file photo by Boyd Loving
December 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Resident Jackie Hone reminded me this morning of this video done by Dana Glazer . The plan still stands for a field at Schedler. Pay close attention to what is said about the toxic fumes. A doctor spoke against this plan at a recent meeting. Why then is the committee and Council saying yes to a field? Would you allow your children to play here? Full plan in comments.
file photo
December 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee Presentation to Village Council , it appears nothing has changed and the committee seemed to disregard all efforts of by local historians ,neighbors and friends of Schedler .
The committees presentation to the Village Council was basically reduced to a full on push for more ball fields at Schedler and nothing else matters .
The report suggest the Schedler was nothing more than a use of open spaces funding as a land grab for sports fields .
Like parking the need for ball fields in town has been questioned and the complete lack of transparency of field use has lead to little taxpayer support .
Jan Phillips really has balls. Oldest trick in the book, try to divert attention from the FACTS by claiming that facts are not involved. Aronsohn and Sonenfeld were found GUILTY of misusing public funds. This was not Ridgewood residents who determined their guilt. It was a group of seven independent people who have nothing to do with Ridgewood and everything to do with open, honest government. Open, honest government is something that Aronsohn, Sonenfeld, and their defenders know nothing about.
December 22,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the ethically challenged former Ridgewood Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld attempted once again to interject herself in village affairs in a letter to the editor exclaiming ,” I must admit that I’ve been stunned as well by the misinformation, changing stories and fluctuating revenue numbers coming from Village Hall. It would be laughable if it wasn’t all so disturbing and costly to us Ridgewood taxpayers.” https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/12/20/letter-ridgewoods-handling-parkmobile-situation-puzzling-and-disturbing/968874001/ . This is not the first time a contract arranged by the former Village manager that has generated controversy and not been viewed as being in the best interest of the Village of Ridgewood .
The facts are actually very simple and the Sonenfeld letter is filled with misinformation and fails to mention two key items:
1. The Resolution that the Council signed in February of 2015 stated a 2-year contract. She signed a 35 month contract.
2. The Resolution that the Council signed in February of 2015 stated NO FEES. She signed a contract with fees.
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, yesterday December 19th, the Tyler Clementi Foundation invited you to remember Tyler by sharing a special wish in his memory.
December 19th would have been Tyler’s 26th birthday. On this occasion, the Tyler Clementi Foundation invites you — and all Upstanders — to make a wish and share it on social media.
You can also support Tyler’s legacy by spreading the word about the Tyler Clementi Foundation and taking action to end bullying. https://tylerclementi.org/
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,Ridgewood blog reader’s continue to rave about the food at Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. in Ridgewood , in a recent visit a reader described the food as “Absolutely delicious” and the “Wild mushroom arancini is outstanding. Osso bucco with saffron risotto and short rib risotto excellent as well. The fished up saying,” We will definitely be regulars ” other readers shared a similar experience ,” Great food and great service. Can’t wait to go back to try something else as so much looked good” .
Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. is located at 34 Franklin Ave , Ridgewood, New Jersey , Call (201) 670-7311 and check the Facebook page for specials https://www.facebook.com/radicchionj/
![dr-strangelove1[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/dr-strangelove11.jpg "Ridgewood Water: No Truth to the Rumor that the fluoridation of Water is A Communist Plot")
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water does not add fluoride to your drinking water.Water hardness in our service area is 14 grains or 250ppm.
If your water is discolored, (gray, brown, yellow, orange) this is most likely due to minerals building up in our water mains. These minerals are harmless, but as more people start watering their lawns and turning on sprinkler systems, these minerals can loosen and end up in the water supply. This discoloration can also occur when Ridgewood Water does routine maintenance on it’s facilities that increases the velocity in the mains. Although it is aesthetically unappealing, it is safe to drink. We recommend avoiding doing laundry until discoloration clears.
If your water has a cloudy or milky appearance this is usually caused by air dissolved in the water. We recommend to take a glass of cold water from the tap and set it on a flat surface. If the water begins to clear from the bottom up within a few minutes, it can be concluded that dissolved air is the cause of the cloudiness. If the water does not clear up or you notice particles settling on the bottom of the glass please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526 and notify them of your issue.
If your water has a unusual taste or odor, please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526.
Ridgewood Water does not make recommendations as to water filters or softeners.
Had har her de har har.
Consultant HIRED by the Village?
So the consultant HIRED by the Village is going to say otherwise?
And how much of our tax dollars went to this asshole and who at the water department authorized this?
Where’s the accountability ?
And guess what? The 3 towns are going to get every penny because when judge Friscia reads the report and stops laughing she will take the report for what it is… COMPLETE BULLSHIT.
Hows that Elks club purchase coming along?
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is offering extra service for the upcoming holidays to give customers more travel options for last-minute shopping at the mall, leaving work early or attending New Year’s Eve festivities.
In addition, NJ TRANSIT is giving customers almost two weeks of continuous savings through a special extension of the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying customer. Usually limited to weekends, the Family SuperSaver Fare will be in effect for the entire holiday period, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, December 22 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 2, on all trains, buses and light rail lines.
“This is the time of year when so many special events take place and many visitors are using NJ TRANSIT to get where they need to go,’’ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “NJ TRANSIT is pleased to offer the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows our customers to stretch their holiday budgets just a bit. So leave the car behind and use NJ TRANSIT to go the mall, get into New York City or gather at a loved one’s home without the hassle of driving.’’
For complete schedule and fare information, customers may visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.
“The Commuter Tool Kit – The Tools You Need for a Better Travel Experience’’ is a colorful campaign designed for both the everyday commuter and visitor travelling on
NJ TRANSIT’s rail, bus, light rail and Access Link systems. Several features such as the mobile app, trip planner, ticket purchase options, travel information and travel savings are highlighted in the campaign. The brochure is printed in both English and Spanish.
The Commuter Tool Kit is available in brochure form, on the NJ TRANSIT website, in digital displays and delivered through the agency’s social media channels.
Customers can also take advantage of other ways to save money. NJ TRANSIT works with promotional partners throughout the year to offer discounts to many entertainment venues. Customers can go to njtransit.com/deals for special offers on show tickets, admission costs and travel this holiday season.
Friday, December 22
NJ TRANSIT will operate on a weekday schedule on most lines with additional “early getaway” service from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal starting at 1 p.m. on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex and Port Jervis lines. On the Pascack Valley Line, regular Friday getaway service will operate. Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River LINE will operate on a weekday schedule. Buses will operate on a weekday schedule on all routes, with early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and on selected Jersey City waterfront routes starting around noon until 4 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel. Visit njtransit.com for details.
Saturday, December 23
NJ TRANSIT trains will operate on a weekend schedule. Most bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule. Newark Light Rail and River LINE will operate on a Saturday schedule. HBLR will operate on a weekend schedule. Customers should consult their timetable for the holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for details.
Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24
NJ TRANSIT trains will operate on a weekend schedule on all rail lines. In addition, Meadowlands service will operate for the Jets vs. Chargers game at 1 p.m. Newark Light Rail and River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Most buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Customers are advised to consult their timetable for the holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for details.
Christmas Day, Monday, December 25
NJ TRANSIT trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines. Newark Light Rail and River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Bus schedules vary by route. Customers can check timetables online at www.njtransit.com. Select bus routes will operate fewer trips during the traditional morning and evening peak periods. Customers are advised to consult their timetable for holiday schedules or visit njtransit.com for more details.
On Tuesday, December 26, Wednesday, December 27, Thursday, December 28 and Friday, December 29, trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule with certain morning peak period trains cancelled and additional mid-to-late morning service on each line. Rail customers are encouraged to visit njtransit.com and check rail timetables for details and travel before 9 a.m. on these days, if possible, when ridership is lighter. Buses and light rail lines will operate on a weekday schedule. Selected PABT bus routes will have more frequent service operating inbound to PABT on some lines during the late morning hours and outbound from PABT during the early and late evening hours. Consult timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for details.
On Saturday, December 30, trains will operate on a weekend schedule. Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule with extra inbound service to New York. Consult timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for details. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River LINE will operate on a weekend schedule. Consult njtransit.com for more information.
On New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31, trains will operate on a weekend schedule. In the evening, there will be extra train service to New York. Extra train service will be in place to New York and Hoboken from approximately 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Meadowlands service will be in place for the Giants vs. Redskins game at 1 p.m. Special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning will be available at njtransit.com during the week of December 18. Rail travel information for New Year’s Eve is also available via the Trip Planner and Station-to-Station features on njtransit.com.
Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule with extra early evening service inbound and extra outbound from PABT after midnight on selected routes. Customers are advised to consult timetables or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for more details.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule with additional trips operating between Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken beginning at approximately 5 p.m. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule. River LINE will operate on a Saturday schedule. River LINE and Hudson Bergen Light Rail will both operate additional service after the New Year festivities during the early hours of January 1. Specific trip information will be available on njtransit.com.
IMPORTANT NOTE: NJ TRANSIT is prohibiting all beverages on all of its trains, light rail vehicles and buses on Sunday, December 31, 2017, and the early morning hours of Monday, January 1, 2018. This policy will be strictly enforced.
After midnight (early January 1), additional late-night trains will operate on most rail lines with one-seat ride service available on certain Raritan Valley Line and North Jersey Coast Line trains until approximately 5 a.m. Some trains that normally depart New York/Hoboken/Newark between midnight and 1 a.m. are cancelled and will be replaced with later trains. After 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule after. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, including special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning (which will be available the week of December 18). Expanded bus service will be provided from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) until approximately 2 a.m. Some routes will be departing from alternate areas within the PABT. Visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for specific schedule details and departure gate assignments.
On New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, after 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule. Bus service will vary by route. River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Bus service will vary by route. Customers are advised to visit njtransit.com for details.
Travel tips
Check Schedules in Advance: Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Travel Early: On December 26-29, NJ TRANSIT rail lines will operate on a modified weekday schedule. Avoid the crowds by traveling during the traditional peak-period (6-9 a.m.) when ridership is light.
Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the holidays may affect bus travel times to and from New York City, so customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return and use the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, which is available for free download on any web-enabled iOS or Android device, to make the purchase even easier. To make a purchase, customers simply install the app and then create an account, which will securely save a customer’s profile information and purchase history for ease of use. Customers can also use ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Reminder: Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal must purchase tickets before boarding.
Luggage: Travel as light as possible. Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces. On multilevel trains, customers with large bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.
High density housing set the stage for developers to subdivide and cram lots. This is only the beginning and there is no recourse to stop them. It’s all now permissible and within code. How does Planning Board say No? Attorneys will milk this.
December 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the staff of the Ridgewood blog has noticed on the Facebook page of the Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock ie CRAB , chaired by Jan Philips was an ad to help illegals resist deportation and does appear that the board is openly looking to resist federal law . The blog wonders if the Village of Ridgewood Chief of Police Jacqueline Luthcke is in accordance with this policy ?
ICE just reported the arrests 101 in a New Jersey operation targeting criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and immigration violators.
ICE reports that a Mexican national in the country illegally, who has a prior conviction for sexual assault on a minor, is among 101 foreign nationals taken into custody during a five-day operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week in New Jersey, targeting at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and other immigration violators. The operation was supported by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) New Jersey Field Office.
Of those arrested during the operation, which was spearheaded by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), 88 percent were convicted criminals and 80 percent of them had prior felony convictions.
The New Jersey enforcement effort comes days after the agency announced a 40 percent spike in administrative arrests nationwide over last year – 92 percent of which had a criminal conviction or a pending criminal charge, were an ICE fugitive, or were an illegal re-entrant.
“The continued results of our Fugitive Operations officers and their law enforcement partners underscore ICE’s ongoing and steady commitment to public safety,” said John Tsoukaris, field office director of ERO Newark. “As part of this operation, we continue focus on the arrest of individuals who are criminal and are a threat to public safety and national security. Because of the tireless efforts of these professional officers, there are 101 fewer criminals in our communities.”
“HSI is committed to leveraging its broad jurisdiction to further public safety in New Jersey,” said Michael McCarthy, acting special agent in charge for HSI Newark.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is extremely proud to have assisted in this operation,” said Leon Hayward, acting director for the New York Field Office. “It is through collaborative efforts, such as the one leading to these arrests, that law enforcement agencies can combat illegal acts and apprehend criminals who pose a threat to the Homeland.”
The individuals arrested throughout New Jersey were nationals of Brazil (3), Colombia (4), Congo (1), Costa Rica (3), Cuba (4), Dominican Republic (18), Ecuador (2), Egypt (2), El Salvador (7), Ethiopia (1), Georgia (1), Guatemala (6), Guyana (3), Haiti (3), Honduras (8), Jamaica (1), Korea (2), Liberia (1), Mexico (15), Nicaragua (1), Nigeria (1), Pakistan (1), Philippines (2), Peru (2), Portugal (1), Spain (2), Turkey (2), United Kingdom (1), Ukraine (1), Venezuela (1) and Vietnam (1).
These individuals were arrested in the following counties in New Jersey: Atlantic (2), Bergen (6), Burlington (7), Camden (11), Cumberland (3), Essex (14), Hudson (15), Mercer (6), Middlesex (11), Monmouth (3), Morris (1), Passaic (9), Somerset (4), and Union (6) and the following counties in New York: Kings(1), New York (1), and Suffolk (1).
They range from age 20 to 71 years old and all were previously convicted of a variety of offenses. Some of the convictions included sexual assault on a minor, child abuse, possession of narcotics, distribution of narcotics, robbery, trespassing, DUI, fraud, possession of child pornography, domestic violence, battery, receiving stolen property, theft, possession of a weapon, burglary, larceny, aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, assault by auto, shoplifting, invasion of privacy-recording sexual act without consent, resisting arrest, endangering the welfare of a child, and illegal reentry.
Among those arrested during this operation include:
A Mexican citizen convicted of sexual assault of a minor
A Turkish citizen convicted of possession of child pornography
A Peruvian citizen convicted of invasion of privacy-recording a sexual act w/o consent
A Colombian citizen convicted of aggravated battery and domestic violence assault
A Spanish citizen convicted of storing/maintaining child pornography
A Philippines citizen convicted of possession of methamphetamine
A Dominican citizen convicted of cocaine distribution and possession
A Guyanese citizen convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon
An Egyptian citizen convicted of possession of heroin
An El Salvadorian citizen convicted of aggravated assault with serious bodily injury
A Korean citizen convicted of distribution of cocaine
ICE deportation officers conduct targeted enforcement operations every day in locations around the country as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation, uphold public safety and protect the integrity of our immigration laws and border controls.
During targeted enforcement operations, ICE officers frequently encounter additional suspects who may be in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. Those persons will be evaluated on a case by case basis and, when appropriate, arrested by ICE.
ICE continues to focus its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement in compliance with federal law and agency policy. However, as ICE Acting Director Thomas Homan has made clear, ICE does not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States.
Jan Phillips, Chair of the Community Relations Advisory Board you should know better. You should be stripped of your title and removed from the Board immediately. How do you hold such a position and undermine a legal process that defended a public that was violated? The complaint was substantiated, evidence reviewed and they were found guilty. Instead You should work towards improving community relations without prejudice. Have you reached out to the public they violated? What about an open forum, at your next meeting, to hear true resident input?
I watched last night’s meeting. They were trying to figure out how to budget with the coming property tax situation in NJ. They were real concerned about health care premiums going up too.
The answer is staring them in the face: What other states do CONSOLIDATION. New Jersey will be forced into it. One school supt. per several towns, and so on for police, fire, and so on.
And you know what that is a good thing. It’s about time. Rutgers has been recommending for years. In fact all universities with town planning programs say that. Many states do. So pig greedy NJ. Let’s be good and nice not naughty and consolidate. You will be forced into it.
December 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, for the third time in as many weeks a supporter of the failed Aronsohn administration attempts to make excuses for the unethical behavior of both the former mayor Paul Aronsohn and his side kick former Village manager Roberta Sonnefeld . In a letter , “Regarding ethics fines brought against former officials”https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/12/14/letter-regarding-ethics-fines-brought-against-former-officials/952325001/ Ridgewood resident Jan T. Philips attempts to throw dispersions by attacking “transparency” , in her letter she says , “what was the basis for the seven-member board’s determination? Without the finding of fact for a conclusion, what we are left with is a capricious and arbitrary ruling that mocks transparency.”
Funny coming form supporters of the Aronsohn Administration aka the 3 Amigos , did they not lie and obfuscate the size and scope of the garage as well as its intended use ? Did not the former Village manager make a mess of the Parkmobile contract ? And what about the gimmie at Habernickel Park ?
The Ridgewood blog has documented at length their disgraceful and abusive behavior toward residents while pushing special deals for their friends and supporters . It time for residents to distance themselves from this aberrant behavior and treat these followers like the social piranhas they are. Unethical behavior should never be supported , endorsed or promoted, period.
file photo by Boyd Loving
December 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The League, along with a coalition of local government groups have made clear to the Legislature the need to extend the cap on arbitration awards , The league called on local mayors , saying “We know that hundreds of municipalities have publicly called for the extension of the cap, but it is clear we must redouble our efforts to maintain this important protection for property taxpayers”. The law is set to expire in two weeks.
In an analysis of the cap released this fall found it saved taxpayers $530 million on police and firefighter salaries and more broadly found the duo of caps saved taxpayers $2.9 billion.
The expiration date coincides with the expiration of at least 100 public safety municipal contracts, according to the League of Municipalities, and proponents said they would expect unions to quickly file for interest arbitration.
“The conclusions the data supports are undeniable. The arbitration award cap and property tax cap are unseverable and essential policies if we are serious about keeping property tax increases at the historically low rates of the last few years. The data and the report confirm what the laws of mathematics dictated from the start, you can’t have an effective cap on property taxes without an identical cap on arbitration awards. We can’t tell local officials their revenues can only increase by two percent, but that the largest line item in their budgets must increase by three percent or eight percent or any amount higher than the tax cap. And it isn’t just police and firefighter salary costs that are effected, there is a ripple effect throughout all salary expenses.” , Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon.
The League of Municipalities says that Trenton needs to hear directly from you on the critical need for the common sense extension of the 2% cap on interest arbitration awards. In 32 calendar days the cap will expire along with over a 100 police and fire contracts. With this deadline looming, local officials’ voices must be heard in Trenton. If the cap is not extended it will be local leaders, not the special interest groups or State elected leaders, facing the dilemma of funding an unelected third party arbitrator’s award under the state mandated 2% levy cap.
In addition, to personally contacting your State representatives on the urgent need for the 2% cap on interest arbitration awards, please contact the following:
Senate President Sweeney at 856-251-9801 or [email protected]
Senate Republic Leader Kean at 908-232-3673 or [email protected]
Assembly Speaker Prieto at 201-770-1303 or [email protected]
Assembly Republican Leader Bramnick at 908-232-2073 or [email protected]
Assembly Speaker Elect Coughlin at 732-855-7441 or [email protected]
Governor Christie at 609-292-6000
Governor-Elect Murphy (Transition office) 609- 292-4075
