In my humble opinion, it always appeared that Aronsohn sold us out to developers and other profiteers with whom he wished to curry favor. Its shameful Yes, we have parking issues. They were never addressed by the Aronsohn administration because his focus was on those who seemed to want to profit from government largess and not Village residents. Distribution is probably our main “problem” – – and its good to see the new council recognizing that and attempting to address that issue before spending millions on a new garage. Yes, we may need a new garage, but let’s see what some of the other solutions are first. I thought Voght laid it out very nicely a meeting or two ago. Yes, let’s spend a few thousand on signs, parking and street re-alignment and then see if we need the garage. Keep up the good work!!
As I have said here several times: The village, in the voice of the Village Manager, admitted on April 6, 2016 that we do not have a parking crisis, we have a parking surplus, we have more spots than we have demand for: https://youtu.be/iyufI5C3gKU?t=1h14m
So we know from the facts any garage is all about high density housing led by the local developer. Without it, the over development of Ridgewood cannot happen by this developer and his cohorts who own property at key intersections. Without over development the property owners and this local developer, who paid a lot for the land, cannot make money. They need to develop the lots past what parking on the property supports to maximize rental revenue. The former mayor, former village manager and the local developer lie about Brogan and Ken Smith parking spaces needing to be replaced, spots that are not a part of the village’s parking inventory. The former mayor and former village manager let the Hudson Street lot fall into disrepair, then said in a video paid for with tax dollars, that neglect was a main reason to build a $12m garage.
The garage is the Trojan Horse. The village admits, we don’t need more parking, we don’t even utilize what we have. Higher density, higher congestion, higher fees, and easier profits for the local developer paid for with tax dollars.
When the now ex-village manager says in a propaganda video we have a parking crisis, but her own analysis says we have a surplus, we know there is no crisis.
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructor’s Exhibition
On view October 7 – October 27, 2016
The Ridgewood Art Institute
12 East Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201 652-9615
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a prominent player in the perpetuation of Classical Realism today and is considered one the nation’s best community art associations. It’s origins are based in the 19th Century French Barbizon School and it is closely tied to The Art Students League’s history, as there are many esteemed artists who have taught and studied at both RAI and ASL.
The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructor’s Exhibition features beautiful still lifes, florals, landscapes and figurative work and will give art enthusiasts a wonderful sampling of the quality of work available for sale at our events. For art students this is a wonderful opportunity to explore the possibilities of starting either a new class or a new medium in one of our beautiful studios.
We invite you to see for yourself, why The Ridgewood Art Institute is cherished by so many.
The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis, and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. For more information on class scheduling, this and future events please visit ridgewoodartinstitute.org
Ridgewood NJ, it seems to meany readers that the previous administration worked long and hard to exacerbate the parking problem in the Central Business District . Claims of missing signs making it difficult for the public to find parking intentionally. Decisions made that always seemed to make things worse not better.
We ALL know that there is ample parking. Even Sonenfeld says so. “The problem is that PROMISES WERE MADE to certain key people that a garage would be built near their properties and businesses in the business district.” What Aronsohn, Saraceno, Pucciarelli, Vaggianos, Sonenfeld, Hauck and company failed to consider is that the town if full of very smart people. And the people rose up and ran a petition drive and stopped the insanity.
While others have claimed the signs went missing and lots hidden from public view on purpose .
Readers continually site , “The developers are deliberately going to exacerbate the parking problem with there one car per unit plans. Why should my taxes go to pay them to put in parking?”
And of coarse ,”it’s interesting that the existing apartments all have a shortage of parking and the developers keep insisting that there will only be one car per household in the proposed developments. how is this possible.”
Yankees Hall of Famer Yogi Berra,”Déjà vu all over again”
October 1,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Maple field in Ridgewood is once again the center of negative attention . The Ridgewood Fields Committee has basically admitted the warranty on the field has expired and the field is in dire straits .
Insiders have cautioned that one more major flood and its done .
Turf Field Safety : GMAX TEST RESULTS ARE IN
Gmax testing is a standard measure of the safety of athletic fields. It involves measuring the shock absorbing properties of a playing surface and comparing the results to an industry standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Harder surfaces will increase the amount of impact absorbed by the body, which results in a higher Gmax rating. Scores over 200 are considered dangerous and increase the risk of life threatening head injuries. Preferred Gmax scores should be in the 120-150 range.
Currently the Maple field is testing at 185 , the NFL like the GMAX around 100 .A GMAX score of 200 is like concrete.
Last weeks council meeting Councilmen Ramon Hache gave a Field’s Committee update and possible solutions to remediate Maple Field. One suggestion is to infuse the current field with millions of rubber pellets but one more major flood may finish the field once and for all .Another idea would be to replace the current field its best years are way behind it and some have suggested a new grass field to replace the turf .
Best guesses put the cost of a new turf field around $600,000. The infusion seems very temporary given the fact the field is in a flood zone and estimates for a new grass field have not yet been taken.
Councilmen Ramon Hache suggested another idea was also to build berm to protect the field better from flood there by protecting the investment better.
The Ridgewood blog was a very big opponent of the ‘turf movement” in town . We cautioned over health effects of the turf ,runoff flood waters contributing to added flooding in town , additional maintenance costs and the fact in Maple fields case the property was deeded to the Village with the idea it should remain a natural preserve.
There is no perfect solution , we are continually told by Sports groups of the need for more fields , while many in town seek a balance between active fields and preservation of scare natural resources .We have now had turf fields long enough to do a real world ,with real specific Ridgewood data for a cost benefit analysis. What ever the outcome it will not be perfect but so far the Ridgewood blog is confident with the new Council and renewed community spirit that all parties with get a fair hearing.
Ridgewod NJ, NJ TRANSIT has announced service plans for the weekend of October 1st and October 2nd, 2016 following the commuter train accident at Hoboken Terminal. All rail service into and out of Hoboken Terminal remains suspended. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service has been restored into and out of Hoboken and will continue to operate.
Cross honoring with PATH, ferries, NJ TRANSIT bus and private carriers will continue throughout the weekend.
Rail
View temporary printable schedules for the Main Line, Montclair-Boonton and Pascack Valley Line HERE.
Normal weekend service will operate on the Main Bergen and Pascack Valley Lines with trains not operating into and out of Hoboken Terminal. Trains will originate/terminate in Secaucus.
Normal weekend service will operate on the Montclair Boonton Line with trains not operating into and out of Hoboken Terminal. Trains will originate/terminate at Newark Broad Street.
Meadowlands Train Service will operate between Secaucus and Meadowlands stations only on both Saturday and Sunday.
Customers in New York City who need to access Secaucus are urged to take trains from New York Penn Station or use the Port Authority Bus Terminal for NJ TRANSIT and private carrier busing alternatives.
Customers in Hoboken and Jersey City who need to access Secaucus are urged to use Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park, where shuttle buses will depart approximately every 30 minutes and take them to Secaucus.
Customers may experience overcrowding and possible delays caused by congestion.
Metro North Service for Pascack Valley Line and Port Jervis Customers
I can’t believe it was a year ago today that over 600 of us went to Village Hall to stop the Village Council from moving forward on the High Density Housing issue. It was truly a remarkable night that brought people together and made an incredibly clear statement: We do not want high density housing in our Village!
So, here we are, a year later and we need your help yet again.
As most of you know, last March the previous VC majority passed an ordinance allowing these massive multifamily dwellings to be built – and make no mistake – once the shovels go into the ground, our schools in particular will be impacted.
What many of us didn’t know then is that the Planning Board and then the Village Council process was riddled with possible conflicts of interest. A few weeks ago, several residents and I filed a formal complaint requesting that the current Planning Board cease their high density site plan process immediately and investigate.
On Tuesday, October 4th, at 7:30pm in Village Hall the Planning Board will be discussing this formal complaint. I would urge you, for the sake of our kids, to attend so that the Planning Board is encouraged to make the right choice. If you do plan to come, please email me to help better coordinate the evening.
Please also consider sending the following note to the Planning Board and our Mayor via email:
Dear Mayor Knudsen, Chairman Joel and Planning Board Members,
I am aware that a group of concerned residents delivered a Motion of Complaint to the Ridgewood Planning Board, under By Law Sections 2.13 and 7.21, dated September 16th. Their motion brings to light a series of conflicts of interest and unacceptable mistakes that impacted the high density housing votes. It spotlights the truly defective process by which these highly unpopular ordinances (3489, 3490, 3491 and 3493) were passed. It is not right for Ridgewood residents to have such important decisions made, and the future of our village impacted, by a forum influenced by potential personal conflicts and/or mistakes. Preventing such actions is clearly the intent of the Planning Board’s own By Laws.
Therefore, I fully support the motion made by these residents. I ask that the Board stop all current high density site plan reviews and promptly begin a complete review of the residents’ complaints. Should any conflicts or mistakes be found, the Ordinance votes and Ordinances themselves should be rescinded and reevaluated via a proper and untainted process.
Secretary Cafarelli, please forward/print this email to all Planning Board members.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood once again hit by a rash of stolen bicycles .
The Ridgewood police report :
A Van Buren Street resident responded to police headquarters on September 25, 2016 to report the theft of a bicycle in the past. The resident reported his red colored GT road bike was stolen from Station Plaza on September 21, 2016. The bicycle was reportedly left unlocked and was valued at approximately $200.
On September 25, 2016 a Shelton Road resident reported the theft of a bicycle from Station Plaza in the past. The bicycle was reportedly a Cannondale Hybrid mountain bike grey in color, valued at $800.
On September 25, 2016 a resident from Midland Park, N.J. reported the theft of a bicycle from Station Plaza in the past. The victim reported the Iron Horse mountain bike was grey and black in colored and valued at $400.All actors are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ridgewood NJ, no surprise that some people in town are not concerned that possible fraud would seem to merit some investigation as well as possible violations of fiduciary responsibility and pay for play violations .Some people have even gone to jail for these things , some people …
“Should this even be newsworthy? This person is obviously a repeat complainer who would rather spend time harassing Village staff (and costing tax payers money) instead of being with their children. They don’t realize their townhouses at one point were full with trees and got bulldozed over with residential complaints. If we want to throw rocks, Susan should recuse herself from any Shedler discussions due to the fact her parents house is located directly across from the property. Yes, by the text of the law not defined as “conflict of interest”, however I do not believe she can make wise decisions without prejudice. Godforbid a RSA member connections was on the council, these same people would be crying, suing for their removal.”
Jackie Hone’s response….
“Dear 12:46, “Anonymous.” Seek to understand. Watching or attending the meeting would help correct your statement. I am not a repeat complainer, harassing Village staff. I filed one complaint, that is finally being addressed, with merit. Thanks to the new Village Council, my claims are being substantiated one by one. As for costing tax payers money…this compliant saved tax payers approximately 10 million dollars and avoided destruction of Green Acres, Open Space and US History (check the facts). Mayor Knudsen defending Historical Preservation and honoring Open Space/Green Acres is not a conflict of interest, it is her fiduciary and ethical obligation. Sorry, but you are wrong on this one too. Additionally, Mayor Knudsen’s parents owning a house, across the street from Schedler (by the way it’s down the road), is not a conflict of interest. That point was addressed, looked into, checked again, re-checked and sniffed one last time just in case. Each and every time, legal counsel said there is no conflict of interest. Lastly, despite your ill-spirited comment (rather spend time harassing Village staff…instead of being with their children”), I invite you to meet before a Village Council meeting so I/we can share more. I’m sure you’ve heard, I have a huge binder with all the proof. I passionately believe residents should be up to date and truly know what is going on in their community. Email me [email protected].”
Ridgewood NJ, An adult male who claimed to have been the victim of an armed robbery and assault brought Ridgewood police units out in force on Thursday evening, 09/29. The incident reportedly took place at the intersection of Godwin and Ackerman Avenues in Ridgewood shortly before 2100 hours. After questioning by Ridgewood PD officers, aided by a Spanish speaking patrol officer from neighboring Glen Rock, the man’s story was determined to have been fabricated. The injuries he sustained appeared to have been consistent with those of a fall. He was evaluated and treated on the scene by Ridgewood EMS volunteers. There was no information available as to whether the individual was charged with making a false police report.
Great news on Valley. Performing Arts Center is a great idea. It is going to be so appealing for Jay-z, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Justin Bieber to ditch MSG for the beauty and diversity of our village. Whoever came up with this idea should be kicked out of Bergen County altogether. The only way this Arts Center would be useful is if Rurik performed his monologues on the stage. I would pay 50 cents for that.
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT has announced service plans for the morning of September 30th, 2016 following a commuter train accident at Hoboken Terminal. All rail service into and out of Hoboken Terminal remains suspended. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will resume full service into and out of Hoboken station tomorrow morning.
Rail
The following service will be in effect:
All New York City bound trains (Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, MidTOWN DIRECT), Raritan Valley and Atlantic City lines will operate on normal weekday schedules.
Main, Bergen, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines will continue to operate on a modified weekend schedule originating/terminating in Secaucus.
There will be limited rail shuttle service on the Montclair-Boonton Line west of Montclair State University (MSU) – between MSU and Denville stations.
There will be rail shuttle service on the Morris & Essex Lines (M&E) between Hackettstown and Dover.
The Gladstone Branch will have its two regularly scheduled MidTOWN DIRECT trains in addition to rail shuttles between Gladstone and Summit.
Customers may experience overcrowding and possible delays caused by congestion.
Metro-North Service for Pascack Valley Line and Port Jervis Line Customers
Ooops we jumped the gun with initial headline Appeals Court Rules in Ridgewood’s Favor against Valley Hospital Expansion
September 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Appeals Court Agrees to hear Ridgewood against Valley Hospital Expansion Case.
The Valley Hospital had filed suit against the Ridgewood Planning Board for rejecting its proposal to nearly double in size, arguing the board illegally sided with neighborhood opponents rather than permitting an upgrade for “an inherently beneficial regional hospital.”
The lawsuit was filed in state Superior Court in Hackensack . It was an attempt by Valley to end a protracted and costly stalemate with the village and force its expansion plans have been defeated two times .
While Valley wasted its efforts on its “May way or no way” approach its competitors have expanded, renovated and in one case, reopened a hospital in Westwood.
According to Ridgewood resident John Hersperger , “I’m not surprised the Appellate Division agreed to review the lower court’s decision against the Village in the ordinance case. Valley’s lower court victory was short-lived and (knock wood) should be its last. Why? Because the legal grounds for any court to force a municipality to squeeze in a development of this size on such a small parcel simply don’t exist. Valley needs the Appellate Division to create new legal precedent to support their expansion. Such a change would have implications statewide, with healthcare businesses imposing development wherever they please.”
Pete Mckenna President of Concerned Residents of Ridgewood concurred , “The appellate division has not made a decision on the merits, but has decided to review the Judge’s decision. I agree with John’s comments that this Judge’s ruling was without precedent and that the Village’s case to appeal is strong and we are optimistic the Village will prevail in this matter.”
Ridgewood NJ, Last night’s Village Council Work Session was great. All of our elected officials are working well together, even when they disagree. No one teams up on anyone else and there is no disrespect on the dais or from the dais to the audience. There is plenty of laughter and camaraderie while work is being accomplished. This is truly good government at work.
Here are some highlights, in no particular order:
1. Tony Damiano got up and thanked Mayor Knudsen for resolving the schedule problems with the PSEG work on Broad St. Yes, he thanked her. Guess he took so much heat on the Blog and on Facebook for claiming full responsibility for this that he decided he looked really small. Well, he did take some credit, but at least he made a stab at thanking the Mayor.
2. And speaking of looking really small, oh my gosh Mr. Rurik Halaby has completely lost his mind. He is the lone soldier left from those few who ever supported the three amigos and Roberta, and he is fighting mightily. His comments are not worth repeating, but he sure looked like a total idiot. And he sounded like a crazy man, spewing invective about rumors he has heard and such. He actually verged on threatening the council including singling out Ramon. Yep, would love to see a showdown between Ramon and Rurik.
3. Jeff Voigt in his library report announced that “the library” wants 5 Million Dollars for an interior renovation to make the auditorium into a performing arts center and some other sprucing up. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, $5 million. And they will be looking for money. Maybe Mr. Halaby can write the check?
4. It was explained that we will be entering into a shared services agreement with Washington Township in which we will service up to 30 of their vehicles at our Village Garage. Yes, that garage which Mr. Pucciarelli wanted to eliminate will now be making plenty of money for us. Hear that Albert? Yet another of your idiotic suggestions and schemes is going down the drain. Do you have any comments? Oh, that’s right, no comments from the former Deputy Mayor as he is named in a lawsuit and is scrambling to keep his reputation intact.
5. Parking was a huge topic of discussion. Mike Sedon provided an informative history of parking pricing dating back for the past 10 or 15 years, which was interesting. Jeff Voigt had prepared and distributed copies of parking suggestions that he had gathered from many sources. It was very well put together and very transparent because everyone could hold it in their hands and read it. The discussion was cordial, lively, and very productive. A few highlights include paving and re-lining the Hudson lot and thereby adding up to 40 spaces. This would include closing some of the several curb cut entrances into the lot from Hudson. Imagine that, 40 spaces in the blink of an eye. They are also going to have tiered pricing so that those who are willing to walk from Cottage can pay significantly less. Bernie Walsh and Jeff walked in and out of 17 stores to assess where the employees park. She said it was very friendly and informative and she is hoping all the council members can join in this project. New signage will be going up shortly to direct people to the various lots. The Zabriskie Lot is under consideration.
6. Looks like they will be going back to now allow parking on one side of Pomander Walk. This makes good sense. Why did the Pomander Walk residents ever get such an exclusive deal in the first place?
7. Heather Mailander highlighted two Village employees who have gone above and beyond. This was a nice report and one which she intends to do regularly. She is not singing her own praises, nope, she is singing the praises of others. This is the sign of a great manager, one who does not toot her own horn incessantly.
8. Matt Rogers provided a litigation update, at the request of Mayor Knudsen. This will now be a regular report. Updates on the Water Company, Valley, COAH and the referendum petitioners were included.
We all know full day K is extended day-care for moms who work (except in Ridgewood where if fills the need of moms who go to the spa or lunch or tennis). But that is OK, we’ll just pay for it and move on.
.
To say that it has and significant educational value and kids who don’t attend full day K will be at a (long term) disadvantage is disingenuous at best.
.
The only place where full day K might make sense would be for those children diagnosed with significant (medical) developmental disabilities
.
But again, these facts don’t matter – give the moms what they want, pay for it and move on.
Why start applying logic to the Ridgewood school budget now…
