff, Ramon and Bernadette provide an honest, pragmatic, and hopeful insight into ourcommunity’s problems and needs. Their willingness to examine the issues and listen closely to the public’s questions and concerns, sets them apart from the other candidates’expected techniques and decisions. These candidates provide independent voices, but they have demonstrated that they will run a government of inclusion not just on the Schedler issue which impacts our neighborhood, but on all of the issues that impact the entire Village.

We are writing you to express our support for Jeff’s, Ramon’s and Bernadette’s respective campaigns, to encourage you to vote for them in the upcoming election and to spread word to others of the value of their policies and abilities. As a reminder, the election is on May 10.

Paul D’Arpa posted a more detailed response on the Friends of Schedler Facebook page

Dear Neighbors,

Over the past few weeks a number of the Schedler core members have had the opportunity to observe and evaluate the perspectives and agendas of the six candidates in the upcoming village council election. Based upon our meetings we hereby express our support for the candidacy of Jeff Voight, Ramon Hache and Bernadette Walsh.

Jeff, Ramon and Bernadette provide an honest, pragmatic, and hopeful insight into our community’s problems and needs. Their willingness to examine the issues and listen closely to the public’s questions and concerns, sets them apart from the other candidates’ expected techniques and decisions. These candidates provide independent voices, but they have demonstrated that they will run a government of inclusion not just on the Schedler issue which impacts our neighborhood, but on all of the issues that impact the entire Village.

Would you approve the construction of a 90-foot baseball diamond on the Schedler property? Why or why not?

Coghlan-Walsh: I have never been nor will I ever be in favor of a 90 foot baseball field on the Schedler property. The dangers of those balls going into the highway far outweigh the need for another baseball field.

Hache: As a father of three small children, I have serious concerns regarding the safety of a 90-foot baseball diamond on Schedler. We also have to consider the adverse impact on noise levels the clearing of the trees would have on nearby residences. Although I would prefer to have a passive park area on the site, I am willing to support the 60-foot diamond as proposed by Schedler residents. I would also support directing part of the $670,000 accumulated through the open space tax to repair and preserve the Schedler house. It could perhaps be used as a facility for community programs and activities, similar to how The Stable has been used next to Graydon.

Voigt: No. And you’d say no, too, if you realized that the only way a 90-foot diamond gets built there is if home plate is on Route 17. But more to the point is that all of this has an impact on the people who live there. We’re really a Village of neighborhoods and; respecting those neighborhoods and the people in them is important.

Posted on April 22, 2016April 21, 2016 by James — 28 Comments

CONCERNED RESIDENTS OF RIDGEWOOD ENDORSES VOIGT, WALSH AND HACHE FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL

April 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ, The Concerned Residents of Ridgewood (CRR) is delighted to endorse Jeff Voigt, Bernie Walsh, and Ramon Hache for Councilpersons in the May 10th, 2016 Village elections.

“This election is about residents regaining control over the big decisions in our town, rather than falling in line behind applicants and institutions like Valley Hospital, which has sought to replace our Village planning with threats of litigation. As we embrace positive change in Ridgewood, our Council and Planning Board can no longer let applicants lead the discussion on the appropriate scale and intensity of new building and land use in our village,” said Pete McKenna, president of the CRR.

“We think Jeff, Bernie and Ramon will challenge a recent trend in Ridgewood government where bigger is always presumed to be better and where applicants for changes in land use are treated as higher authorities than our own residents. We
chose to endorse these three independent candidates because we feel they each will listen to residents on matters of village governance before reaching a conclusion. ,” added Mr. McKenna said.

“We have interviewed all the candidates and feel that Voigt, Walsh and Hache are best suited to restore a positive vision of the Village of Ridgewood’s future. Please get to know them and mark your calendar for Tuesday May 10th to vote as you see
fit,” a. Added Mr. McKenna.

The Concerned Residents of Ridgewood, Inc. (CRR), a grassroots organization that has sought moderation and sound land use planning at the H-Zone site, and opposes the expansion as currently exerted by Valley Hospital through its ongoing
litigation against the village.. A group of CRR members met individually with each candidate for Council in April of this year, to discuss their views and priorities for the village prior to their endorsement.

Posted on April 21, 2016April 20, 2016 by James — 7 Comments

Ridgewood Water to Discuss Water Quality at Municipal Information Forum

RIDGEWOOD WATER FORUM – APRIL 21 @ 9AM AND APRIL 25 @ 7:30PM

April 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Village of Ridgewood is hosting a Municipal Information Forum for Ridgewood residents regarding Ridgewood Water. The intent of this forum is to educate the public on how water is delivered to your faucet. It will deal with current issues in the news as well as discussing the quality of our water, sustaining water for the future, budget and capital investments and our short-term and long-term strategies.

The Information Forums will be held on two separate dates. The first on will be Thursday, April 21 from 9 to 11 am. The other is Monday, April 25 from 7:30 to 9:30pm. These Forums will take place in the Youth Center at Village Hall.

To let us know you are attending or if you have any questions, please call 201/670-5500 x203.

Posted on April 21, 2016April 20, 2016 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood Police: Consult the IRS if you are a Victim of identity theft on your Tax Return

April 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that over the past few weeks several residents have reported being victims of identity theft. The reports indicate as they file their tax return they have discovered that someone has already filed a return using their name and social security number.

For more information on what to do if you become a victim of identity theft or how to reduce your risk, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft.

Posted on April 21, 2016April 20, 2016 by James — Leave a comment

PSE&G REMINDER – FOR SAFETY – RIDGEWOOD RESIDENTS DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG!

file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving

PSE&G Reminds Everyone to Dial Before Digging

April is National Safe Digging Month

Ridgewood NJ, April is National Safe Digging Month and Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, reminds customers, contractors and excavators to call 811 to request a mark-out before digging to avoid hitting underground pipelines, conduits, wires and cables. The service is free, and absolutely critical to avoiding injuries and disruptions to vital utility services.

Nationwide, every six minutes, someone damages an underground utility line when digging without first calling 811, according to the Common Ground Alliance, the national association that promotes safe digging practices. In 2015, PSE&G responded to more than 360,000 utility mark-out requests called into the New Jersey 811 call center. Despite the high number of mark-out requests, almost 30 percent of damages to PSE&G facilities were the result of people digging without first calling 811.

PSE&G has more than 8,200 circuit miles of underground electric lines, and about 35,000 miles of buried natural gas distribution lines. Striking an underground electric or natural gas pipe can cause serious injury and service interruptions, resulting in repair costs and fines. Every digging project, even a small project like planting a tree or building a deck with hand tools, requires a call to 811.

When you call 811, you are automatically connected to the New Jersey one-call center, which collects information about your digging project. The one-call center then provides the information to the utility companies, who send representatives to mark the locations of underground lines in the immediate vicinity of the planned work location with flags, paint or both. Once lines have been properly marked and your request becomes valid, you are free to carefully dig around the marked areas.

In New Jersey, the marks are valid for 45 business days. The call must be made whether you are hiring a professional or planning to do the job yourself.

Important information to consider:

Call 811 at least three full business days before each job to have underground pipes, wires and equipment located. Utility workers will respond and place markers where utility lines are buried, free of charge.

If you hired a contractor, confirm that a call to 811 has been made. Do not allow work to begin if the lines are not marked.

Property owners must maintain and respect the marks. Always hand dig within two feet of marked lines.

Various colors are used when marking lines. To learn what each color represents and for more information go to www.pseg.com/call811.

If you accidentally damage gas piping or smell gas when excavating, call 911 immediately from a safe area. Call before you dig is more than a good idea — it’s the law.

Posted on April 21, 2016April 21, 2016 by James — 25 Comments

Ridgewood League of Women Voters Candidates Night No big shockers

League of Women Voters Candidates Night in Ridgewood

April 21,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Yes the debate was pretty mundane. No big shockers. Voight, Walsh and Hache all said the Valley compromise is too big, and a 3% reduction is no compromise. They will work to have it come to a better conclusion.

Both Weitz and Brooks both defended their support of the Valley expansion as if reading from the same script: “You know, Valley Hospital is our neighbor, too.”

They all spoke about the current divisiveness in the council, and that they could work with anyone.

Voigt had a lot of knowledge about many of the topics being discussed. He will dig beyond the surface of all of the issues.
Walsh showed she has the experience and knowledge to jump right in. Hache was confident, intelligent, and thoughtful in his responses.

There was no mention of Brooks being married to Gail Price (lawyer for the planning board that guided them to
a yes for Valley, and a yes to tripling Ridgewood’s density)

Evan Weitz has only lived here a few years. When asked why he hasn’t been seen at any council meetings, his response was
basically, “The council meetings are late, I have young kids, I have a day job, I watch on TV after they go to bed.” He has not voted in a municipal election since he moved here.

On a side note many readers felt Brooks looks just like radio’s Don Imus .

Best parts of the night: Rurik Haliby was told to sit down by the moderator, and was not allowed to ask a question.
Paul Aronsohn was up to ask a question, when the moderator called time. He was not allowed to speak! The crowd broke out into applause!

Posted on April 21, 2016April 21, 2016 by James — 14 Comments

Readers React to League of Women Voters Candidates Night in Ridgewood

photo by Boyd Loving

Reader gives their take of the League of Women Voters Candidates Night .

Not much fireworks tonight – but a few immediate take aways about the three candidates supported by the Mayor and the developers..

Weitz is too busy to have gone to Council meetings during the past two years. And, he was too busy to vote. How the heck is he going to fulfill his duties should he be elected?

Willet is happy with the housing density because she believes it is a good thing to bring more students into our Ridgewood school system. At the same time, she is going to hold down costs. Not quite sure how she is going to balance the two. She doesn’t quite seem balanced.

Brooks is in favor of nepotism rule, and apparently he does not think anyone should be deleted if they have a connection to someone holding a public position. He forgot to mention his wife is the planning board attorney so he did not explain how he is going to be able to vote on anything important that comes before the council in the next couple of years should he somehow be elected. Frankly, he seems a bit dull.

Many were very impressed with Hache, his honesty about what can and cannot be done in Ridgewood with regard to high density, not saying he will try to limit it, that means nothing. Hache did not pander for votes.

I thought he was right to leave option open about eminent domain on the toxic site of town garage. It’s vital that toxic site be cleaned up, if a private owner cannot be made to do it; taxpayers must pay for it.

The town should not sell our water facilities and lose control.

Hache stated most clearly on not wanting a large field at Schedler.

Rurik was out of order when he spoke; he had to be told to sit down, because he couldn’t stick to the issues. He had to beg Walsh for a personal clarification that she was not insulting his wife’s work at Twinney’s.

That’s what we need at council meetings. A presiding official to monitor those who insult others, like Rurik and to tell them to sit down immediately. Those who cannot stick to the issues.

Then civility can be restored.

Posted on April 21, 2016February 13, 2020 by James

PSE&G GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM – STARTING IN RIDGEWOOD APRIL 25TH

April 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This is to alert you to PSE&G’s Energy Strong gas main replacement project that will be commencing shortly in the Village.

J. Fletcher Creamer will be the contractor. Tentative start date will be next week.

Work will be in the following streets: West Glen Avenue, East Glen Avenue, Lawrence Court, Heights Road, Alpine terrace, Colwell court, Douglas Place, Park Slope, Ridge Road, Sterling Place and Glenwood Road. Streets may need to be partially or fully closed for the work to be done, depending on the situation.

The work is scheduled to take approximately 4 months. We will be working with the contractor and PSE&G to minimize disruptions to residents.

Village Police Department Traffic Control Officers will be utilized.

For further information and FAQ’s please Click Here

Posted on April 21, 2016April 20, 2016 by James — 11 Comments

Homeless Man Camps out at Ridgewood Train Station

April 20,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Homeless man spotted sleeping midday at Ridgewood train station on Wednesday 4 20 2016 photo doc. Critics of the Hudson Garage claim the garage will bring many more especially in winters. It is of coarse very sad to see.

While some readers insist , “this town is quickly becoming a dump just another NJ town… nothing special.
No compelling reason to aspire to live here.

Posted on April 20, 2016April 20, 2016 by James — 7 Comments

The league of Women Voters hosts Ridgewood Council candidates night tonight at 7:30pm at the Village Hall

April 20,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The league of Women Voters will host the Ridgewood Council candidates night tonight at 7:30pm at the Village Hall.

Village of Ridgewood Candidates night format for the evening will include welcome from the president, flag salute, and an introduction of our esteemed moderator and the candidates. The moderator will then take over.

Opening statements 11/2minutes each

Questions # 1 2 3 1 1/2 minutes each question

Cross talk on each question 5 minutes in total each question

Questions from the public 40 minutes

Closing statements 1/1/2 minutes each

1. During the recent budget proceedings, Ridgewood Water outlined a six year, approximately 40 million dollar capital plan to
update the facility which serves not only Ridgewood but also Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff. Should the town invest the money
to update the facility or should we consider selling the utility and why?

2. We are looking at potential new development in Ridgewood , in the downtown area and the Central Business District (garage and
multi family housing at several locations). What measures would you propose to minimize disruption to traffic flow, local businesses and home owners and to ensure pedestrian safety?

3. Regarding the Town Garage location on Franklin Avenue and the adjacent municipal lots, the Department of Environmental Protection has cited these properties for remediation due to underground fuel tanks that are leaking diesel and hydraulic fuel into
the surrounding ground water. There has been talk of charging the cleanup to a potential developer or acquiring the garage site by
eminent domain and doing it ourselves. How do we address this problem in the most expedient manner so that no further
contamination occurs and serves the best interest of the village?

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