Tag: Ridgewood Moms and dads

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Councilman Hache Gives Update on the Hudson Street Garage

Ramon M

photo by Boyd Loving

February 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, There was a Special Public Meeting last night, Wednesday, February 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Village Council interviewed the four companies that bid on the construction of the Hudson Street Parking Garage. Each company gave a full presentation. The Village Council and the public had the opportunity to listen to proposals and to see a broad range of design options. Names were drawn from a hat to determine the order of presentations as follows:

Terminal Construction Corporation
Prismatic Development Corporation
Epic Management Inc
The Pike Company

Councilman Ramon M. Hache said that , “Overall, I was very pleased with the presentations. The presenters were very thorough and professional. The information provided by them is a crucial component of the extensive due diligence process necessary for a project like this. Generally, much of the focus has been on the dimensions, capacity and construction costs. But the analysis must also take into consideration the annual maintenance costs and the durability and quality of the materials used in its construction. We also have to consider the various approaches to construction methods as they relate to safety, as well as the logistics and timelines associated with the different phases of construction. Last night what had the opportunity to discuss those factors.”

Hache went on , “The due diligence process can be painstaking but it is the same cautious and prudent approach one would take before allocating capital to any significant investment project. Although this has been a long process, in hindsight, I am happy to not have rushed the project along given the valuable lessons learned. For one, declaring the existing Hudson Street lot to be an area in need of redevelopment has given us a tremendous amount of leverage. I think we are already seeing the benefits over the traditional design/bid/build process. Simply put, we are now in a position to negotiate better terms for the Village. We are now looking at potential construction costs that are 20%-30% lower than any previous estimates, and without having to pay for additional designs. The designs discussed last night were absolutely at no cost to the Village.

It was a long meeting but definitely worth it. I am thankful for the residents who attended and sat through the presentations to the end. We only lost a couple of people which was very impressive.”

Updated Bids:
One of the original bids was reduced by 11%. Epic Management reduced their bid after reviewing the numbers with the company that supplies their pre-cast concrete. Here are the updated bids received, listed from lowest to highest overall:

$9,464,666: Pike Company Inc
$10,100,000: Terminal Construction Corp (Version 3)
$10,900,000: Terminal Construction Corp (Version 2)
$10,983,193: Epic Management Inc (Low Version)
$11,190,627: Epic Management Inc (High Version)
$11,480,000: Terminal Construction Corp (Version 1)
$14,399,000: Prismatic Development Corp

Next Step is that the Village Council will  be reviewing the results of the Walker Feasibility Study at the next Public Work Session on Wednesday, February 28. The study will provide a planning-level analysis of net operating income potential for the parking system when the new garage is complete, including rate adjustments that will help maintain a parking utility that is self-supporting. Armed with a thorough financial analysis, we can then move forward with discussing contract negotiations and final selection.

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New Jersey Policy Perspective Champions time to Raise and Expand State’s Sales Tax

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

February 22,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, in another reason to leave the state , New Jersey Policy Perspective is championing returning the state sales tax rate to seven percent ,NJPP claims it could raise $600 million more for the state while having little impact on most residents.

The far left think tank New Jersey Policy Perspective is a group that also recommends , “A $15 Minimum Wage Would Help Over 1 Million Workers and Boost New Jersey’s Economy ” , “New Jersey Should Replicate ACA Penalty to Keep Coverage Affordable” , and our personal favorite “Why Unauthorized Immigrants Should Be Permitted to Drive Legally” .

Their website reads like a Christmas list of every New Jersey politician.

According to their website New Jersey Policy Perspective has never met a tax it didn’t like .

In the report on the proposal by NJ101.5, a senior policy analyst for New Jersey Policy Perspective said the tax rate cut adopted as part of the push to hike the state gas tax “was a gimmicky tax policy that no one asked for, and reversing it back to its original rate will largely go unnoticed.” But the move would have a big impact on the state’s finances, analyst Sheila Reynerston said in the radio station report.

NJPP also suggested the tax should be broadened to include accounting and bookkeeping, architects, attorney and engineer fees, among other things.

In the report, Reynerston said cutting spending alone won’t help New Jersey’s budget problems and that the state needs to consider ways to raise revenues. Interesting we have not herd anyone in New Jersey talk about cutting spending for over 40 years , thus the fiscal calamity the state now faces.

On the NJ101.5 Reynerston said , “Keep throwing things at the wall until something sticks. If it’s not the millionaires’ tax, then let’s revisit the estate tax. If it’s not the estate tax, let’s revisit the sales tax code,” she said in the radio station report.

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School Security : Reader says the way it will really work is that Ridgewood taxpayers will pay to protect schools in Camden and Nebraska in addition to our own…

Ridgewood Police RHS

file photo by Boyd Loving

Security is going to cost money and will need to be built into the cost of running the schools. I agree with you that it’s money well spent. There is no source for that money that is not us. The state uses our money to run the state. If the state pays for something, then we’ve paid for that thing. The feds do the same. If they have money it’s come from us (or they printed it, which means, ironically, that the kids are paying for their own protection). If they get money through corporate taxes, we have paid the money to corporations in the price of what we buy from them. Are you suggesting that people in Camden or in Nebraska should pay to protect Ridgewood’s schools? Who then pays to protect theirs? Sadly the way our elected officials treat the residents of Ridgewood the way it will really work is that Ridgewood taxpayers will pay to protect schools in Camden and Nebraska in addition to our own…

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Fallen Tree in Ridgewood Causes Delays for New Jersey Transit Commuters

Fallen Tree in Ridgewood Causes Delays for New Jersey Transit Commuters

photos courtesy of  Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

February 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Ridgewood Fire, NJ Transit Police, and NJ Transit Rail Operations personnel responded on Wednesday morning, 02/21, to investigate a fallen tree in the rear of 264 South Broad Street, Ridgewood that resulted in 45-60 minute delays to NJ Transit rail service on the Bergen and Main lines.

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Emotional Outburst at Money Tree Site Leads to Ridgewood Police being Called

money tree

photo by Boyd Loving

February 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood blog has received multiple reports that, a candidate for Village Council, accompanied by another family member, disregarded the caution tape that was deployed around Graydon, and entered the restricted work zone shortly after the tree was felled this morning. The individual became belligerent with a Village employee and refused the leave the restricted work area when asked to do so. The employee telephoned for police assistance in removing the individual; two (2) uniformed patrol officers and a uniformed patrol supervisor were dispatched to assist. The trespasser left the property prior to the police officers’ arrival. It is unknown whether charges will be pressed.

And the campaign signs aren’t even up yet. This is going to be one hell of an election season.

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RIDGEWOOD BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULE

money-printing-press

February 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Mark your calendars and if you have time, stop by and watch / listen to these meetings and see our local representatives asking questions and making decisions on how to spend our property taxes / where to cut the expenses-
BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULE:
March 2, 2018 – 5:30pm to 10:00pm
March 9, 2018 – 5:30pm to 10:00pm
March 16, 2018 – 5:30PM to 10:00pm
March 21st at 5:30pm – final budget overview & setting the tax rate
Tentative:
March 28, 2018 Budget Introduction
April 25, 2018 Budget Adoption

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Ridgewood Water Updates Progress on Infrastructure Piping

Ridgewood Water

February 21,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water reports its progress on upgrading infrastructure piping at 4 Stream Crossings in the Village of Ridgewood . Three of the four stream crossings will be operational by the end of this week. Final connections are wrapping up at Linwood Avenue as we speak.

In the meantime, Deven’s Construction will mobilizing back to the fourth and final stream crossing, Spring Avenue, to finish the remaining piping, testing and connections. We anticipate approximately 3 weeks for completion of the Spring Avenue stream crossing barring any unforeseen conditions.

Fred Devens will be coordinating with the Ridgewood Police who will be directing traffic around work areas on an as needed basis. Expected work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7am – 5:00pm, weather permitting.

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Ridgewood Police Pick Up ‘Hit and Run “Vehicle in Minutes

Ridgewood Police Pick Up 'Hit and Run "Vehicle in Minutes

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

February 21,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ ,  While on routine motor patrol, Ridgewood Police Patrol Officer Zachary Knudsen spotted a heavily damaged passenger vehicle matching the description of one wanted in connection with a Tuesday afternoon, 02/20, hit and run crash in Ridgewood’s Central Business District that heavily damaged two (2) parked vehicles. Officer Knudsen issued at least one (1) summons to the damaged vehicle’s adult female driver and radioed for a tow truck to remove it from the traveled roadway. A second tow truck was dispatched to remove one (1) of the parked vehicles that was struck.

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NJ School Security Task Force White Paper

Ridgewood High School theridgewoodblog.net 3

February 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, here is a white paper prepared by the NJ School Security Task Force.

On December 14, 2012, a gunman blasted through a glass entryway at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and within minutes murdered 20 children and six adults. Since the day of the tragedy, local boards of education throughout our nation have faced the question: What else must be done to ensure the safety and security of schoolchildren?
The New Jersey School Boards Association’s Safe and Secure Schools Project was an immediate response to that question and involved a major statewide forum on school security at The College of New Jersey in January 2013. As a continuation of that effort, NJSBA President John Bulina appointed a School Security Task Force in March 2013 to provide the Association’s membership with additional guidance and direction on school safety issues.
What Makes Schools Safe?, the final report of the NJSBA School Security Task Force, is the culmination of a year’s work to inform the discussion of school safety and security. The report and its 45 recommendations should be viewed as a resource to help determine further federal, state and local action to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of our students.

https://www.njsba.org/…/research/school-security-task-force/

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Reader asks if Ms Harwin Has Any Clue ?

village council meeting

file photo by Boyd Loving

Ms Harwin will suddenly appear at meetings and try to study up on key issues under Aronsohn tutelage. If she hasn’t started attending she should watch last night’s video to see she’s now connected to nasty halaby, ridiculous Shiovan and duche bag Jeff. Of course ms harwin watch the now infamous douche bag video. reviewi old footage to get a better idea of yoir supporters .How about the only man with a day job threatening a resident or Aronsohn intimidating and bullying a female resident. Maybe watch Voight screaming fu*# you at the village manager. Roberta ugh and oy the material. How about when harwins supporter pnched a resident or councilwoman clueless Hauck calling out a poor resident. Harwin have a clue?

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Reader says Harwin using Ridgewood As a stepping stone for Further Political Ambitions

Paul_Aronsohn_theridgewood blog

Graduate Emerge class 2017 alexanda harwin. Emerge new jersey instructs women how to run for higher office by launching political careers at the local level. Emerge NJ graduate Ali Harwin is following the manual. Get elected locally or get yourself appointed to something for the political resume. Uh oh Ridgewood looks like this one is using us. read for yourself and just say no. https://emergenj.ngpvanhost.com/content/emerge-new-jersey-announces-2017-class

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Reader says Having the backing of Halaby, Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sonenfeld, Voigt and Aronsohn is going to be lethal to your career

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ

SUGGESTION TO MS. HARWYN: You are probably a very nice person. You are clearly a very educated person. So let me offer you some practical advice – GET OUT NOW. Having the backing of Halaby, Hauck, Pucciarelli, Sonenfeld, Voigt and Aronsohn is going to be lethal to your career. Your candidacy is already tainted beyond repair with their poison ink. But your career as an attorney could be destroyed if you are keeping company with those who have ethics violations, harrassment complaints, etc on their dossiers.

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The “Flu” Outbreak Information for Schools

flu-fever

February 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ,  The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is currently reporting widespread influenza (flu) activity in all regions of the state. The flu can cause mild to severe illness. Young children, older people and people with certain health conditions are among the people who are at high risk of serious flu complications. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalizations or sometimes death. NJDOH has been receiving numerous outbreak reports which have generated questions from school and local health departments on reporting requirements. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are receiving as well as links to valuable resources schools can use. What should schools expect to see during widespread flu activity? With widespread influenza activity, schools should expect to experience increased absenteeism among students and staff with respiratory symptoms. NJDOH recommends that schools continue to monitor students and staff for sudden fever and respiratory illness symptoms. What should school do about increased absenteeism for influenza like illness (ILI)? NJDOH recommends that schools and childcare settings monitor attendees for sudden fever and respiratory illness symptoms. School or childcare attendees and staff with sudden fever and respiratory illness symptoms should be sent home with instructions to stay at home until fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Instructions should be given to seek medical care with worsening of symptoms.

How does a school know if a respiratory outbreak is occurring? Often in the school setting, it is difficult to determine if an outbreak exists. An outbreak may be occurring if you are experiencing clusters of ill students and/or staff that are in the same classroom, same grade or wing of the facility or have attended a common event. If you think an outbreak may be occurring, contact your local health department for guidance. During flu season we would expect a school to experience cases of flu or ILI. Unless you are experiencing clusters as described above and in the NJDOH General Guidelines for the Control of Outbreaks in School and Child Care Settings, it is not necessary to contact public health. What should a school do if they are experiencing an outbreak of ILI? If you suspect an outbreak is occurring, the school should report the outbreak to the local health department to ensure that public health recommendations are implemented. Some control measures that a school will be asked to implement include:  Isolating ill students/staff from well students/staff until they can be sent home.

 Increasing frequency of cleaning of common areas and frequently touched surfaces.  Encouraging frequent hand hygiene.  Reinforcing respiratory etiquette to students and staff.

What preventative measures should a school take? NJDOH recommends that schools and childcare setting increase education on respiratory hygiene. Staff and children (as developmentally appropriate) should all be taught and asked to follow these steps that prevent the transmission of infections such as influenza:  Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, not your hands.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Stay home if you’re sick, especially with a fever.

Additional preventative measures include:  Routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.  Have an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs and disposable wipes.  Adhere to exclusion recommendations from public health. For ILI; fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Doctors notes for return do not supersede public health recommendation.

When should a school close for outbreaks?

Although school dismissal and closure are not recommended for the control of seasonal flu, schools should work with state and local health officials to determine if and when you should dismiss students based on the severity of disease in your school community. Some schools may decide to close based on local considerations, such as high student and staff absenteeism. If this is the case, schools should consult public health and school district medical personnel before closing. Schools should update emergency plans, so they are in place before an outbreak occurs.

The New Jersey Department of Health asks that everyone take steps to prevent the flu:  Get a flu shot – it’s not too late to be protected!  Wash hands often.  Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue.  Avoid sick people.  Stay home if sick. Keep students home if they are sick too.

School outbreak guidance and exclusion information can be found at https://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/outbreaks.shtml#2. For information about flu, go to the New Jersey Department of Health flu website at https://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml.

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Ridgewood Youth arrested on two 4th degree charges of False Public Alarm and False Reports to Police in Hoboken

Hoboken Police Rick Toscano

Hoboken Police photo by Rick Toscano

February 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hoboken NJ, Hoboken Police Chief and Vice-President of the Hudson County Chiefs of Police Association reported on twitter that , “Last night, an intoxicated male, 21 years old, from Ridgewood, was rejected admission to go into 1Republik in @CityofHoboken . He proceeded to call 911 to report that a rape was occurring in 1Republik’s bathroom causing an emergency response, a dangerous situation.”

Chief Ken Ferrante followed up , “Great work by @HobokenPD Sergeant Rino Binetti and Officer Anthony Rutkowski who through their immediate work, identified the caller and arrested him on two 4th degree charges of False Public Alarm and False Reports to Police. Sick behavior! “

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SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 21 – 7PM: Village Council will be interviewing the four companies who responded to the RFP for the Hudson Street Parking Garage

Hudson garage

HUDSON STREET PARKING GARAGE UPDATE
Important Message from Mayor Susan Knudsen

February 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, there will be a SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 21 – 7PM: Village Council will be interviewing the four companies who responded to the RFP for the Hudson Street Parking Garage on February 21, 2018, beginning at 7:00 pm in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room on the fourth floor of Village Hall. The meeting will be televised on Cablevision 77, Verizon 34, and YouTube livestream.
Each company will summarize their proposals and will present their concept plan(s).
Last fall the Village Council and Village Planning Board identified the Hudson Street Parking Lot as an Area in Need of Redevelopment. A resolution was adopted unanimously by on October 11, 2017. Doing this placed the Village in the best possible negotiating position allowing for direct negotiations with potential garage developers to achieve the best possible outcome on behalf of Ridgewood taxpayers.
Financial Analysis and Parking Allocation studies are expected before February 28 and the results will be discussed during the February 28th Work Session meeting.
I hope you will join us at Wednesday’s (2/21) meeting to learn more about the various proposals, designs, and build cost. Council members will have an opportunity to ask questions during each of the four presentations. Two Public comment periods are scheduled, one at the beginning and one at the end of the meeting. Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment at this time.
The process has been open and transparent every step of the way.