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SHAWN MICHAELS AT BOOKENDS THIS COMING TUESDAY!

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SHAWN MICHAELS AT BOOKENDS THIS COMING TUESDAY!

Ridgewood NJ, This Tuesday, February 10th at 6:00pm Shawn Michaels will be signing his new book: WRESTLING FOR MY LIFE ($22.99). Books available NOW!!

*All books MUST be purchased at Bookends Bookstore*

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.

Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.

Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726

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Ridgewood’s problem is under-development

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Ridgewood’s problem is under-development

February 6, 2015    Last updated: Friday, February 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
The Ridgewood News
Print

Under-development is the problem

To The Editor:

I’m one of many “empty nesters” with no organized campaign but love Ridgewood, want to continue living here when downsizing occurs, and am enthusiastic about the option of modern apartments near the Central Business District. But leave aside my personal interest. As I told a victorious Village Council candidate, last year’s campaigners talked of “over-development” but Ridgewood’s problem is clearly under-development – vacant storefronts and auto dealerships and large empty tracts along the railroad.

The proposed apartments would boost our image as a thriving town, help the tax base, and add foot traffic for stores. The building plans are visually attractive. We’re fortunate that developers believe in Ridgewood and want to invest. Of course village officials must consider adequate on-site parking, traffic and pedestrian patterns, and school enrollment (unless apartments are designated for seniors). But any issues can surely be negotiated as necessary so these valuable projects can proceed. This, plus a major new parking facility a la Montclair, will help our merchants prosper and benefit everyone.

Richard Ostling

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-ridgewood-s-problem-is-under-development-1.1265969

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Ridgewood adjusts parking rates, plans to create spaces

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Ridgewood adjusts parking rates, plans to create spaces

FEBRUARY 6, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — In its effort to improve parking downtown, the council has adjusted prices for some parking permits and expanded spaces in the village.

Part-time employees working at Ridgewood businesses will soon be able to purchase an annual permit for $25 allowing them access to the lot on Cottage Place. Motorists with these permits will still need to feed the meters or use a mobile app in the future to pay for time, though they can repeat park for up to six hours or buy an all-day pass for $7, officials said.

No change was made to the permits for full-time employees, which still cost $80 a month and permit all-day parking.

A vote is set for next week on a resolution to partner with Atlanta-based Parkmobile, the makers of a smartphone app that allows motorists to pay for parking with credit cards.

In addition, those with resident stickers, which can be obtained for free, can also buy same-day passes for $10 using Parkmobile. Non-residents interested in day passes will be charged $20.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-adjusts-rates-for-parking-1.1266048

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Village Engineer’s Office Proposes 16 Additional Spaces in the CBD

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Village Engineer’s Office Proposes 16 Additional Spaces in the CBD
February 6,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,According to a Village Engineer’s office flyer that was distributed to Village Council members at Wednesday night’s meeting.16 additional CBD parking spaces could be created with minimal disruption.

EASTBQUND FRANKLIN AVENUE; South curb between Walnut and Cottage Streets. REMOVE “No Parking”~ADD 7 SPACES. (Same concept as in front of B.O.E. where metered parking already exists).

EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE: South curb at traffic light with North Maple Avenue. Reduce bus stop to 60 feet (conform to NJ Transit standard for near-side stop). ADD 2 SPACES.

HUDSON STREET: Add a parking box and ONE parking space.

GODWIN AVENUE: South curb. East of Pomander Walk around strip mall. ADD 3 SPACES

EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE: ADD ONE space in front of It’s Greek to Me.

NORTH BROAD STREET; ADD 2 SPACES. Taxi company can park north of the building.

Some readers note : If I recall correctly, the spaces along Franklin Avenue across from the Stop & Shop were previously proposed and ruled out due to safety concerns associated with the number of active driveways along that side of the street.

With respect to the proposed spot in front of It’s Greek to Me, how will a passenger(s) be discharged with those flower boxes sitting there?

Is NJ Transit okay with reducing the length of the bus stop in front of Arthur Groom/Ridgewood Running Company?

Godwin Avenue & Hudson Street – Will the line of sight distance be dangerously reduced for drivers pulling out of the adjacent parking lots?

Has the taxi company been informed about the proposed reduction in their on street parking?

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Ridgewood parking there is an app for that

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Ridgewood parking there is an app for that

FEBRUARY 3, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 10:52 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

With coin meters becoming obsolete, Ridgewood may soon implement “cutting-edge” technology that lets users pay with their phone to park.

The council last Wednesday discussed three parking proposals, but ultimately expressed support for piloting an option that would require no capital investment for the village except for minor signage costs: Parkmobile, a smartphone app that will let people pay by phone and remotely extend their parking time.

If a resolution to award a contract to Parkmobile is approved at the next council meeting, then some concurrent ordinances would also need to be passed, according to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld.

It would then take several weeks to get the pilot going, starting in the lots only, in the first phase of implementation.

“It’s at least a six week to eight week implementation time frame,” Sonenfeld said last Thursday, noting that the efforts are very “preliminary.” “If we can get it done faster, we will obviously.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/ridgewood-mulls-pay-by-phone-parking-app-1.1263551

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Ridgewood residents argue against allowing proposed dense development downtown

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Ridgewood residents argue against allowing proposed dense development downtown

FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 10:24 PM    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 10:24 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Print

RIDGEWOOD — A proposed master plan amendment permitting high-density multifamily housing projects downtown needs a reduction in allowed density before it can be adopted, village residents contended in testimony before the Planning Board on Tuesday night.

The second and final night of public commentary on the proposed master plan change took place at the board’s weekly meeting.

More than a dozen Ridgewood residents asked the board to exert caution as it proceeds with its ongoing consideration of the proposal.

For five years, the Planning Board has been mulling the merits of amending the master plan. The amendment’s passage — first, by the board and later, the Village Council — would clear the way for three planned housing developments.

At the Planning Board’s meeting last week, more than 30 residents spoke, some in favor of the proposal and others opposed.

Residents wary of the changes said the density submitted in the amended language was too intense, suggesting it be reduced from 40 to 50 units per acre to etween 20 and 25.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-residents-argue-against-allowing-proposed-dense-development-downtown-1.1263727

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Ridgewood advances on parking meter plan

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Ridgewood advances on parking meter plan

FEBRUARY 3, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The village council is moving closer to a plan to partially automate its parking meters — an effort that could reduce the potential for theft of meter revenue.

The village manager also is recommending that the council set aside $13,000 to update all its single-head parking meters with secure canisters, which would restrict access to the coins inside them.

The council is expected to vote on a resolution to contract with Atlanta-based Parkmobile — the makers of a smartphone app that allows people to pay with credit cards — when it meets Feb. 11.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us, and it’s something we could do relatively quick,” Mayor Paul Aronsohn said, pointing out that the system could be “up and running” within six weeks.

“I, too, believe [this] is the way to go, as the meter system will become obsolete in the future,” Councilwoman Susan Knudsen said.

The village started examining how it collects and stores parking meter revenue following the arrest two years ago of its public works manager for stealing more than $450,000 in meter quarters from a storage room in Village Hall. Thomas Rica used a building master key he was given to regularly enter the room and stole quarters for two years.

Rica pleaded guilty in March to four counts of third-degree theft. He was sentenced in July to five years’ probation and ordered to repay about $250,000.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-advances-on-parking-meter-plan-1.1263409

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Ridgewood debates master plan

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Ridgewood debates master plan

FEBRUARY 1, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The Planning Board learned that when it comes to three high-density multi-family apartment complexes being pitched for downtown, the number of units matters.

Most of the more than 30 current and former village residents who testified at Thursday night’s meeting said they supported a proposed master plan amendment that would permit larger housing developments than Ridgewood is used to.

Others rejected the notion of such buildings going up in the village, claiming its character would be irrevocably altered.

They agreed, though, that the density shift being suggested in the proposed amendment’s language should be reduced by about half.

The master plan amendment — sought by three developers with property in Ridgewood who are eager to break ground on projects with more than 200 apartments — would increase the number of units allowed per acre from 12 to between 40 and 50.

“The applicant is threatening to destroy the small-town feel of Ridgewood,” said one resident, Frank Schott, adding that the new housing complexes would add “major stress” to the village’s entire infrastructure.

https://www.northjersey.com/towns/master-plan-debated-in-ridgewood-1.1262492

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Restaurant review: Novo in Ridgewood

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Restaurant review: Novo in Ridgewood

January 30, 2015    Last updated: Friday, January 30, 2015, 5:45 PM
By Elisa Ung
The Record

With its gentle lighting and soothing tones of blue and cream, the modern dining room of Ridgewood’s Novo lulled me into a false sense of calm. Then the food began arriving, and I spent the rest of the evening on the edge of my seat.

Piles of tiny handmade couscous, the lightest I have ever had, cushioned impeccable sautéed mussels, shrimp, squid and fish, putting other seafood pasta dishes to shame ($32). Slices of rich house-made lamb bacon gave heft to a flatbread appetizer ($14) and character to steak-like Colorado lamb chops layered over a musky date-eggplant purée ($38). And the only dish I ate that didn’t look like it belonged on a magazine cover — a powdered-sugar-dusted duck confit pie called duck bisteeya — made up for its plain appearance with an exhilarating sweet-spicy-tangy flavor ($33).

https://www.northjersey.com/food-and-dining-news/restaurant-reviews/restaurant-review-novo-in-ridgewood-1.1261629

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West Ridgewood Dental Offers “Give Kids A Smile”

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West Ridgewood Dental Offers “Give Kids A Smile”

On Friday, February 6, 2015, WEST RIDGEWOOD DENTAL PROFESSIONALS WILL OFFER FREE DENTAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AGES 12 AND YOUNGER. Give Kids a Smile is meant to help children who cannot otherwise afford to see a dentist. These services, part of the New Jersey program, GIVE KIDS A SMILE!, include examinations, cleaning, and corrective procedures such as extractions and fillings, at no cost to the child’s family. If you know of a child in need of dental treatment and unable to afford the cost, please have their parent or guardian call our office to schedule an appointment on Friday, February 6,2015 between 8am to 5pm. We are looking forward to serving our community and helping CHILDREN SMILE BRIGHTER!

For an appointment please call – 201-652-8875
88 W Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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Ridgewood’s Lincoln Building sold for $3.9 million

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Ridgewood’s Lincoln Building sold for $3.9 million

JANUARY 30, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD

Saxum Real Estate Partners has bought the Lincoln Building, one of Ridgewood’s oldest office properties, for $3.9 million, according to the broker in the deal.

The five-story, 24,000-square-foot building, in Ridgewood’s shopping district across from the train station, was built in 1927, according to town records.

The former owner, The Lincoln Building LLC, an affiliate of Sedler Realty, had purchased the property in 2006 for $3 million, according to property records.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/ridgewood-building-sold-for-3-9m-1.1261626

Ridgewood’s tallest office building makes its way to the sales block

https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewoods-tallest-office-building-makes-its-way-to-the-sales-block/

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Bookends is OPEN TODAY from 11:00am – 6:00pm

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Bookends is  OPEN TODAY from 11:00am – 6:00pm

Coming to Bookends This Week…

Tomorrow (Wednesday, January 28th) at 7:00pm- Member of The Ramones, MARKY RAMONE, will sign his new book: PUNK ROCK BLITZKRIEG ($28.00).

Thursday, January 29th at 7:00pm- From Little House on the Prairie, MELISSA GILBERT, will sign her new cookbook: MY PRAIRIE COOKBOOK ($24.95).

*All books MUST be purchased at Bookends Bookstore*

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.

Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.

Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed.  We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ   07450   201-445-0726

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Reader says instead of trying to change the town to fit his fancy, Mr Simoncini should move somewhere else

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Reader says instead of trying to change the town to fit his fancy, Mr Simoncini should move somewhere else

Who the hell let this miserable carpet bagger into town?

First of all, I don’t recall any discussion of student population falling.

Second, there is no proposal for “luxury housing” — there is a proposal for increased density so that the developers can develop like Newark or Hackensack. As Blaise said, the devil is in the details, and the details shown so far as for illustrative purposes only. Once the increased density is approved then the developers can go in with plans for whatever they want approved. Of course, the site is presently zoned in a manner that would allow luxury condo’s or townhouses, but not at the profit this sycophant and his master are looking for.

Third, I have heard a couple of the developer’s friends and investors talk about how lovely it would be to have a place in town, but I have heard no groundswell of support for “change.”

Finally, getting back to my original point, who the hell let this jackass into town, and if he feels the way he does, why did he pick Ridgewood to live in? We do feel is a special place. He doesn’t need to agree, but instead of trying to change the town to fit his fancy, he should move his sorry ass somewhere else.

Really?! Yes, Really!! You don’t like the town, Mr. Lapdog, go move somewhere else where you and your master can develop to your heart’s content without having to worry about the democratic process slowing you down.

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Submission of Documents by the Public – Master Plan Amendment Hearings on Multifamily Housing in CBD

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Submission of Documents by the Public – Master Plan Amendment Hearings on Multifamily Housing in CBD

SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS BY INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT HEARINGS ON MULTIFAMILY HOUSING IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

The Planning Board has scheduled January 29 and February 3 as hearing dates for interested members of the public to comment on the proposed master plan amendment. If any individuals intend to submit one or more documents for consideration by the Board, they are strongly encouraged to submit such documents as far in advance of these hearing dates as possible, so that the admissibility of the documents can be reviewed beforehand.

Any documents must be submitted to the Planning Board Secretary, Michael Cafarelli, either in person or by mail at Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, or by email at [email protected].

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Seven Yields Eleven for Taekowndo All In

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Seven Yields Eleven for Taekowndo All In

Ridgewood NJ, Seven athletes from Taekwondo All In, a school in downtown Ridgewood dedicated to teaching the Korean martial art, recently traveled to Oregon to compete in the Pan American Open, a tournament that drew over 1500 participants from more than 30 countries. The All In athletes’ results were striking: Nine Gold medals and three Silver, twelve medals in all. Moreover, every member of the All In team earned at least one gold medal.

The results are especially impressive considering the competitive field present at the Pan American Open. The Tournament is a designated path for athletes to ultimately qualify for the Summer Olympics. Of the participants, only twenty percent received any medal.
The details of the athletes’ outcomes are as follows:
• Brandon Jinu Son – Gold in sparring and Silver in forms. Son continued his undefeated career sparring record.
• Jongyun Tony An – Gold in forms and Silver sparring. An’s demonstrated his prowess in the forms segment.
• Jihoon David Ahn – Gold in both sparring and forms. This was Ahn’s first major tournament. He dominated his age group. In sparring, he captured the gold medal with an acrobatic jump back kick.
• Jiho Jason Ahn – Gold in sparring and Silver in forms. Ahn easily defeated his sparring opponents with well-devised strategies.
• Suyeon Louis Kim – Gold medal in forms. Kim demonstrated grace and precision to capture her first gold medal at a major tournament.
• Yeonjae Lee – Gold in forms. This was Yeonjae Lee’s first tournament. He fought through a very competitive group to earn a gold medal.
• Yeongyu Lee – Gold in both sparring and forms. It was also Yeongyu Lee’s first tournament. He came through in the final rounds to outpace his competitors.

Youngmin Kim, the head coach and owner of Taekowndo All In, commented, “I would like to congratulate our team for their stellar results. It is very difficult to perform at the premier level, and this year’s competition was fierce. Our athletes came through adversity with superb energy, discipline and grit.” He also noted, “I want to thank the parents of All In students for entrusting us with their children. It is a true privilege.”
Having successes at tournaments is nothing new for Taekowndo All In. Just a month ago, the All In athletes had a strong showing at a New Jersey statewide tournament, earning 47 medals. Also, earlier this year, they made impressive strides at the U.S. Nationals.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art with a rich tradition of teaching self defense, mental discipline, and respect. The sport has been a part of the Summer Olympics since 2000. Taekwondo All In, located at 33 Chestnut Street in Ridgewood, was founded in 2012 by Youngmin Kim, a Taekwondo master and former scholarship recipient and professional athlete in the sport. (201) 857-0445

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