Tag: Ridgewood NJ

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Outline of Proposed Terms for the Development of the Schedler Property in Ridgewood

Save Our Schedler Members & Friends at the Schedler House

file photo by Boyd Loving

The attached terms posted are a proposal by the residents living in the vicinity of the Schedler property. These terms are a result of many meetings and discussions among the Schedler neighbors over the last 6 weeks. We have worked hard as a group to prepare this document which we believe considers the needs not just of the Schedler neighbors, but of the entire Ridgewood community. The terms demonstrate a park that we envision will significantly reduce the amount of trees to be removed, decrease the cost of the development and maintenance required of the proposed larger field and draw our fellow Ridgewood residents to visit and enjoy the east side of the Village. Charlie Nowinski

 

Outline of Proposed Terms for the Development of the Schedler Property

In order to provide the Village with much needed passive park and recreational space, the field shall be no larger than 60’.

Any design will include a sound wall to block out the sound of the highway for the entire length of the property. In addition, to a sound wall near the highway, the park will include a berm on West Saddle River Road to block off the sound and view of the park. The berm shall include several rows of regularly maintained evergreens in order to provide the neighborhood with a “green shield”.

All demolition, including removal of trees (downed, diseased or otherwise) will not occur until completion of a development plan and budget approved by the Village Council. Demolition shall occur in conjunction with the overall project in order to avoid a gap between demolition and construction.

The plan and design of the park will be developed by an independent civil engineer and landscape architect specializing in park design with input from representatives of the neighborhood and the Village.

The development plan and budget will be based off of independent, comprehensive studies which would include:

Addressing the issues already identified by environmental and wildlife impact studies

The noise study to be conducted on the property and the surrounding area

A third party traffic and safety study on West Saddle River Road and the surrounding side streets as recommended by the council committee. The traffic and safety study will include a determination of an adequate parking lot, as well as a review of potential ingress and egress into the parking lot from Rt. 17. In addition, the traffic and safety study will include a determination of appropriate parking restrictions on West Saddle River Road and, if practical, the surrounding streets off West Saddle River Road

Prohibition on the inclusion of (1) lights, both permanent and portable as required by the conservation easement, (2) a public address announcement system and (3) a concession stand.

The hours of the park will be from dawn to dusk.

Installation of police monitoring system to monitor any criminal activity.

Preserve the Schedler house by moving forward with registering the house with the historical society. The house will be used to benefit the entire community by, for example, providing meeting space for different community groups and providing restrooms for the park participants.

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OPRA requests are now not affordable in Ridgewood :There cannot be smoke without fire

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January 25,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, OPRA requests are now not affordable in the town. They have now (since last 2-3 months) started charging hundreds of dollars for each OPRA request because they don’t want residents to questions all these things happening at the same time with unprecedented push, without satisfactory answers from the council and administration. The Mayor uses his personal email account for most emails and some of them use their cell phones (text) to communicate, even when they are sitting at the public meetings.

There cannot be smoke without fire. If so many residents are going to these council meetings and they are frequently going to 1-2AM with residents speaking for 6-7 hours, there must be something wrong going on. Hopefully this new prosecutor will look at this and get to the bottom of this, which we the normal residents can’t do without access to all the data.

There are state laws limiting the amount of fees that can be charged for filling OPRA requests (Open Public Records Act ). Anyone being charge excessive amounts should check that out and file a complaint.

How much were you charged?

https://www.nj.gov/grc/public/complaints/fees.html

What is a special service charge?

A special service charge is essentially a labor fee that may be charged when a request is voluminous, requiring extensive time and effort, or when the request required extensive use of technology. Special services charges must be reasonable and based on actual direct cost of fulfilling the request. Actual direct cost means the hourly rate of the lowest level employee capable of fulfilling the request (no fringe benefits).

The imposition of a special service charge is extremely subjective and the determination is made on a case-by-case basis. No special service charges can be established in advance by ordinance.

The custodian must notify the requestor in advance of the special service charge. The requestor has the right to disagree with the special service charge. If the custodian and requestor cannot reach an agreement regarding the special service charge, the request is considered denied. Complainants may challenge a custodian’s special service charge by filing a Denial of Access Complaint with the Government Records Council or filing an action in the Superior Court of New Jersey.

The following is an example of a special service charge for a voluminous request:

Request: Meeting minutes from 2005 to present. There are 1,000 pages of responsive records which will take the custodian 2 ½ hours to copy. The Custodian may charge her direct hourly rate for the 2 ½ hours required to fulfill request. Custodian must estimate cost and notify requestor before fulfilling the request.

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Ridgewood Vote Scheduled to the BCIA for Bonding

parking garage cbd

https://www.tubechop.com/watch/7623263

Ridgewood NJ, A vote to go to BCIA is scheduled for this coming Wednesday. Our council members have expressed interest in voting for the bond in house without going to BCIA if a reasonable design / size is proposed that fits the lot, but the council majority is willing to push ahead with BCIA vote without finalizing the design first.
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Ridgewood Arts Council to host celebration

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photo courtesy of the RAC Facebook page

JANUARY 22, 2016    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016, 12:31 AM
BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The walls of Ridgewood’s Village Hall are filled with artwork donated by residents, and the entire community is invited to celebrate.

The official launch of the Ridgewood Arts Council (RAC) and a ribbon-cutting celebration of the art installation of “Ridgewood Art at Village Hall” will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

“This is our flagship endeavor not only to put a stamp on the fact that the Ridgewood Arts Council is revived, but also to celebrate the breadth of artistic talent here in Ridgewood, past and present,” said Linda Bradley, the group’s chair.

Currently there are more than 80 pieces of fine art, photography and sculpture. It’s a permanent collection – artwork donated by Ridgewood residents and those with a Ridgewood connection. The collection of art started six months ago, and will continue to be accepted to cover the remaining areas at Village Hall.

“Mayor Aronsohn and I both campaigned with the promise to revive the Arts Council,” said Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli. “The purpose is to pull together the wealth of artistic endeavors in the village under one volunteer organization that would promote art and artistic education.”

Pucciarelli believes that art has a humanizing effect and that residents in the New York metropolitan area are fortunate to live in the midst of so much wonderful art of all kinds.

https://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/art/donated-artwork-to-be-officially-unveiled-1.1497080

 

Visit the official launch of the Ridgewood Arts Council (RAC) and a ribbon-cutting celebration of the art installation of “Ridgewood Art at Village Hall”. Currently there are more than 80 pieces of fine art, photography and sculpture. It’s a permanent collection – artwork donated by Ridgewood residents and those with a Ridgewood connection. The mission of the RAC is to promote and support the vital part all arts play in enriching the lives of children and the community.

Saturday, January 30
at 4 PM – 6 PM
Next Week ·

This is a free event open to public.

Please RSVP to an email rac@ridgewoodnj.net.
Feel free to comment and share this wonderful event!

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13-year-old pianist from Ridgewood to play at Carnegie Hall

Jack Szymanski

By Myles Ma | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on January 22, 2016 at 6:00 AM, updated January 22, 2016 at 6:09 AM

RIDGEWOOD — How did 13-year-old Jack Szymanski get to Carnegie Hall?

The old saying applies: practice. https://youtu.be/DbemsuB-uRQ

Jack, a student at George Washington Middle School, has been playing piano since he was 7. He practices for 45 minutes every day after school.

As a result, he was a first-place finisher in the Crescendo International Competition, earning a chance to play Jan. 31 in Carnegie Hall. It will be Jack’s second performance at a New York City concert hall this month.

Jack played the Merkin Concert Hall on Jan. 10, a recital for winners of the Vivo International Music Competition, in which Jack placed third.

https://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2016/01/13-year-old_pianist_from_ridgewood_to_play_at_carn.html

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Ridgewood begins budget hearings

Roberta Sonenfeld
file photo by Boyd Loving
JANUARY 22, 2016    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016, 12:36 PM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The directors of five municipal departments presented their spending requests as budget season officially got under way at a special Village Council meeting on Wednesday night.

The speakers first went over highlights for 2015, before presenting their requests for the 2016 spending plan.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/town-government/ridgewood-begins-budget-hearings-1.1497528

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Exhibit in Ridgewood highlights children’s art abilities

stable

JANUARY 15, 2016    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016, 12:31 AM
BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Children’s Therapy Center (CTC) is presenting “The Art of Ability” at The Stable in Ridgewood through Jan. 29.

“Beautiful View””Fireworks””The Looking Glass”

The Children’s Therapy Center is a state-approved, not-for-profit private school with locations in Fair Lawn and Midland Park that provides educational and therapeutic services for children with multiple disabilities from 18 months through 16 years – children who are in need of very specialized services as a result of major medical issues, genetic disorders, neurological problems and chromosomal abnormalities. The Oakland campus will expand facilities and programs to accommodate and serve children through age 21 at the newly renovated 39,000-square-foot campus in Oakland.

“This is an important fundraiser as it helps during this critical time in our expansion to raise funds for the new Upper School in Oakland scheduled to open in September 2016,” said Audra Hoffman, director of development.

https://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/art/exhibit-highlights-children-s-art-abilities-1.1492253

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SAT Test Center Closings

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Check your test center, and learn about makeup tests.

RegisterNext Tests:1/23 , 3/5

SAT Test Center Closings

Information about SAT test center closings for the January SAT administration date will be posted to this page as it becomes available. If a makeup date or alternate test center information has been confirmed, that information will also be included.

SAT Test Center Supervisors are instructed to notify local media outlets when their centers are unable to open due to inclement weather, natural disaster, power failure, or other problems. Please check your local media for test center closings in your area.

If your center is listed as closed:

  • A new center may appear in the listing. In this case, access your online account and print a new, updated ticket with the new center information noted on it. You must bring your updated ticket with you on test day to the reassigned center.
  • If no new center appears, please be patient while we work to arrange a makeup date — you will be contacted as soon as a makeup is scheduled.  Remember: don’t try to test elsewhere on test day — supervisors cannot admit standbys or walk-ins.

Please note: If you had a Waitlist Ticket for a closed center, your original Waitlist request was canceled, and you are not eligible for makeup testing. Please register for the next available date as soon as possible.

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NOREASTER TO IMPACT THE TRI-STATE AREA THIS WEEKEND

snowstorm_theridgewoodblog

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
402 PM EST THU JAN 21 2016

…NOREASTER TO IMPACT THE TRI-STATE AREA THIS WEEKEND…

…WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON…

* LOCATIONS…INTERIOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND THE
LOWER HUDSON VALLEY.

* HAZARD TYPES…HEAVY SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 2 TO 8 INCHES. HIGHEST
ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED OVER PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST NEW
JERSEY…AND LOWEST OVER NORTHERN PORTIONS OVER THE LOWER HUDSON
VALLEY.

* WINDS…NORTH 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.

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Shoplifter apprehended by a group of bystanders in Downtown Ridgewood

Ridgewood Police

photo courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook

January 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, An adult male who allegedly shoplifted several suits from a clothing store located on East Ridgewood Avenue in downtown Ridgewood and ran away, was apprehended by a group of bystanders and held down on the ground until the arrival of uniformed Ridgewood PD patrol officers.

The incident occurred shortly before 7PM on Thursday, 01/21 at the intersection of East Ridgewood Avenue and Chestnut Street. The alleged perpetrator sustained non-life threatening facial injuries in the scuffle and was transported by ambulance to Bergen Regional Medical Center. A Ridgewood PD patrol officer remained in the ambulance during transport. Charges are pending.

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Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

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Resident,

We, at Village Hall, have been closely monitoring the weather forecasts over the last several days. While not definitive as yet, there does appear to be a growing consensus that we will experience a significant snow event from Saturday morning into Sundaymorning with accumulations between 4-8 inches.  The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch.

It’s been a while since our last snow event, so I wanted to take this opportunity to not just assure you that we are on top of this, but also to provide some information that will help us work together to safely handle this event.

First of all, safety of our residents is the primary concern – so please stay off of the roads and drive only if absolutely necessary; this storm may not just be a snow event – there is a likelihood of high winds so blowing and drifting snow may be an issue.

To stay informed, please check our Village website (www.ridgewoodnj.net), our information phone number 201-444-1776, Channels 34 or 77…….. and if you are not already signed up for Emergency Notifications please do so on our website.

Residents should call 911 only for life threatening emergencies.  Please call our Police Line (201-652-3900) to report downed power lines, trees, etc.  Please call PSE&G directly(800-436-7734) to report loss of power.

Please keep fire hydrants free of debris and do not deposit snow into the streets. Additionally, vehicles should not be parked on the streets as it affects our ability to clear the street of snow.  As a reminder, snow must be cleared off of the sidewalks within 24 hours of the storm’s end.

We are starting our brining operation (liquid solution of water and salt) today and will work through tomorrow to coat all of our streets.  Depending upon the amount and texture of the snow as well as the temperature, brining can be an effective snow accumulation deterrent that also can reduce the amount of salt we apply and the amount of plowing we need to do.

Please be reminded that our snow removal is prioritized according to emergency routes, main roads, hills and Central Business District.  After these areas are cleared, plowing begins on secondary roads.  Please use caution when approaching Village vehicles that are salting and plowing.

Thanks to everyone for their cooperation and stay safe,

Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203

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Assemblyman Joe Lagana Takes Aim at Estate and Inheritance Taxes

Ridgewoodrealestate9_theridgewoodblog

 

Assemblyman Joe Lagana (D-38) is making reform to New Jersey’s inheritance and estate taxes a priority for his second term in office. The Democrat has introduced a bill, A611, that would boost the current threshold for the estate tax from where it currently sits at $675,000 to $1.5 million. His plan also includes limiting the inheritance tax from impacting next-of-kin family members of a deceased person and shifting class c and class d beneficiary classifications. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNjRead more

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Ridgewood Residents encouraged to attend educational presentation on lead poisoning

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JANUARY 21, 2016    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016, 12:32 AM
BY LYNN BRUGGEMANN
CORRESPONDENT |
MIDLAND PARK SUBURBAN NEWS

MIDLAND PARK — The Board of Health is encouraging residents to attend a presentation on “Understanding Lead Poisoning” being sponsored by the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee in Ridgewood on Jan. 25.

A representative of Ridgewood Water will reportedly be present.

Ridgewood Water issued a notice to customers on Jan. 5 saying its water does not have lead in it, but that some homes in its service territory have pipes from which lead leaches into water in excess of the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).

Ridgewood Water serves residents in the borough, Wyckoff and Glen Rock as well as the village.

“At each of our last three meetings, the topic of Ridgewood Water has been discussed,” said Laurie DiCorcia, president of the Board of Health. “This forum offers residents an opportunity to become informed and ask questions.”

Council President Nancy Cronk Peet said she was “concerned” about the safety of the water supply and plans to attend the Jan. 25 program.

“The water coming to the borough homes and businesses must be properly monitored by the water company to assure the residents that the leaching of the lead in the older residents’ plumbing is not contaminating the drinking water,” said Peet, a member of the health board “I hope that the community will come out and ask questions about the water quality and services.”

Ridgewood Water business manager Dave Scheibner assured the Ridgewood Village Council on Wednesday, Jan. 13, that its water is safe.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/environmental-group-plans-presentation-on-understanding-lead-poisoning-1.1496004

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RIDGEWOOD POLICE TRAINING EXERCISE TODAY

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file photo by Boyd Loving
The Ridgewood Police Department will be conducting a police training exercise at Habernickel Park on Thursday 1/21/16.
While officers may be seen in tactical uniforms and wearing tactical gear no live weapons are being used in this training exercise.
This training is important and helps our officers and participating agencies better prepare for critical incident response. It is conducted in support of our mission to keep our community safe and to provide the highest quality of police services possible.

Any questions or concerns can be forwarded to the Chief’s Office at 201-670-5518 or jward@ridgewoodnj.net.
We thank you for your support and understanding in our efforts to keep our community safe.

Respectfully
Chief John M. Ward
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New Jersey Taxpayers faced the 3rd highest state tax burden

New Jersey Democrats Move to Raise Taxes

State-Local Tax Burden Rankings

We’ve just released our annual State-Local Tax Burden Rankings. According to the report, 9.9 percent of income in America went toward state and local taxes (in FY 2012).

The report highlights the state-local tax burden on taxpayers in each of the 50 states, details how much residents pay to their state and other states, and illustrates taxburden trends over time and within each state.

New Yorkers faced the highest burden, with 12.7% of income in the state going to state and local taxes. Connecticut (12.6%) and New Jersey (12.2%) followed closely behind. On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska (6.5%), South Dakota (7.1%) and Wyoming (7.1%) had the lowest burdens.

The study’s key findings include:

During the 2012 fiscal year, state-local tax burdens as a share of state incomes decreased on average across the U.S. Average income increased at a faster rate than tax collections, driving down state-local tax burdens on average.
On average, taxpayers pay the most taxes to their own state and local governments. In 2012, 78 percent of taxes collected were paid within the state of residence, up from 73 percent in 2011.
State-local tax burdens are very close to one another and slight changes intaxes or income can translate to seemingly dramatic shifts in rank. For example, Delaware (16th) and Colorado (35th) only differ in burden by just over one percentage point. However, while burdens are clustered in the center of the distribution, states at the top and bottom can have substantially different burden percentages—e.g. New York (12.6%) and Alaska (6.5%).

It’s important to remember that a significant amount of taxation occurs across state lines, and that this shifting is not uniform. For instance, one might pay sales taxes at their local corner store, but also pay sales taxes when on vacation in another state. This shifting should not be ignored when attempting to understand the burden faced by taxpayers within a state.

 

FULL REPORT : https://taxfoundation.org/article/state-local-tax-burden-rankings-fy-2012?utm_source=Tax+Foundation+Newsletters&utm_campaign=d4f19c7dbb-Promo_Income_Taxes_Illustrated_copy_01_11_5_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8387957ec9-d4f19c7dbb-427656697&ct=t(Promo_Income_Taxes_Illustrated_copy_01_11_5_2015)&mc_cid=d4f19c7dbb&mc_eid=c834f22e2e