RIDGEWOOD – Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia issued an opinion last Thursday, which gives the village 90 days to adopt an ordinance consistent with The Valley Hospital 2016 master plan amendment adopted in April by the Planning Board.
Valley Hospital, which is surrounded by homes in an otherwise residential neighborhood, plans to nearly double in size, from 565,000 square feet to 961,000 square feet, which will create 451 one-patient rooms.
The summer weather has led to a surge in water use for irrigating. Ridgewood Water implemented Stage II restrictions almost 2 weeks ago. Stage II limits the use of water for irrigation to two days per week. If your street address is an odd number, you may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. If your street address is an even number, you may irrigate on Wednesdays and Sundays only. A hand held hose may be used at any time. No irrigation is allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except for a hand held hose.
Many people water their lawns more than necessary for healthy, drought resistant turf. Experts agree that ½ inch of water twice a week will sustain an established lawn within the Stage II limitations. Ridgewood Water technicians can help you reset your automatic irrigation system if needed. Please call our Customer Service Center at 201-670-5520 for assistance.
Our Fire Department is in the process of distributing a Notice of Water Restrictions flyer to every house in the Village. Enforcement has increased significantly. Fines start at $65 for the first offense, and increase for additional offenses. We have a team of personnel who are watching for violations in the act or evidence of violations at various times of day and night. If evidence of watering is found or they respond to a property based on a tip, a notice of non-compliance will be left with the homeowner as a warning. If you have any questions or concerns about watering, you can email it to [email protected]
Your cooperation in observing Stage II restrictions is appreciated and will help us avoid more stringent levels this year.
Best,
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203
As you know, PSE&G is working in Ridgewood on a significant effort to replace gas mains enhancing service to our residents. (Please see attached PSE&G flyer for more details and explanation of the project.) The recent work that has been done on and around Glen Ave. to date has involved partial shutdown of streets and detours that have resulted in some traffic delays.
Starting tomorrow – Friday, July 8th – W. Glen Ave. will be closed between Oak St. and Upper Blvd. from 7am to 4pm Monday through Friday for approximately 2 weeks. This will have an impact on traffic traveling west and east through Ridgewood (see map below). Traffic will be diverted to the Franklin Ave. underpass for cars. Trucks will be diverted to Wyckoff Ave. in Waldwick due to height restrictions.
It is very possible that we will see some significant delays in the Garber Square area including the feeder streets of W. Ridgewood Ave., Franklin Ave. and Godwin Ave. area due to this detour. I would encourage residents to try alternate routes, for example using the underpass near the intersection of Ackerman Ave./Broad St.
Approximately six police officers, hired and paid for by PSE&G, will be deployed to critical intersections to assist the traffic flow. Thankfully, we are in the midst of summer where traffic is generally lighter, but I wanted to give you this heads-up so that perhaps you can plan around this construction work. I appreciate your understanding and patience while we get through this public utility improvement.
Best,
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT TODAY THROUGH THIS
AFTERNOON…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A
* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT…
NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHEAST NEW YORK…INCLUDING THE
FOLLOWING AREAS…IN SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT…SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD
COUNTY. IN NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…BERGEN…ESSEX…UNION…HUDSON
AND EASTERN PASSAIC COUNTIES…IN SOUTHEAST NEW YORK…ALL OF
NEW YORK CITY…AND NASSAU AND SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER COUNTIES…
* FROM NOON EDT TODAY THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.
* SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS SHOULD DEVELOP
AND MOVE ACROSS THE WATCH AREA THIS AFTERNOON.
* THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING VERY HEAVY RAIN OF UP
TO 2 INCHES IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. RAINFALL OF THIS
MAGNITUDE COULD CAUSE FLASH FLOODING OF URBAN, LOW LYING, AND
POOR DRAINAGE AREAS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE
PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Ridgewood NJ, and idea who’s time has come for Ridgewood ? A lot of resident dog walkers think so .Anne LaGrange Loving said on Facebook the , “Twice I asked the former mayor whether the council might consider changing the ordinance that prohibits dogs from being in our parks. In conjunction with that, I suggested that “poopie bags” could be provided at each park.
Loving goes on to say ,”It is my observation that the garbage in our parks comes from careless humans – soda cans, water bottles, etc. Most dog owners I know are very careful about picking up after their pets. Of course there are some exceptions, just as there are some people who litter. The fact is that dogs are brought to parks all the time in Ridgewood in spite of the law – as they should be! So why not rescind this ordinance and at the same time provide these bags. I had even suggested a trial run on this – see how it goes. If the parks become filled with dog waste, well then the experiment is considered a failure and we can go back to prohibiting dogs. But it is worth a try.”
Saurabh Dani suggests that there could be certain instances when dogs would have to be prohibited, such as during the fireworks. But overall Loving asks ,”why can’t Paul Smith or Susanne Ziskis or Anne LaGrange Loving sit in the park with their dogs and enjoy a cup of coffee or a chat with a friend? It will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the former mayor that my suggestion, which I posed twice at public meetings, was met with dead silence. His style was to never answer questions from members of the public. Thankfully we now have a new mayor and new council members and we are all so happy that open dialog on matters small (like this one) and great (like HDH, Valley, parking, etc) will be the norm between elected officials and the public.”
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police are cautioning residents that beginning Friday 7/8/16 W.Glen Ave will be closed between Oak Street and Upper Boulavard while PSE&G continues their gas main replacement project from 7am to 4pm Monday through Friday for approximately 2 weeks as the crew works through the train trestle. This will have an impact on traffic traveling west and east through Ridgewood. Traffic will be diverted to the Franklin Ave Underpass for cars. Trucks will be diverted to Wyckoff Ave in Waldwick due to height restrictions. Officers will be deployed to critical intersections to assist the traffic flow. Please plan an alternate route if possible.
RIDGEWOOD LIBRARY COOLING CENTER – PSE&G PREPARED FOR THIS WEEKS HOT WEATHER
July 7,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Public Library will be available to provide a cool environment to residents. It is open to the public Thursday 9 – 9; Friday 9 – 6; Saturday 9 – 5; Sunday 1 – 5.
Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47
Be aware and cautious if working or playing outside for an extended period of time today and until the current heat wave ends. If you feel any of the symptoms, call for help
PSE&G: With temperatures expected to be in the 90s this week, PSE&G is monitoring weather conditions and has additional personnel on hand to handle any power interruptions as a result of the high temperatures. Our call centers also have extra personnel on duty to speak with customers, and additional appliance service technicians are scheduled to assist with central air conditioner repairs.
We prepare for summer all year long by replacing and reinforcing electric circuits and other equipment, using helicopters to inspect our high-voltage transmission lines, and conducting employee training and summer readiness drills. Although we expect to have no problem delivering the additional power our customers will need to stay cool, we are keeping a close eye on the weather and will have the personnel on hand to respond to any outages.
To report power outages or downed wires, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). You can also report outages online by logging into My Account at pseg.com. To report power outages via text message, and receive outage updates by text and email, sign up for MyAlerts. Our mobile-friendly website includes an “Outage Map” that is updated every 15 minutes and displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service area.
If experiencing difficulties with central air conditioning units or other appliances, PSE&G customers can schedule a WorryFree** repair service appointment online by logging in to My Account, or calling 1-800-436-PSEG.
Here are a few easy and inexpensive ways you can save energy and money:
Turn off everything you’re not using: lights, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
Close blinds and shades facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
Close doors leading to uncooled areas. With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.
We need more police for the fireworks. Cars stopped in both directions on Ridgewood Ave to watch the show. Drivers were trying to pass.
After the show families were leaving and flooding across the street. One car kept moving forward, the driver clearly did not want to be held up by pedestrian traffic. A pedestrian got into an argument with him
I like the idea of a referendum on the teachers contract, so long as it’s binding. We had great teachers and administrators who built up the reputation of Ridgewood schools. The current bunch? Meh. They seem to care more about their health benefits than our kids. If you witnessed their behavior this past school year you’d agree they’ve done nothing to carry on the “tradition of excellence”. More like “riding on the coat-tails of the reputation built by the predecessors.” They are trying to bully us with the backing of NJEA lawyers and lobbyists. We need to support our BOE and students, if only they elicited the same grassroots support that the we’ve seen opposing the most recent garage proposal and Valley!
Ridgewood NJ , while experts are warning people at the Jersey Shore to stay on high alert for sharks this summer. When the water gets warmer the number of shark sightings increases.Meanwhile the the clingy jelly fish has also represented a new hazard to swimmers .
In Ridgewood residents have been hitting the beach, a different kind of beach this summer the beach at Graydon Pool. The hot weather has driven some good crowds this year .No traffic and easy parking make Graydon Pool and simple solution and an easy get away.
Graydon Pool is at the heart of the Village of Ridgewood, its seven acres of open space provide an oasis of green parkland for the residents of this densely developed suburb.
GRAYDON POOL 2016 SEASON
Regular Season
Saturday, June 4 through August 14, 2016
Daily, 10 am to 7:30 pm
**Holiday** – July 4th, close 4 pm
Late Season
Monday, August 15 through Labor Day, September 5, 2016
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm
CONTACTS
Pool Manager’s Office – 201-670-5500, ext 7002 (in season)
Badge Office – 201-670-5500, ext 7003 (in season only)
Recreation Office at The Stable- 201-670-5560 [email protected]
GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES
RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education. Proof is required.
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS – The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the 2016 summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by 2016 season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
Ridgewood NJ, Applications are available for The New Jersey Civil Service Commission Law Enforcement Examination. The Ridgewood Police Department uses the eligibility list provided by the State to hire candidates. The test is given every three years. Click on the link below for more information.
1. Applicants must be citizens of the United States as of August 31, 2016.
2. Applicants must meet the residency requirements of the appointing jurisdiction as of August 31, 2016 and may be required to maintain continuous residency in that jurisdiction up to and including the date of appointment.
3. Applicants must be high school or vocational high school graduates, or possess an approved High School Equivalency Certificate by August 31, 2016.
4. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age as of August 31, 2016. Applicants for Municipal Police Officer and its bilingual variant positions cannot be over 35 years of age (one is considered over 35 on the day of his/her 35th birthday) as of August 31, 2016, unless they meet the exceptions in “Maximum hiring age requirement for Municipal Police Officer” as indicated on the Fact Sheet. NOTE: The age 35 maximum hiring requirement applies only to Municipal Police Officer and its bilingual variants.
5. Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
6. Appointees may be required to pass thorough medical and drug screening, and psychological/psychiatric examinations. Failure of any of these is cause for removal from that title area.
7. Appointees will be required to successfully complete a training program mandated by the NJ Police Training Commission. This training must be completed prior to enrollment in the Police and Fire Retirement System.
8. After you complete and submit your online application, you will receive a confirmation page which includes a link and access code to the Candidate Preparation Guide. Please print your confirmation page prior to going to the link.
An abbreviated application is used for this title. Information regarding education, experience, licenses/certifications, training or internships is not collected. https://info.csc.state.nj.us/vats/WebAnno.aspx
We all appreciate the uphill battle against a major business and the law that Corzine pushed through that eliminates any sort of evaluation of whether an institution with an “inherently beneficial ” usage is necessary.
Previously, it was a factor but not THE factor in zoning decisions. Clearly in this case it doesn’t make sense. There are multiple fine hospitals within 10 miles of here. There is clearly no lack of need.
Valley is a tough adversary. Clearly money is of no object to them. They buy up millions of dollars of languishing real estate and then they complain they are struggling.
Come on.
They have the real estate they need in Paramus now They should use it. It makes more sense for a “regional” hospital to build between two major highways in a commercial zone rather than on a small lot in a residential neighborhood. Princeton is the best example of what a good neighbor hospital would do- move to the highway when they outgrew their lot a few years ago.
Let’s bring this fight to the next level. Maybe now we can get Hackensack to chip in some more money, if they haven’t already.
I sat at the top of East Ridgewood Avenue this beautiful Sunday morning enjoying some time on a bench with my granddaughter, drinking iced coffee and a blueberry coolatta. She noticed that cars were not stopping at the stop sign heading south on Broad Street at the Ridgewood Avenue “T” by the train station parking lot. She is 6 years old and was disturbed by this. So we counted 40 cars passing through. Out of 40 cars, 28 of them rolled through the stop sign without stopping. Only 12 actually stopped. And all the while people were crossing on foot, pushing strollers, on bicycles, etc. So dangerous. And mind you, this was on a Sunday morning from about 9:00 – 9:15. What must this be like on a busy weekday when the trains are coming and going, when commuters are rushing about, when people are trying to get their kids to school, and so on. I suggested that we tell a police officer but she was afraid to get the police in trouble for not doing their job of ticketing these drivers.
