Category: village of ridgewood

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Ridgewood Council discusses budget with village departments

Village Council Meeting

file photo by Boyd Loving

BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

RIDGEWOOD – Ridgewood’s Village Council continued its budget meetings this week, with representatives from various departments reporting on their successes and needs.

Health Department

Dawn Cetrulo, a health officer, said, “2015 was a great year for the Health Department,” noting that the department was easily able to deal with the Ebola virus crisis from last year, showing the staff’s preparedness. She also stated that the village’s weight-loss challenge went well, with a lot of participants “keeping the weight off.”

Furthermore, she noted that Animal Control Department provided 118 rabies vaccinations and 32 dog microchips to villagers free of charge.

Cetrulo said that some of the department’s goals for 2016 are to “continue to improve outreach programs in the community,” as well as “focusing on a monthly health positive.”

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/town-government/village-reps-talk-numbers-1.1514670

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Too many anti Ridgewood garage letters bad for newspaper business?

Hudson Street Parking Garage
February 18,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Several persons who object to BCIA involvement in the ongoing parking deck debacle have recently written letters to The Ridgewood News only to find receipt of those letters unacknowledged, and also never published.
As a result of a full page ad supporting BCIA involvement that appears in this week’s edition of The Ridgewood News, which was paid for by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, the staff of The Ridgewood Blog now wonders if The Ridgewood News has chosen not to publish too many anti garage letters to the editor for fear of losing advertising revenue from local merchants who belong to the Chamber.
Two letters in direct support of the garage and BCIA involvement are printed in this week’s edition of The Ridgewood News. There are no letters specifically opposing the BCIA becoming involved, although one anti garage letter was printed.
Is it possible that The Ridgewood News sold out its readers in favor of its advertisers?
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Ridgewood and Wyckoff Police Intercept Fraud Suspect at Bank of America

bank-of-america_theridgewoodblog
Ridgewood and Wyckoff Police Intercept Fraud Suspect at Bank of America
February 18,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on Thursday February 11th patrol responded to Bank of America on North Maple Ave for the report of a suspicious person who fit the description of a person who attempted a fraud at the Wyckoff Bank of America branch earlier in the day.

Patrol identified the person as Ajee Jones 21 of Newark and confirmed she was at the Wyckoff branch earlier in the day. Wyckoff police had issued a complaint for her and requested Ridgewood take her into custody. Prior to transporting her to Wyckoff Officer Knapp discovered she was in possession of a stun gun. Ms. Jones was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and turned over to the Wyckoff police department. All defendants are considered innocent until found guilty in a court of law
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Kate Hudson ditches her usual glamour for androgynous look in an oversized trouser suit at Ridgewood Bookends book launch

KATE HUDSON

Boy, she looks good! Kate Hudson ditches her usual glamour for androgynous look in an oversized trouser suit at book launch

By SHARNAZ SHAHID FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 04:41 EST, 18 February 2016 | UPDATED: 08:32 EST, 18 February 2016

She can do no wrong when it comes to mixing and matching her sartorial style.

And Kate Hudson ditched her typically glamorous ensembles for an androgynous chic look as she continued to promote her new book in Ridgewood, New Jersey on Wednesday.

KATE HUDSON took pictures and signed her new book: Pretty Happy ($26.99)

Dressed in a grey slouchy two-piece suit with an off-white plunging blouse, the 36-year-old worked the style with aplomb as she signed copies of Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body.

Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3452524/Kate-Hudson-ditches-glamour-androgynous-look-works-plunging-blouse-chic-trouser-suit-launch.html#ixzz40XdmlBzQ

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Help a Ridgewood local for the adventure of a lifetime. Spread the word!

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Tyler Reynolds

February 16 at 7:24pm

Hi Everyone,

Not sure if I can post this here, but here I go anyways. Me and my friends Anthony and Josh from the University of Delaware are attempting to compete in a race in Europe, sponsored by Red Bull. Catch is we can only use Red Bull as currency. We are also stripped of all ttechnology so it’ll be quite the adventure. It works on votes to get past the preliminary round. I’m hoping everyone can help us out by voting by opening the link below and hitting the like button! Help a Ridgewood local for the adventure of a lifetime. Spread the word! Share the link! Every vote helps! Thank you and hope to be posting pictures from Europe very soon!
Yours truly,
Tyler Reynolds

VOTE HERE: https://www.redbullcanyoumakeit.com/en/applications/6668/

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Ridgewood Police Training Exercise

ridgewood_police_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood Police Training Exercise

2/18/16 between 9am and 2pm

The Ridgewood Police Department will be conducting training at 499 Berkshire Rd at the corner of Ellington Rd. Along with the Bergen County Regional SWAT team. There will be numerous plain clothes officers in the area with training weapons and equipment no live ammunition will be used.

ALSO : Linwood Ave closed between Northern Parkway and N.Maple Ave until 5pm today. Detour is in place. Plan an alternate route.

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The fact is Ridgewood was designated by NJT as a major transit hub several years ago

ridgewood bus station

“The fact is Ridgewood was designated by NJT as a major transit hub several years ago and to a large extent that is why so many residents who work on Wall St have chosen to live here. Ridgewood has the reputation as the town that “has it all” great schools, charming neighborhoods, a lively downtown……and an easy commute to the city. When one gets past all the current rhetoric the three amigos are simply executing a plan and a vision for Ridgewood that was put in place long before they arrived on the scene.” Ed S

From
https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/community/village/faq.shtm

Transit Village Initiative Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a designated Transit Village?
A. A designated Transit Village is a municipality that has been recommended for designation by the interagency Transit Village Task Force. These municipalities have demonstrated a commitment to revitalizing and redeveloping the area around their transit facilities into compact, mixed-use neighborhoods with a strong residential component.

A municipality can be designated a Transit Village only after much of the planning and background work has already been done on the municipal level. It may only be designated a Transit Village after the Transit Village Criteria have been met.

Q. How many designated Transit Villages are there?
A. There are currently 30 designated Transit Villages. They are Pleasantville (1999), Morristown (1999), Rutherford (1999), South Amboy (1999), South Orange (1999), Riverside (2001), Rahway (2002), Metuchen (2003), Belmar (2003), Bloomfield (2003), Bound Brook (2003), Collingswood (2003), Cranford (2003), Matawan (2003), New Brunswick (2005), Journal Square/Jersey City (2005), Netcong (2005), Elizabeth/Midtown (2007), Burlington City (2007), City of Orange Township (2009), Montclair (2010), Somerville (2010), Linden (2010), West Windsor (2012), East Orange (2012), Dunellen (2012), Summit (2013), Plainfield (2014), Borough of Park Ridge (2015) and Irvington Township (2015).

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3 key issues in Christie’s budget and how they could affect you

Chris_christie_theridgewoodblog

By Samantha Marcus and Susan K. Livio | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 17, 2016 at 8:21 AM, updated February 17, 2016 at 11:10 AM

TRENTON — Here is a look at three key issues from Gov. Chris Christie’s Tuesday budget speech that could have a big impact on New Jersey residents.

1. PENSIONS

The problem: The public pension system is underfunded by about $54 billion, and the state is responsible for about $40 billion of that.

Christie proposes to make a $1.9 billion contribution to government worker pensionsGov. Chris Christie urges the chamber to put aside partisan politics and proposes to contribute $1.86 billion to government worker pensions during the 2017 Budget Address from the Statehouse in Trenton. 02/16/2016 (Courtesy of NJTV)

Since 1996, governors from both parties have contributed less than what actuaries recommended, and the state skipped payments altogether from 2001 to 2004. And while the state was taking a pension holiday, it increased benefits for employees. In 2011, Christie struck a historic pension reform deal with Democrats, in which public workers and employers were required to pay more into the system. Christie slashed payments after two years, however, to balance the budget.

What Christie is proposing: A $1.86 billion contribution in the fiscal year beginning July 1, about $550 million more than the state is expected to contribute this year.

Chances at passing: Very good.

“This budget provides a pension payment that is the largest in our state’s history more than my administration ever before, contrary to the hyperbole from special interest groups,” Christie said.

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/02/what_are_the_key_issues_in_the_upcoming_budget.html?ath=9c46bfc08d76232bb5a5e00eeaf0bfa2#cmpid=nsltr_strybutton

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EMS personnel and Paramedics administering medical aid after passer by tip off ,in Downtown Ridgewood

emergency cbd

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

EMS personnel and Paramedics administering medical aid after passer by tip off ,in Downtown Ridgewood
February 17,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  A passerby called 911 to report an adult male experiencing a life threatening medical emergency in an automobile parked on North Broad Street in Ridgewood on Wednesday morning, 02/17.

Ridgewood PD, FD, and EMS personnel, along with a paramedic unit from The Valley Hospital, were on the scene in rapid succession to begin administering medical aid. The patient was transported to The Valley Hospital by a Ridgewood EMS ambulance.

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BCIA County Commuter Garage paves way for Ridgewood as a “Transit Hub”

Ridgewood_Train_station_train _is_coming_theridgewoodblog
February 16,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, after years of subtle move it looks like developers will get there “Transit Hub” in Ridgewood once and for all.Since 2012 the Ridgewood blog was featuring stories on the urban transit hub idea and now with the County Garage on Hudson Street plans can move forward with high density housing and a further transformation of Ridgewood into a small city  and commuter access point to New York City.  The idea seems to have been in play since the Ridgewood Train Station ,$40 million dollar remodeling job and NJT looked to build a parking garage in Ridgewood .

Residential developers aim for piece of proposed $1B Urban Transit Hub expansion

https://theridgewoodblog.net/residential-developers-aim-for-piece-of-proposed-1b-urban-transit-hub-expansion/

Readers ask Why did Senator Menendez Pick the Ridgewood Train Station to to Launch a Mass Transit Policy Initiative?

https://theridgewoodblog.net/readers-ask-why-did-senator-menendez-pick-the-ridgewood-train-station-to-to-launch-a-mass-transit-policy-initiative/

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$10M set aside in proposed NJ budget for medical school planned by Hackensack University Health Network and Seton Hall University

HUMC_theridgewoodblog

BY LINDY WASHBURN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Governor Christie’s proposed state budget includes a $10 million grant to help launch the new medical school planned by Hackensack University Health Network and Seton Hall University, and contains several other items that affect hospitals, including a major reduction in charity care funding.

The governor pointed with pride to the impact of his 2014 decision to expand Medicaid to include poor, childless adults, through funding from the federal government under the Affordable Care Act. “More of our poor [are] receiving good health care,” he said, “and charity care in our hospitals [is] dramatically reduced.”

The addition of 434,000 people to the Medicaid rolls over the last two years has meant fewer uninsured patients in the state’s hospitals. Calling this a “fundamental shift,” Christie proposed cutting the state’s allocation for charity care, which compensates hospitals for the treatment they provide the uninsured, by $75 million. When federal matching funds are included, that means hospitals will lose $150 million, a reduction of 30 percent from the current level of funding, to $352 million.

At the same time, the budget would increase funding for graduate medical education — the extra costs incurred by hospitals when they train interns and residents — by $61 million. The net effect is an $89 million reduction in aid to hospitals.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/10m-set-aside-in-proposed-nj-budget-for-medical-school-1.1512818

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So let me get this straight the Village of Ridgewood is paying for a County Built Commuter Parking Garage ?

Parking Garage

Chamber of Commerce/Paul Vagianos begged the council to cooperate with each other and “do this in house”…see video of Council meeting Jan 27th…

Roberta dodging his questions of “will this be open to all Bergen County residents?”— the answer is YES, Roberta

Yes, Paul Aronsohn has been “working with the BCIA for 3 years” on this scheme-WHY?
Yes, this will cost more than funding within the Village of Ridgewood
Yes, parking meters in CBD will be extended until 9pm and increase to a triple the rate it is now
Yes, Ridgewood residents will pay the same as out of town commuters
Yes, this garage is for Bergen County, not for the people of Ridgewood who will pay dearly for it

Yes, the 3 amigos are shoving this thru as an end run around our municipal government. It is disgraceful and Ridgewood deserves so much better.

To sign the petition, go to https://www.no2bcia.com to find locations and people to sign with. Thank you!
The petition is to repeal ordinance No 3519, which allows the village to enter into a 25 year lease purchasing agreement with the Bergen County Improvement Authority (BCIA)

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Readers may debate Village of Ridgewood Managers Effectiveness , but most agree Her opinion is of no importance to any discussion

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

Far as I know there are five elected officials. I do not recall seeing Roberta’s name in the voting booth. Her opinion is of no importance to any discussion and I wish she would keep her mouth shut. There are two very obvious misogynists in the bunch – one wears his balding head for all to see and one covers his with a cheap rug. They have no use for women, none. If Roberta were not doing their calling, talking their talk, walking their walk, they would oust her instantly.

Roberta has no business………..NONE WHATSOEVER………..interjecting her opinion into anything. She takes sides and argues with the Council Majority and with residents. No, Sir Rurik, this is not about her being a woman. What a pitiful sidetrack you are trying to get on. Her double-X chromosome is not at issue here. What is at issue is that she is way way too big for her britches, so to speak. She thinks she is an elected official when she absolutely is not.

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Reader says I voted YES on the November referendum and am furious at the way the Council Majority is trying to shove this huge garage through by having the county bond it

Hudson Street Parking Garage

I am one of the petitioners and I can tell you that many who have signed for me state categorically that they voted YES on the November referendum and are furious at the way the Council Majority is trying to shove this huge garage through by having the county bond it.

No one is happy with the County bonding it. They want a garage, almost everyone wants a garage, but they want a reasonable size and they want Ridgewood to issue the bond. And to answer your snarky suggestion, we are not collecting email addresses. Leave that level of underhandedness to those who use private email lists such as CHURCH GROUP lists to disseminate their campaign information. (yes, you know who you are).

Stop making the claim that 65% voted for the plan. Watch this to see what 65% knew before the vote –https://www.tubechop.com/watch/7623263

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We Mourn the Loss of Gerald F. DeSimone – True Patriot

Jerry_DeSimone_Scott_Garrett_Korean_War_Honor_theridgewoodblog

We Mourn the Loss of Gerald F. DeSimone – True Patriot

This is one of the saddest emails we’ve ever had to send. One of our own Patriots has departed G-d’s earth and we are wounded with this great loss.Gerald F. DeSimone, 82, of Wanaque, formerly of Ridgewood, entered into eternal rest on February 10, 2016. Survived by his wife Patricia nee Stankan, his daughters, Erika, Andrea and son in law Bryan Daly.

Editors note: Gerry ran the Ridgewood 4th of July Committee for years, he is probably best known for bringing Buzz Aldrin to a Ridgewood 4th Celebration. Gerry was a personal friend of this blog and instrumental to its founding . Through Gerry I meet Rep. Scott Garrett, yelled at Tom Kean Jr, fell out with Kevin J. O’Toole and had many fun filled adventures in New Jersey politics. 

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 20th at 10:00 am at the Church of the Nativity in Midland Park.

Gerry was a Korean Veteran.  A wonderful husband and family man.  He was an unselfish fellow who helped many conservatives in Bergen County with his heart and head. It’s truly a sad day for us all especially for those who had the pleasure of meeting and working with him.

Gerry was instrumental in the formation and growth of NJTPC; he was the creative force in our having the July 4th Float in the Ridgewood Parade – a tradition we have been keeping since the inception.   He always had time to support the very basis for good government – small, lean and honest politicians. He did not tolerate fools gladly; his talk was straight and unabashedly true to conservative ideas and ideals.  We are so very fortunate to have known him and his influence will remain with NJTPC as it should.

Our sincerest condolences for Pat and his family as well as other friends and associates. He contributed to the NJ Tea Party Coalition as a Board member who knew how important our constitutional liberties are.

Rest in Peace Gerry – you will be in our hearts forever!

NJTPC Board