Tag: Ridgewood Emergency Services

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Senator Bob Gordon (D-38) Out of Touch on Transit Issues

Senator Bob Gordon (D-38)

July 24,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, amazingly with what seems like a daily occurrence of commuter disasters Democrat Senator Bob Gordon shockingly declares NJ Transit ‘working pretty well’ ?

Senator Bob Gordon (D-38) is running for reelection this year is also serving as chairman of the N.J. Senate committee responsible for overseeing public transportation issues.

NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro called this summers Amtrak New York Penn Station track work , an “all-hands-on-deck effort to communicate with our customers,” Warning, “This will not be a normal commute for any of us including our customers, so we ask that you; stay connected to social media and our web page for the latest information; stay ahead by building in extra time for your commute; and stay cool and try not to lose patience”

Looks like Senator Gordon did not get the memo,but you would think the guy would read a paper or turn on a TV once in a while .

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Ridgewood Player Joins Bergen Golf heavyweights for New Jersey Golf Junior Championship

golf_header
July 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, while Paramus’s Jimmy Criscione leads the North Jersey contingent into the 96th New Jersey Junior Championship.

Davis Weil  of Ridgewood who as a junior, led Ridgewood to its first trip to the state Group 4 final in several years joins the list of Bergen County golf heavyweights.

Monday will feature an 18-hole stroke-play qualifier, with the low score 16 advancing to Tuesday morning’s first round match play. With the final of this New Jersey State Golf Association event on Wednesday afternoon.

The 47th Boys Championship will run simultaneously .The Boys Championship is for ages 15 and under and will feature Liam White of Ridgewood among the 18 players competing for the title.

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Ridgewood YWCA Offers Mini-Dance Sessions

saturday night fever

Let’s keep moving this summer and Dance!

July 23,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, YWCA provides quality dance instruction in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. Our goal is to instill a lifelong affinity for movement and fitness, while teaching basic to advanced dance skills and techniques.
YWCA provides quality dance instruction in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. Our goal is to instill a lifelong affinity for movement and fitness, while teaching basic to advanced dance skills and techniques.

For details and to register call 201-444-5600 ext 400 or visit www.ywcabergencounty.org

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Reader says the Real-estate figures are 100% wrong and worse yet, don’t tell the complete picture

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Your figures are 100% wrong and worse yet, don’t tell the complete picture. There are currently 94 homes for sale in Ridgewood, not 200. There are over 7,400 homes in Ridgewood, so 94 is hardly significant. You fail to point out that median home prices have gone up in Ridgewood more than in the surrounding towns. You also failed to mention that homes for sale in Ridgewood stay a very short number of days on the market. This all means that for every person who is selling, there are a lot more folks looking to buy. If you really are in the real estate market, you need to brush up on your data and the principles of supply and demand.

FYI the current Ridgewood market snapshot as of right this minute:
 
91 Available
68 Under Contract
187 Sold (since 1/1/2017)
 
As for age ranges and motivation, all that is opinion and conjecture.

 

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Ridgewood Master Plan to Get an Update

S12_Blueprints

July 23,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Master Plan is set to get an update. In what seemed like news to many Ridgewood residents the Village Master Plan has not been updated in 30 years .

A master plan is a guiding document that sets zoning throughout a municipality, but also offers a vision and objectives for shaping the look and traffic circulation of a community.

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master planner Robert Moses

The 1983 Master plan represented the vision of Ridgewood at that time . A lot has changed in the Village in 30 years and this may open the door for a major up date in all elements .

Yes a lot has changed ; like the Valley Hospital H-zone and of coarse the massive increase high density housing in the Central Business District  all of which many residents thought happened because of changes in the Master plan.

Mayor Susan Knudsen called ,”this is the most exciting thing that we are ever going to do “.

The Master Plan document is divided by main topics, called “elements”.  A Master Plan has three components for a master plan  1) the goals and objectives 2) land use element this is the element that most closely corresponds with your zoning map and zoning regulations and 3) the housing plan element .

On Tuesday night the Ridgewood Planning Board formed a four-member master plan subcommittee, assigned with spearheading efforts to revise the village’s comprehensive land-use document in its first complete overhaul since 1983.

$250,000 has been set a side in the Village budget to do a proper master plan and the entire process could take over one year .

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Christie Vetoes “Airbnb” Tax Bill

Airbnb

July 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Gov. Chris Christie vetoed legislation on Friday that would have imposed taxes on the state’s burgeoning “home-sharing” industry.

The bill was an effort to target and regulate an industry dominated by San Francisco-based Airbnb, even as some municipalities in the state move toward banning the practice within their borders.

According to committee testimony Airbnb had 260,000 rentals in New Jersey last year alone and some municipalities such as Jersey City and Newark already have reached agreements with Airbnb to collect 6 percent fees. Other towns primarily those in Atlantic and Cape May counties, and near the New Jersey Meadowlands are permitted to charge additional taxes and fees.

Currently about 17 towns In New Jersey, mostly in Northern New Jersey closer to New York City, have chosen to bar such rentals, including Palisades Park, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Lyndhurt and Glen Rock.

Not surprisingly the bill two major proponents are the New Jersey Hotel and Lodging Association and the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

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After Court Loss Ridgewood Water Names New Business Manager

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July 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water has named Daniel Timmeny a former executive director with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission to be its business manager. Timmeny replaces former Business Manager Dave Scheibner, who retired this year. As of this writing we are still not sure as to what qualifications Mr. Timmey brings to the table as to running a water company ?

Judge Friscia’s decision seemed to take the Village Council and Ridgewood Water by surprise . This is somewhat astonishing given what could be described as overwhelming evidence to the contrary .

The announcement was made Friday, a day after a NJ Superior Court judge ruled against the village of Ridgewood in a lawsuit, finding that it had approved “capricious” and “unreasonable” rate hikes between 2010 and 2012.

The rate hikes eventually totaled a 31 percent increase , but this is New Jersey and I guess there is an assumed BS story for anything.

The Village is now waiting with baited breath because a February statement of findings by the plaintiffs’ attorney, Joseph Fiorenzo, stated that overcharges for the period of January 2010 through July 2016 totaled a staggering $13.8 million.

The judge however found Ridgewood to be responsible for only for refunding overages through 2012.

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Ridgewood Karate Academy Weapons Summer Camp

Ridgewood Karate Academy Weapons Summer Camp
July 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, This will be an exciting, fun-filled, high-energy and action-packed weapons camp focusing on weapon safety, proper basic techniques, history of the weapon, and a weapon form.

August 7 – August 11
Aug 7 at 9 AM to Aug 11 at 1 PM

Ridgewood Karate Academy

ADDRESS:

30 COTTAGE PLACE,
RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450,

PHONE:

201-447-2272

EMAIL:

[email protected]

We will only have 20 spots available for each session… so space is limited and camps will fill up quickly.

Tickets: https://rka-karate.net/page/weapons-summer-camp

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Ridgewood Water to Upgrade Infrastructure Piping at Four Stream Crossings in the Village of Ridgewood

Ridgewood_water_theridgewoodblog

photo by ArtChick

July 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water announced that the contract to upgrade infrastructure water piping at 4 stream locations has been awarded to Fred Devens Construction.  The project will be managed by Consulting Engineer, Mott MacDonald.

Construction activities will take place at Linwood Ave/Saddle River, North Irving St/HoHoKus Brook, East Ridgewood Ave/HoHokus Brook and Spring Ave/Hohokus Brook.  Work is scheduled to commence in July with a contract duration of 180 days for completion.

The work will include replacing the existing water mains in the streams and tying back into the existing water mains in the streets.  No interruption of service is expected for the residents during mainline construction. Brief interruptions of service may occur when transferring house services on an as needed basis.

Sequencing of the 4 locations will be completed in stages starting with mobilizing of equipment & materials, saw cutting of the roadways, valve installations, shoring of stream crossings, installation of casing pipe and placement of new water main pipes within the stream, piping up into roadways, chlorination & testing, tie-in to existing water system, transfer of water services, and final restoration of disturbed areas both in the roadway & landscaped areas.

Fred Devens Construction will be coordinating with the local police who will be directing traffic around work areas. Expected work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7am – 5:30pm, weather permitting.

Ridgewood Water appreciates the patience of our residents while performing this important work as part of our ongoing commitment in upgrading our water system.

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Reader says we have close to 200 homes for sale in Ridgewood

realestate_forsale_theridgewoodblog

file photo

I’m in the real estate market in the village, and we have close to 200 homes for sale. 40% of them are senior citizens, the rest are people that are bailing out. And they all tell me that this town is overrated. The schools are not number one anymore, the services are not the same they have declined, and the taxes are too high. This is what they are alerting me to.

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Reader says Repaving of the Worst Roads in the village should be Top Priority

road work Milled asphalt being dumped

file photo by Boyd Loving

The engineering department is moving slow with regarding repaving of the worst roads in the village, they should be paving the worst roads in the village first. It is mid July what is going on. The paving contractor should be paving every single day during the summer , How come they can’t figure this out, what are you gonna start doing paving in September when school opens. I just don’t get it

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Reader says Residents want to preserve identity and integrity of the Village of Ridgewood

CBD Ridgewood by ArtChick

file photo ArtChick

Wait. Who are you to say that residents or prospect residents are looking to live in mini cities? This is just propaganda that goes hand in hand with the Halaby & Co narrative. Residents do not want their village to grow but to preserve identity and integrity. Unfortunately just like in the whole society of ours those who scream the most win. Add in the mix a clueless VC which seems more like a celebrity cast than chosen politicians to manage a village and you have a mess which will only further deteriorate Ridgewood.

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PSE&G Preparing for Sizzling Temperatures

PSEG

file photo by Boyd Loving

July 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, While PSE&G expects to have no trouble delivering additional power during the forecasted heat wave, we are closely monitoring weather conditions and have additional personnel scheduled to handle any power interruptions should they occur.  Our call centers will also have extra personnel on duty to speak with customers and appliance service technicians are ready to quickly respond to an expected influx of air conditioning repair calls.

Stay connected:

•To report power outages call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734), or log in to My Account at pseg.com to report an outage or view outage status.

•You can also report an outage by texting “OUT” to 4PSEG.

•Sign up for MyAlerts for 2-way text or email notifications about the status of power outages in your area.

•View our Outage Map that is updated every 15 minutes and displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service area.

Tips to help you save energy and stay cool as temperatures rise:

•Turn off everything you’re not using: lights, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.

•Close blinds and shades facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.

•Close doors leading to uncooled areas. With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.

•Consider setting air conditioners to 78 degrees.

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Village CFO Responds to Ridgewood Water Decision

village-hall-theridgewoodblog

Dear Amazing Staff of the Ridgewood blog ,

Village of Ridgewood response to the 7/20/17 ruling: In the matter of Township of Wyckoff, Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park v. Village of Ridgewood (Water Rate Litigation) Docket NO.BER-L-5651-12

Ridgewood Water and the Village of Ridgewood are pleased with Judge Friscia’s decision and see the ruling as fair and thoughtful. Invalidating the three ordinances of 2010, 2011 and 2012 will allow the current Village Council to recalculate prior rate increases based on input from qualified experts. Further, the decision affords the Village the right to take the statutorily permitted surplus not taken in previous years, if appropriate. We believe Judge Friscia took a balanced approach based on plaintiff’s failure to prove damages and the court did not award the plaintiffs litigation costs or attorney fees. Ridgewood Water joins in the effort of the court’s decision to halt additional costs to the rate payers.

In the absence of a plaintiff appeal, the Village looks forward to a quick and reasonable resolution of this matter.

Ridgewood Water will continue to deliver a safe and reliable water supply at reasonable rates, and looks forward to the continued implementation of capital improvements.

Robert G Rooney
Acting Village Manager/CFO
201/670-5500

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Ridgewood Water Takes the Hit , loses Rate Case

RidgewoodWaterLogo_061912_rn_tif_

July 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as expected Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia has found in favor of three municipalities that sued the village of Ridgewood over 31 percent increased water rates for the years 2010-2012.

Despite the confidence of the prior Aronsohn Administration many long time critics of the Water Department including this blog saw the writing on the wall .

Judge Friscia agreed with the plaintiffs on Thursday and determined that Ridgewood had enacted rate increases for Ridgewood Water customers that were “arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable” and must recalculate the rates and refund its customers.

The plaintiffs, Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff,all serviced by Ridgewood Water, a water utility owned and operated by the Village of Ridgewood. These municipalities claimed in their lawsuit that Ridgewood had overcharged customers millions of dollars through rate hikes  to offset village of Ridgewood operating expenses.

Perez Friscia ordered three Ridgewood water-rate ordinances be invalidated. She further ordered that the matter be remanded to the village of Ridgewood for a hearing to recalculate water rates within 120 days. Refunds will be calculated based on the difference between what was charged and the actual costs as determined by the recalculation.