village of ridgewood - Page 803 of 852

Posted on October 9, 2015 October 9, 2015

Ridgewood News Issues Correction on claims against Councilwoman Susan Knudsen

file photo by Boyd Loving

Delzio letter to the editor published on 10/2 by The Ridgewood News

Councilwoman has clear conflict

TO THE EDITOR:

Councilwoman Susan Knudsen acknowledged two weeks ago that she had recused herself from further council votes on Schedler Park. She did so through an opaque and nuanced explanation for the recusal and after she voted against the Schedler Park proposal at the Village Council meeting on Aug. 12. That’s a fact.
Councilwoman Knudsen’s conflict is simple; she failed to disclose a personal interest in property adjacent to Schedler Park. In her role as a council member, we expect Councilwoman Knudsen to be truthful and transparent, and not play games on issues that affect the future of our village.
Now that Councilwoman Knudsen has recused herself from any further Schedler discussion at the municipal level, she would better serve all citizens of the village by 1) dropping the deception and 2) assisting the Ridgewood Eastside Development group (RED) in its quest to preserve the Schedler house, which is part of the current Schedler Park development plan.

Finally, Councilwoman Knudsen’s father, Jack Traina, needlessly insulted the other members of the Village Council, see The Record, Aug. 24, at noon, amended at8:20 a.m., same day.
An apology by Susan to all involved is appropriate and warranted.
Don Delzio

CORRECTION

The Ridgewood News
October 9, 2015
In a letter to the editor written by Ridgewood resident Don Delzio and published in last week’s edition, Mr. Delzio wrote that Councilwoman Susan Knudsen stated during a public meeting that she would recuse herself from “further council votes” and “further Schedler discussion at the municipal level.”

Councilwoman Knudsen made no such statement. She stated that when the village attorney suggested that there might be a conflict that she heeded his advice until such time that the Local Finance Board responds to her inquiry.
The letter also stated that the councilwoman failed to disclose a personal interest in property adjacent to Schedler Park. Councilwoman Knudsen does not own any property adjacent to or near Schedler Park. The councilwoman stated at the meeting that her family member who lives in the vicinity of Schedler does not live in her household. Tax records reveal that her parents own property near Schedler.

The Ridgewood News regrets the errors and any embarrassment or distress it may have caused Councilwoman Knudsen.

Posted on October 9, 2015 October 9, 2015

Reader says , All this for No Net Gain in Parking Spaces

I said there is no net gain, because there is no net gain. In the case of Brogan, those spaces are being lost because the Council majority approved the introduction of ordinances which allow for development of the property. That same majority is touting a net gain in total number of parking spaces due to this garage plan; they’ve conveniently forgotten about the lost spaces at Brogan caused by their approval of development there. And you seem to have conveniently forgotten about the loss of street spots on Hudson Street. If the garage is full of those who now park at Brogan and Ken Smith, and who could perhaps park there for years if it were not for the Council majority’s rush for massive development, where’s the net gain for use by shoppers and restaurant patrons? I oppose this plan because it is asinine, expensive, and nothing more than a shoot from the hip attempt buying the good will of and future campaign contributions from major property owners in the Village.

Posted on October 9, 2015 October 9, 2015

SPRING AWAKENING’s Ali Stroker On Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities

October 8
12:21 AM2015
by Michael Dale

SPRING AWAKENING’s Ali Stroker caught the acting bug at age seven, five years after being paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident.

“I was a little girl in a wheelchair. And then when I started to perform, I felt like I was now an actress and a singer. And it gave me another identity. And it made me feel really good.”

Stroker talks with CBS Evening News about her road to Broadway.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-SPRING-AWAKENINGs-Ali-Stroker-On-Turning-Obstacles-Into-Opportunities-20151008#

Posted on October 9, 2015 October 8, 2015

the Fly was just wondering

….Several weeks back it was posted on the blog that the grass roots group Citizens for a Better Ridgewood had filed suit against the Village of Ridgewood and or The Ridgewood Planning Board to stop the change in the master plan for the CBD. The Fly has since learned that no one at Village Hall has any knowledge or has been served with the paperwork . Can someone enlighten the Fly on where the law suit stands?

Posted on October 9, 2015 October 9, 2015

Reader says , Restaurant owners who lobbied for Village Garage stick Patrons with more Parking Fees

file photo by Boyd Loving

It is quite ironic that the restaurant owners who lobbied so long and hard for this garage (Saraceno, Sullivan, & Vagianos) screwed themselves and their patrons in the process by demanding a structure so large (i.e., expensive) be built that the only way to pay for it is by extending metered parking times until well into the evening.

I can’t wait until they come running back to the Council a few years from now asking that the metered parking be pushed back until 6 PM because their businesses are suffering.

Lesson to be learned John, Ed, and Paul – You can’t have your cake and eat it too!

Posted on October 8, 2015 October 8, 2015

Hold your Holiday Party Local at the Ridgewood Elks Lodge

Ridgewood Elks Lodge, local and reasonable rates

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Elks Lodge, located at 111 N. Maple Ave., has completed a massive renovation of their bar area.
New bar, carpeting, and raised ceiling for a comfortable feel.

The Elks is only 1 or 2 lodges in the state of New Jersey that is open to the public.
Stop in for the best pricing on drinks and burgers in town. Open Monday to Friday, 5 pm. to Midnight.
Look for the OPEN light in the window.

Thinking of a rental for a party?
Our massive hall is ideal for any function. And, we’re one of the few halls that has a real bar and real liquor license.
Need more information, stop by or call 201-652-1100

Did anyone know, our Village Hall was the original Elks Lodge?

Posted on October 8, 2015 October 7, 2015

UNREAL® LAUNCHES A SUPER-NATURAL CANDY REVOLUTION AT SELECT WHOLE FOODS MARKET® STORES THIS HALLOWEEN

Unjunked, Sustainably-Sourced Versions of America’s Favorite Candies Now Available at Whole Foods Market Ridgewood in Limited Edition, “Day of the Dead” 3-D Themed Packaging

October 8,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, UnReal®, the unjunked food company, announced today that it has partnered with Whole Foods Market® Ridgewood at 44 Godwin Avenue and other regional Whole Food Market stores this Halloween to offer its junk-free candies in limited edition, 3-D packaging with a “Day of the Dead” theme. Now, for the first time, kids and families in the neighborhood can treat themselves to unjunked versions of traditional candies like Reese’s® and M&M’s® that taste unbelievably delicious – no tricks, just 100% real treats. UnReal is reinventing America’s favorite candies by ethically sourcing the best-tasting, non-GMO ingredients without gluten, corn, or soy – and with up to 40% less sugar per serving. The brand’s limited edition seasonal product offerings include a 3-D Halloween Bucket with four varieties of treat size UnReal candies, as well as four different bags containing 10 treat size UnReal candies.

“Whole Foods customers want healthier options for their families without compromising taste and fun, so we’re offering them the Halloween candy they love – without the excess sugar and artificial ingredients that come with the typical trick-or-treat haul,” said UnReal CEO, Steve Konczal. “Halloween is a time when parents are conflicted, wanting their kids to enjoy candy, and yet mindful of the very real health issues. So, we’re launching a super-natural candy revolution alongside Whole Foods Market, and we’re aiming to reclaim Halloween by unjunking it. Together with fun packaging and in-store merchandising grounded in the true ethos of Halloween, we’re helping consumers make a better choice during the biggest candy-buying holiday of the year, when a staggering $3 billion of chocolate candy is purchased.“

Available now at Whole Foods Market Ridgewood, the limited edition UnReal Halloween Buckets feature innovative, 3-D designs with a colorful “Day of the Dead” theme created by renowned illustrator, Steve Simpson. The Halloween Bucket is a one-gallon “paint can” designed for trick-or-treating or for carrying to a party. It’s filled with 40 pieces of individually wrapped UnReal candy in four varieties — UnReal Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, UnReal Dark Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter Cups, UnReal Candy Coated Milk Chocolates and UnReal Candy Coated Milk Chocolate Peanuts. Four varieties of bags are also available, each containing 10 individually wrapped UnReal candies. Suggested retail pricing is $19.99 for the Halloween Bucket, and $4.99 for each of the 10 piece bags. UnReal’s candy will be showcased with striking and imaginative displays, including painted skulls, all in the spirit of celebrating life and turning reality into unreality at Halloween.

Started by two teenager brothers after much of their Halloween candy was confiscated by their parents, UnReal is making America’s favorite candies better tasting, using the healthiest and most sustainable ingredients possible. While healthy confectionery has historically compromised on taste to deliver on better-for-you ingredients, UnReal puts flavor at the forefront. The team has explored over 1,000 recipes, searching the globe for the best tasting healthy, fair trade, organic, and sustainably-sourced ingredients for its unique recipes. To get your own UnReal Halloween treats, visit Whole Foods Market at 44 Godwin Avenue – or to purchase online, visit https://www.getunreal.com.

Posted on October 8, 2015 June 27, 2021

Village of Ridgewood Feasibility Study for Hudson Street Garage Complete

photos by Boyd Loving

2015 Walker Feasibility Study for Garage

Click Here to read the complete Walker Parking Garage Feasibility Study that was presented in the October 7, 2015 Village Council Public Work Session.

Special Public Hearing – October 14, 2015

The Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood shall conduct a Public Hearing in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room on the fourth floor of the Ridgewood Village Hall, 131 North Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ at its October 14, 2015 Regular Public Meeting, which meeting begins at 8:00 p.m.

The purpose of this Public Hearing is for the Village Council to receive comments and suggestions from the public for the Village of Ridgewood’s 2015 Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Municipal Park Improvement and Development Grant application. The Village has applied for this grant for Phase 1 work on the Schedler Park property, located at 460 West Saddle River Road, Ridgewood, NJ. Phase 1 would encompass basic infrastructure improvements to include: installation of underground utilities (water, electric, sewer); demolition of two-car garage, small shed; capping of inoperable well; selective removal of down, dead, diseased trees; site clean-up; and cut in proposed parking lot driveway entrance.

Heather A. Mailander

Village Clerk

Posted on October 8, 2015 October 8, 2015

Proposed Parking Garage falls far Short for Ridgewood Central Business District

“File photo by Boyd Loving”

October 8,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Did you watch the UStream from the Village Council meeting last night about the parking garage?

The plan is one of the most bizarre I’ve ever heard of.

Here’s why:

1) No net gain of spaces due to loss of at least 1, if not more private lots because of high density housing (Brogan), and the loss of 17 on street spaces on Hudson Street (Mt. Carmel church goers get screwed, as we expected they would).

2) Garage must be full, yes full, in order for it to pay for itself. They will fill with commuters during day, including out of towners. They will also push all valeted cars into lot at night. Expect them to change zoning to prohibit valeted cars from being parked on private property. Also expect them to push all employee parking (now at Ken Smith) into lot. In short, there will be no room in lot for shoppers/restaurant users during the day.

3) On street metered parking will soon begin at 9AM and end at 9PM. “Premium” on street spots will now cost $1.00 per hour and escalate each year. Rates in surface lots will also increase at the rate of 25 cents per year beginning at 75 cents per hour. Expect parking charges to be incurred on Sundays if money is tight.

4) No mention whatsoever of how much it will cost to park in the garage, but there was talk about making it a 24/7 pay to park facility.

5) Enforcement will escalate to bring in more revenue. More parking enforcement agents?

6) No answer provided to the question of whether parking utility revenues now allocated to fund Village operations will need to be funneled to pay for the garage, leaving tax payers the burden of replacing the funds – increased property taxes maybe?

7) After hearing all of this, Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck had nothing to say other than “I’m all about aesthetics,” at which point she then proceeded to lambaste the garage design firm about the exterior appearance of the facility. Can you believe that one?

In short, this entire parking garage will be the biggest boondoggle Village taxpayers will experience in decades, if not the last century.

VOTE “NO” ON NOVEMBER 3 IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMON SENSE.

Posted on October 8, 2015 October 7, 2015

Lamp Post on Dangerous Ridgewood Conner Still Missing Since December

Let’s Play Where’s Roberta

October 08,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the above Picture is taken near the Exxon station which we know would have been an ideal spot for a parking garage.
Confirmed the station is closing next week.

So, this picture shows; Street light near La Bocca is on 24 hours a day. ( Also one down the block)
Small traffic cone across from the barber shop. That used to be a lamp post. Older gentleman hit it in December. When someone complained to the town it looked like it was falling down, lamp post was removed. 10 months and not replaced? Surprised no one has stolen the cone.
Traffic sign near the Woof-Furry, completely bent. Street sign pole to the right of that, leaning precariously.

So, how do we get these fixed??

Posted on October 8, 2015 October 7, 2015

Residents Flip Over Outrageous Ridgewood Water Bills

October 07,2015
Jane Shinozuka

Ridgewood NJ, I know people have been concerned about their “re-calculated” Ridgewood Water bills, but the mismanagement is worse than I thought. I’ve paid my bills, and while they do talk about them being “estimated” – this is just ridiculous! If it is not illegal it is surely unethical! Has anyone pursued this issue?

They assured us they are owed the full amount billed – it not being THEIR fault that they didn’t have the manpower to do anything but estimates for 6 or 7 years! Customers not changing their phone systems for better monitoring to suit Water’s purposes is not an excuse. Where is the genuine attempt at a public awareness campaign? This is outrageous. I’d also like to know if this new calculation is based on current rates. Have those rates been the same for the last 7 or 8 years? At which rate is the catch up bill measured? With each re-calculated bill should come a full reconciliation of each account from when it was first considered underpaid. They insisted they are indeed entitled to the whole amount and offered us a 24 installment payment plan. I’ve since heard from someone else that had a similar problem that he too called to raise the issue and was offered a 15% discount over 5 years… I’d love to know who rates a sweet deal and who doesn’t!

If anyone has an opinion or has dealt with this, please enlighten me. I am always very supportive of all things Ridgewood, even when I’ve had to give the benefit of the doubt – but this is Not Right! Even if every re-calculation turned out to be correct – this is no way to run a business!! Who is “minding the store” ?!

Posted on October 8, 2015 October 7, 2015

Ridgewood Water Lifts all Water Restrictions

Effective Thursday, October 8, 2015, all water restrictions will be lifted. Even though rainfall in our area remains below normal, lower temperatures and the onset of autumn are expected to limit the peaks in demand for water that severely stressed the distribution system this summer. The combination of Stage 4 restrictions and stricter enforcement resulted in a successful outcome – we thank our residents who did comply with Stage 4 restrictions and encourage all to make water conservation a permanent part of their lifestyles. Ridgewood Water will be investigating ways to encourage efficient water use and will be seeking the input of residents from all of the communities we serve.

In the last couple of days we did have a chlorine incident that I would like to explain to you. Just a couple of facts regarding the chlorine agent that we use:

Liquid sodium hypochlorite is standard in the industry for almost 100 years
Its use is mandatory in order to control viruses and bacteria
It is measured in parts per million
Our wells are set to shut down at 3.5 parts per million
Chlorine begins to impact taste and smell at 2 parts per million
DEP guidelines set 4 parts per million as the maximum residual
EPA guidelines require notification to consumers within 30 days

Ridgewood’s water was running at a high of 5 parts per million at some point during Monday-Tuesday of this week. It was a direct result of two issues at the Twinney Water Treatment Facility and impacted those homes served by that facility. The first issue was that a pump failed and the second was that the automatic notification and shut down the well was also not operational. Since it is impractical to identify the exact limits of the affected area, the entire Village community was notified as a precaution.

Ridgewood Water followed all necessary DEP and EPA protocol including notifications and the DEP indicated that it was our decision to flush the system and that this was not a violation. The system was flushed and Twinney was again operational by 5:00 yesterday.

There is nothing that suggests that there was a hazardous public health issue…….however, what I believe could have been done better is a customer service issue and that is more effective communication with our residents. Although technically and legally communications were handled well within guidelines, we should be better than that. And I apologize for that. We did conduct a post mortem this morning with all staff involved and have identified steps in the communication process that can be strengthened including making sure that the correct Ridgewood employee is conducting the communications and that we are quicker to notify the public.

If you did not receive a reverse call about this incident please click here to sign up for future calls.

One more important notification
System Flushing:

Ridgewood Water will be performing system maintenance beginning on October 19, 2015. This work will include the operation of fire hydrants at high velocity which may stir up minerals that have previously precipitated out of the water. This may temporarily discolor the water. The operation of the hydrants will be conducted late at night to minimize effects on consumers. There are no health concerns associated with the minerals that get stirred up, but residents are urged to avoid laundering clothing during the work. Ridgewood Water will notify residents in specific areas of impending work using the Swiftreach calling system. You may register to receive these calls by clicking on the SwiftH2O link on our website homepage at water.ridgewoodnj.net. Maps showing the active work zones will be posted on the website and will be provided to local officials. You may call our Operating Center with questions at 201-670-5524. We thank you for your patience during this temporary inconvenience as we work to improve your customer experience.

Best,

Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203

Posted on October 7, 2015 October 7, 2015

Elections Have Consequences Make Sure You Register to Vote

October 13 – Last Day to Register to Vote in Nov. 3 Election

On Tuesday, October 13 from 8:30am to 4:30pm, voter registration forms are available in the Village Clerk’s Office on the 5th Floor of Village Hall.

On October 13 from 4:30pm to 9:00pm the Village Clerk will be in the Ridgewood Library Lobby with forms to assist residents with voter registration.

Posted on October 7, 2015 October 7, 2015

Village of Ridgewood 2015 LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE

2015 LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE

NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL FOR 2015

Last year the Village of Ridgewood implemented a pilot program to outsource a portion of our leaf removal service. After reviewing and evaluating input that was provided by you regarding the success of this change, we again will be using the services of a third party contractor in Area B. The combined effort of the Village staff and this contractor will enforce our continuing commitment to improve your Village services.

In accordance with last years’ schedule, residents in Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.

Beechwood Rd. Unadilla Rd.

Carlton Terr. Valley View Ave.

Elm Ct. Waiku Rd.

Kemah Rd. Wastena Terr.

N. Monroe St. (house #108 – 412) Windsor Terr.

Palmer Ct. Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)

Sheridan Terr.

2015 DATES for collection are as follows:

Area A Area B Area C Area D

Oct. 19 – 22 Oct. 21 – 27 Oct. 23 – 28 Oct. 29 – Nov. 4

Nov. 5 – 10 Nov. 9 – 13 Nov. 12 – 18 Nov. 19 – 25

Nov. 30 – Dec. 3 Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 Dec. 7 – 11 Dec. 14 – 18

Dec. 14 – 18

Leaves must be placed directly in the street no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled pick up date. Please have your leaves in the street on the first day scheduled for collection. If you employ the services of a landscaper communicate these dates to them. No brush will be collected during leaf season. You may continue to bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags will be available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately.

The most vocal comment heard from residents last year was on properties who did not comply with the schedule. Therefore enforcement will be vital to the Village’s success to improve this service. An enforcement agent will issue a summons to those that violate these guidelines.

As weather is a key component to this operation, if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. In addition you are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website and to share this information with your neighbors. As a reminder, use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block. When possible please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585.

Our motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Posted on October 7, 2015 October 6, 2015

Ridgewood Water Reports Elevated Levels of Chlorine

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM RIDGEWOOD WATER 10/6

Ridgewood Water has received a number of inquiries about chlorine in the water supply. Equipment that feeds chlorine as the water leaves the
Twinny Treatment Facility pumped a higher amount than usual resulting in concentrations as high as 5 parts per million where 4 parts per million
is the maximum allowed by regulation.

The Twinny Facility was shut down when the problem was found early this morning. Crews have been flushing the system in areas surrounding this site to reduce these concentrations to the normal level.

Although this impacts only a portion of Ridgewood residents, we are notifying all Ridgewood residents. It is anticipated that the system
will be back to normal by 5 pm today. Please flush your pipes by running your faucets and flushing your toilets. Further
updates will be posted to the Ridgewood Water website at water.ridgewoodnj.net.

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