>GOP can earn points by deep-sixing Dems’ last-minute dealing
A new year begins, and a political window opens.
With Republicans taking control of Bergen County’s government, a battle has already taken shape over a tradition that is as much a part of American politics as bumper stickers and campaign posters. (Kelly, The Record)
https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/kelly/112791244_GOP_can_earn_points_by_deep-sixing_Dems__last-minute_dealing_.html
>Review of N.J. transportation: Nearly bankrupt trust fund, killed ARC tunnel, NJ Transit fare hike
The year began and ended with airport shutdowns — once after a kiss from a college student, the other time after a kick from Mother Nature. (Frassinelli, The Star-Ledger)
https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/01/nj_transportation_in_past_year.html
>Congressman Scott Garrett will test spending authority
Garrett will test spending authority
Congress could easily get federal spending under control if it would simply follow the Constitution, Rep. Scott Garrett says. (Jackson, The Record)
https://www.northjersey.com/news/politics/112791144_Garrett_will_test_spending_authority.html
>Bergen begins GOP reign with Driscoll as top freeholder
Three new Bergen County freeholders assumed the oath of office today and affirmed Freeholder John Driscoll, Jr. as their chairman to formally create a Republican majority on the governing body of New Jersey’s most populous county. (Pizarro, PolitickerNJ)
https://www.politickernj.com/43810/bergen-begins-gop-reign-driscoll-top-freeholder
>
Missing In Action – Official Village of Ridgewood 2011 Calendar
Surprise, surprise; the Village’s Official 2011 Calendar did not arrive at taxpayer’s homes prior to the start of 2011!
Every year for decades, the Village has published a annual calendar. Don’t you think Village Officials would have the publication process down to a science by now? What excuse could they possibly have for not getting it out on time?
Commercially produced 2011 calendars were being sold at kiosks in Paramus Park as early as September of 2010. And here were are already into 2011 and the Village’s calendar isn’t out yet? My bank offered me their 2011 calendar back around Thanksgiving. Duh?
20 bucks says that someone in the Village Manager’s office will blame last week’s blizzard. Let’s wait and see.
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 4
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2010
Village Council Elections : Readers Press on Candidates Positions on Valley
I asked you earlier for clarification of your position on Valley and you did not answer. I have heard great things about you and am leaning towards voting for you but I can’t vote for anyone who gives a gray answer about Valley.
I used to live by the hospital and, one winter, there were seven accidents near my house. One car went up on to my neighbor’s lawn and the trees caught on fire. If it had been a different time of day there could easily have been children killed.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/village-council-elections-readers-press.html
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2010
$48 million dollar Referendum : RHS Flood Zone
The construction is not complete and it is already under water and damaged. That’s what you get when you build in a floodway. The second photo shows the brand new turf with a big wrinkle to trip on. This was just a small storm. The taxpayers of Ridgewood have The BOE to thank as they pay it off for the next 30 years.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/48-million-dollar-referendum-rhs-flood.html
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2010
Does Valley Hospital have Ridgewood under siege ?
Built around you…
If you were ever in any doubt that the Valley Hospital has Ridgewood under siege then it has been confirmed by Valley’s own advertizing for their off-site Columbia venture. Like a medieval army besieging a city, Valley with its campus on Van Dien Ave and nine satellite campuses is now not physically possible to enter Ridgewood without passing by a Valley property. You cannot educate your children in Ridgewood without the hand of Valley fondling them through Valley’s unprecedented influence on the BOE and HSA. Valley hijacked the last Village Council and the Planning Board agenda for 3 years to approve the 100 percent Valley crafted Master Plan Amendment. Megan Fraser, the Valley PR Executive is now wielding Valley’s influence over the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/does-valley-hospital-has-ridgewood.html
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2010
Donovan Unveils 4 Point Plan for Bergen County Fiscal Sanity
Bergen County Executive Candidate, Kathleen A. Donovan, announced today her plan to make government “smaller, smarter and fiscally responsible.” Donovan said that her “4 Point Plan for Bergen County Taxpayers” is not just a plan. “It’s a pledge to Bergen County taxpayers, families and seniors that government is going to change for the better.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/donovan-unveils-4-point-plan-for-bergen.html
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2010
How does the Village justify a tax assessment that is around 20% inflated?
They are not in any hurry to roll back the valuations they assigned at the peak of the bubble.
The below is public info so I’ll leave it up to the Mod as to whether it posts:
119 Oak is for sale for $850k. Its tax assessment (according to Zillow) is closer to $1M, which is about what that house would have sold for at the height of the bubble. A couple years ago, 2007 I think, the taxes jumped from $11k and change, to over $17k (it’s possible a lot of this was precipitated by a renovation but I don’t own the house so I don’t know)!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/how-does-village-justify-tax-assessment.html
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2010
Oct 5 – Planning Board Discusses Ordinance change and does not inform the public
The Agenda for last night’s Planning Board meeting was not published before the meeting and is still not on the Village website. Despite the missing agenda, the attorney for Valley Charles Collins and the PR VP for Valley, Megan Fraser arrived at the meeting promptly at 7:25 PM. Were they tipped off by someone on the Board, the attorney of the Chairman?
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/oct-5-planning-board-discusses.html
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2010
Math Wars: “Connected Math is a nightmare.”
Connected Math is a nightmare. The kids have moved around a few topice since the beginning of the year. I can’t tell if it is a review or “spiraling”. When there are questions about the homework, the book is no help. It was designed without examples of problems. The webside is just like the book – very vague.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/math-wars-connected-math-is-nightmare.html
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2010
Christie ready to pull plug on $8.7B rail tunnel
NEWARK — Gov. Chris Christie indicated Wednesday that he is leaning toward pulling the plug on construction of a new $8.7 billion commuter rail tunnel into Manhattan, unless a revised federal cost estimate provides assurances that New Jersey can afford the project. (Higgs and Jordan, Daily Record)
https://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20101007/COMMUNITIES/101006096/1005/NEWS01/Christie-ready-to-pull-plug-on–8.7B-rail-tunnel-
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/christie-ready-to-pull-plug-on-87b-rail.html
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2010
the sign should read “Another project brought to you by the taxpayers of the state and country”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/sign-should-read-another-project.html
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
Democrats’ primary turnout lowest on record
Fueled by tea party activism and hotly contested races, Republican participation in this year’s primary elections was up. But Democratic participation fell to a record low, leaving overall voter turnout at the second lowest level ever for a midterm election, an analysis by American University’s Center for the Study of the American Electorate concludes. (Radnofsky, The Wall Street Journal)
https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/10/14/primary-turnout-turns-out-to-be-lackluster/?mod=rss_WSJBlog&mod=WSJ_Politics_Blog
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/democrats-primary-turnout-lowest-on.htm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2010
Ridgewood Schools : Readers ask are we trying to hide student’s ASK results?
I want to know what the District is trying to hide in regards to our student’s ASK results. The principal says that the administrators have asked them not to compare the schools in the district or share that information with the parents. Leads me to believe they are hiding some major score discrepancies that they don’t want to explain.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/ridgewood-schools-readers-ask-are-we.html
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010
Holiday Tree Debacle : The mistake was to ever move the event in the first place
This allegation that the move of the Christmas Tree was for personal reasons is patently absurd.
The pertinent question is why was the tree moved from its traditional spot after decades of celebration? Political correctness gone awry.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/holiday-tree-debacle-mistake-was-to.html
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010
Field Lights: Whats the balance ?
We all know we should be sensitive to the neighbors wishes. But since we cannot move the fields, which were built in what are now congested, residential neighborhoods (like Valley), what do you propose?
Don’t leave lights on b/c of a tailgate? Seems fair. But where does it end? If some had their way (I cannot speak for Colleen), the fields would be open wild-scape, so that the value of their homes would increase. Sound far-fetched?
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/field-lights-whats-balance.html
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
Field Lights : neighbors “felt bullied” by the BOE
Ridgewood school board grilled on lights Friday, October 22, 2010
BY KELLY EBBELS
The Ridgewood News
STAFF WRITER
https://www.northjersey.com/news/105505023_Board_grilled_on_lights.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/field-lights-neighbors-felt-bullied-by.html
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2010
Field Lights: The BOE owed everyone the courtesy of appropriate information regarding the lights!
The BOE owed everyone the courtesy of appropriate information regarding the lights! Yes it would have been nice and right to inform the neighbors of the installation. But not just the immediate neighbors, they should have informed each and every taxpayer in the Village!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/field-lights-boe-owed-everyone-courtesy.html
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2010
$41 million Ridgewood Train Station Project : Two very inconvenient elevators to provide access from the Franklin Avenue underpass!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/41-million-ridgewood-train-station.html
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010
RHS field lights : It certainly appears that the BOE intended to install the field lights all along
As you may have seen or heard, I spoke at the Village Council last evening about the RHS field lights issues. Attached for your edification are my remarks.The more that I look at this, the stranger it looks. For instance:
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/rhs-field-lights-it-certainly-appears.html
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
Pro Valley Russell Forenza : rolls out the check book
News Flash: Mr. Forenza has run a full page advertisement in the Ridgewood News. A quarter page advertisement costs over $1,100. I can only guess what a full page advertisement would cost.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/pro-valley-russell-forenza-rolls-out.html
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
I would like to know if the parent who hit Carlos, the security guard at RHS, with her car was ever identified and prosecuted?
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/i-would-like-to-know-if-parent-who-hit.html
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
The RHSNA was formed by a group of neighbors that primarily live on the north side of the high school.
PJ
I would like to clear up a recent post to your Blog concerning the RHS field lights and the Ridgewood High School Neighborhood Association (RHSNA). The RHSNA was formed by a group of neighbors that primarily live on the north side of the high school. The group is open to any neighbors in the area of the high school to foster better communication with the school administration.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/rhsna-was-formed-by-group-of-neighbors.html
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2010
RHS Dance: modified our procedures to keep events drug and alcohol free
Dear Parents,
I am writing to you today to inform you about some issues we dealt with at the dance on Saturday night. After an unacceptable dance 2 years ago we modified our procedures and we conducted a number of incident free events.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/10/rhs-dance-modified-our-procedures-to.html
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2010
Congrats to Steve and all who care about Ridgewood!
I think those who voted for Forenza should think again about why the MAJORITY voted for Wellinghorst. Let me help you the majority knows the blight and strain that Valley would cause every taxpayer! Not just the people who live near Valley.
It’s not East vs West either. We can not allow our town fall into ValleyWood. Don’t become aware when it’s too late.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/congrats-to-steve-and-all-who-care.html
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2010
What we have here is a failure to communicate
I think the main problem in Ridgewood is the lack of communication. Everyone just does their own thing and to hell with everyone else. This is true of the lights and parking in the CBD, lights at the HS and other sports groounds, graydon and the hospital. It should never be about one thing but everything. Everything needs to be seen as a whole (the sum of its parts) and not the just the parts.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/what-we-have-here-is-failure-to.html
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2010
Readers react to Russell Forenza’s wild accusations of Voter fraud in the village.
Try not go blind when you realize that he could have been on our new council person. I think he makes it pretty clear what he thinks…the election was stolen.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/readers-react-to-russell-forenza-wild.html
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2010
Sports Fields : The Plan came ENTIRELY from vested interests in favor of maximum expansion of fields
The statement on the Village website is particularly instructive.
“A series of meetings led by Eric Mattes, Project Manager, included select target groups for their input and assistance in gathering necessary information.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/sports-fields-plan-came-entirely-from.html
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2010
Laurie Goodman : we should not be Racing to the Top because it is a Race to Nowhere.
According to Laurie’s site, we should not be Racing to the Top because it is a Race to Nowhere.
So, after all the push for world-class athletic center, turf fields, lighting, Olympic track at BF, a course guide that dwarfs some colleges, $2500 SAT prep programs, 200 clubs, 3-season sports, AP classes for everything, etc, etc – now she says the schools SHOULDN’T be doing it.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/laurie-goodman-we-should-not-be-racing.html
N.J. anti-bullying measures head for Senate, Assembly votes
Monday, November 15, 2010
Last updated: Tuesday November 16, 2010, 10:59 AM
BY JOHN REITMEYER
State House Bureau
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
Matthew Zimmer, 16, of Ridgewood, appeared before the Senate committee, telling a full room of spectators inside the State House that he has resorted to online schooling as a result of being bullied by students – and teachers – due to his sexuality. One of his teachers, he said, challenged him in the presence of other students to disclose if he is gay.“The kids immediately bombarded me, teasing me and calling me names,” Zimmer said.
Full story: https://www.northjersey.com/topstories/ridgewood/111510_NJ_lawmakers_want_to_toughen_anti-bullying_law.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/nj-anti-bullying-measures-head-for.html
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010
N.J. Senate president pushes for shared services before League of Municipalities
Senate President Stephen Sweeney’s war on “home rule” got a mixed reception from mayors gathered at the League of Municipalities convention Tuesday in Atlantic City. (Friedman, The Record)
https://www.northjersey.com/news/politics/111610_NJ_Senate_president_pushes_for_shared_services_before_League_of_Municipalities.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/nj-senate-president-pushes-for-shared.html
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010
Don’t Blame Valley : We have ourselves to blame, We got what we voted for
Pfund & Co. pushed things in what might charitably be called a pig-head fashion. do you suppose even Valley is pleased by the turn of events — Valley had all the cards stacked in its favor and its supporters couldn’t deliver without the huge uproar that ensued (a backlash that hopefully defeats this moronic amendment.)
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/dont-blame-valley-we-have-ourselves-to.html
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010
Suzanne Kelly steps down as Co-Chair of the Preserve Graydon Coalition
Dear Preserve Graydon Coalition Members,
I am writing to let you know that I am stepping down as Co-Chair of the Preserve Graydon Coalition. As you can well imagine, the time and effort that was required to stop the ever increasing threat of Graydon from being demolished was all encompassing.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/suzanne-kelly-steps-down-as-co-chair-of.html
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010
Ridgewood Welcomes New Business!
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/newbusiness.cfm
Overview
The Village of Ridgewood is a center of commerce in Bergen County.
Advantages to locating your business in Ridgewood:
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/11/ridgewood-welcomes-new-business.html
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2010
Ridgewood Police Department Baffled by Brazen Daytime Burglaries
Ridgewood Police Detectives Have No Suspects In String of Brazen Daytime Burglaries
Add another Ridgewood home to the list of the dozen or so recently burglarized in broad daylight by an unknown person or persons. This time, it was a brazen Wednesday afternoon break in on the 300 block of Racetrack Road.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/ridgewood-police-department-baffled-by.html
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2010
Village Christmas Tree Lighting was a big Hit!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/village-christmas-tree-lighting-was-big.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2010
Farewell to Irine Fokine
Irine Fokine
September 20, 1922–December 5, 2010
Visitation: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6–8 PM
Funeral service: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 11 AM
Both at: C. C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home
306 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
(corner of Maple Ave.)
https://vanemburgh.com/obituary_view/77345
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/farewell-to-irine-fokine.html
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2010
Math Wars : Singapore math doesn’t cost enough for Ridgewood Schools
I remember the parents that voted and took Regina’s survey comparing the four potential math programs PICKED SINGAPORE math! Oh but wait, Nancy Schultz doesn’t “consult” for that publisher. No wonder why Regina didn’t want it!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/math-wars-singapore-math-doesnt-cost.html
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2010
Water rate increase on Ridgewood council’s agenda
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
BY RICHARD DE SANTA
GLEN ROCK GAZETTE
Staff Writer
https://www.northjersey.com/news/111531329_Water_rate_increase_on_Ridgewood_council_s_agenda_.html
An ordinance to increase water rates by 5 percent next year is on the agenda for the Ridgewood council’s public meeting on Wednesday night.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/water-rate-increase-on-ridgewood.html
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2010
Village of Ridgewood : Taxes are out of control
Taxes are out of control. When my last child graduates I am going to sell my house. Hopefully someone else will want to pay the taxes on it. People think that the high taxes correlate with a good school system.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/village-of-ridgewood-taxes-are-out-of.html
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2010
Sheila Brogan’s recent letter fighting against the Superintendent’s salary cap is a prime example of why taxes will always be excessive in Ridgewood
It’s a shame that Ridgewood doesn’t seem to value singles, empty nesters and seniors who may not want the bulk of their tax dollars paying for education and fields and lights and mistakes.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/sheila-brogans-recent-letter-fighting.html
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
Village Council Announces Volunteer of the Year Ines Bunza and Joseph Suplicki
The Village Council announced the 2010 Volunteers of the Year at their December 8th Public Meeting. Ines Bunza and Joseph Suplicki were recognized for the volunteer efforts to the Village of Ridgewood.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/village-council-announces-volunteer-of.html
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010
Lightgate: Dr. Fishbein is proposing that this time limit be extended until 10:30PM
Remember folks, the current Field Use Policy (available for downloading here: https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/recreation/2009SeptFieldPolicy.pdf) prohibits the use of lights at BOE owned facilites past 9PM (see paragraph F on page 14).
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/lightgate-dr-fishbein-is-proposing-that.html
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2010
New Jersey Fiscal Crisis: There are multiple problems with the current system
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/new-jersey-fiscal-crisis-there-are.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2010
Fearing more conservative backlash the New Jersey Republican State Committee abruptly canceled a long scheduled meeting
With State Republicans fearing more conservative backlash the New Jersey Republican State Committee abruptly canceled a long scheduled meeting Hyatt Regency in Princeton last night, less than 24 hours before it was scheduled to convene.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/fearing-more-conservative-backlash-new.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2010
Shared Services Not the Answer
My husband and I grew up in and bought our first home in a in Nassau County and our police were the Nassau County Officers. Believe me you would not be happy with a regional police service. They were great when you needed a helicopter search for a missing child and a SWAT team, but forget it for day to day problems such as parking, loud parties, vandalism or other quality of life issues. It took them 20-30 minutes to respond and half the time you would be told on the phone to go to the local precinct (two towns away) if you needed to file a simple police report.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/shared-services-not-answer.html
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2010
Home Rule :The fact that the police are local, even neighbors. It keeps them close to the people they protect and accountable.
I don’t know about you, but I really like the fact that the police are local, some even neighbors. It keeps them close to the people they protect. And accountable.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/home-rule-fact-that-police-are-local.html
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2010
Aronsohn: A parking solution
Friday, December 17, 2010
LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY DECEMBER 17, 2010, 7:43 AM
BY PAUL ARONSOHN
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce has come forward with a parking proposal that is both simple and sensible.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/aronsohn-parking-solution.html
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010
Ridgewood drops starting salaries for police officers
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BY MICHAEL SEDON
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Staff Writer
When the village hires police officers next year to fill positions left vacant by retirements, those new officers will receive a significantly lower starting salary.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/112332814_Starting_salaries_for_new_Ridgewood_cops_dropped.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/ridgewood-drops-starting-salaries-for.html
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2010
NJ should have a public “Hall of Shame” for all these unscrupulous characters who take advantage of their positions
Unfortunately, I don’t find this type of news surprising anymore. What a sad world we live in.
Ed Hynes and Democratic Freeholder James Carroll should have to reimburse the County for all those expenses he failed to provide receipts for…and NJ should have a public “Hall of Shame” for all these unscrupulous characters who take advantage of their positions and the taxpayers they are supposed to be serving!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/nj-should-have-public-hall-of-shame-for.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2010
Ridgewood store owners report good holiday business
Friday, December 24, 2010
BY JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
FOR THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Shopkeepers in Ridgewood’s Central Business District are feeling a little more optimistic about holiday season sales this year, compared to bleak profits just a year ago.
more: https://www.northjersey.com/news/112416274_Frugal_shoppers_welcome.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/ridgewood-store-owners-report-good.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2010
Blizzard of 2010 : Readers comment on snow removal
“Woodside Avenue was plowed yesterday by 1pm. Maybe even sooner. I walked to the train station today and all way fine. I don’t know why people complain. My parents live in Queens and the plow just came by an hour ago”
“My street is a little slippery but otherwise no problems. Drivers
need to be a bit more careful though. I’ve seen some icy spots. Kids are loving the snow and aren’t even complaining about the cold.”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/12/blizzard-of-2010-readers-comment-on.html
>Port Newark/Port Elizabeth : Economic Power House in New Jersey
If you’ve ever seen the Regina Maersk try to squeak under the Bayonne Bridge, you’d realize it needs to be raised. Many ship “lighter” offshore right now which is dangerous and expensive. Some come in only on the lowest tides to fit under the bridge’ another dangerous condition. Raise the bridge or shut Port Newark/Port Elizabeth; the busiest container and automobile port on the east coast.
The alternative to Port Newark/Port Elizabeth is to build an offshore island to facility a deepwater with rail transfer capabilities (although we cant double and triple stack in this region) or let all of the cargo (and jobs, taxes, etc) go to Norfork or Nova Scotia. This is a regional commerce issue; not just about raising the Bayonne Bridge.
Unfortunately most people in this area are clueless as to the importance of the port to the regional economy.
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 3
FRIDAY, JULY 02, 2010
Keith Killion was named the New Mayor
Ridgewood council holds reorganization meeting
Thursday, July 1, 2010
BY MICHAEL SEDON
The Ridgewood News
STAFF WRITER
https://www.northjersey.com/news/97603459_Ridgewood_council_holds_reorganization_meeting.html
Keith Killion was named the new mayor during the Village Council reorganization meeting on Thursday afternoon. Tom Riche, who along with Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh won the municipal election in May, was named deputy mayor. Both terms will expire in 2012.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/keith-killion-was-named-new-mayor.html
SATURDAY, JULY 03, 2010
RIDGEWOOD INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Please join us for the 100th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, 2010!
The theme this year is “100 Years of Supporting the Tradition.”
This year the 4th is on the 5th.
The Flag Raising, Parade, Evening Entertainment & Fireworks will be on Monday, July 5th.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/ridgewood-independence-day-celebration.html
SATURDAY, JULY 03, 2010
Valley renewal: major concerns about the future of our great Village
I have posted a lot on Valley Hospital’s proposed renewal plans over the last few weeks and I must say, that it is evident that the vast majority of comments come from those tax-paying residents of Ridgewood that do not want Valley Hospital to expand. Most of the pro-Valley comments appear to be from residents of other towns so as far as I am concerned, their comments do not count.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/valley-renewal-major-concerns-about.html
SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2010
Ridgewood Blog Poll Readers Say “NO” to Valley Expansion
By an overwhelming majority Ridgewood Residents DO NOT Favor Valley Expansion
Do you Favor the Valley Expansion ?
Yes 151 (16%)
No 770 (83%)
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/valley-renewal-major-concerns-about.html
MONDAY, JULY 12, 2010
We’ve been Hacked : Pizza Poll Results under dispute
I am a bit confused though, as last Wednesday after the polls had closed, your website showed the below poll results, showing A Mano had won with 22% of the vote and 74 votes. Did the voting reopen ?
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/weve-been-hacked-pizza-poll-results.html
SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010
Pedestrian Hit: I get the impression that many of you drivers don’t get out and walk much.
To all you “what until traffic stops” commentators here, would you like to take a shot at a question I posted previously about this. No-one yet has had a go. Here it is:
Traffic runs in both directions. Remember that. If I wait for traffic to stop, this often only means one lane of traffic stops. The other lane is still running. If I keep waiting, the driver of the stopped car, and the cars behind it, start getting pissed as I’m still standing there, waiting for the other side to stop. After a few seconds of horn honking and a look from the first car driver’s face as if I’m some kind of idiot, he then pulls away. I’m still standing there!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/pedestrian-hit-i-get-impression-that.html
SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2010
Field Lighting : We’ll shake down various village sports groups
PJ Can someone please explain how:
· We had a bond referendum shoved down our throats under the specter of vanishing funds from state grants
· We had or state school aid eliminated this year
· We had 2 years of multi-million dollar school budget deficits
· After the school budget was defeated, the Village Council reduced it by a whopping 1/10 of a percent
· We laid off or retired around 30 town workers and more may follow
After all the angst and tumult in this past year, now we’re getting LIGHTS for our artificial fields?!?
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/field-lighting-well-shake-down-various.html
MONDAY, JULY 26, 2010
Village Cuts Number of Recycling and Curbside Rubbish Pickups
Village Slashes Number of Recycling and Curbside Bulk Refuse Pickups
Despite numerous assurances from former Mayor David T. Pfund that worker layoffs would not impact municipal services, cuts to the following services were announced in the past 7-10 days:
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/village-cuts-number-of-recycling-and.html
TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2010
Important message from RHS Principal, Jack Loren
With our most profound sympathies…
I am sad to report that senior, Caitlin Alvaro, passed away today. Our Crisis Intervention counselors will be available to meet with any parents and students who need assistance. Lauren DePinto and Kevin Feeley will be in their offices at the high school from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. If you feel your child needs individual help, please contact me at 201-670-2800, Ext.20501 or email me and I will make arrangements for support. Thank you. Jack
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/important-message-from-rhs-principal.html
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2010
Readers continue to complain over the time it takes for construction approvals
“A neighbor of mine commented to me on how long it took to get permits for an addition almost a year ago. He felt as though he was jerked around, and it was a simple construction job. So as far as the layoffs being an excuse for poor service..forget it. Even last year with much slower construction there was not prompt service according to my neighbor.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/07/readers-continue-to-complain-over-time.html
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 04, 2010
Last night the Ridgewood Planning Board voted to memorialize changes in the master plan that allowed The Valley Hospital to double in size
Last night the Ridgewood Planning Board voted to memorialize changes in the master plan that allowed The Valley Hospital to double in size, an issue that has divided the community for sometime. If there is to be an appeal it needs to be filed with 45 days of the memorialization.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/08/last-night-ridgewood-planning-board.html
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 04, 2010
Ridgewood homes are being devalued by high property taxes..
Ridgewood homes are being devalued by high property taxes. I agree with you that the Ridgewood voters have approved budgets in the past, however, this year they did not support the budget but had it shoved in their faces just the same.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/08/ridgewood-homes-are-being-devalued-by.html
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010
Habernickle : its been too long with zero progress
How much did Habernickle cost the Village? How many years has it been sitting there.. with one tiny soccer field, which is a mess. Otherwise, whole property is overgrown. And I did read that we just spent a few hundred grand to “clean up” the dam and brook. Was that part of the original purchase, or it was an added cost from my tax-paying wallet?
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/08/habernickle-its-been-too-long-with-zero.html
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010
Ridgewood Public Schools a Hot Bed for Indie Bands
Ridgewood, N.J.: Why Here? Why Now?
https://news.wvpubcast.org/blogs/therecord/2010/08/12/129162870/ridgewood-n-j-why-here-why-now
This is the first in a new Friday series on The Record. We’ll be going around the country, asking why music scenes grow where they do.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/08/ridgewood-public-schools-hot-bed-for.html
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010
‘It’s been a tough summer to grow grass,’ says Ridgewood Country Club head pro David Reasoner.
Brendan Prunty/The Star-Ledger
https://www.nj.com/golf/index.ssf/2010/08/grass_still_green_at_ridgewood.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/08/its-been-tough-summer-to-grow-grass.html
MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010
Five district schools had roof leaks overnight into Monday after heavy rains pounded the region on Sunday
Five district schools had roof leaks overnight into Monday after heavy rains pounded the region on Sunday
Roofs leak at Ridgewood schools following rainstorm
Monday, August 23, 2010
Last updated: Monday August 23, 2010, 6:20 PM
BY JASON BRAFF
The Ridgewood News
Staff Writer
https://www.northjersey.com/news/101330654_Roofs_leak_at_Ridgewood_schools_following_rainstorm.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/08/five-district-schools-had-roof-leaks.html
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010
Bolger Foundation may sever donations to Ridgewood
Bolger Foundation may sever donations to Ridgewood
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Last updated: Thursday August 26, 2010, 1:04 PM
BY MICHAEL SEDON
The Ridgewood News
Staff Writer
https://www.northjersey.com/news/101571578_Foundation_may_sever_donations.html
The Village of Ridgewood may have lost the support of one of its major benefactors due to its current regulation structure regarding gifting.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/08/bolger-foundation-may-sever-donations.html
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2010
Graydon Pool : Membership was way up this summer. The pool sold 3,691 season badges in 2010, compared with 2,426 in 2009.
Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool like ‘being at the beach’
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Last updated: Sunday September 5, 2010, 10:51 AM
BY MIKE KERWICK
The Record
STAFF WRITER
Read More: https://www.northjersey.com/news/102243124_Graydon_like__being_at_the_beach_.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/09/graydon-pool-membership-was-way-up-this.html
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2010
Four Ridgewood residents officially file for vacant council seat
Thursday, September 9, 2010
https://www.northjersey.com/news/politics/102569269_Four_Ridgewood_residents_officially_file_for_vacant_council_seat.html
According to the The Ridgewood News four Ridgewood residents will be squaring off in November to fill the Village Council seat left vacant by the death of Anne Zusy in June.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/09/four-ridgewood-residents-officially.html
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010
Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce asks Village Council to move the tree lighting ceremony back to the train station
Chamber asks to move tree back to train station
Friday, September 17, 2010
BY MICHAEL SEDON
The Ridgewood News
STAFF WRITER
https://www.northjersey.com/news/103113484_Chamber_asks_to_move_tree_back_to_train_station.html
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/09/ridgewood-chamber-of-commerce-have.html
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
The questionable,”Open Letter to Ridgewood Residents from Doug Dittrick & Lindsey D. Barclay“
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/09/questionableopen-letter-to-ridgewood.html
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
Our Deepest Sympathies go out to the family and friends of the victim
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Official: NJ sex-tape student in apparent suicide
By BETH DeFALCO and GEOFF MULVIHILL (AP) – 2 hours ago
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Authorities say a New Jersey college student who was allegedly recorded surreptitiously having sex in his dorm room apparently killed himself.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/09/our-deepest-sympathies-go-out-to-family.html
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
Oct. 20 LWV Candidates Night: A Different Moderator, One Hopes
We hear that the League of Women Voters will hold a Candidates Night to showcase the opinions of the four candidates for Village Council on Wednesday, October 20. This fine service to the Village is greatly appreciated.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/09/oct-20-lwv-candidates-night-different.html
>Readers Sound off on Unions
You are mistakenly giving credit ton the unions for the efforts of individual laborers and services. No union deserves credit for any noble deeds after 911 or for building anything in the USA, the workers, contractors and municipal departments themselves deserve that credit. The USA was built by contractors and companies, whose employees may or may not have been union members.
The only things that unions can take for is perpetuating a culture of excessive entitlements, labor contract negotiations that continuously escalate the cost of doing business far beyond the rate of inflation and forcing union members to pay dues. so that union leaders can line their pockets and attempt to influence the political process. This is a culture that is rife with conflict, financial abuse and, frequently, criminal behavior.
Over the past 25 years, unions greed and short-sightedness has been primarily responsible for the loss of our industrial manufacturing base, the decline (and bankruptcy) of the US automotive industry, as well as the skyrocketing cost of education and municipal taxation, while the quality of service has generally declined across the country. This is a systemic macro-economic problem that has very little to do with the short-term cycle of layoffs and hiring during that period.
While unions served an important role 75-100 years ago, they have failed to evolve with the current employment landscape across this country and today are outdated concepts that serve as an economic and productivity impediment in most industries today.
>Questions Arise over who the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce represents ?
The President of the Chamber of Commerce, is the son in law of the owner of the North Jersey Media Group(The Record) The President (and owner) of North Jersey Media Group, Stephen Borg serves on Audrey Meyer’s Valley Hospital Presidents Council. As the connections are revealed, it is obvious why the taxpayers were on the losing end of the Valley decision.
>
Mahwah council eliminates its health benefits
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2011
BY SAMANTHA FELLER
STAFF WRITER
MAHWAH SUBURBAN NEWS
Mahwah — The Township Council passed a resolution on Thursday, Dec. 15, that would eliminate health benefits for all elected officials beginning in 2013.
According to the resolution, elected officials who don’t receive benefits will no longer have the option to. However, the two council members who currently receive benefits — Lisa DiGiulio and John Spiech — will continue receiving them through the end of next year.
Six members of the council voted in favor of the resolution, with an abstention by Spiech, at around 12:30 a.m. after an executive session. Before the executive session, Council President John Roth had said the governing body would not reconvene afterward.
Mayor William Laforet had voiced the lone objection to the resolution, saying he wanted the council to eliminate health benefits for all elected officials immediately.
>
GOP hopefuls have been thoroughly queried on a laundry list of issues Yet, the man they hope to defeat next November has rarely been asked by news reporters about many of these issues.
By Richard Benedetto – December 30, 2011
Over the past five months, the Republican presidential candidates participated in 13 debates where they fielded dozens of penetrating questions on every major issue facing the nation, and some not so major.
The nationally televised and/or Internet-streamed forums each drew an average of 5 million to 6 million viewers, along with breathless wall-to-wall coverage, commentary and criticism from the news media, radio and TV talk shows, Internet blogs and partisan websites.
Indeed, the GOP hopefuls have been thoroughly queried on a laundry list of issues ranging from immigration problems to the faltering economy, Iran’s nuclear program to trade deficits with China, the intricacies of climate change to strategies to combat terrorism, exploding government regulations to skyrocketing public debt, plus some uncomfortable questions about their pasts and their personal lives.
Yet, during all that time, the man they hope to defeat next November has rarely been asked by news reporters about many of these issues. Since August, President Obama has held only one formal White House news conference. That came on Oct. 6, nearly three months ago. It lasted 74 minutes, shorter than any single Republican debate, and the president was asked 17 questions, most of them softballs on the economy and his latest legislative proposals to create jobs.
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 2
THURSDAY, APRIL 08, 2010
David Bolger on Graydon Pool : “the Fiscal Climate is Very Hostile for Ridgewood at this time “
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/04/david-bolger-on-graydon-pool-fiscal.html
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010
$89 million dollar budget : I’m Voting NO for the following reasons.
I’m Voting NO for the following reasons.
From today’s BOE Newsline, I see that there is 1.4% increase in teacher’s salary. So rather than allow some of the other teachers to stay by forgoing a raise, the teachers who are left are still getting one while other teachers are left go. That’s for the kids, of course.
Also in today’s BOE Newsline, I see there is a 21.5% raise in employee benefits. The teachers refuse to chip in just 1.5% of their salary for benefits. If the average teacher’s salary is $65,000 a year, we are looking for $975 a year for full medical, dental and vision. (Come on, who gets free vision anymore?) However, those same teachers are very willing to pay an average of $720 a year for union dues. These are their priorities, not our tax dollars, not our kids.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/04/89-million-dollar-budget-im-voting-no.html
SUNDAY, MAY 02, 2010
Readers Allege bullying epidemic at B F Middle School while administrators do little or nothing
the Ridgewood blog recieved so many of these coments they could not be ignored:
Hey here’s a little story from last year that will give you a clue about how Mr. Orsini handles a child’s repeated cries for help from him regarding another child who had been relentlessly bullying her at school (not on line).
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/readers-allege-bullying-epidemic-at-b-f.html
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010
$89 million school budget : a “NO” vote does not “send a message” to anyone.
I don’t disagree with the sentiments expressed here. Unfortunately, some people don’t seem to understand the implications of this vote.
First, a “NO” vote does not “send a message” to anyone. It does not have an impact on teachers benefits or their raises for next year. It simply means that the budget will get turned over to the Village Council (who know NOTHING about the school’s needs or situations) to determine the amount of the tax for next year. They can assign ANY tax rate they want. They can increase the budget and raise taxes more, or they can cut the budget and limit the taxes. They are accountable to NO ONE on this issue. The most likely outcome is that they cut the budget more and reduce taxes, which will result in further teacher cuts…unfortunately, they will be the newer and more enthusiastic teachers, who most of us would prefer to have teaching our children. I, for one, do not want Annie Z or Keith K making any decisions about my children’s education.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/04/89-million-school-budget-no-vote-does.html
MONDAY, MAY 03, 2010
SCHOOL ELECTION RESULTS : Laurie Goodman ,” I think we’ve cut enough.”
Numbers show Ridgewood’s extremely lean staffing.
https://lauriegood.blogspot.com/2010/05/numbers-show-ridgewoods-extremely-lean.html
Over the past few weeks, Governor Christie and the media have made a big deal about some recently-released data. It showed that statewide, over the past 10 years, enrollment in New Jersey schools has grown 3%, while staffing in NJ schools has grown 14%. The Governor and others used these statistics to back-up the claim that there has been a “hiring spree” in our schools and that today there is “plenty of room to cut.” I would totally agree on a statewide level.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/school-election-results-laurie-goodman.html
TUESDAY, MAY 04, 2010
Valley “Renewal” more than doubles the size of the medical center
Valley’s revised plan is called workable
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
BY MARY JO LAYTON
The Record
STAFF WRITER
https://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/92741259_Valley_s_revised_plan_is_called_workable.html
The Valley Hospital’s proposed expansion , but the latest building plan is a good compromise, experts hired by Ridgewood testified Monday.
Village Planner Blais Brancheau said the plan, which adds three beds to the 451-bed hospital “does not intensify operations. The overall policy is to keep the intensity of use as it is roughly today,” he said.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/valley-renewal-more-than-doubles-size.html
THURSDAY, MAY 06, 2010
HOLY COW ARE CRONK-DOWD TRYING TO BUY RIDGEWOOD VOTE
Papers just posted with the New Jersey Campaign Financing and Lobbying Disclosure – NJ Election Enforcement Commission on candidate spending for the Village of Ridgewood Council election indicate that Committee to Elect Cronk and Dowd have spent over $6,654. and have a total receipts of $9,750.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/holy-cow-are-cronk-dowd-trying-to-buy.html
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010
Graydon Pool Named one of N.J.’s 10 most-endangered historic sites!
Preservation NJ names N.J.’s 10 most-endangered historic sites
https://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/style/preservation-nj-names-njs-10-most-endangered-historic-sites
Ron Emrich, Preservation NJ director, said in Trenton, “The endangered historic sites program spotlights irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural and archeological resources in New Jersey that are in imminent danger of being lost. The act of listing these resources acknowledges their importance to the heritage of New Jersey and draws attention to the predicaments that endanger their survival and the survival of all historic resources throughout our state.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/graydon-pool-named-one-of-njs-10-most.html
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010
Councilwoman Anne Zusy Undergoes Rehabilitation at Local Nursing Home
In a statement read by her son Alexander Ortiz during Monday evening’s Village Council meeting, Councilwoman Anne Zusy reported that she is a patient in a local rehabilitation center.
The reason for Ms. Zusy’s admission to a rehabilitation center was not disclosed during her remarks.
In addition to her elected position as a member of the Village Council, Ms. Zusy also serves in an appointed position as a full member of the Ridgewood Planning Board.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/councilwoman-anne-zusy-undergoes.html
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2010
Ridgewood Sports: LAX Parents claim Coach Pounds punished the team by losing on purpose
Many RHS lax parents angry at coach Pounds. #6 Ridgewood played the #11 team in the states and lost. The coach refused to start his senior goalie (would not give a reason). He passed over all the other goalies in the program and started his inexperienced freshman son – IN THE STATE PLAYOFF!!! We were missing 3 sophomores but in this game it would not have mattered. It was easily winnable.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/ridgewood-sports-lax-parents-claim.html
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010
N.J. taxpayers question school administrators’ pay
Lately, when Cheryl Gismonde logs onto her Facebook account, she often finds messages that veer wildly from the usual array of restaurant recommendations and photos of other people’s children. A recent post from one of her friends reads: “Burlington County has 39 school districts!! So let’s figure the average Super makes $150K, maybe an assistant at $100K, and a Business Administrator at $90K. That’s approx. $13 million and some of these Supers have districts with just 2-3 schools. Entirely too much $$ wasted on positions that arent hands-on with the ki. . .ds.” (Osborne, Inquirer)
https://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20100525_N_J__taxpayers_question_school_administrators__pay.html#axzz0p05Tpj8g
FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2010
State Troopers Look to Ring the Register this Memorial Day Weekend ,Drive Carefully
Troopers writing more tickets on NJ toll roads
The Associated Press
https://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/207/2010/may/27/troopers-writing-more-tickets-on-nj-toll-roads.html
State troopers are writing more tickets on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
State Police figures show tickets for all motor-vehicle violations increased 61 percent on the parkway last month, compared to April 2009. It was up 45 percent on the turnpike for the same period.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/05/state-troopers-look-to-ring-register.html
TUESDAY, JUNE 01, 2010
Kathleen A. Donovan : “Time to close NJ Sports Authority and save taxpayers millions”
“Time to close NJ Sports Authority and save taxpayers millions” Says Donovan.
May 28, 2010
Kathleen A. Donovan, Republican candidate for Bergen County Executive, today called on Governor Christie to cancel the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s purchase of Personal Seat Licenses (PSL’s) and season tickets for the New York Giants and New York Jets. According to Ms. Donovan, “This latest slap at New Jersey taxpayers is proof positive that the Authority has clearly outlived its usefulness and should be put out of its misery.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/06/kathleen-donovan-time-to-close-nj.html
SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2010
Graydon Pool : “it was the biggest opening day crowd in 5 or 6 years”
The staff stopped counting at 1200 people on Saturday, June 5. Pool manager Steve Diamond said it was the biggest opening day crowd in 5 or 6 years.
Open for business: Last weekend Graydon had its biggest opening day in 5 or 6 years, said pool manager Steve Diamond. What a great community gathering place!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/06/graydon-pool-it-was-biggest-opening-day.html
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2010
Readers Sound off Chairman Nicholson disrespect and condescension towards Ridgewood residents
CHRIS RUTISHA– USER – Village Engineer rips down posters at Planning Board public meeting on June 14
A lecture in civility was offered by Chairman Nicholson as he called the June 14th Planning Board H-Zone meeting to order. Yet, just moments before the meeting was called to order informational posters, neatly placed on the walls of the Benjamin Franklin Middle School, were violently ripped down by a Village Employee. The posters were crumbled and stuffed into garbage pails.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/06/readers-sound-off-chairman-nicholson.html
FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2010
Valley Renewal: Readers Question Motivations
Two questions arise, (1) what has Ridgewood to lose if the Planning Board does not approve Valley’s Expansionist plans, (2) what have the individual members of the planning board to loose if the plan is not approved?
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/06/valley-renewal-readers-question.html
SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2010
Village Council: And The Band Played On . . .
And The Band Played On . . .
Despite Worker Layoffs, Village Council Will Hold Elaborate After Reorganization Meeting Event
The Fly has just learned that Village Council members and their invited guests will convene at Gen Sushi, 15 East Ridgewood Avenue, for an “after reorganization meeting” luncheon on Thursday, July 1st.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/06/village-council-and-band-played-on.html
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010
Valley Renewal: Sleazy Tactic Mar H-Zone Vote
As if the last-minute change of venue wasn’t bad enough to jerk residents around…now the village says parking will be unavailable. This from the Record:
“Parking will be extremely limited tonight at the middle school where the Ridgewood Planning Board is voting on Valley Hospital’s expansion plans.
The Planning Board secretary announced this afternoon that the village just discovered that parking will not be available at the large church lot across from George Washington Middle School.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/06/valley-renewal-sleazy-tactic-mar-h-zone.html
>the Village of Ridgewood Looking Back on 2010 Part 1
MONDAY, JANUARY 04, 2010
$48 million dollar Referendum :Cautiously Optimistic?
It seems that Ms. Goodman is right to be cautious about whether Ridgewood will ever see the $10 million dollars in matching funds from the state of NJ for our turf fields. We have it from a good source that Governor Corzine has refused to sign off on any school referendums. Which means that Ridgewood’s recently passed $48 million dollar bond referendum is in limbo awaiting the approval of incoming Governor Christie. Who, by the way, has made it abundantly clear that he is going to cut state spending.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/01/48-million-dollar-referendum-cautiously.html
MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2010
Controversial Rector Announces Plan to “Part Ways” with Christ Episcopal Church
The Reverend S. Elizabeth Searle of Christ Episcopal Church Ridgewood, whose management style reportedly caused the mass resignation of nine Vestry members this past October, publicly announced her plan to “part ways” with Christ Church shortly.
The Ridgewood Blog’s coverage of the turmoil at Christ Church was criticized by several current and former parishioners, and an official from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, as being an “inappropriate public intrusion on a very private matter.”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/01/controversial-rector-announces-plan-to.html
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2010
Ridgewood police sergeant charged with stealing PBA money
https://www.northjersey.com/news/011410_Ridgewood_police_sergeant_charged_with_stealing_PBA_money.html
Ridgewood police sergeant charged with stealing PBA money
Thursday, January 14, 2010
BY EVONNE COUTROS AND MARLENE NAANES
The Record
Staff Writers
RIDGEWOOD — A village police sergeant is accused of stealing $65,000 from the local Police Benevolent Association, police said Thursday.
Sgt. William Hemmer, 40, of Sussex, was arrested Thursday morning after he turned himself in at police headquarters and was charged with theft by deception and official misconduct, Ridgewood police said in a statement. He was released on his own recognizance, Detective Capt. John Ward said.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/01/plot-thickens-ridgewoods-downtown-voted.html
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010
The Plot Thickens : Ridgewood’s downtown voted Bergen’s best
The question is: Are these papers being truly objective or are the articles an attempt to placate the Village Council and bring an end to the antagonism between it and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, who happens to be the son in law of the owner of the North Jersey Media Group? If the answer is the latter, then we can only look to the Blogs for any kind of truth about what goes on in the Village!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/01/plot-thickens-ridgewoods-downtown-voted.html
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010
Parking Economics 101 : Its called the Supply and Demand Curve
Great Article by Mike Sedon !
Revenues from Ridgewood parking rate hike fall short
Friday, February 19, 2010
BY MICHAEL SEDON
The Ridgewood News
STAFF WRITER
https://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/84758732_Revenues_from_rate_hike_fall_short.html
Doubling parking meter rates in Ridgewood did not double revenues, but other factors may have played a role in how the parking utility netted $34,000 in additional income over a five-month period, compared to the same time frame in 2008.
The Ridgewood News, through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, obtained parking utility revenue figures for the months from August to December 2008, when rates were 25 cents an hour to park at all meters in the village, and August to December 2009, when the Village Council changed the rates to 50 cents an hour.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/02/parking-economics-101-its-called-supply.html
THURSDAY, MARCH 04, 2010
Parking in Graydon South Lot Will Now Cost $425 Per School Year
The time honored tradition of Ridgewood High School students being able to park for free in the Graydon South lot will soon come to an unceremonious end.
Students may thank Village Council members for this bit of bad news. Council members are still seeking to plug major gaps in the municipal budget by squeezing revenue from every possible source; an increase in permit parking fees is one of those sources.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/parking-in-graydon-south-lot-will-now.html
TUESDAY, MARCH 09, 2010
The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) announces layoffs necessary
Ridgewood announces school layoffs
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
BY DOLORES ALFIERI
The Ridgewood News
STAFF WRITER
https://www.northjersey.com/news/87116907_Ridgewood_announces_school_layoffs_to_balance_budget.html
The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) announced that layoffs in the village’s schools will be necessary to manage the 2010/2011 budget.
At its meeting last night, the BOE outlined the reduction in school administration and salaries. A district-wide meeting was called Monday afternoon to inform teachers and administrators of cuts that seem all but inevitable.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/ridgewood-board-of-education-boe.html
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
Village Council Election: Readers Still Question the Use of RPP email List
…using an email list from the Village of Ridgewood(rpp) to further one’s personal gain (getting petition signatures for public office) should be more than likely to be considered as an unethical matter.
If ethics play any part in submitting the required number of petitions in order to run for a seat on the council, those that were acquired by unethical means and submitted, justly should be thrown out (considered as null and void).
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/readers-still-question-use-of-rpp-email.html
SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2010
Rain & Wind Storm Causing Major Damage Throughout Ridgewood
Heavy rain accompanied by measured wind gusts of over 60 miles per hour reeked havoc throughout the Village on Saturday afternoon and early evening.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/rain-wind-storm-causing-major-damage.html
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
Concerned Neighbors : A grass roots effort to save grass roots
A grass roots effort to save grass roots Presented by Steve Shea NJDEP Public Hearing March 15, 2010
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/concerned-neighbors-grass-roots-effort.html
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
WHAT BOIL WATER ADVISORY?
“Funny thing, tonite after dinner I got a call from Bergen county stating the ‘boil water order’ had been lifted. The joke is on me since I never got the call to boil water in the first place and I drank 4 glasses today. Per the Village website, it did not affect us. Who do I beleive? Hopefuly I wont get the ‘tourista’.”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/what-boil-water-advisory.html
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010
Kenneth A. Gabbert :March 22nd the Village gave notices to employees holding positions that in the 2010 budget will be eliminated
Informational Statement
Village of Ridgewood, March 23, 2010
Contact: Kenneth A. Gabbert,
Village Manager
The Unions representing Village employees have been most cooperative under a rather difficult financial process, as the Village faced nearly a one million dollar shortfall in the proposed 2010 Budget.
In January 2010, the Village Finance Committee met with Union representatives and detailed the need to extend contracts one year with no pay increase this year.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/kenneth-gabbert-march-22nd-village-gave.html
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
Ridgewood Teachers: I’m sorry but your crocodile tears no longer move me
I raised money for you. I wrote letters for you. I voted for every budget for the first 13 years I lived here. I listened to you complain and how you were ready to walk out until you got double what I made that year – but still supported you. I went to games, music performances, plays, exhibits (and still do). I donated to the REF.
How do you repay me and my family? By ignoring that we were tired of your complaining and wanting all the assurances that us commoners are not afforded in our careers.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/2010/03/ridgewood-teachers-im-sorry-but-your.html
to be continued …
>Ridgewood Crossing Guard Position Applications
The Ridgewood Police Department is accepting applications for anyone interested in becoming a School Crossing Guard. Posts are a minimum of two (2) hours a day. Work may even be available during times when school is closed (winter/summer breaks). Please contact the Ridgewood Police Records Room at (201) 251-4531 for blank applications and questions. The Village of Ridgewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
