JANUARY 29, 2016 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Studies needed at Schedler property
To the editor:
As a resident of the Schedler neighborhood, I’m writing to thank the Village Council for all of their efforts seeking the best design possible for the Schedler property. Specifically, I’m thankful to our Village Council for the following: (i) Mayor Aronsohn and several Council members have toured the Schedler property with neighborhood representatives, and observed firsthand the loud volume of highway noise where the current design places home plate, first base and the bleachers; (ii) as a result of such visits, the Village Council has agreed to place on its agenda the retention of a noise expert to provide advice on abating the loud, Route 17 traffic noise, and (iii) adjourning consideration of retaining the noise expert from the crowded, Jan. 27 agenda.
Simultaneously, I wish to reiterate my request that the Village Council retain a comprehensive group of experts, including a landscape architect and a traffic and safety expert in order to design the best park possible.
It appears that the Village Council is seeking to “save” money by using the Village Engineer for these critical design tasks. As the mayor and other council members who toured the Schedler property discovered, the current design places home plate and first base within 30 feet of a major highway — and it is too noisy for the enjoyable use of the players, coaches and parents.
Can you imagine spending several million dollars of taxpayer dollars on a park, only to discover that it’s too noisy to enjoy. But for the input of the Schedler neighborhood, and our council’s willingness to tour the site to hear the noise firsthand, that scenario would’ve become a reality.
I encourage the council to avoid being pound wise and penny foolish. Let’s retain bona fide experts now in order to insure that the park is designed to the highest standards for the benefit of our athletes, their families, the neighborhood and the entire village.
Please note that the Schedler neighborhood has submitted a proposal for the intelligent design of the Schedler property. The proposal provides a logical roadmap for designing an excellent park at the Schedler property, including an athletic field, for the maximum benefit for all of Ridgewood. The proposal has been submitted to the Mayor, the Council, the Open Space Committee and to the RBSA.
I respectfully request that The Ridgewood News publish the proposal in order to keep village residents informed.
The below document represents answers, approaches and comments to questions, concerns and issues that were raised by residents and the Council regarding the leasing of Habernickel’s Gate House to Health Barn, USA. The Village Council will discuss two resolutions at the Wednesday, February 3rdmeeting: one to change the use of the Gate House for recreational and educational purposes, and the second to authorize the signing of the lease between Health Barn and the Village. The vote on these resolutions will not be held until the Council session on February 10th. Any comments or questions can be directed to Roberta Sonenfeld ([email protected]) and Janet Fricke ([email protected]).
Gate House at Irene Habernickel Family Park – HealthBarn, USA
Response to Frequently Asked Questions
1.27.16
Traffic Safety Issues
Ridgewood Police Department completed a traffic study on Hillcrest Road in the Habernickel Park area during the fall recreational season; additional studies are planned – one for winter, another for spring recreation season. The traffic study shows that the average speed falls within a safe area and even though there were a couple high end speeds that percentage was minimal. As far as existing volume, the street has a low volume even though this area is a known “cut through” street. Traffic study was passed on to the Engineering Division for review and implementation.
The Village Engineer recommended:
Short Term:
Stripe 2 crosswalks- at Norman and at Hillcrest. Double yellow center line on Hillcrest Rd. (Morningside to Monroe); signage to alert motorists that they are approaching a crosswalk.
Paint white “Tic” marks on Hillcrest at private driveway openings to allow for better egress.
Amend ordinance to allow for parking on the park side (north) of Hillcrest and not the opposite (south) side. Ordinance #3517
Plans were presented and approved at the monthly Citizen’s Safety Advisory Committee Meeting held December 17th, 2015. Resolution #16-21
ii. Long Term:
Extend sidewalk in front of park to Andover Terrace;
Installation of sidewalk on south side of Hillcrest – Morningside to North Monroe.
Speed humps/ bumps are not recommended by Police or Engineering Division; the double center line is recommended for traffic calming.
Bus Drop Off (M-F 10am -3pm only) – Procedures will include drop off at entrance to Gate House. Buses may park in parking lot or return to premise for pick up. Engine idling prohibited.
Operation of Facility
When the Village purchased the Habernickel property in 2004 using Green Acres funding, a conservation easement was required to be placed on the deed. The easement states that Green Acres rules and regulations must be followed for this property. Green Acres requirements have been followed by Ridgewood, including most recently, the hearing to alert the public to the proposed change in use.
The Village Recreation Department will establish a satellite office on the second floor of the Gate House. The office will be used to provide any assistance or support necessary and will be staffed as needed.
No zoning changes were necessary for the Village to make this change in use.
The change will allow Recreational/ educational programing for the Gate House; no overnight accommodations or private counseling sessions in the Gate House are defined in the Lease.
HealthBarn will be required to follow procedures in the lease to make any improvements to the Gate House. The cost of improvements (including permits) will be covered by tenant.
Community Gardens are allowed in parks with permission from the Director of Parks & Recreation. All maintenance and related costs will be responsibility of HealthBarn. There will be no use of the Horse Barn itself.
Signage – A sign is allowed on the Gate House. Location and size is addressed in the Lease. Prior to installation, approval from Director of Building Department and a permit is required.
Security/lighting analysis will be made by Ridgewood Police for the exterior of the Gate House and will recommend appropriate action.
The hours of operation of any of the programs will be in accordance with the items listed on Schedule A – Mondaythrough Saturday – 9:00AM to 5:30PM; Wednesday and Friday evening. 6:30PM to 9:00PM. The Tenant will be permitted to open and close the facilities a half hour before and after the operation of the programs. Any temporary adjustments to days/hours of operation must be requested five (5) business days in advance, in writing, to the Director of Parks and Recreation or the LANDLORD.
The Gate House facility provides space for additional education/recreational programs for local youth that cannot be held elsewhere in Ridgewood as facilities are being used to full capacity.
Building Code Officials and the Fire Inspector have inspected the Gate House. They will make professional recommendations when questions arise in their area of expertise.
Park areas to be used by HealthBarn – the Gate House , Teaching Community Garden, and potentially some Habernickel field areas will be used by HealthBarn as approved by the Director, Parks & Recreation.
Green Acres does not deny public access to parks that are in the Green Acres program.
Student drop off and pick up area will be at the entrance to the Gate House. If parking is needed during classes, 12 onsite spaces will be used in the parking lot. In addition 3 staff parking spaces are available in the Gate House garage/driveway.
Mini buses carrying up to 14 may drop off at the Gate House entrance; mini buses may park in the parking lot for no more than 2 hours. No engine idling is permitted for any buses. Full size buses (carrying not more than 48 passengers) are permitted only during the hours of 10:00AM to 3:00PMMonday through Friday to drop off at the Gate House entrance. Buses can park in any offsite designated parking lot and return at agreed time for pick up.
Animals are not allowed unless by special request for a program or a certified service animal.
HealthBarn is a vendor to the Village of Ridgewood and as such all programs will be regularly inspected, reviewed and monitored by the Director, Parks and Recreation.
The Tenant understands that it is expressly prohibited from operating and holding private consultation sessions at the Gate House and on Habernickel parklands. One upstairs room will serve as an office. The building shall not be used for living quarters.
The Gate House and all programs shall be open for inspection by Landlord at any time.
Health Barn’s curriculum has been reviewed by Green Acres and Ridgewood Parks and Recreation to ensure that the educational and recreational standards are of high quality for each age group. It is not a daycare or babysitting operation. This enrichment educational experience provides families with nutritional guidance to facilitate better mealtime behaviors for a healthy lifestyle.
The Tenant will have appropriate number of students attending programs for each age and program type as approved through Ridgewood Parks & Recreation Department.
Business Issues
HealthBarn moved due to Abma’s Farm wanting to use their space to expand their own business. Ridgewood staff visited the HealthBarn operation at Abma’s Farm.
A local real estate professional conducted an analysis of the location to determine the base bid for this lease. The lease requires an annual Tri State CPI increase.
The initial lease is for 5 years with renewal for 1 more year adhering to Green Acres rules. A capital improvement of $50,000+ entitles the tenant to a 6 year lease.
The Lease document will be available to the public when it is complete.
Required Insurance coverage is $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 is aggregate. The Village of Ridgewood is listed as additionally insured.
All employees, agents and representatives of HealthBarn must have satisfactorily passed background checks. Documentation will be kept on file.
The Gate House will provide program space as well as office space for registration, planning and operational needs. No overnight accommodations are permitted. The Gate House will be regularly monitored by the Parks and Recreation Department and will be inspected by the Ridgewood Building, Fire and Health Departments and comply with all of their requirements.
The Village is not entitled to the Tenant’s business plan.
The Lease includes legal language to protect the Village if the tenant does not follow lease requirements and termination is needed.
The tenant of the Gate House is required in the lease to submit a quarterly listing and analysis of classes and programs, including attendance, staffing, and related costs to the Director, Parks & Recreation Department for review. The tenant’s current listing of programs is part of the Lease as Schedule A and is the standard (baseline) for all HealthBarn programs. Birthday parties are an approved use by Green Acres. If the tenant wishes to make changes to programs, it must be cleared five days in advance by the Director of Parks & Recreation.
JANUARY 29, 2016, 4:20 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016, 5:10 PM
BY MARY JO LAYTON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
The state’s largest insurer has sued Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck and The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood to halt an ad campaign the hospitals launched in protest of a new tiered health plan they say makes them look inferior.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey calls the advertising against its Omnia plan a “smear campaign” — one that goes so far as to say the insurer doesn’t like babies. The campaign is motivated “solely by a desire to damage Horizon financially as well as its business reputation,” the lawsuit filed this week noted.
Bruce Rosen, an attorney representing Valley and Holy Name, defended the ads on Friday. “This is a blatant attempt by Horizon to distract attention away from the potentially disastrous impact that the Omnia plan is going to have on the two hospitals, their patients and New Jersey’s health care system,” he said.
photo by Boyd Loving
Allyson Souza
January 1, 2016 | 8:00 am
The temperature drops, the last brightly colored leaf falls off the tree, and you can feel that nip of snow in the air. Winter in New Jersey can be beautiful — until it’s the third freezing-cold day in a row, and you and your kids are going stir crazy. If this sounds like what winter has in store for you and your brood, don’t panic: New Jersey has plenty of places to for the whole family to go. The kids can burn off energy, be entertained — and even learn a thing or two. And let’s face it: Anything beats watching Minions for the eight hundredth time.
A Senate committee Thursday voted 5-0 to dissolve local and county ethics boards and turn the responsibility of investigating the questionable behavior of any government official to the State Ethic Commission. Susan K. Livio, NJ.com Read more
It was also recently reported that the Village’s new code enforcement officer (Ms. Tracey Jeffrey) was observed on South Monroe Street driving a vehicle with Rigewood Water logo emblazoned on the door. However, I suppose that the argument could be used that enforcement of the leaf pick up rules impacts water quality.
I observed countless vehicles emblazoned with the Ridgewood Water emblem engaged in snow removal activities on Ridgewood streets following last week’s blizzard. So it appears as though there is some merit to the lawsuit.
From the archives: Local towns paying heavily for Bergen County loan program meant to save time, money
DECEMBER 28, 2009, 8:47 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010, 2:41 PM
BY STEPHANIE AKIN AND CHRISTOPHER SCHNAARS
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
This story was originally published Dec. 28, 2009.
A Bergen County loan program touted as a quick and easy way for local governments to pay for big-ticket items has instead plunged some of them into long-term debt.
The five-year-old Municipal Banc was supposed to let cash-strapped towns bypass conventional borrowing methods and get county-backed loans for emergency services and public works projects. The program promised 24-hour loan approval with no red tape, backed by the county’s AAA credit rating.
Most towns and school districts that used the program borrowed only what they needed and spent the money quickly. Many praised the program for its convenience and low fees.
But some towns took out loans for items as inexpensive as rope and firefighter boots, borrowed money long before they intended to make purchases and paid interest on money they never spent. In some cases, their applications were approved even though they provided little information about how the money would be used.
From 2004 to 2008, Rutherford, Fair Lawn and Hackensack let a total of more than $1.6 million in loans sit idly in Commerce Bank accounts while taxpayers paid more than $200,000 in interest and fees. Fair Lawn, for example, waited four years to buy a $130,000 generator.
“That’s like saying, ‘I’m going to buy a house, I’m going to pay a mortgage and interest on the house, but I’m not going to move in for three or four years,’” said Joseph Tedeschi, a Fair Lawn councilman.
TD Bank took over the program after it bought Commerce in March 2008.
Five consultants that donated more than $450,000 to Bergen County Democrats from 2004 to the end of 2008 were paid at least $1.8 million for professional services by the Bergen County Improvement Authority — the agency that oversees the Municipal Banc — including more than $180,000 for services tied to the loans.
Those consultants included Dennis Oury, the former counsel for the BCIA and the Bergen County Democratic Organization. Oury, who pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges in September, collected more than $1.1 million from the BCIA during that period. Oury resigned from the BCIA in early September 2008 after federal officials accused him of fraud.
The program auditor, Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva, also was the auditor in three of the towns that were the heaviest users of the program: Fair Lawn, Hackensack and Rutherford.
JANUARY 29, 2016 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
During last week’s Planning Board meeting, Village Planner Blais Brancheau explained some changes he recommended the board make to the master plan.
Brancheau began by reading from the current master plan, discussing housing, changes in population in the village and historic preservation, among other topics.
One change he recommended was updating the master plan regarding soil removal.
“Right now, we have three levels of soil permit procedures: a ministerial, a minor and a major permit,” he said. “We don’t need that level of difficulty to do a soil movement permit, where you’re going to get both Planning Board and council approval to move soil. One or the other should suffice.”
Another change he said would be beneficial was updating the master plan in terms of flooding zones.
Brancheau explained that the federal government has been making changes to its flood area designations, and that these should be reflected in Ridgewood’s master plan.
Chris Rutishauser, the village engineer, noted that this would be done as soon as possible, since people who would potentially be in flood zones may need to purchase flood insurance, and should know sooner rather than later if they required it or not.
Brancheau also pointed out that flood areas prohibit certain activities, such as building houses in some locations, making it even more important that the changes be updated as soon as possible.
Ridgewood Nj, Congressmen Scott Garrett confirmed his offices have received some calls about this IRS fraud. Please spread this information from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to friends and family so they know to be on the lookout for these phony phone calls.
Sources tell the Ridgewood blog that scammers feel people are more vulnerable near tax time .
The IRS generally contacts people, first, by mail – not by phone – about unpaid taxes. The IRS will not ask for payment using a prepaid debit card, a money order.
“The IRS is Calling Me? Can This Be For Real?” (TIGTA PSA English) 60 seconds
Fraud is real. Just hang up on Fraud. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration is warning taxpayers to be on high alert for scammers who impersonate IRS employees in aggressive phone calls that demand money. Don’t believe them; just hang up! For more information and to report a contact, visit us at www.tigta.gov.
Several residents reported having received a phone call from a man identifying himself as Dennis Gary with the treasury department, The caller requests that you call him back to avoid an enforcement action from the IRS. This is a scam do not call the number back. One of several numbers tied to the scam is 303-479-3380.
The IRS does not:
1 Call you to demand immediate payment. They will not call about taxes you owe without first mailing you a bill.
2 Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the chance to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
3 Require you to use a certain payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
4 Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
5 Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.
If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s what to do:
• If you know you owe taxes or think you might owe, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to talk about payment options. You also may be able to set up a payment plan online at IRS.gov.
• If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to TIGTA at 1.800.366.4484 or at www.tigta.gov.
• If phone scammers target you, also contact the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov. Use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” to report the scam. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments of your complaint.
. Remember, the IRS currently does not use unsolicited email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issues. For more information on reporting tax scams, go to www.irs.gov and type “scam” in the search box.
I was absolutely shocked at the end of last night’s meeting to witness such extraordinary uncivil and intimidating behavior regarding the taping of public meetings.
First of all, a resident was permitted to verbally attack another resident (who was not even present) and make wild hypothetical accusations about what might or might not be done with a videotape of the meeting. Both Susan and Michael attempted to stop this diatribe and defend Dana, and Matt Rogers quickly explained that taping is legal as long as the individual is not disruptive. Susan, Michael, and Matt all did the right thing, and quickly, and I appreciate their actions. Unfortunately, they were unable to stop the Bob, Albert, and Paul.
Certainly Dana had not been in the least bit disruptive, quietly standing at the side of the room. That Bob Fuhrman was allowed to go on and on about how we are all at risk of some sort of unspecified internet wickedness was completely wrong. Gwenn remained silent, instead of trying to stop this barrage of accusations; silent inaction speaks volumes. Compounding the mess, Paul and Albert then fueled the conversation, agreeing with Bob Fuhrman, contributing to his rant, and bringing up another meeting (of the HPC) at which Dana was legally taping the proceedings. Residents as well as elected officials should not be allowed to attack other residents, and should be stopped from doing so immediately. Unfortunately we have seen you allow as well as participate in this repeatedly, but last night really went over the top. Just a few weeks ago I was publicly accused by Albert and Gwenn of being a stalker, a bully, intimidating, and weird because I had my cell phone up while I sat quietly in my seat; again, my taping was completely legal and nondisruptive.
Whether it becomes a requirement that those who wish to tape a meeting must announce their intentions before doing so remains to be seen if Albert introduces his resolution. But at this time it is not required, so Dana’s actions at the HPC meeting you cited were neither illegal nor disruptive. (really, since when is sitting quietly in a chair considered to be disruptive?). And Dana’s actions last night were certainly not in any way disruptive. Remember, Matt Rogers clearly stated that it is legal to tape these meetings as long as the person is not disruptive.
Last night’s meeting ended on a horrible note thanks to the actions of Albert and Paul, and the inaction of Gwenn. It was actually horrifying to witness this scene, in which it was clear that you wished to intimidate and discredit one of our citizens. I am expecting that corrective action will be taken to rectify the damage you have done.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Village Council approved changes to the planned parking garage on Hudson Street by a 3-2 vote Wednesday night.
In the “newest version” of the Hudson Street Parking Garage ,residents were told the reduced size garage would provide close to 325 parking spots and will be 43 feet tall. The foot print of controversial structure will now be no more than 5 feet over the property line with Hudson Street will be slightly reduced in width but will stay at lest 25 feet wide so it will be able to maintain the three lanes, two for traffic and one for parking. The mystery of coarse is that no actual garage drawings were shown.
The encroachment onto Hudson street has become one of the most divisive issues surrounding the garage causing concern from Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishioners and many residents who voiced concerns over traffic congestion, fire safety as well the feeling the encroachment seemed very well concealed from referendum voters.
I think Boyd Loving summed it up best when he recounted the story of how he met his wife – His best friend from grammar school through high school came to him 41 years ago and said he’d met a girl that Boyd would probably want to marry someday. Boyd’s first question to his friend was “Well, what does she look like?” In short, it is insane to expect the public, especially property owners near Hudson Street, to wholeheartedly embrace the “revised” garage plan without first seeing what the hell it looks like.
Many felt that ,”To have the council vote on a design that doesn’t exist and to have our village manager justify the benefits of going to County is within the realm of farce.” , “Spin, subterfuge and slander are what I witnessed last night.”
It seemed that most resident questioned the amount of the change orders for the new plan. They also wanted to see the new design which was not available. Susan and Mike wanted some time to digest the new plan and speak to neighbors. So did most residents but the Council Majority were in a rush.
The interesting thing is Roberta said that bonding through the BCPA not cost anything it just about breaks even. Seemed a bit of a stretch ,there are paper work cost and attorneys fee. Plus what in it for BCPA ?
However the council did postponed the vote on entering an agreement with BCIA for funding but will likely do so at its next meeting, Feb. 10.
Disgusted. But not surprised residents especially love how the Deputy Mayor so smugly dismissed public protestation over going around a supermajority to the BCIA with “it’s perfectly legal…” but then are disgusted by Dana Glazer taping the HPC meeting even though that, too, is perfectly legal.
Legit or not residents remained very skeptical with the BCIA funding . The biggest issue was going through BCIA (besides not seeing the actual garage drawings)…even if the Council assumptions on rate savings are correct and the bond through BCIA vs bonding ourselves is a wash we create 2 problems by doing this:
1) give up additional revenue by not being about to charge out of town commuters more
2) create more out of town commuter traffic to the lot that actually takes away parking spaces for residents
Just seems stupid , the BCIA gets hundreds of thousands in fees (great deal for them), and we get more commuter traffic that we don’t get to charge a premium for.
The Deputy Mayor who previously lost his temper and made threats at a previous council meeting now has a problem in recording the public meetings. Councilmen Mike Sedon stated that the NJ Law allows one party consent for recording, and Matt Rogers stated that as per the case laws, courts have allowed anyone to record a public meeting . Deputy Mayor pushed his dissent and stated that he is going to introduce an ordinance to limit it.
Ridgewood NJ, Critical issues remain before the BCIA can be engaged on this new, unknown plan. The village and residents have much hard work still to do. The November vote, and the mandate to borrow applied to a plan that is no longer is on the table.
This garage will be operate under different circumstances due to the county funding, the out of town commuting load will likely be higher than the village has detailed. Our outdated and antiquated traffic signals cannot handle traffic as it is. Has the village shown any financial information to residents for this funding? The village and county will be asking us to be investors in this multi-million dollar project and we would like more information on all aspects. The village still has a ways to go on the items it has promised. The residents need time to make a smart investment decision with our tax money on this new and unknown plan.
Even though the council hasn’t answered the question, I understand that the additional cost by going through the BCIA rather than using our own AAA credit rating (the best available and higher than the US Govt at one point) will cost the town an additional 1.5-2%.
Everyone who has likely shopped their mortgage around when buying their home in order to eliminate .5 point. This council, who likely did the same for their own home purchase, is apparently willing to throw away 3-4x that amount of our money rather than have a discussion about a more appropriate solution. We could then finance ourselves and have no input from a county authority that would expect something in return for the privilege of using their inferior cost of capital!
I’m not sure how that qualifies as a rational decision in anyone’s book.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood failed to send elected representatives to a mediation session Wednesday January 8th that was an effort to settle the long running class-action lawsuit against Ridgewood Water .Ridgewood Water is a public water utility owned by the village of Ridgewood , which services Ridgewood ,Wyckoff, Midland Park, and Glen Rock.
The class action lawsuit was filed against Ridgewood Water in Superior Court by Wyckoff officials in 2010, with the municipalities of Glen Rock and Midland Park joining the action as plaintiffs a year later.
The municipalities claim that Ridgewood Water artificially inflated its costs by commingling funds with the village budget and the utility raised its rates in 2010 by 21 percent and another 5 percent in 2011 and 2012. In total in the past 7 years rates have increased 37% which the plaintiffs called , “unlawful” and “excessive”.
The suit also contends the rate hikes were approved in an ordinance adopted by the village council, and characterizing these increases as “arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable and, accordingly, should be declared invalid and unenforceable.”
The suit also suggests Ridgewood officials conceived of the fee increases as a way to offset the village’s annual municipal budget using the utility to offset non related expenses .
In a more recent press release the plaintiffs called the rate increase a Village of Ridgewood scheme and that the Village transferred wholly unrelated operating costs to Ridgewood Water and used the rate increase to in-effect subsidize Ridgewood Tax payers with Wyckoff, Midland Park, and Glen Rock rate payers.
This action seeks millions in refunds for customers in all three towns. Refunds paid for by Ridgewood tax payers. While in the past the Mayor seemed to suggest confidence in the resolution of this law suit . The Ridgewood blog has continued to warn over and over that the Village faced significant liabilities due to Ridgewood Water in both billing actions ,infrastructure and water quality.
A long term plan for either disposal of the utility or a financing major strategic upgrade is long over due .
Ridgewood NJ, New process could enable anaerobic digestion facilities anywhere in the world to capture biogas and use it to produce
renewable energy.
BioHiTech America, a subsidiary of green technology company, BioHiTech Global Inc. (which provides an innovative data-driving solution for
the disposal of food waste), has partnered with Natural Systems Utilities to test a waste to energy process that will enable
BioHiTech’s food waste disposal system to digest, tank and deliver the effluent from its system to anaerobic digestion facilities around the
globe, reported Biomass Magazine.
BioHiTech’s energy from waste system converts foods waste to greywater.
The company’s food waste disposal system is known as the Eco-Safe Digester. It uses an anerobic digestion process to transform food
waste to greywater, which is also referred to as effluent. Usually, the effluent is safely released into the sewage system and individual
wastewater treatment plants, so it can be treated with other waste that is deemed sanitary.
The new process that is being tested will tank the unit’s effluent, which will allow for transportation to an anaerobic digestion plant
where biogas can be captured and utilized to create clean energy.
According to BioHiTech, what makes the Eco-Safe Digester unique is that it performs the hydrolysis stage of anaerobic digestion at the
point of origin. Due to the fact that the anaerobic digestion process starts with the breakdown of solid organics to a liquid slurry, the
effluent can be pumped and transported without problem, arriving at the anaerobic digestion facility in a “predigested” condition. This
makes feedstock transfer more efficient and removes the need for expensive processing at the facility.
Currently, the new waste to energy process is being tested in New Jersey.
Other partners involved in the energy from waste project includes the village of Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Ridgewood Green RME, the latter
of which owns a 240 kW digester biogas power plant and a 20,000 gallon-per-day liquid waste receiving facility.
A supermarket in New Jersey has been selected as a testing ground for the new process. Its waste is transported to an anaerobic digestion
plant that is operated by the village of Ridgewood at its water pollution control plant.
Additionally, in December, BioHiTech installed its Eco-Safe-Digester at a second Dunkin’ Donuts location in New Jersey. Its system is
helping the restaurant to save money on waste management while at the same time keeping its waste out of landfills.
Paul Knowles, director of technical operations of Natural Systems Utilities said that “Early trials to receive the material and feed it
to the digester have proven successful.” Knowles added that the company is “working with BioHiTech to expand the process so that they
can offer this solution to new and existing customers.”
CEO of BioHiTech Global, Fran E. Celli, also commented on the waste to energy project saying that BioHiTech has “developed a process for
those who want their food waste delivered to anaerobic digesters so that it can be converted to clean energy.”
A very recently revised agenda for tonight’s VC meeting?
Am I nuts or does this imply no presentation to the public, no further discussion, etc. ? 16-31: Approve Hudson Street Parking Deck Design
Authorize Change Order No. 4 – Hudson Street Parking Deck (Desman)
3. Award Professional Services Contract – Validation Study of the Revised Design of the Hudson Street Parking Deck (Walker)
4. Approve Hudson Street Parking Deck Design Discussion: Budget
Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Land Surveyor Services Discussion: Policy
Revisions to Field Policy
Healthbarn – Irene Habernickel Family Park
Highlights – Special Public Meeting:
ORDINANCE #3519: PUBLIC HEARING – Leasing Agreement with the Bergen County Improvement Authority Resolutions
16-28: Authorize Change Orders #1, #2, & #3 – Hudson Street Parking Deck – Desman, Inc. (in the amount of $20,800)
16-29: Authorize Change Order #4 – Hudson Street Parking Deck – Desman, Inc. (in the amount of $121,650)
16-30: Award Professional Service Contract – Validation Study of the Revised Design of the Hudson Street Parking Deck (Not to Exceed $12,500)
16-31: Approve Hudson Street Parking Deck Design
