Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood blog consulted Ridgewood Attorney John Hersperger on the judges “90 days to clear way for Valley Hospital expansion”, and this is a verbatim quote:
“I completely expected this. I attended most of the hearings, and it was clear from the start that the Judge was convinced that the public interest outweighed Ridgewood’s interest, and she was going to contort the law and the facts to support Valley’s expansion. I won’t expound on this now, but with respect to the law, the cases the Judge cites do not back up her reasoning, and in fact, would support the Village’s right to zone the property as the Village sees fit. On the facts, respectfully, she cherry-picked what she needed and ignored decades of evidence clearly indicating that the Village never wanted a giant hospital at the site.
What was perhaps most disappointing was Judge’s remark (paraphrased) from the bench, in which she described that last decade of Valley’s applications as a “saga” for Valley, but just “history” for Ridgewood. Clearly, the judge saw the Village as the bad guys in this case . Honestly, after 60 or so public hearings and all the time and stress that residents endured, it was most painful to hear that kind of comment from a presiding Judge of this County.
So consider this, over the course of decades, Ridgewood has accommodated Valley’s multiple expansions (except for this last one), which has allowed Valley to grow and become one of the busiest and most profitable hospitals in the state. And when we finally say “no”, we’re the bad guys. And consider further we’re saying “no” to an expansion that would more than double the size of the facility. I’d say that contrary to the Judge’s ruling, Valley and the region actually owe Ridgewood a big “thank you” for being the municipality that took the brunt of Valley’s growth for all these years. I agree with the Judge that Valley serves a regional public need. But the delivery of that regional service, on our small local roadways, in a confined residential neighborhood, next to a middle school, should no longer be the sole obligation of Ridgewood. It’s time for a truly regional location for Valley, such as the 26.5 acres they own in Paramus, right between the Garden State Parkway and Route 17.”
First, thank you for your vote of confidence during the recent election. I am humbled by that confidence and committed to working towards solutions that are in the best interests of the Village.
Most especially, I would like to thank my campaign team: Sergio Alegre, Chad Chadwick, Wendy Dockray, Carol and Kevin Mattessich, Bill McCabe and Ann Spalckhaver. They are a great group of people who care deeply about Ridgewood. I would also like to thank many of you in the audience for your help during my campaign. It was a blast to work with you and I look forward to doing so moving forward.
We have a number of issues facing us over the coming years – a few of them 800 pound gorillas that are all too obvious. The solutions to these issues actually lie within this room with those who have influence over our Village – and I am talking most specifically about those in the audience. I sincerely hope this energizes you as; you are going to be asked to help in solving these issues. This also includes those with opposing views as; we need your inputs and help in this. They say that listening to, understanding, and incorporating opposing views and differences of opinion make for better decisions. I could not agree more. Let’s work together.
It is important that in these solutions we do what is best for our Village. These solutions can result in making our Village more user friendly, accessible, attractive to others, affordable and; a better place to live for us all. We as a community can do this if we keep this this in mind – namely in doing what is best for our Village.
Let’s also try and figure out solutions through less expensive and time consuming means such as compromise – meaning opposing sides sit down with each other and give to get and; in turn win in the end.
My goals over the coming 4 years are to work with you in solving these issues for the betterment of the Village and its residents. In touring our Village infrastructure with Roberta Sonenfeld, our Village Manager, I was struck by the fact we have a number of under-utilized assets that we can take advantage of for increased revenue generation – potentially marketing these services to other municipalities/businesses. These additional $$$ can be used for numerous initiatives, including lowering our taxes. We are going to look at maximizing these assets to increase our revenue streams with the committees I will be working on.
Job one, however, and I believe as well for my colleagues on the dais, is to solve our parking issue downtown, with a focus on a re-alignment of parking spaces and streets, a smaller Hudson St garage, and with innovative pricing – while simultaneously making our downtown more accessible, user friendly, and safer.
With innovative pricing, the parking utility can be a more significant revenue and surplus generator for the Village – helping to defray other costs. Let’s also re-think high density housing downtown in a way that makes sense, fits with, and actually enhances the character of our Village. Additionally, Valley Hospital needs to be a better neighbor and come up with solutions that actually make sense for our neighbors in the surrounding Valley area. Having relevant expertise in the field of healthcare, I am confident Valley can work towards this and in turn thrive in this rapidly evolving healthcare market. With these and other initiatives, I plan to reach out to all relevant constituencies whether they be developers, Valley, the chamber of commerce, and the residents to keep the dialogue going in order to work towards viable solutions.
Not surprisingly, some of these issues have been hotly contested with the outgoing council majority – Mayor Paul Aronsohn, Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli, and Councilwoman Gwen Hauck. I have to thank them for teeing up a number of them. It can safely be said that there was never a dull moment in
Village Hall with you on the council. One of my concerns is that future council meetings may not be as entertaining as they have been in the recent past.
Interestingly, by your making us keenly aware of these issues it may make the path towards resolution easier. Let’s use any momentum that has been gained through this process in putting some of these issues to bed.
I look forward to working with the residents and various boards and committees on these and other initiatives. We have many committed, smart, and talentedcitizens on our boards and committees and in our Village who can help in figuring out how to make this a better place to live. This is what I am actually looking forward to most – in working with you to accomplish this. My commitment is to work hand and hand with you and; in ensuring those who do the work, get the credit and recognition.
I also look forward to working with the new council – Susan Knudsen, Bernie Walsh, Ramon Hache, and Mike Sedon. You the residents have voted in 5 independently minded people and now the fun begins.
They say what you put into something is what you get out of it. I wholeheartedly agree. This is going to be my second full time job and I am confident it will be time well spent and extremely gratifying.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family – my wife Patty and my children, Ryan, Kevin, and Emily. We have lived here for over 23 years and call Ridgewood home. It is a great place to raise a family and live the rest of your life in. Patty and I plan on doing so and in calling many of you our friends and neighbors over the coming years.
Let’s all work towards making Ridgewood an even better place to live than it
Ridgewood NJ, After what has been called by some as the “Reign of Terror” , the newly elected Village of Ridgewood Council opened on Friday with the election of its two remaining council members to the position of mayor and deputy mayor.
A celebratory atmosphere greeted the new council in what can only be characterized as a triumph of the people .
Councilwomen Susan Knudsen, who was elected to the council in 2014, was unanimously voted in as mayor and Councilmen Michael Sedon also elected in 2014 was then named deputy mayor by the same 5-0 vote.
Over the last several years Knudsen and Sedon made up the council minority often voting against their former colleagues . For their efforts they were often ostracized but continued to fight for sanity in a Village government driven by bullying tactics ,special interest and machine politics.
The pair is joined by newly-elected Ramon Hache and Jeffrey Voigt and former Councilwoman Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh to form the Village Council for the next two years.
Ridgewood NJ, CRR ‘s Pete Mckenna commented to the Ridgewood blog on the recent ruling ,that Ridgewood has 90 days to clear way for Valley Hospital expansion .
“The Judge’s decision is disappointing, but not surprising given the way she conducted these hearings.
I think this decision should have a chilling impact on municipalities across the state. If this decision is upheld it would indicate that localities have no say in controlling land-use within their borders if a hospital is involved.
If Ridgewood isn’t permitted to determine that 1 million square feet of building is too much for this sensitive site, than what are municipalities to do when applicants come forward with plans that are completely out of sync with their surroundings?
The Judge relied on the flawed 2016 Master Plan Amendment that is the subject of CRR’s current litigation.”
First I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jacquie Luthcke on her new role as Chief of the Ridgewood Police Department. I would also like to thank every from our community and region who worked with me and our department over the past 35 plus years to help make Ridgewood a safe and wonderful community. I am proud of the successes and the level of excellence the department has achieved over the past six years even in face of many challenges. Our community should be proud of the fact that the Ridgewood Police Department has achieved and maintained national recognition in many areas including; recognition as a flagship /benchmark for excellence organization from the commission on law enforcement accreditation (CALEA), recognition for our community policing youth ambassadors program from the international association chiefs of police association (IACP), and recognition for our community policing and trust initiatives. Regionally the department and its members are recognized for their level of training and preparedness in handling critical incidents as well as their efforts in ensuring that our community is resilient to hazards and threats whether natural or human. While just a few of the department’s many achievements it should be noted that these achievements were due to a truly collaborative effort even in the face historically low staffing levels. These achievements are a testament to the character and competence of the members of the Ridgewood Police Department as well as their love and commitment to their community.
It has been my honor to have served a community I love and will always think of as home. I have been fortunate to have met many wonderful people within our community, many of which remain friends. Words cannot express the pride and love I have for the men and women with whom I have served and who continue protect and serve Ridgewood and the Region.
I look forward to seeing the continued successes of the Ridgewood Police Department and our community under its new leadership.
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call of Current Village Council – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute
5. Invocation – Father Ronald Rozniak – Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Church
6. Recording of Song by Ridgewood Resident, Kristen Plumley, Soprano, “Simple Gifts”
7. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 5 minutes per person – 30 minutes in total)
8. Approval of Minutes
9. Resolution #16-181 – Approval of Girl Scout Gold Award
10. Remarks by Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck (as she leaves the dais)
11. Remarks by Councilman Albert J. Pucciarelli (as he leaves the dais)
12. Remarks by Mayor Paul S. Aronsohn (as he leave the dais)
13. Reading of Certificate of Election of Ramon M. Hache – Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk
14. Oath of Office Administered to Ramon M. Hache by James J. Tedesco III, Bergen County Executive
15. Remarks by Councilman Hache
16. Reading of Certificate of Election of Jeffrey Voigt –
Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk
17. Oath of Office Administered to Jeffrey Voigt by Sergio Alegre, Esq.
18. Remarks by Councilman Voigt
19. Reading of Certificate of Election of Bernadette Coghlan Walsh – Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk
20. Oath of Office Administered to Bernadette Coghlan Walsh by Bergen County Freeholder Maura R. DeNicola
21. Remarks by Councilwoman Walsh
22. Roll Call of New Village Council – Heather A. Mailander,Village Clerk
23. Call for Nominations for Office of Mayor by Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk
24. Administering of Oath of Office to Mayor by Matthew S. Rogers, Village Attorney
25. Call for Nomination for Office of Deputy Mayor by Mayor
26. Administering of Oath of Office to Deputy Mayor by Heather A. Mailander, Village Clerk
27. Remarks by Deputy Mayor
28. Remarks by Mayor
29. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 16- THROUGH 16- ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
16-182 Appoint Village Attorney
16-183 Appoint Village Labor Attorney
16-184 Appoint Village Prosecutor
16-185 Appoint Public Defender
16-186 Appoint Community Development Representative
16-187 Appoint Representative to Open Space Trust Regional Committee
16-188 Appoint Members to the Planning Board
16-189 Appoint Members to the Zoning Board of Adjustment
16-190 Appoint Members to Community Center Advisory Board
16-191 Appoint Members to Financial Advisory Committee
16-192 Appoint Members to the Ridgewood Arts Council
16-193 Appoint Member to the Shade Tree Commission
16-194 Appoint Members to the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board
16-195 Appoint Member to the Green Team Advisory Committee
16-196 Appoint Village Council members as Liaisons to Various Boards and Committees
30. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
I am pleased and honored to announce that Captain Jacqueline Luthcke will be Ridgewood’s next Chief of Police and Ridgewood’s first woman Chief of Police effective July 1, 2016. Captain Luthcke is eminently qualified to serve in this capacity. She started her career with the Ridgewood Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer advancing to Sergeant in 2005, Lieutenant in 2008 and Captain in 2010. Jacqueline has been active in the Ridgewood community and has been the face of the RPD to our community. Jacqueline has had a distinguished career and has impressive credentials. I am absolutely confident and certain that she will make an excellent Chief and that out community will be well served.
Mayor Aronsohn will be swearing Chief Luthcke in on Friday July 1st at 9:00 A.M. at BF Middle School where the ceremony will be attended by the graduating class of the Junior Police Academy.
Please join me in congratulating Jacquie and in wishing her the best as the Ridgewood Chief of Police, Roberta
RIDGEWOOD — A state judge ruled Thursday that the Village Council has 90 days to adopt an ordinance putting into effect master plan changes that clear the way for a vast expansion by The Valley Hospital, or else the hospital may “move to enforce” her decision through a court-appointed special master.
The ruling, issued by state Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia, said the council ordinance must be consistent with April Planning Board approvals allowing the hospital to nearly double in size, from 565,000 square feet to 961,000.
Ridgewood NJ, What we asked for follows immediately below. What we got is attached.
So Gwenn Hauck was behind this all (see invoice)? I SERIOUSLY doubt it. I guess they needed a fall guy for some reason.
4089 and 4091 total emails sent
**********
During date range June 9, 2016 through and including June 21, 2016:
1) The number of intended recipients and any and all “e-notices” sent by Village of Ridgewood employees and/or agents regarding matters related to the special election concerning “Parking Deck” Referendum Election scheduled for June 21, 2016. That is, how many unique e-mail addresses were included in said “e-notice” distribution(s).
2) Information Technology data associated withwww.ridgewoodnj.net indicating the total number of “clicks” or “hits” on: a) referendum “page”, b) referendum “guide,” and c) video associated with said matter. That is, how many “clicks” or “hits” were there on the referendum page, referendum “guide,” and the video.
3) Copies (via DVD) of any and all versions of said video that at one time or another were posted on www.ridgewoodnj.net during the date range noted above.
4) Copies of any and all outstanding and/or paid invoices associated with the production and/or distribution of the video content associated with numbers 1, 2, and 3 above.
Ridgewood NJ, Tomorrow, July 1st will establish a new “Independence Day” for the Village of Ridgewood. The tyranny of the worst three individuals to ever serve the Village will thankfully come to an end. Never in the history of our Village have three people created such a toxic environment. Their playbook, much like the playbook of Hudson County and Washington politics of the past, was to attack all that disagreed with anything they said. They created their puppet Kingdom of followers by establishing a financial panel with self-serving interests and seating a Village Manager who considers herself the “sixth Council member”. They attempted to personally discredit and ruin the reputation of decent people. What were their accomplishments??? Absolutely nothing!!! They spent all of their elected tenure spewing vitriol and promoting failed project after failed project. Finally, the residents woke up and saw how our Village was being compromised. It is usually the custom to thank those who have served and given of themselves, however in this case there appears to be nothing to be thankful for…other than their departure. July 1 2016…Ridgewood’s NEW INDEPENDENCE DAY!!
all photos courtesy of the Ridgewood Police Department
June 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department has announced the 3rd annual Chief Michael Feeney, Jr. Police Academy scheduled from Thursday June 23rd to Friday July 1st. The academy is open to Ridgewood Residents entering 6th 7th and 8th grades in the fall of 2016.
For only a small fee is $50 per student the Academy which includes two shirts per student a baseball hat a string bag and transportation to our field trip.
Sgt.Lembo finds out the bad guy can’t get away from the K-9
Lt.Paul Acakios talking to the students about the day in the life of an inmate.
This year’s academy features demonstrations from The Ridgewood Police Department, Bergen County Sheriff’s Department K-9 and Bomb Squad, Police Motorcycles, Ridgewood Emergency Services, FBI, Ridgewood Fire Department, Helicopter landing as well as demonstrations from various other agencies. A field trip to the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Complex in Mahwah is also scheduled.
The height of the seven-day Chief Michael Feeney Junior Police Academy may have come on Wednesday when bomb squad members blew up a watermelon.
According to the Ridgewood Police, “The Junior Police Academy has proven to be a valuable experience for all involved and has provided a vital link between the Police Department and the youth of Ridgewood. Further, the Junior Police Academy has afforded students a deeper understanding of the Police function as well as an increased ability to see what the Police and the community can do to serve the Village. The overwhelming success of our Junior Police Academy class has far exceeded the expectations of everyone involved. This program attracts a highly motivated group of recruits, and the Instructors thoroughly enjoy their interaction with these young people. We look forward to another great class.”
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association
Dear RHS Alumni,
On June 20, 2016, Ridgewood High School graduates 424
seniors. As members of the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association (RHSAA), we are thrilled to have them join our ranks. We would like to wish our graduates the best of luck and good fortune in their ongoing pursuit of a “tradition of excellence” in college or their choice of post-graduation endeavors.
We would like to take this opportunity to fill you in on some of the steps the RHSAA has taken since our inception in 2014.
The RHSAA is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recognized by the state
of New Jersey. We are an active and dynamic board of alumni spanning graduating classes from the 1950s to the 2000s.
Since our website launched, we have had thousands visit the site and many alumni have registered via our online portal.
The reunion subcommittee has connected with dozens of class
years to help them plan alumni events, including campus tours. If you have an upcoming reunion, please let us know.
Our apparel team has created t-shirts (which will be featured
as Project Graduation’s Gift to all seniors). We have also added
umbrellas, blankets and hats. We are working on version 2.0 of apparel for the upcoming 2016-2017 academic year.
This past March, the RHSAA revitalized the Distinguished Alumni
program and introduced five new inductees who represent some of the best and brightest of RHS graduates. They joined the twelve previously inducted in 2008.
We will also be launching a brick buying campaign in an effort
to beautify our already lovely RHS campus and to celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2017.
If you are interested in supporting any of these programs or
otherwise supporting the RHSAA, please make a donation via our website.
If you would like to volunteer to help the current and future students of RHS, we would love for you to join our team.
photo courtesy of Ridgewood PD 2013 4th of July Parade
June 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Captain Jacqueline Luthcke will be Ridgewood’s next Chief of Police and Ridgewood’s first woman Chief of Police effective July 1, 2016.
RHS Class of 1988 ie… Jacqueline Bartlett , she took police test and waited 2 1/2 years to be called up. ( at same time as Hoerst (sp) Chemical Co wanted her for international director of security and Prosecutors office also wanted her. ) She was working as a private investigator and doing executive protection in the meantime. She guarded Christopher Reeves in his first public appearance and the VP of the US at the Baseball Hall Of Fame dinner.
Captain Luthcke started her career with the Ridgewood Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer advancing to Sergeant in 2005, Lieutenant in 2008 and Captain in 2010. She holds a BA Degree in Sociology/Criminology from Ohio University, where she was graduated with honors. She is a graduate of the West Point Command and Leadership course run by the New Jersey State Association Of Chiefs of Police — graduating first in her class and receiving the Chief Harry Wilde Academic Achievement Award.
Jacqueline has also been active in the Ridgewood community and has been the face of the Ridgewood Police Department to our community. Jacqueline has had a distinguished career and has impressive credentials. We are confident that she will make an excellent Chief and that out community will be well served.
She was also a panelists with Lynne Algrant, Councilwoman, Englewood; Stephen Borg, Publisher / President, North Jersey Media Group; Jacqueline Luthcke, Captain, Ridgewood Police Department; Robert Sommer, Public Affairs Executive / Jersey City Official; James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive at the Civility in Public Discourse panel discussion in February.
Mayor Aronsohn in what maybe his last act before he leaves office will be swearing Chief Luthcke in on Friday July 1st at 9:00 A.M. at BF Middle School where the ceremony will also be attended by the graduating class of the Junior Police Academy.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Health Department will launch their new Stigma Free campaign with a marching group in the Ridgewood Fourth of July parade. Dawn Cetrulo, Ridgewood Health Department Supervisor, invites participants to join the group. Those interested should contact her at [email protected].
The Bergen County Stigma-Free Campaign is a county-wide program which aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. We are dedicated to raising awareness of the disease of mental illness and create a culture wherein residents who have the disease feel supported by their community and neighbors and feel free to seek treatment for the disease without fear of stigma.
The World Health Organization ranks mental health disorders as the leading cause of disability in the United States and Canada. Mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol and substance use disorders, are extremely common in America. 1 in 4 adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year [approximately 61.5 million Americans] and 1 in 17 adults live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Yet more than half will not seek treatment. Why?
Despite its prevalence in our society, mental health still has stigma attached to it. The primary reason individuals fail to seek the help they need is due to the stigma associated with the disease of mental illness. Main reasons cited are shame and fear of judgment from friends, family and co-workers. Such judgment is often rooted in a lack of knowledge or training. It is our goal to disseminate information and foster a stigma-free environment where people are free from judgment and can get the help they need to recover from disease.
Stigma-Free Zones aim to inspire public interest and open dialogues about stigma. The County of Bergen and several Bergen County towns have already passed Stigma-Free resolutions. Establishing Stigma-Free Zones will raise awareness of the local mental health resources available so no resident needs to feel hopeless or alone. Stigma-Free Zones will encourage residents to break down barriers and be mindful of their mental health and ask for help when needed. The disease of mental illness has the potential to worsen if left untreated and complications arise when individuals do not seek help. It is essential that residents engage in care as soon as the need is identified so recovery can begin, hope is inspired and tragedies are avoided.
The Ridgewood Health Department hopes to gather a team of dedicated residents who can help enhance the culture of caring in our community. The Ridgewood Health Department hopes to involve municipal alliance leaders, government leaders, local business owners, the board of education, Rotary clubs, FW/American Legions, faith communities, school service groups. Anyone interested in being a part of the Ridgewood is Stigma Free Task Force should contact Dawn Cetrulo, Ridgewood Health Department Supervisor, at [email protected].
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that Ridgewood High School was the target of vandalism. The Ridgewood Board of Education reported criminal mischief at the Ridgewood High School occurred over the weekend. A rock was thrown through a window causing property damage.
All actors are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
