Flood zone - Page 8 of 11 - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.

Posted on February 9, 2012 January 25, 2022

>"Ridgewood school district hopes to reopen bridge." Reader says better to replace bridge than fix it

photo by Boyd loving

“Ridgewood school district hopes to reopen bridge.” Reader says better to replace bridge than fix it

A couple of points from this article that should be noted.

1) It has long been obvious to anyone and everyone who has had a conversation with an administrator or a BOE member about the bridge that they want no part of replacing it. They are scared to death that they will be forced to replace it and what the potential costs could be. (Can’t say I blame them.) Remember that when you try to digest their concerns about “ramps” becoming “dams.” That bridge is already a dam directly in the path of the river and greatly contributes to the flooding on Vets, Stevens and the RHS Field. “Ramps” would be outside the path of the river and would only become “dams” after the river has already flooded. That is a big difference. To try and argue that they are the same is ludicrous and indicative of how far they are reaching to ensure they do not have to pay to replace the bridge. It would also be very easy to build ramps that allowed flood water to run under them in the case of a major flood.

2) Allowing Angelo to be the person discussing things with the DEP is one more way to try and ensure that nothing gets done with the bridge. His job is to say “no,” especially when it comes to spending money. How do you think we ended up with the fake cupola on top of the HS? He thought no one would notice and the BOE could save some bucks. Thankfully it didn’t work out that way. He should not be involved in any of this until a decision is made and costs need to be evaluated. There should be a committee of people working with our elected state representatives to find out exactly what could be done to replace that bridge. The discussions should include; potential grants for flood relief, streamlined fast tracked approvals and guidance from the state and county and viable options that could be done quickly and cost effectively.

3) The fact that the current “Specs” demand (taking Angelo’s word which is very risky) that there be 84′ of ramps on both sides in order to raise a simple pedestrian bridge over a small stream shows just how out of touch Trenton and government as a whole has become. Governor Christie has pledged to bring common sense back to environmental restrictions. If we really want to address the bridge and the resulting flooding it would probably be good if we reached out to Christie’s office and got some direction on who we should be talking to at the DEP and get them to the site and find out what kind of options we have. There are always options when you refuse to take “no” as the answer the first time you ask. I am sure there is another way to build a small pedestrian bridge without constructing 168 feet of ramps for a 15 foot wide stream.

If we don’t get the DEP to the site and find out a way to replace that bridge we’re going to be paying $50,000 a clip to clean and renovate the fields every time we get a significant flood and then we are still going to have to pay to have it replaced because it is going to continue to erode and deteriorate no matter what the BOE thinks. We should spend the bare minimum on the bridge to get it re-opened for the short term and we should start immediately working on getting a plan together to replace it or we’re going to have the same conversations in another couple of years when the bridge needs yet again more repairs.

Posted on January 6, 2012 September 5, 2021

>Heed the warnings at Ridgewood High School footbridge

>Heed the warnings at Ridgewood High School footbridge

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Ridgewood school district reported this week that some students are ignoring signs prohibiting pedestrian traffic on the footbridge that connects Stevens and Stadium fields at Ridgewood High School (RHS).

“This is a serious safety concern,” said RHS Co-Interim Principal Basil Pizzuto in an email to parents.

An engineering report issued in December found deterioration of the bridge’s foundation, and it was shut down until repairs could be made. The bridge has been a topic of discussion at the Board of Education for a number of years, and became an even bigger issue with flooding from the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook caused by major weather events in 2011.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/136791933_Heed_the_warning_signs.html

Posted on December 31, 2011 January 25, 2022

Some thoughts on the New Year generated by the comments on our current mayor:

>Some thoughts on the New Year generated by the comments on our current mayor:

I don’t always agree with what Killion does, but I strongly disagree with some of the attacks against him. Yes, he may have a tendency to favor the unions, but who isn’t sympathetic to those whom they know, have worked with, etc?

More importantly, I think he is fair and even handed. Keith took over after two bozo’s had served as mayor. The Mancuso/Pfund years saw a decline in Village standards and services. In those days, Keith sat in the audience night after night, speaking up for what he thought should be done. When he retired, he put his effort where his mouth was and he ran for office. He’s worked his rear end off since that time. It is a thankless task — probably a lot like a fire hydrant having to cater to a number of different dogs.

Keith has not been perfect. But I think he’s handled the hand he was dealt with as best as he can, and frankly as best as most of the rest of us could. I don’t understand the approval of the Gabbert raise. That was stupid. I will say it again, that was stupid. Ketih should be looking into replacing Gabbert, not paying him more.

But, when you look at the larger picture, you see that Keith had done a good job. Pfund passed off the Valley issue to the hand picked planning board that passed a resolution over the objection of the majority of Ridgewood resident’s wishes. That issue took much of the VC;s attention away from other issues. It can never be overstated how damaging the hospital over-expansion would have been to the character of the Village. It is criminal how much time and effort was wasted dealing with what should have been a non-starter.

But, as Valley, the Graydon debate, the Graydon lawsuit and other issues were addressed, other problems were brewing. Most importantly, like every other town in America, our tax base was shrinking as costs increased. Basic economic issues needed and need to be addressed. Keith and the other VC members need to turn their attention to those issues. It is the economy stupid.

My own 7-point wish list for 2012:

1. Village Manager: Fire Gabbert and replace him with a no-nonsense leader who shakes up Village Hall.

2. Departments: Make department heads start working or fire them.

3. Budget: Serious assess where we are heading with our budget, anticipated revenues, expenses etc. What are spending money on in the Village and school board budgets and what will we need to keep spending money on to maintain village standards.

4. Downtown building: Remake the downtown without approving the massive building projects on the drawing board. New housing is only going to add to the Village problems. Don’f fall prey to the argument that only massive building will allow Ridgewood to pull out of the recession.

5. Parking — many people remark that other similarly situated towns have dealt with parking in more creative ways than building a massive parking garage. The suggestion i like the best is making our three main roads one way and changing parking from horizontal to angled, so that you can get three cars in where you only get one now.

6. NJ Transit. Don’t let them turn Ridgewood into a transit hub.

7. Fields — even handedness should be the order of the day. Not every field needs to be turfed and lighted.

Happy New Year!

Posted on December 7, 2011 September 5, 2021

FLOOD WATCH

>FLOOD WATCH

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
345 AM EST WED DEC 7 2011

…HEAVY RAIN POSSIBLE THROUGH TONIGHT…

WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-
EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-
EASTERN UNION-
345 AM EST WED DEC 7 2011

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM EST THIS MORNING THROUGH LATE
TONIGHT…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A

* FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY…INCLUDING
THE FOLLOWING AREAS…EASTERN BERGEN…EASTERN ESSEX…EASTERN
PASSAIC…EASTERN UNION…HUDSON…WESTERN BERGEN…WESTERN
ESSEX…WESTERN PASSAIC AND WESTERN UNION.

* FROM 10 AM EST THIS MORNING THROUGH LATE TONIGHT.

* AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WILL PASS JUST SOUTHEAST OF THE REGION
LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT…BRINGING A PERIOD OF MODERATE
TO LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL. RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL GENERALLY RANGE
FROM TWO TO TWO AND ONE HALF INCHES…WITH LOCALLY HIGHER
AMOUNTS POSSIBLE. THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TO FALL
DURING THE FIRST HALF OF TONIGHT.

* THE RAIN MAY LEAD TO FLOODING OF SMALL STREAMS…POOR DRAINAGE
AND URBAN AREAS…AND ROADWAYS. THE LARGER RIVERS ARE NOT
EXPECTED TO REACH FLOOD STAGE AT THIS TIME.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON
CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE
ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO
FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING
DEVELOP.

Posted on December 4, 2011 September 3, 2021

Turf Fields : You seem to have a short memory

>Turf Fields : You seem to have a short memory

You seem to have a short memory. Prior to the renovations at Maple, Stevens, BF and RHS, Ridgewood’s fields were, quite literally, the butt of jokes around various leagues in northern NJ. Our fields were an embarrassment. Ridgewood’s fields were, in fact, “AWFUL”. Go back and look at pictures of Maple and Stevens. Maple and BF were simply dangerous. Brookside remains one of the worst fields in Bergen County. Go down and look at the dirt lots at Vets and tell us how wonderful those fields are.

Athletics and nice facilities are not just “icing on the cake.” If you look at the 25 top high schools in the country, you will find that virtually all of them have strong academics, strong athletics and above average facilities. Not one of them has weak athletics or poor facilities. Do you think that is a coincidence? Academics and athletics go hand in hand when it comes to exceptional educational institutions. That doesn’t mean that every student is an exceptional scholar or an exceptional athlete. But, a diverse and well rounded culture is critical to a vibrant and high-achieving educational environment. You may want to have some facts before making sweeping incorrect statements

Posted on October 29, 2011 September 5, 2021

State Sen. Kevin O’Toole, R-Wayne, toured several back yards on Burnside Place

>State Sen. Kevin O’Toole, R-Wayne, toured several back yards on Burnside Place that abut the brook

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011
BY EVONNE COUTROS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD – Village residents turned to their state senator on Wednesday for answers on how to address years of flooding issues caused by the overflow of the Hohokus Brook.

State Sen. Kevin O’Toole, R-Wayne, toured several back yards on Burnside Place that abut the brook. Some of the houses along the winding road and neighboring streets sustained extensive flood damage during Hurricane Irene in August and in earlier storms, such as Tropical Storm Floyd in 1999.

“I want the … sandbars and rocks out of the Hohokus Brook that have gathered since Floyd,” said Leslie Cimino, whose Burnside Place home sits on less than half an acre abutting the brook and the narrow Zabriskie ditch that is a catch-basin of sorts for water overflow. “I want Ridgewood to take responsibility for cleaning the Zabriskie ditch. The ditch and the brook no longer function the way they are supposed to function. It’s a major concern.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/132677568_Residents_seek_lawmaker_s_aid.html

Posted on October 15, 2011 September 5, 2021

>N.J. bill would use open-space money for flood buyouts

N.J. bill would use open-space money for flood buyouts

Owners of more than 1,000 flood-prone homes could receive buyouts from New Jersey towns under a proposal that received unanimous support after its first legislative hearing Thursday.

The legislation permits municipalities to establish so-called Blue Acres programs to complement the state’s Green Acres program that enables towns to acquire land for parks or conservation, said Sen. Bob Gordon, a Democrat whose Bergen County district was hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Irene and other summer storms.

Money raised through local open-space taxes – subject to voter approval – could be used to buy out homeowners, knock down flood-prone structures, and turn the property into parks. (Delli Santi, The Associated Press)

https://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/131835163.html

Posted on October 13, 2011 January 25, 2022

“No Money" : Habernickel was bought, many other projects undertaken, and money was found for those – and still seems to be found- even for retroactive raises

>“No Money” : Habernickel was bought, many other projects undertaken, and money was found for those – and still seems to be found- even for retroactive raises

One person we know of who was badly affected by the non-connected storm drains asked the Village to fix that for many years, and sadly he died still waiting for the problem to be resolved. It still is unresolved.

Many times his family’s property was damaged. Many times he requested the Village take care of the problem – and was told over and again “no money” and that they would get to it when there was money available. This pre-dates fields, turf and Habernickel.

Other people we know have asked that very worn curbs be fixed for years and received the same answer.

And on our street, Village planted trees many years ago and then refused to care for them when they uprooted walks and driveways, saying they’d retroactively changed the law and the trees now are yours- but you must get permission if you want to cut them down.

If you read elsewhere on this blog too, you’ll see that recently a new proposal to give more Village trees to homeowners was made though tabled (for now). And also that the Mgr just announced a discharge fee would be applied to some homes.

Many streets are also in bad shape and need repairs around the Village.

It wasn’t as much about sewer connections as these other things, though years ago the Village didn’t charge you for the under-the-street part if that failed, either- as other posters have noted. You were not responsible to pay for the part under the street, just under your own property. If you have to dig up the street, many fees and charges apply and there is a big and expensive process involved.

In the interim though, Habernickel was bought, many other projects undertaken, and money was found for those – and still seems to be found- even for retroactive raises.

But apparently not for all the other stuff – that’s the issue- why not?

Posted on October 9, 2011 September 5, 2021

What happened to N.J. watershed management?

>What happened to N.J. watershed management?

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
BY RICHARD R. PARDI
THE RECORD

ABOUT five years ago, New Jersey, in response to a cycle of flooding and drought, instituted an ambitious plan of watershed management.

Since every resident in the state lives in a watershed, it was a matter of dividing the state into manageable areas. There are 20 delineated watershed areas. Some watershed areas, such as the Passaic River, are so large they are divided into three areas.

The Department of Environmental Protection was to have a representative in each of the watersheds (one DEP representative may cover more than one area), a utility (sewerage authority, water authority, gas and electric company), health departments, environmental commissions, academic institutions, community parks groups and public interest citizens. Management of each watershed had four components: public advisory, open space, technical advisory and education and outreach. It was one of the best ideas put forward by our state.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/131377823_What_happened_to_N_J__watershed_management_.html

Posted on September 21, 2011 September 5, 2021

Ridgewood High School football game moved to Don Bosco

Ridgewood High School football game moved to Don Bosco

“The artificial turf fields have continued to be plagued by excessive “clean-up” costs. RHS sports programs are suffering as work continues to repair the latest storm damage from flooding. On several occasions I have called upon the BOE, as the field owner, to join with the Village, sports boasters and neighbors and see what can be done to resolve this continual cycle of flood damage, field closure and expensive repair. I am sure that intelligent, creative parties working together in good faith can devise solutions. Unfortunately, the BOE and the superintendent have ignored this offer of cooperation. Please BOE, do not miss this opportunity.

Jim Morgan”

Attached is a letter from Dr. Fishbein announcing that the RHS/DonBosco game has been moved to Mahwah. The letter appears on the District website : https://tinyurl.com/4xob956

Posted on September 14, 2011 September 3, 2021

Ridgewood school board estimates Irene’s cleanup costs at $118K

>
Ridgewood school board estimates Irene’s cleanup costs at $118K

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
BY JOSEPH CRAMER
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Cleaning and repair costs to Ridgewood High School (RHS) fields following the damage that occurred during Hurricane Irene will total around $118,000, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein reported at Monday’s Board of Education (BOE) meeting

The figures will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the hopes of receiving disaster assistance funds to alleviate the cost to the district.

During his “opening of school” report, Fishbein outlined the various damages at school facilities during the late August storm, including folds, tears and sediment deposits on the turf surfaces on Stadium and Stevens fields, which both spent the better part of the storm submerged under the overflowing waters of the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook.

Fishbein estimated the cost of cleaning and repair to Stadium Field – involving the removal of debris, correction of the folds and repair of the tears – would be about $58,175. The corresponding cost to neighboring Stevens Field is about $32,585, he said. In addition, about $16,300 will need to be spent on landscaping repairs to the areas surrounding the fields.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/129736353_Ridgewood_school_board_estimates_Irene_s_cleanup_costs_at__118K.html

Posted on September 8, 2011 September 5, 2021

Flood Warning

FLOOD STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
652 AM EDT THU SEP 8 2011

...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON NY CONTINUES THE FLOOD WARNING FOR THE
RAMAPO RIVER AT MAHWAH...

HEAVY RAINFALL THROUGH THIS MORNING HAS RESULTED IN FLOODING OF THE RAMAPO RIVER.
MODERATE FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUR. MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN
WITH RAINFALL AMOUNTS BETWEEN AN INCH TO TWO INCHES ARE POSSIBLE INTO THIS
EVENING...KEEPING THE RIVER LEVEL ELEVATED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Posted on September 1, 2011 September 5, 2021

PSE&G Hurricane Irene Update: Sep. 1, 2011 at 5:30 a.m.

>
PSE&G Hurricane Irene Update: Sep. 1, 2011 at 5:30 a.m.

— Outage update: About 15,000 PSE&G customers remain impacted by Hurricane Irene, down from 33,000 as of last evening
— Estimated restoration: By Friday midnight for remaining customers in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties. By Sunday for last remaining customers in central NJ counties of Union, Middlesex and Somerset, where power restoration has been hampered by severe flooding.
— Worst storm in the company’s history impacted more than one-third of the utility’s 2.2 million electric customers.
— PSE&G has 6,000 employees supporting the restoration effort, including crews from Wisconsin, West Virginia, Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The crews are working around the clock.
— Flooding is also affecting gas service in counties such as Somerset and Passaic.
— Next update will be approx. 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 1.
FLOODED BASEMENTS
Flooded basements can pose a genuine safety risk. Customers should be cautious:
If they lose electricity and their basement is flooded, notify PSE&G (1-800-436-PSEG (7734) and call their municipality for direction and assistance in pumping water out of their basements. Stay away from the breaker box if it’s in a flooded basement. And don’t go into a flooded basement if energized wires are present.
If water is rising to the height of any gas appliance, the gas supply to the appliance should be turned off. If customers are unable to do so, they should contact PSE&G or their local police or fire department for assistance. To restore gas service to appliances call PSE&G (1-800-436-7734) and have the appliances checked for safety and restored to proper operation.
Customers should call PSE&G (1-800-436-PSEG (7734) immediately if they smell gas.
GENERATORS
Customers who use portable electric generators should carefully read and follow the manual that came with it. Be sure your generator is UL-approved, installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local electrical inspector. There must be a way to physically disconnect your generator from utility lines. Customers who improperly install, operate or maintain a generator are responsible for any injury or damage suffered by themselves, their neighbors or utility workers.
To report a power outage, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

Posted on August 31, 2011 September 5, 2021

>Why are MVC offices in flood plains?

Why are MVC offices in flood plains?

Wednesday is the day when this column usually becomes a Q&A forum — often about the Motor Vehicle Commission — but with much of North Jersey still underwater, I’ve got a question of my own about an agency that so many reader love to hate:

Why are so many motor vehicle offices in flood plains?

This question is being asked as the people who entered the Wallington office early Tuesday were being shooed out the door to prevent them from being engulfed in the wet aftermath of Hurricane Irene. MVC offices in flood-prone Lodi, Paterson and Wayne were closed all day.

Why are these offices in Paterson, Lodi and Wayne?

Of all places, why in Wayne on Route 46 near the Willowbrook Mall, the retail capital of chronic New Jersey flooding? (Cichowski, The Record)

https://www.northjersey.com/news/128726968_Money__drives__MVC__locations.html

Posted on August 31, 2011 September 5, 2021

Congressmen Scott Garrett Tours Oakland, Westwood and Hillsdale to Inspect Flood Damage From Hurricane Irene

>
Congressmen Scott Garrett (R) Tours Oakland, Westwood and Hillsdale to Inspect Flood Damage From Hurricane Irene

WASHINGTON, DC, August 30, 2011 – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) yesterday toured towns in Bergen County affected by flooding from Hurricane Irene. Garrett toured flood-damaged areas in Oakland with Mayor John Szabo, Westwood with Mayor John Birkner and Hillsdale with Mayor Max Arnowitz. He will be touring flood-damaged towns in Warren and Sussex counties today.

Rep. Scott Garrett tours flood damage in Oakland.

Westwood family takes Rep. Garrett on tour of flood-damaged home.

Hillsdale flood victims talk with Rep. Garrett.

“This is some of the worst flooding I’ve ever seen in North Jersey. Words cannot describe how heartbreaking it is to see so many homes and businesses under water,” said Garrett after touring the flood damage on Monday. “I will do everything in my power to make sure FEMA helps 5th District residents recover from this disaster. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to pitch in and lend a hand to neighbors in need. The best thing we can do right now is stick together as a community. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”

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