The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
February 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, A house fire at 506 Prospect Street in Glen Rock on Monday evening, 02/20, was battled by firefighters from Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Midland Park, and Ridgewood. At least one (1) firefighter was injured while fighting the smokey blaze. Ridgewood EMS assisted Glen Rock EMS at the scene, and Ridgewood PD units assisted Glen Rock PD with traffic control.
WEYAM RUSHDI OF JERSEY CITY CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE CRIMES RELATED TO AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MIDLAND PARK, NJ
December 13,2016
the staff of the Ridgewoood blog
Midland Park NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal has announced the arrest of WEYAM RUSHDI (DOB: 09/22/1980; single; and a student) of 33 Hudson Street, Apt. 2202 West, Jersey City, NJ on multiple charges in connection with an aggravated sexual assault that took place in Midland Park, NJ during the early morning hours of December 11, 2016. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert ANZILOTTI, and the Midland Park Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael POWDERLEY.
On Sunday, December 11, 2016, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that an adult female victim walked into Midland Park Police Department and reported that she was physically and sexually assaulted in her residence by an intruder. An investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and Midland Park Police Department ensued.
As a result of the investigation, Weyam RUSHDI was arrested on Sunday, December 11, 2016 in Waldwick, New Jersey, and charged with the following offenses: one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault with a weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14- 2a(4), a 1st degree crime; one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault during the commission of a Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(3), a 1st degree crime; onecount of Kidnapping, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1b(2), a 1st degree crime; one count of Armed Burglary, N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2b, a 2nd degree crime; one count of Aggravated Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), a 2nd degree crime; one count of Terroristic Threats, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3a, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Terroristic Threats, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, a 3rd degree crime; one count of Possession of a Weapon with an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, a 3rd degree crime; and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5c, a 4th degree crime. The Honorable Walter F. SKROD, J.S.C. of Bergen County set bail at $2,000,000.00 with no ten percent option. As conditions of bail, RUSHDI is to have no contact with the victim and surrender his passport. RUSHDI is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court for a firstappearance on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal states that the above charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutor Grewal would also like to thank the Midland Park Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
Ridgewood NJ, Shine generously for the benefit of our homebound
clients. Your holiday donation helps our “meals on
wheels” program bring meals to those who need them most.
A Gift that Shines. Need a gift this holiday season for the person who has everything? Give a donation to Community Meals, Inc. and we will send a card to
acknowledge your holiday gift in his or her honor.
No gift-wrapping required!
Our volunteers are truly “stars” who bring a warm
meal and a bright smile to our clients in Allendale,
Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Ridgewood,
Waldwick and part of Saddle River.
Community Meals, Inc.
c/o Christ Church
105 Cottage Pl
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-447-8295
www.communitymealsonwheels.org
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood is currently in Stage ll water restrictions ,until further notice, Ridgewood Water is not accepting applications or granting any exceptions. All pre-approved waivers are now void.
Stage II (Severe) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses. No irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except for the use of a hand held hose. Irrigation using a hand held hose shall be allowed at any time.
Stage II water restrictions are currently in place for Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff, New Jersey are in effect beginning June 23, 2016 until further notice.
Residents, businesses, governmental agencies, and all other water users must adhere to Stage II of the restrictions shown on our website,water.ridgewoodnj.net.
If your address is an odd number, you may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. If your address is an even number, you may irrigate on Wednesdays and Sundays only. A handheld hose may be used at any time including Mondays. No irrigation is allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except the use of a hand held hose.
The restriction level had to be increased to Stage II because water is being consumed at a greater rate than the supply system can sustain, thus reducing the amount of water in reserve for fire fighting and other emergencies.
Compliance with the Stage II restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed. Your cooperation is appreciated. Violators will be subject to a fine and court appearance
Leak Detection
A leak can waste large amounts of water; up to 20 gallons a day for slow drips and hundreds of gallons a day for both toilet and faucet leaks. Some leaks are easily detected while others are not so obvious. Any leak, big or small, can be very costly and wasteful and should be repaired as soon as possible.
Water meters are equipped to assist you in leak detection. Turn off all faucets, water-demanding appliances, and outdoor hoses, etc. Be sure no one is using any water. The water meters feature a “leak detector”. To check if the meter detects a leak, shine a light on the top of the meter next to the flashlight icon to activate the display. After a startup sequence, the screen will cycle between the current reading and the current flow rate. As shown in the photo below, the word RATE appears with 3 digits below it. These digits represent the current rate in gallons per minute of water going through the meter. If the leak has been ongoing, the meter will also display a small faucet icon.
If the meter indicates that you have a leak, inspect all fixtures, appliances, and pipes to locate it, keeping in mind that there may be more than one source of leakage. Sometimes a leak may be hidden in the underground piping. If you believe this to be the case, call a plumber for advice. The meter can also provide further assistance in understanding your consumption. By request, Ridgewood Water will download a detailed log of your consumption for the past 96 days. Ridgewood Water needs physical access to the meter to perform this service. Please call our Customer Service department to schedule an appointment.
Summer Water Restrictions
Stage I will be in effect each year starting on June 1st and will continue through August 31st. If conditions warrant, irrigation will be prohibited on additional days of the week up to and including a total ban on irrigation.
Compliance with the initial restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Stage I (Moderate) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses. Irrigation using a hand-held hose shall be allowed at any time. No irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays except for the use of a hand held hose.
Stage II (Severe) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses. No irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except for the use of a hand held hose. Irrigation using a hand held hose shall be allowed at any time.
Stage III (Pending/Critical) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to the use of a hand held hose on Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses. No irrigation of any kind shall be allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays.
Stage IV (Critical) – Irrigation is prohibited at any time. Exceptions for irrigation using a hand held hose may be allowed under conditions prescribed by the Village Manager of the Village of Ridgewood.
July 7,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, we just received word that the 2 boats up in Midland Park have been removed from the water Department property.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/does-ridgewood-water-own-2-small-boats/
Ridgewood NJ, despite two postponements the day of the day of reckoning may be upon Ridgewood Water with the class action lawsuit trial between Glen Rock , Midland Park and Wyckoff customers and Ridgewood Water .
According to the Glen Rock Gazette Glen Rock Mayor Bruce Packer said that the proceeding is scheduled to commence Monday, June 27, and continue on June 28 and 30, and on July 6, 7, 11, 12, 22 and 29.
The case has finally reached the trial docket after failed attempts earlier this year to achieve a mediated settlement between the water utility and its customers in Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff.
The class action suit, was brought by the three municipalities on behalf of residents, and alleges some $3.3 million in overcharges by the company, and that the Village of Ridgewood NJ improperly commingled water company revenues to other areas of its municipal budget.
According to plaintiffs’ attorney Joseph Fiorenzo of Wyckoff, the towns are seeking a return of the amount officials believe their residents were overcharged – Glen Rock, $1,049,165; Midland Park, $619,635; and Wyckoff, $1,640,492.
Ridgewood NJ, The day of reckoning maybe at hand for Ridgewood Water. The class action lawsuit filed against Ridgewood Water by three of the municipalities Glen Rock, Wyckoff, and Midland Park it serves will go to trial April 5 in Bergen County Superior Court.
Ridgewood Water, a public utility owned by the Village of Ridgewood, provides water to Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, and Midland Park. The law suit, filed on behalf of ratepayers in 2011, seeks the complete repeal of the utility’s 37 percent rate increase since 2010. Ridgewood representatives claim the increase was necessary for the utility to stay solvent. The lawsuit claims that the utility artificially inflated its costs by commingling Village cost with that of Ridgewood water.
Ridgewood elected officials skipped out a meeting with retired Judge Peter E. Doyne on January 8th that was set up to try and settle the lawsuit. So there was nothing left for the parties to do but press forward with the lawsuit.
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
February 26,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Midland Park NJ, A large sinkhole on Woodside Avenue in Midland Park almost swallowed a small Midland Park Department of Public Works truck whole, and caused major disruption to water, waste water, and natural gas services in sections of Midland Park and nearby Ridgewood. The were no injuries reported in the calamity
SUPPORT WILL HELP TO FIGHT SENIOR ISOLATION AND HUNGER IN ALLENDALE, GLEN ROCK, HO-HO-KUS, MIDLAND PARK, RIDGEWOOD, WALDWICK AND PART OF SADDLE RIVER
Community Meals, Inc. will be participating in the
14th Annual March for Meals
– a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels and the homebound and vulnerable seniors who rely on its vital safety net.
In previous years CMI celebrated Mayors for Meals, a one-day event associated with the March for Meals campaign. This year CMI celebrates 45 years of serving a growing community, and therefore, expanding their “March” program to include a variety of “Community Champions” in hopes of bringing more awareness to this valuable, privately funded community service.
If you wish to learn about March for Meals or Community Meals and how you can be involved, please email our office Community Meals, Inc.
or visit our website.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, research, education and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Meals on Wheels
Community Meals, Inc. | 201-447- 8295 communitymeals@verizon.net
www.communitymealsonwheels.org
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015, 5:41 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015, 5:58 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Sprinklers will be silenced around the village as dry weather has forced Ridgewood Water to initiate severe restrictions on irrigation.
On Friday, residents in Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Ridgewood learned they could face stiff fines should they opt to use anything other than a handheld hose with a spray nozzle to water their lawns.
Ridgewood Water has imposed its most oppressive restrictions, deeming the situation “critical.”
Related: Hot, dry weather depleting North Jersey drinking water supply
Use of these spray nozzles will be restricted to just two days a week; those with odd numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Saturdays with even numbered homes able to irrigate Wednesdays and Sundays.
No irrigation is permitted on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays until further notice.
According to Ridgewood officials, reserves need to be maintained for household use and for firefighters who’ll need water and enough pressure to fight potential fires.
JULY 23, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY REBECCA GREENE
CORRESPONDENT |
WYCKOFF SUBURBAN NEWS
The five-year-old class action lawsuit filed by Wyckoff, and joined by Midland Park and Glen Rock, claiming overcharges by Ridgewood Water to the tune of $3.3 million has been remanded to Superior Court — a favorable development, according to local officials.
The lawsuit, which was filed in 2010, alleges that a 21 percent rate hike in 2010 and 5 percent increases in 2011 and 2012 were used to plug gaps in the Village of Ridgewood’s budget.
The towns are seeking a return of the amount officials believe their residents were overcharged: Wyckoff, 1,640,492; Midland Park, $619,635; and Glen Rock, $1,049,165.
A 25-page opinion handed down Wednesday, July 15, by the Appellate Division of state Superior Court reversed a decision by Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia in December 2013 that the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) should handle the litigation.
“We conclude the trial court misconstrued the jurisdictional provision [in state statute] causing it to erroneously transfer this case to the BPU,” the appeals panel wrote. “We discern no legal or public policy basis to defer to the BPU’s jurisdiction a function historically associated with and inherently performed by the Superior Court.”
“We’re pleased that the Appellate Division finally remanded it back to a Superior Court judge,” Wyckoff Mayor Kevin Rooney said. “We have a strong case and the facts are clear. We want our day in court.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/rate-hike-lawsuit-changing-course-1.1378875
APRIL 22, 2015, 5:18 PM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015, 5:20 PM
BY STEVE JANOSKI
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
MIDLAND PARK — A December 2014 state inspection of Midland Park’s three schools did not find evidence of fraudulent markings in the buildings’ boiler logbooks, a claim made in a recent lawsuit by two former custodians who contend they were fired after pointing out inconsistencies in those logbooks.
Kerri H. Gatling, public information officer for the Department of Labor & Workforce Development, said that the department found no violations during its Dec. 30 visit, only “minor issues” with the logbooks that were not cited.
“Under state law, a licensed operator is needed in the building when the building is occupied and the boiler is operating,” Gatling said, adding that the boilers were shut down during the inspection because school was not in session. As a normal course of action, she said, inspectors will return once more when the boilers are operating.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Wyckoff, Midland Park added to Bergen 911 dispatch system
DECEMBER 15, 2014, 9:43 PM LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014, 9:44 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
The Bergen County Freeholders agreed Monday to add Wyckoff and Midland Park to the county’s 911 emergency dispatch system, bringing the total number of towns served by the system to 23.
The board unanimously approved both contracts but only after several freeholders complained that the resolution had been presented with some urgency and at the last minute.
Capt. Mark Lepinski, communications director with the County Police, said any delay could result in the two towns not having dispatch service effective Jan. 1.
Lepinski urged the freeholders not to delay their vote, noting that the county has to hire new dispatchers and the towns need to purchase equipment for the county to provide the service by Jan. 1.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/wyckoff-midland-park-added-to-bergen-911-dispatch-system-1.1154885
file photo Boyd loving
Midland Park switches gears on 9-1-1 call
NOVEMBER 7, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2014, 3:40 PM
BY LYNN BRUGGEMANN
CORRESPONDENT |
MIDLAND PARK SUBURBAN NEWS
MIDLAND PARK – Two months after entering negotiations with the Ridgewood-based Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch, the Borough Council has changed its mind, voting Thursday, Nov. 6, to “continue negotiations” with representatives of the Bergen County Public Safety Operations Center in Mahwah for emergency and 9-1-1 dispatch services to the borough’s 7,176 residents.
Councilman Mark Braunius made the motion to “continue negotiations” with the center at the end of the meeting. The motion was not listed as an agenda item.
Borough Clerk and Administrator Adeline Hanna then read a statement.
“After much deliberation regarding two very professional, well-run organizations for the service of dispatching our emergency services, the borough of Midland Park has made the decision to form an alliance with the Bergen County Public Safety Operations Center located in the township of Mahwah.”
Officials said the borough expects to pay between $135,000 and $160,000 for county 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch services, which would begin Jan. 1.
“There is a high level of confidence by county authorities that we will be up and running for Jan. 1,” said Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan. “We are led to believe we will receive [better] services.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/midland-park-switches-gears-on-9-1-1-call-1.1129296
Midland Park OKs dispatching negotiations
OCTOBER 2, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY LYNN BRUGGEMANN
CORRESPONDENT
MIDLAND PARK SUBURBAN NEWS
MIDLAND PARK — The Borough Council voted Thursday, Sept. 25, to table an ordinance introduced two weeks earlier to enter into an agreement with Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch for emergency dispatch services .
Instead, the council passed a resolution “to enter into negotiations with the Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch, including the ownership communities’ governing bodies of the Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch.”
Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch is an independent multijurisdictional service owned by the municipalities of Ridgewood and Glen Rock, which is allowed by state statute.
“We were agreeing to something that was not contractually ready,” said Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan. “[The agreement] was not properly presented to all the parties we are dealing with.”
The council’s action appears to correct a procedural misstep.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/council-authorizes-dispatching-talks-1.1100717#sthash.sSFOYlmq.dpuf
