…the fly has observed at the home of Mary Beth Lane, who sold her house and is moving out of the area. She is blowing town, not going to be around, but still putting her two cents in on who should run the town? Some suggest real-estate agents using the fear of development as scare tactic creating opportunities for new listings . Others have noticed a preponderance of Wietz signs on empty or for sale properties in the Village suggesting agents are helping out….
this blog post echos a lot of sentiment now in Ridgewood
from the
THE MUSEUM OF PERIPHERAL ART blog
by Drew Martin
Never in my life did I expect to put political signs outside my house, but there they are: Voigt, Walsh, Hache. I have always been withdrawn from politics but what changed me very recently was having attended a public meeting over urban-scale development in our small town where I have lived with my family the past 16 years.
For many decades, busy Ridgewood residents could safely ignore municipal elections, if they chose (and many always have), confident that whoever won would govern appropriately and benignly. Too many elections; why bother?
But “politics as usual” has been redefined over the past four years.
Our direction has been forcefully pushed toward overdevelopment and fundamental changes that would forever alter our landscape and quality of life. Developers are gaining an increasingly strong foothold, as they push projects through, encouraged by a specific ordinance introduced by former mayor (now municipal judge, appointed by the current mayor) David Pfund, a willing “council majority,” and board, committee, and commission members appointed to promulgate their views. We are watching the results of a carefully orchestrated long-term plan come to fruition, and we are appalled.
What happens to the voices of residents when a majority platform follows a clearly articulated mandate to vote in tandem on every issue, especially on downtown housing and other building, regardless of increasingly vocal citizen alarm? In a democracy, with citizen participation, consensus moves government forward. In contrast, predetermined, preemptive voting blocs such as the outgoing council trio’s can destroy towns like ours. They have already turned neighbor against neighbor, perhaps part of the grand plan, while fomenting an unprecedentedly toxic atmosphere.
Unless three independent voices join the two continuing council members’, next Tuesdaycould mark our last chance to redeem our village. That may sound hyperbolic, but it’s not. We are on a precipice.
The stakes in this election are higher than ever because of the potential tremendous financial gain of developers who support the trio bloc and their would-be replacements at the ultimate expense of and detriment to Ridgewood and its residents. Our opportunity to protect the value of our town and our votes is waning. If we fail to act now, we will face higher taxes, overcrowded schools, endless construction with accompanying disruption, and a condensed high-rise downtown with worsened traffic and loss of our village context.
With a dearth of buildable space, developers here and throughout the state are pressing for higher density in towns such as Ridgewood. The benefit would accrue to them, not to the taxpayer, who would provide their clients with the amenities of a lovely low-scale village (as long as it lasts). This is “progress”?
We must consider the consequences of development on every aspect of our community, not focus on retailers who understandably crave more sales and diners. Our economy is downsizing, not expanding; retail malls are waning; online retail is growing. All this makes our small-town feel all the more appealing and rare. We are lucky to have it; why destroy it now?
If you are among the countless residents who feel powerful affection for the Village and wish to retain its small-town atmosphere, please make your voice heard by voting in next week’s municipal election.
As council members Paul Aronsohn, Albert Pucciarelli, and Gwenn Hauck step down, three candidates are being groomed to take their place as the new “council majority.” The sponsored candidates are openly running as a team, with a shared group name and branding created by a professional campaign consultant.
They are supported by developers and by outgoing council members, two of whom published separate signed letters of endorsement in last Friday’s Ridgewood News. They are not supported by any grassroots groups in town.
Do we want another four years of watching three council members make almost every decision, elbowing out the other two?
Some residents feel fatalistic and burned out. They assume we’re doomed to face a Valley Hospital nearly doubled in size…an enormous parking garage and rampant high-density housing that exacerbate congestion in our streets and crowding in our schools…and more.
These things may happen, but they are not inevitable—depending in part on who wins the council election next Tuesday.
Valley Hospital:
The Planning Board recently agreed to a reduction by only 3% in Valley Hospital’s proposed expansion. But as many do not realize, Valley sued not only the Planning Board, but also the Village Council, in a separate lawsuit. (One of the two council members appointed to a mediation team by Mayor Paul Aronsohn was former Valley Auxiliary Vice President Gwenn Hauck.) The next council will make many decisions related to this. They could rescind the legal appeal, for example, and revert to Valley’s previous (2010), larger expansion plan, or resist and demand more concessions. Which would you prefer?
We must remain vigilant for Graydon:
Comments on Facebook and elsewhere suggest that keeping Graydon natural is never a “given.” The park must not be used for new building, such as apartments or a school, because of underlying natural springs, severe area flooding, and many other reasons. But LET’S JUST NOT GO THERE. Coghlan-Walsh, Hache, and Voigt would not argue “fiscal responsibility” to harm Graydon.
GarageMahal:
The group supporting the other three candidates has made support for a specific parking garage design their rallying cry. It should not be such a big deal, but they’re making it one. What’s neglected is that “our” candidates all support building a garage at Hudson and Broad. They just don’t want it to be so enormous and expensive.
On Monday, those promoting the new voting bloc held a “rally” for their chosen candidates in the room of a local restaurant in a building partly owned by a developer. This get-together was originally called a “candidates forum.” The terminology shifted when only the three developer-/council-majority-sanctioned candidates signed up to attend.
Reason: The quid pro quo for attendance was to sign a pledge to approve, “immediately,” a certain version of the parking garage and its funding, even though the garage will be the subject of a referendum in a special election on June 21. Click here for details about the “pledge.” Among the email invitations to the renamed “rally” were those issued on Saturday by our deputy mayor over his law firm’s logo.
The three candidates endorsed by us and by Concerned Residents of Ridgewood, Citizens for a Better Ridgewood, Friends of Schedler, and (new!) the Ridgewood Chinese American Association and the Ridgewood Blog had no intention of running together, and are not a “team.” Coghlan-Walsh, Hache, and Voigt retain their independent views and share no logo, tag line, or predetermined plan or alliances. 30-second video by resident Dana Glazer
I can’t stand by and let the old voting bloc be replaced by the new voting bloc without saying anything. Ramon Hache, Bernadette Coghlan-Walsh, and Jeff Voigt are intelligent, honest, and most important, independent thinkers. They are not running mates, although it might seem that way, since the three other candidates have been lashed together by themselves and others as a “team.” I know how the “team” story ends, as do many other residents. That’s why I fully support Ramon, Bernadette, and Jeff in the May 10th election. They will respect and listen to all residents, as good stewards of the Village should.
Michael Sedon
Councilman, Village of Ridgewood
To preserve and protect Ridgewood, moving forward cautiously and thoughtfully toward a well-planned short-term and long-term future, please vote onTuesday, May 10, for:
ROW 1 Jeffrey VOIGT
ROW 4 Bernadette COGHLAN-WALSH
ROW 6 Ramon M. HACHE
Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
MEMORY JOGGER: Vote for the 3 candidates with tiny slogans in three languages above their names on the ballot. You can vote to protect Ridgewood’s future even if you can’t remember their names!
OPPORTUNITY: Global Learning is Still Looking for Host Families
May 4,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, This June, RHS is serving as the host country for the annual Global Learning Conference, held from June 9 through June 19, 2016. Host homes are needed to help house our nearly 100 international visitors. Students and staff will be coming to Ridgewood from Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Sweden. If you are interested, please contact Greg McDonald at gmcdonald@ridgewood.k12.nj.us or at 201-670-2800 ext. 20506, or Adam Brunner at abrunner@ridgewoo d.k12.nj.us or at 201- 670-2800 ext. 20583.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Health Department would like to remind residents of the annual FREE dog rabies clinic on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 6 pm until 7 pm at the Recycling Center on Glen Avenue. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult and leashed or contained in a carrying case.
Supervisor of Health, Dawn Cetrulo would like to remind Village of Ridgewood residents that 2016 dog license renewals are due during the month of June. A $20 late fee will be charged for all renewals received after June 30, 2016.
The health department will be sending renewals via email. If you do not have an email address please call our office and request a renewal to be mailed to you. Renewal applications may also be obtained by visiting our website at
www.ridgewoodnj.net or coming in person to the Ridgewood Health Department, 131 North Maple Ave. The office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Please call 201 670-5500 ext 503 with questions.
New Jersey law requires owners of all dogs seven months of age or older to be registered with the town they live in. In order for the license to be issued, the owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated the dog
against rabies and that the duration of immunity from that vaccination does not expire before May 1, 2017. To receive the discount for a spayed or neutered pet, proof must also be provided.
In conjunction with the rabies clinic, the Responsible Pet Ownership Committee will also be facilitating free micro-chip implantations and registration to the first 75 dogs at the clinic. Please direct any questions regarding the micro-chipping to
Ridgewood NJ, According to the Ridgewood Police ,On Saturday, April 23, patrol responded to the Ridgewood Duck Pond to assist the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department. The victim reported that the window was smashed on her vehicle while it was parked at around 3:30pm. A purse was removed from the vehicle. On Sunday, April 24, a resident reported that his vehicle was parked in the YMCA parking lot between 4:30pm and 6:00pm. When he returned to his vehicle he discovered his window was smashed and three briefcases were missing. While Officers were taking the report, a second resident reported her vehicle’s window was smashed at the same location and her purse was missing. Typically thieves target locations such as Gyms and Parks where the victim is most likely to leave their valuables in the car while exercising. To minimize your risk, try not to leave anything of value visible to thieves; store them out of view or lock them in your trunk
Ridgewood NJ , A black lab named Maisy from Ridgewood is one of the finalist for charitable canine coloring book for a dog-loving Phoenix teen with leukemia.
Voting will close Thursday, May 5 at 5:00PM. The 50 photos with the most likes will be featured in the first edition of Coloring Doggies for Anthony. Depending on how this fundraiser goes, more books are in our future . All proceeds will go towards purchasing additional copies of the coloring books and art supplies for the Phoeinx Childrens Hospital. If we happen to have more than enough books or there is money remaining after the donated products are purchased, it will go directly to Anthony and his family.
Maisy’s owner is Christina Oliva, 23, she tells us about Maisy , “This is Maisy from New Jersey, she always has a toy with her and was waiting for mom to come home at the window with her puppy wuv Scooby to give her mommy kisses She is the absolute sweetest girl and is a rescue saved from Kentucky. We wanted the male originally but they gave us the wrong gender the day of transport and we didn’t realize for about 6 hours but of course kept her anyway and also adopted her brother two weeks later!! She has the best life and is so beyond love and gives it back 100x more!!!”
Ridgewood NJ, the Church League is once again getting the shaft with field usage in the Village. In recently procured emails ,the Ridgewood blog has learned that Church League officials will not know until Friday night whether they have fields available for the weekend .
“We have had a number of Somerville NW and SE uses on Sunday afternoons this year. Any use would be subject to being checked with me on Friday to confirm if still available and which field.”
Ed
Ed
I am not sure what you are saying. Can we are can we not have fields. I do not understand why I league that is now 25 years old and is part of the community cannot get fields.
Richard
The Church league has been around for 25 years .Clearly this is no way to run a season . But the bigger question remains who is using all the taxpayer funded fields 24/7 in the Village of Ridgewood . Who are these people playing sports into the late hours and where do they come from? Why does the Village really have a filed shortage ? Who decides who plays and who does not and who screens who is playing to begin with?
Mrs. Price is not correct that there are two blocs. There is one bloc running, and there are also three independent candidates. Three candidates have intentionally aligned themselves together, that is Brooks Willett and Weitz. They made it very clear that they are together, and even ran a full-page ad in the Ridgewood News to this effect. The other three candidates are not a bloc. They are independent of each other. The fact is that many MANY people support the three of them, Walsh, Hache, and Voigt. That does not change the fact that the three of them are running independently.
Next, the Attorney for the Planning Board is paid by taxpayer dollars and as such that person works for the Village. You can depict it any which way you want, but the fact remains that the Planning Board Attorney is paid for by us. So there is nothing inaccurate or twisted in stating that one of the candidates, Richard Brooks, is married to the Planning Board Attorney and as such this looks like a conflict. Granted most of the Planning Board business does not come to the Village Council for consideration or action……but some things do. And there are two representatives from the Village Council who serve on the Planning Board. There would be a potential for husband and wife to be together in this. I’m sorry, if it looks like a conflict and it smells like a conflict then it must be a conflict.
Next, the comment about “tradespersons” possibly making more than $125 an hour…..this is wrong on so many levels. Now correct me if I’m wrong here, but it sure sounds like Mrs. Price thinks she is superior to “tradespersons” and therefore her measly $125 an hour should be increased because maybe a plumber or carpenter makes more. Kiss my A*** Mrs. Price Brooks. You don’t like your hourly wage? Then don’t take it. We can get another PB attorney, and we would be lucky to be rid of such a disgruntled one. You think lowly tradespersons should not make as much as you? I’m betting they do a much better job than you do!
HACHE VOIGT WALSH are the three to elect. Save us from four more years of this systematic destruction of Ridgewood.
Ridgewood NJ, Beginning in May 2016, PSE&G will be working in Ridgewood to replace approximately 2 miles of aging cast iron gas pipes with new, durable plastic and/or coated steel piping – ensuring the continued safety and reliability of our gas system well into the future.
Work will take place Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., conditions permitting. The gas main replacement portion of the work is expected to be complete in August 2016. The paving and street restoration is expected to be completed in October 2016.
Below are the streets where work will take place:
Streets , between streets and private right aways
E Glen Avenue -Sterling Place
E Glen Avenue- Kensington Drive
Glenwood Road
Hillcrest Road
Brookside Avenue
W Glen Avenue
N Monroe Street
Railroad Tracks
E Glen Avenue
N Monroe Street
N Maple Avenue
Lawrence Court
Heights Road
W Glen Avenue
Lawrence Court
Alpine Terrace
Phelps Road
W Glen Avenue
Colwell Court- Alpine Terrace
Douglas Place
Chestnut Street
Oak Street
Park Slope
Madison Place
Monte Vista Avenue
What are the benefits of the new pipes?
These upgrades are part of our three-year program to replace up to 510 miles of aging gas infrastructure throughout New Jersey. The new pipes will improve reliability, reduce the possibility of methane leaks, and enable the installation of excess flow valves on service lines. These valves dramatically reduce gas flow if a pipe is damaged. The elevated pressure of the new gas mains will also provide better support for high-efficiency appliances like furnaces and water heaters.
What will the work look like?
Before construction can start, the utility tests soil and digs test holes to verify the location of existing gas mains. When this preliminary work is complete, PSE&G will begin installing the new gas mains and upgrading associated service lines that carry the gas to homes and businesses.
To upgrade the gas pipes, PSE&G crews will dig trenches, primarily in road surfaces, and lay new pipes block by block, so we can limit the impacted areas on any given day. There will be short-term road closures and detours during construction. Local police will direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic. At the end of each workday, the trenches will be filled in, and plates secured, on any open areas so people can safely drive and walk.
After the new gas mains are installed, PSE&G will need to access customers’ homes to connect their service lines and meter. PSE&G will contact homeowners to arrange a date and time to do the connections. During this work, customers will be without gas service for approximately four hours. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. Any lawn areas, shrubs or other vegetation affected by our work will be restored. Grass areas will be raked and seeded.
In most cases, PSE&G will be able to install the new pipes without excavation. Lawn areas, shrubs or other vegetation affected by the work will be restored. Grass areas will be raked and seeded.
PSE&G crews will use work area protection including traffic cones, utility work signs, and barriers to ensure the job is done safely. The utility reminds motorists to slow down and follow detour signs when driving through the construction area.
How will roads be restored?
PSE&G repairs roads with temporary pavement until the ground settles. This takes about 45 to 90 days, depending on the weather and soil conditions. PSE&G then restores the roads with permanent paving in accordance with town ordinance and paving requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Oakland gas district office at 201-337-2519. Once the work has started, you may also speak to the supervisor on the job site.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood blog wholeheartedly endorses Jeff Voigt, Bernie Walsh, and Ramon Hache for Village of Ridgewood Council in the May 10th, 2016 elections.
The key word is “Village” in Village of Ridgewood .Technically 25,352 residents makes Ridgewood a bit larger than a Village ,but its the state of mind that is far more important. There is a uniqueness to Ridgewood that all three candidates recognize and the current council majority clearly does not. Ridgewood affords everyone an opportunity to find their own level , to contribute and to excel.
The Village of Ridgewood is chartered under the Faulkner Act offers four basic plans (mayor–council, council–manager, small municipality, and mayor–council–administrator) and two procedures by which the voters of a municipality can adopt one of these plans. The Act provides many choices for communities with a preference for a strong executive and professional management of municipal affairs.
Originally enacted in 1950, the Faulkner Act provided for three forms of government: mayor–council, council–manager, and small municipality. Within each form, letter codes designated predefined aspects of each form and its individual arrangement of options, such as partisan or nonpartisan elections, concurrent or staggered terms, all at large or a combination of ward and at large seats.
Ridgewood until recently has always been nonpartisan town with nonpartisan elections, whatever your ideology it was left at the train station before commuting home each evening.
The town operated basically in a “bubble” with great community spirit , a “can do” attitude and very high standards and expectations for what was required of its citizens . Neighbors were expected and did step up helping out, investing ,donating and doing what was necessary to preserve the special character of the Village . Everyone contributed in their own way and was glad to do it.
Citizen’s Park was bought by neighbors and donated to the Village for neighbors, Some donated property or trusts , like Pease Library or the Lester Stable. While others who were not so blessed financially would give their time coaching teams , hiring teenagers for summer jobs or just doing what ever they could and because so many contributed so much ,it was like a raising tide ,it lifted all boats.
Don’t get me wrong it was far from perfect and while change came slowly ,change occurred positively impacting everyone. We still see this today with so many opportunities for so many ; Ridgewood Sports , the Tree lighting , 4th of July celebrations, Graydon Pool , Vets Field , Super Science Saturday, Ridgewood Schools, Special needs programs, charitable giving , vibrant churches , girl scouts, boy scouts and on and on . Even today residents lead by a special needs adult Doug are raising money to rebuild La Bella Pizza after it was destroyed by a recent electrical fire . Many Village children continue to excel beyond anyone’s wildest dreams like Sammy Cermack, former Ridgewood star, drafted in first-ever professional women’s lacrosse league , long distance swimmer Charlotte Samuels or Broadway Trailblazer Ali Stroker just to name a very few . They are all products of that very unique Village of Ridgewood way of life.
Somehow around the time of the Village Hall renovation fiasco things seem to change. Doubt was cast and the Village began to change for the worse. Formerly great schools where and we quote a BOE member “glad to beat Newark” , mediocrity began to spread . The attitude became more of taking than giving ,of cronies and profiteers, special interests and special issues.The latest council majority is nothing but a product of the lowest base greedy attitudes that so typify the rest of New Jersey and their partisan supporters . It didn’t start with three but they are the product of the precipitous decline in the quality of life in the village.
Any doubt as to the decline of the Village ,take one look at the pledge being asked of the candidates to sign supporting various development in the central business district. Signed by three of the candidates Weitz, Willett and Brooks making them whole unqualified to lead Ridgewood anywhere but down the drain. The same three candidates received dubious endorsements by the Mayor and his flunkies .
Deal making against the better interest of the voters was just not done in Ridgewood , till Mayor Aronsohn and his machine politics moved into town , The fact is most people move to Ridgewood to get away from that type of back door dealing.
And most people in town realize their very large property investment ,their home is now in jeopardy of declining in value along with the rest of the town.
As a reminder the Ridgewood blog warned residents as to the dangers of Pucciarelli , Hauck and Aronsohn taking over the council. We warned of over development, Valley’s arrogant expansion plans and turf fields in every corner ,yet 66% of Ridgewood voters put their property values in danger by voting in this disastrous trio.
So here we are another election but this time the whole town is at each other throats ,name calling and threats are at a fever pitch . Three sitting council members are not even running for reelection and the mayor as predicted by this blog is hot footing it out of town.
Folks its time to take out the trash . Vote for Jeff Voigt, Bernie Walsh, and Ramon Hache all three understand the uniqueness the Village of Ridgewood and are honored to be part of it. They understand the complex issues the Village faces , the mess that needs to be cleaned up and the trust that needs to be rebuilt.
While we know Bernie for some time , we had the pleasure of meeting Jeff and Ramon for the first time and were very pleased to see they understood the concept of Village of Ridgewood and were both grateful to have an opportunity to represent the Village and its distinctive way of life .
Understanding the Village was key to our endorsement and in the words of Edward I Koch former mayor of NYC, ”If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.” we could not agree more . We were looking for a diversity of opinions that reflected the values of the community at large and in Jeff Voigt, Bernie Walsh, and Ramon Hache we are certainly we found it.
Location: Private Home, Ridgewood, NJ Cost: $150 per person
RIDGEWOOD YMCA ANNUAL FUNDRAISER, JAZZFEST IN THE GARDEN, SET FOR MAY 21, 2016
[April 17, 2016] – The Ridgewood YMCA will hold “Jazzfest in the Garden”, its annual fundraiser, on May 21, 2016 from 6:30-10:30pm hosted by Ridgewood residents Stacy and Brian Hughes. Cost is $150 per person with proceeds to benefit the Ridgewood YMCA’s Good Works Programs.
Michael Davis, President of the Ridgewood YMCA Board of Directors said, “The Y’s Good Works Programs offer vital services to people who otherwise can’t get help elsewhere, such as individuals with cancer and Parkinson’s disease. We’re inviting the community to attend “Jazzfest in the Garden” and help support these critical programs”.
The event will feature an elegant festive menu, cocktails and a live Jazz band.
To purchase tickets for the event or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rick Claydon, by calling 201-444-5600, ex. 320 or via email at jbatelli@ridgewoodymca.org.
Ridgewood NJ, The male driver and male passenger of a 1996 Toyota 4 Runner sustained non life threatening injuries in an early Sunday, 05/01, afternoon roll over crash in front of the Valleau Cemetery, 660 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood. Ridgewood PD, FD, and EMS personnel responded to the incident along with a paramedic unit from The Valley Hospital. Both victims were transported to The Valley Hospital for further evaluation. The vehicle was righted and removed by a flatbed tow truck. Traffic on East Glen Avenue in the vicinity of the crash was detoured until after the vehicle was removed.
Jerry , with Congressman Scott Garrett presenting Korean War Veteran and Wanaque resident Thomas Falato with an award at the Ridgewood 4th parade 2015
May 1st 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is sad to announce the passing of Gerald “Jerry” DeSimone on February 10, 2016. Jerry served as committee president beginning in 1977 with a passion that was instrumental in making the Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration what is is today. We would like to thank all of the donors for their pledges in Jerry’s honor.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is an all volunteer, community funded event that receives no direct funding from the Village of Ridgewood. In addition to our generous sponsors and to ensure our tradition continues we need your support! Donate Now at the link below:
Please join us for the 106th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration on Monday, July 4th, 2016.
The theme for the Parade this year is “America the Beautiful – Celebrating 100 Years of our National Parks” Our theme this yearhonors the creation of the National Park Service through the Organic Act of 1916 signed by President Woodrow Wilson and originated by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration Committee chooses a theme that celebrates a certain aspect of American history or culture. The theme also serves as the basis for the float competition held among the town’s elementary schools.
Thank you for your continued support of this great tradition!
Location: Downtown Ridgewood, Various Stores and Restaurants
Save the dates!
Always have fun and SAVE MONEY during Ridgewood Sale Days!
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce invites you to enjoy three days of experiencing Ridgewood with excellent shopping, discounts and selections galore. Stop by for lunch or dinner at one of Ridgewood’s finest restaurants.
For more details, please call us at 201-445-2600 or email info@ridgewoodchamber.com