By Christopher Baxter and Matthew Stanmyre | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on December 09, 2016 at 11:15 AM, updated December 09, 2016 at 10:15 PM
The state Legislature will hold hearings to examine the conduct of the nation’s leading maker of artificial sports fields, FieldTurf, after a report that the company made millions selling high-end turf for years after knowing it was falling apart.
Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Passaic) said Friday the Senate Commerce Committee wants to hear from top officials at the company, Montreal-based FieldTurf, as well as school districts and local officials to determine the extent of the alleged fraud.
“Millions of dollars in taxpayer funds were spent on this product that the company reportedly knew was defective and after its own executives began sounding alarms within the organization about the product failure,” Pou said in a statement.
Money represents first to come from stable source of funding approved by voters in 2014
Credit: newsworks.org
For the first time in two years, the state is looking to award up to $67.4 million in funding to municipalities, counties, and nonprofit groups to acquire open space and develop recreational projects.
The state Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for the first chunk of money to be doled by a new stable source of funding approved by voters back in the fall of 2014 for Green Acres projects.
A dispute between the Christie administration and the Legislature that lasted months derailed the annual disbursement of grants and loans to towns and other groups for park development, land acquisition, and, for the first time, stewardship of protected land.
Ridgewood NJ, last night council meeting saw Rurik Halaby in fine form, pronouncing Mayor Susan Knudsen’s name wrong once again and ranting that Schedler was a dump filled with broken glass,plastic bottles and god knows what else. He further claimed the house was a junk heap and there were no endangered species there claiming that Eagles don’t hang out near highways.
Anne Loving remedied the situation, durring the public comment she asked Susan about the pronounciation of her name so that all would hear. Don’t know if Rurik or it was past his bed time but it will be in the minutes.
Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon is planning to request municipal funds to be used to upgrade the tree replacement program which is practically non existent except for volunteer efforts. We have been losing trees due to age, sidewalk replacement, storms and neglect. At one time Ridgewood had nine employees in the Shade Tree Division now we have three.
But the big news I heard is that the sports groups/ field committee are looking to replace the turf at Maple Field. Councilmen Ramon Hache said that it is so hard and damaged that it is unsafe to play on. Artificial turf in a flood plain well here we go again. A little snippet from the Ridgewood blog in 2007 ; Reader says, “All you “fiscally responsible” folks — artificial turf, like that at Maple, is the way to go” https://theridgewoodblog.net/reader-says-all-you-fiscally-responsible-folks-artificial-turf-like-that-at-maple-is-the-way-to-go/
Parking came up as usual and there is concern that it is now on the back burner but the council is currently looking at all their options and revisiting the Hudson Street Garage.
Heather Mailander was very competent and managerial. What a pleasure and such a change from our previous manager who talked more than the whole council put together.
Ridgewood NJ, since so many readers asked about the nature of the RBSA Ridgewood Baseball Softball Association . Its a well funded and heavily participated organization in Ridgewood .The Ridgewood blog searched the RBSA website to see who was doing what .
The Ridgewood Baseball & Softball Association’s (RBSA) primary objective is to provide an opportunity for the young men and women of the community to learn to play the games of baseball and softball in an atmosphere that will reinforce the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, teamwork, and to foster their growth into healthy and responsible citizens. We provide Spring and Summer recreational programs as well as advanced, competitive travel programs in the Spring, Summer and Fall.
Volunteers
Each year the RBSA solicits volunteers to assist the officers and trustees with a wide range of activities. We are grateful for the many volunteers who help us by coaching, as well as those who lend their support with fund-raising, parade activities, team administration and the like – thereby enabling the board to concentrate on player and program development. As required by the Little League Child Protection Program, a background check will be conducted on each volunteer in the New Jersey Registered Sex Offender database. RBSA ensures that any and all information obtained during this process will be considered extremely confidential and not shared with anyone outside the RBSA Board.
CITIZEN’S PARK
Lower and Upper
301 Godwin Ave
RIdgewood NJ
GEORGE WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
155 Washington Place
Ridgewood NJ
GLEN SCHOOL (EAST AND WEST)
865 E Glen Ave
Ridgewood NJ
HABERNICKEL PARK
1037 Hillcrest Road
Ridgewood NJ
HAWES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Upper and Lower
531 Stevens Ave
Ridgewood NJ
KENILWORTH (NORTH AND SOUTH)
44 S Pleasant Ave
Ridgewood NJ
MAPLE PARK
240 Northern Pkwy
Ridgewood NJ
ORCHARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
230 Demarest St
Ridgewood NJ
RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
325 West Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood NJ
SOMERVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (NW
45 S Pleasant Ave
Ridgewood NJ
STEVENS FIELD
Please DO NOT park on North Irving – you will be ticketed. Park at or around Ridgewood High School
43 N Irving St
Ridgewood NJ
there’s a running theme on this blog of having people minimize the significance of an event to try to make the conversation stop. (It seems to have the opposite effect.) Here’s a scenario that did NOT go down. A fervent resident presses a literally-pay-to-play-baseball check upon an official, who smiles, hands it back, and says, “We know how much you want this mondo field that the Schedler neighbors have good arguments against. If we go with it, believe me, we’ll come to you for a big donation. Until the council has voted to proceed, however, naturally you can see that we can’t accept any money. Think how that would look! And of course we wouldn’t be allowed to let it sit around without cashing it–there’s an ordinance against that–yet cashing it prematurely would give the wrong message about how the council makes its decisions. opening village government to valid criticism and potential lawsuits. That wouldn’t be good! See you at the Daily Treat!”
Ridgewood NJ, During Wednesday evening’s Village Council Work Session, Deputy Mayor Michael Sedon confirmed that former Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld had failed to adhere to NJSA 5:31-3.1 when she chose not to deposit a check for $100k from the Ridgewood Baseball Softball Association (RBSA), made out to the Village of Ridgewood. According to Mr. Sedon, Sonenfeld put the check in either a “safe or drawer,” where it remained for an undisclosed period of time (likely weeks or months) before being returned to the RBSA.
It is believed the $100k was intended to serve as a donation for construction of a then planned 90 foot baseball field on the Schedler property. However, despite the submission of an Open Public Records Act request, no official documents were ever produced in connection with the donation, its subsequent return, nor any stipulations associated with it.
Receipt of the check was mentioned during at least one (1) open public meeting of the Council, but there was never any open discussion about why NJSA 5:31-3.1 (funds to be deposited in authority’s legal depository within 48 hours of receipt) wasn’t being followed, nor why the check was being returned.
Little League rules mandate that every player on a team’s roster must have at least one at-bat in a game.
That was no problem for Tony Barbera, manager of the Ridgewood Under-14 Little League softball team, which roared to district, sectional and state championships this summer and missed by one game of moving on to the Junior Little League World Series in Kirkland, Wash.
BY MATTHEW BIRCHENOUGH
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Just over 11 months ago, the Ridgewood Raiders 14U baseball team returned to a hero’s welcome in the village after the squad’s successful season culminated in a trip to the Junior League World Series.
The same group of boys had another strong campaign this summer but without any of the fanfare that accompanied last year’s triumphs. That was perfectly fine with them.
Ridgewood NJ, In October 2015 Resident Jacqueline Hone raised several issues pertaining to the Schedler Park Project including the allegation that the applications for Open Space Funds were fraudulent .
Ms Hone basically received the blow off from the Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld and she sent a second email exclaiming ,”A citizen’s complaint should not be viewed as a threat, but rather an opportunity to dismiss wrong doing and restore/gain public trust. As public servants, Village Manager and Council, have a fiduciary obligation to investigate citizen’s complaints and afford the complainant due process. The complainant has a right to receive a panel decision, with detailed explanation, as to whether allegations are sustained, not sustained, deemed unfounded or exonerated.”
As of now the allegations pertaining to the Schedler Park Project still stand and many Schedler area residents are still looking for answers .
From: Jacqueline Hone
Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2015 1:48 PM
To: Gwenn Hauck; Paul Aronsohn; Susan Knudsen; Michael Sedon; Albert Pucciarelli
Subject: Notice of Complaint Village of Ridgewood
Mayor and Council Members:
In regards to the Schedler Park Project, I would like to file a complaint and draw your attention to the following for scrutiny and disciplinary action.
On 9/8/15 and 9/16/15 it was brought to your attention, that the applications used to obtain approximately $2 million in Open Space grants, were completed with intentional omission, false and misleading information, without municipal endorsement, and without public notification as required.
Village Manager and Counsel quickly diverted attention and dismissed the matter saying submissions of incomplete applications, to Bergen County, is acceptable and common practice. This is not a matter of submitting incomplete applications. The applications are fraudulent and were submitted with the intent to receive funds. If the facts were known, the site plan for Schedler would be in violation of County and State provisions. Thus, the Village should not proceed with the Schedler plan as is.
1) Village Manager, Roberta Sonenfeld, submitted an application, on or about 9/1/15, seeking $100,000 of Bergen County Open Space Funds. This application was submitted with blatant, intentional, false and misleading information, without Council endorsement and public notification as mandated. The application shows the Village Manager committed $100k of municipal funds (tax payer’s money) without Council approval. What authority, if any, does the Village Manager have to authorize and commit tax payer’s money without Council approval? Under what authority was this done?
When confronted about the allocation of municipal funds, Village Manager stated the 100k would eventually come from the Ridgewood Baseball Association (RBSA) via gift donation. However, since the RBSA money was yet to be received, municipal funds were allocated in its place. Once the gift is received, it will be moved into the municipal funds account. What authority does the Village Manager have to front tax payer’s money and act as a temporary lender to the RBSA? This accounting practice is suspect and I believe also constitutes commingling of funds, which is prohibited. If this was done for the RBSA, why wasn’t this preferential treatment extended to the Friends of the Historic Zabriskie House.
2) Land Use Restriction: The State and County have strict provisions regarding Open Space, Green Space, Historic Preservation and full disclosure of threatened wildlife, vegetation and environmental impacts. As such, development at Schedler would have strict limitations, regulated land use and mandated historic, wildlife and vegetation preservation.
-Site Plan: The initial Open Space application, used to acquire the Schedler property, stated the land would be used for 60/40 active/recreation use and no lights. It was under this plan that the Village was granted Open Space funds. Violating the County Deed of Conservation Easement, the Village of Ridgewood revised and adopted a new plan showing 70/30 active/passive recreation area, lights, and a two-story concession building with recreation hall.
-Revenue/Profit: This park will generate a substantial amount of money…concession stand, hall rental, field time, uniforms, player enrollment fees, membership fees, field rentals etc. Additionally, site plan includes two-story building. Full second floor to be used as meeting room or rented for sports related functions (possible discrimination). RBSA involvement is an arguable breach of contract with the County and in violation of Open Space and Green Space guidelines.
-Historic Structure/Features /Elements: Historic house, features and elements were not fully disclosed to County. In some circumstances they were completely omitted. The preservation of the home and parcel was abandoned by the Village. Proper disclosure would mean strict preservation and limitations of park development and use. (See attached NJ DEP National Register of Historic Places, 2009, 2015 grant application).
– Environmental/Wildlife/Vegetation: Adverse environmental factors, threatened wildlife and threatened vegetation were not disclosed on applications. Full disclosure would mandate preservation and impose strict site limitations. This omission is how the Village is proceeding with Phase 1, demolition and clear-cutting of the last green acre parcel in our area (7 acres), which will expose hundreds of residents and wildlife to noise, pollution, Route 17, high volume traffic, dangerous conditions and irreversible damage.
– State and County Clearance: This property, directly on Rt. 17. North, within feet of an interstate commuter Park & Ride, is the last green space in the area. All this is being done without expert studies and without notification to or clearance from Bergen County, New Jersey Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Historic Preservation.
3) Public Meeting Notifications: The Village has demonstrated a pattern of questionable omission and secrecy (see attached). Now, out of the blue, a meeting has been scheduled (10/7) to accept a second 100k donation form the RBSA and to present another revision of the Schedler Park plan. The agenda was just posted to the Village website. The general public has not been notified these matters will be discussed on this date. As such, again residents are being robbed of their right to participate, review the process, verify gifts and prepare for public comments/questions prior to the meeting. This matter must be tabled until all of the above is addressed. County Open Space Guidelines States:
As part of the application submission, the municipality shall hold a Public Hearing on a proposed park development project before it submits its application. The applicant shall publish a notice of the public hearing in the official newspaper of the municipality. The hearing must be advertised as a display ad at least 15 days before the hearing. The hearing notice must specifically reference the proposed Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Municipal Program Park Improvement application. The public hearing must be held in the evening, and may be held as part of a public meeting, as long as the hearing is properly advertised.
Council has a fiduciary obligation to cease and desist the Schedler Park Project, until this matter is investigated and cleared of wrong doing. Continued dismissal of the above, is gross negligence and an act against public good. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Failure to act and proceeding with Phase 1, intentionally permits irreversible damage to public health, safety, general welfare, public land and historic/vegetation preservation.
I believe State/County provisions and the Deed of Conservation Easement prohibits most of everything the Village is proposing at Schedler. We want due process, expert studies and a park which represents the true needs and desires of our neighborhood residents. Please allow us to present the facts before it’s too late.
We look forward to hearing from you and moving forward in the right direction. In the meantime, thank you so much for your attention.
I received a message from Mrs. Sonenfeld, pertaining to my complaint, which read…
Ms. Hone,
I find your email to be threatening, highly inaccurate and defamatory; as such I will not respond to it.
Notwithstanding Ms. Sonenfeld’s decision not to respond, IS a response. A citizen’s complaint should not be viewed as a threat, but rather an opportunity to dismiss wrong doing and restore/gain public trust. As public servants, Village Manager and Council, have a fiduciary obligation to investigate citizen’s complaints and afford the complainant due process. The complainant has a right to receive a panel decision, with detailed explanation, as to whether allegations are sustained, not sustained, deemed unfounded or exonerated.
Instead, upon receipt of my complaint, the Mayor inappropriately forwarded my complaint to the subjects involved in the allegations (village officials). This can be seen in the Village Manager’s email thread below.
Let me make my request specific and clear: With profound respect my email, subject: Notice of Complaint Village of Ridgewood, is a formal complaint filed with the Council. With that email, I placed the Council on notice of wrong doing and a cease and desist on all matters pertaining to the Schedler property. Furthermore, I asked for due process and protection from Council.
Given all of the above and the nature of this complaint, I formally request this matter be transferred to another jurisdiction, outside the Village of Ridgewood.
Ridgewood NJ, the major news from last nights council meeting was that Schedler Park has been put on hold until 2017 and only under the direction of the new Village Council with the use of expert studies.
This is a huge victory for the neighborhood who has been fighting to preserve both the natural environment at Schedler but also preserve the historic significance of the sight .
Neighbors felt the sight was unsuitable for a baseball field for many reasons including the noise from Route 17, parking issues and the lack of road infrastructure ,which they felt would overwhelm the neighborhood.
There was also fears that wildlife habitat would be lost when it was discovered eagles used the area as a food source.
In Ridgewood ,Some can’t see the forest for the trees
To the editor:
Maybe some members of the Ridgewood Town Council along with Chris Rutishauser, Village Engineer and Tim Cronin, Director of Parks and Recreation, “Can’t” see the forest for the trees.”
I live on the East Side of Ridgewood and have been fighting passionately, along with many of my neighbors, to protect the large number of healthy trees in the small forest that encompasses the Schedler Property along West Saddle River Road. One of our key arguments for not building a 90-foot baseball field on this Schedler Property, is that it will require the clear cutting of these large healthy trees that beautify and protect our neighborhood and especially protect us from the noise pollution of Route 17.
I just finished reading an article in the March 11 edition of the Ridgewood News, entitled, “Presenters to reinforce value of trees.” I immediately said to myself, how can these be some of the same individuals that are not only ready but also willing to clear cut the trees from the Schedler property in order to build a huge baseball field? Why are these same people not fighting to protect the trees that are so important to the citizens who live on the East Side of Ridgewood is very disturbing to me and I am sure my neighbors?
This article in the Ridgewood News reinforces so many of the arguments that we have all been stating before for the Village Council, asking them not to clear-cut this property to build a 90-foot field. The clear cutting of these trees for such a large field will have a devastating effect not only on our neighborhood, but in the end all of the neighborhoods of Ridgewood.
Everyone who lives in this great Village of Ridgewood should read this article. You will then see why we must all join together to fight and protect all of the trees that have taken so many years to grow. These trees surround our Village and are very important to the health, safety and quality of life of all Ridgewood residents.
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
RIDGEWOOD – Village residents will have an opportunity to learn about reforestation later this month at an event explaining the practice on Monday, March 21 in the Senior Lounge at Village Hall.
“Reforestation and how it works in the Village” will be presented by the team of professionals responsible for this valuable planning and planting of young trees within our community.
Ridgewood NJ, Last night’s meeting has truly changed the conversation or at least it should. Roberta is holding on to a 100,000 dollar check from the RBSA that has” Strings Attached” re: not to be used unless a 90 foot baseball diamond is to be built. My mini financial transactions with the village advised me to deposit all checks and cash within 48 hours of receipt. But even more disturbing is that we also heard last night that there is an additional $100,000 in Open Space accounts available for approved projects. How is it that when Isabella Altano came before the council with 45,000 dollars for the purpose of a matching grant to stabilize the Schedler/ Zabriskie House, she was told that there wasn’t a single penny available for grant purposes and that no staff could be used to help her with other grant opportunities. Obviously, this wasn’t true and the only thing that one can surmise is that the council majority along with Roberta had no intention of doing anything to help Friends of Schedler in their quest to save the house and develop the property in a fitting manor.
But this wasn’t the worst revelation that occurred last night. Ridgewood Water is in trouble. Sludge pipes disintegrating releasing toxic sludge into the streets that was diverted into the streams and Kings Pond! And the on going problem of toxic contaminants seeping into the ground water at the Town Garage and municipally owned sites for many years! Now it is reported in The Record that Ridgewood is one of 5 towns in the Bergen/ Passaic area with PFOA toxins in the water at high levels. Why isn’t this a top priority at the municipal level? We should be investigating filters for the wells and immediately remediate the situation at the Town Garage and abutting municipal sites. Use eminent domain to gain control of the site we don’t own, fix the huge problem there and then develop it in a manner that is best suited for Ridgewood. I hope I hear back because at this moment in time I believe it is my civic duty to contact the DEP and ask them to revisit their recommendations for cleanup that have been ignored for the last 8 years. We are currently looking to bond approx. 11 million dollars for a garage and while this is important it is not nearly as important as our water.
