Tag: Ridgewood NJ

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Fight over non-profit hospitals’ tax exemption looming

valley_hospital_theridgewoodblog

DECEMBER 5, 2015 LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY LINDY WASHBURN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

New Jersey’s non-profit hospitals may not pay property taxes, but they generate so many jobs, both directly and indirectly, that their economic activity contributes more than $1.4 billion to local and state tax revenues, a report commissioned by the state hospital association said Friday.

The industry is bracing for legislative action that might threaten the current exemption from property taxes in the wake of a precedent-setting Tax Court decision earlier this year involving Morristown Medical Center. State Senate leaders have said they plan to introduce legislation this month to clarify the standards for maintaining a property-tax exemption, to better reflect hospitals’ evolution into complex corporate enterprises since the tax code was written in 1913.

In Bergen and Passaic counties, the value of hospitals’ tax exempt properties is conservatively estimated at more than $700 million.

The report by EY (formerly Ernst & Young), commissioned by the New Jersey Hospital Association, details the economic and community benefits that non-profit hospitals provide. The 63 non-profit hospitals statewide employed 140,000 people, who received $8.3 billion in salaries and paid $674 million in state and local taxes in 2013, the report said. Hospital activities led indirectly to an additional 114,000 jobs statewide, and generated $777 million in additional taxes.

In North Jersey, those hospitals include Hackensack University Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Passaic County.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-state-news/property-tax-fight-looming-1.1468111

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Why not offer developers in Ridgewood incentives to provide public parking?

Parking Garage

December 5,2015
Boyd A. Loving

Ridgewood NJ , Here’s a question for those so eager to sink millions of taxpayer dollars into the construction of a massive parking garage in Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD):

Why not offer any developer who would like to build luxury (not high density) housing in the CBD, an incentive of some sort if public parking is included as a component of their project?

If the need for public parking is as bad as those promoting the construction of a taxpayer funded garage say it is, wouldn’t it make sense to have each developer offer public parking in their respective buildings?  Especially any developer(s) who want to build near the train station and/or concentration of restaurants along Oak and Chestnut Streets?

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YWCA celebrates its Ridgewood roots

Ridgewood-YMCA_theridgewoodblog

DECEMBER 4, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Editor’s Note – This historical background, timeline and pictures were provided by Marie DeNoia Aronsohn, YWCA director of Development and Communications

Ninety-five years ago the world, the nation, and Ridgewood were very different places. In 1920 Woodrow Wilson, president of the United States Congress approved The Eighteenth Amendment which prohibited alcohol (as one historian notes, “Not only did the Amendment fail to be heeded; it often failed to be acknowledged with a straight face.”) and finally, after a crusade that began as far back as 1638, the states ratified the Nineteenth Amendment legalizing a woman’s right to vote. Ridgewood had a lot going in on in 1920 as well. One resident, in particular, was inspired to make an addition to her community – one that stands as a valuable resource to this day. Her name was Nell Doremus.

Born in 1891 to Ridgewood parents, Doremus was a local girl with an abiding commitment to serving her community and more specifically was an avid advocate for safe affordable housing, better working conditions, and improved wages for young women in industry. In 1920, as a leader of a group called the “Girls Patriotic League,” Doremus applied to the national YWCA and received a charter to form the YWCA chapter which is now the YWCA Bergen County. This year the YWCA Bergen County is celebrating its Ridgewood roots, reflecting on its legacy, while also embracing a new call to action: recommitting to the YWCA’s mighty mission: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all.

This month, as part of its Giving Tuesday appeal, the YWCA Bergen County is sharing specific stories about the power and promise of its mission-driven programs: from girls’ leadership seminars to sexual violence intervention, to special needs and therapeutic swim classes, the YWCA Giving Tuesday site will be featuring true stories that illustrate what we mean by “living our mission” to promote the self-empowerment and social justice of the families and individuals throughout Bergen County.

The now international YWCA, formed in its earliest incarnation in 1858, is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Throughout our history, YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and the empowerment of women. The YWCA Bergen County’s history is also richly reflective of the international organization’s spirit and traces Ridgewood’s own community history.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/clubs-and-service-organizations/ywca-celebrates-its-ridgewood-roots-1.1467311

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Ridgewood, Fair Lawn temples host ‘Dummies and Dreidels’

Dreidels

DECEMBER 4, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Temple will host ‘Dummies and Dreidels’ on Sunday

A children’s Hanukkah event, run in part by Ridgewood’s Temple Israel, will take place Sunday morning at Temple Beth Shalom in Fair Lawn.

The event, called “Dummies and Dreidels,” will feature family-friendly entertainment and refreshments, according to Rabbi Estelle Mills of Temple Israel.

The program will include a Hanukkah carnival for pre-school and elementary aged school children, a puppet show by a nationally-known Jewish puppeteer and latkes and other foods, Mills said.

The puppeteer, Jonathan Geffner, will be performing with “his wacky, whimsical, wooden sidekicks in the highly acclaimed Maccabee Mishegash Puppet Show,” according to a news release for the event.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/community-events-and-announcements/ridgewood-fair-lawn-temples-host-dummies-and-dreidels-1.1467398

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Village of Ridgewood Leaf Collection Update

leaf3 pickup theridgewoodblog.net 12

file photo by Boyd Loving

Leaf Collection Update

Updated Information on Leaves from Ridgewood DPW:

• Collection: We are still running three to four days behind. With the recent damage to the pusher catching up is going to be unachievable.

• Schedule: We are recommending a shift in the leaf schedule based on the following new dates:

o Area A: Dec. 4 to Dec. 10

o Area B: No change

o Area C: Dec. 11 to Dec. 17

o Area D: Dec. 18 to Dec. 23

• Enforcement: There is no stopping enforcement at this point. For the remainder of this week enforcement will focus on Area B.

For further information: 201/670-5585

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Ridgewood seeks public input on downtown parking-deck options

Hudson Garage

NOVEMBER 30, 2015, 5:47 PM    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015, 5:47 PM

BY STEVE JANOSKI
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Local officials will ask for public comment Wednesday night regarding the size and scope of the proposed Hudson Street parking garage, the construction of which is expected to ease longstanding parking concerns in the village’s crowded downtown.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn said the 7:30 p.m. meeting will feature a presentation by parking deck designer Desman Design Management and give residents a chance to provide opinions on the structure’s height, square-footage, and car capacity. Aronsohn intends to hold an informal council vote that night and introduce a bond ordinance on Dec. 9 to fund construction.

Voters endorsed the garage by nearly a 2-to-1 majority in a non-binding referendum last month. That referendum’s wording said the garage was anticipated to provide a net increase of about 300 spaces without having a “negative impact” on property taxes because parking revenues would be used to pay off the construction debt.

According to documents on the village website, three parking decks of varying sizes have been proposed.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-seeks-public-input-on-downtown-parking-deck-options-1.1464964

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Cyclist Hit on North Van Dien in Ridgewood

cyclist ridgewood

photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

December 2,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A male juvenile who was riding a bicycle sustained a non-life threatening leg injury after being struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of North Van Dien and Linwood Avenues in Ridgewood on Tuesday, 12/01 at about 4:45 PM. The victim was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. Ridgewood PD, EMS, and FD units responded to the scene.

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Ridgewood Planning Board meeting tonight at 7:55

clock_cbd_theridgewoodblog

December 1,2015
Ridgewood the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NJ, Planning Board Meeting  tonight 7:55 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. – Continued discussion of the reexamination of the Master Plan and development regulations – Residential Land Use.

Our Master Plan has not had a thorough re-examination in 30 years. According to our Village Planner, Blais Brancheau, 90% of the language needs to be re-written. This is a huge undertaking for our planning board. Please attend.

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Overturned tractor-trailer closes Saddle River Rd and West Glen in Ridgewood

Overturned tractor-trailer

photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Police
December 1,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that the Route 17 N. exit ramp to E. Saddle River Rd. and E. Glen Ave. will remain closed due to a cleanup from an overturned tractor-trailer.  Route 17 southbound traffic delayed due to rubbernecking

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GLENWOOD ROAD STAIRS IN RIDGEWOOD CLOSED 2 WEEKS FOR REPAIRS

Road_work_theridgewoodblog

Notice of Closure due to Repairs – Nov 30 – 2 weeks

The Glenwood Road stairway from Upper Boulevard to the Ho-ho-kus Train Station will be closed to all pedestrians starting Monday, November 30, 2015. The closure will last approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on the weather.

The closure is necessary so that portions of the stairway can be repaired in response to several recent complaints. Pedestrians are advised to plan alternate routes during the closure.

Glenwood Road itself will also be closed to traffic.

In advance, thank you for your cooperation,

Department of Public Works

Village of Ridgewood

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Valet Parking Exacerbating Parking Problems in Ridgewood’s Central Business District

parking signs cbd2
November 30,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Sources in the central business district continue to voice concerns that the Valet Parking is exacerbating the very parking problem it is attempting to alleviate .While Roots Steakhouse was already offering valet parking 4 additional Ridgewood restaurants have joined forces to offer valet parking to their customers.

The is issue is most acute on Oak Street were Fish Urban Dining, It’s Greek To Me and Roots have virtually monopolized most of the spaces near Ridgewood Avenue ,leaving little room for customers of retailers such as Luck Brands  any available spaces to park.

Retailers have for years complained of parking access for their customers , the Ridgewood blog reported earlier this year that as early as 9am spots on Oak Street are full and now most retails report that after 430 ,because of the valet parking they can just go home .

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Planned garage a plus for Ridgewood

IMG_0387

Planned garage a plus for Ridgewood

A big round of applause for Ridgewood Council members Gwenn Hauck and Albert Pucciarelli and Mayor Paul Aronsohn for successfully stewarding the parking garage project for downtown, culminating in voter approval earlier this month. Decades of no progress on this topic finally have been broken.

There are many positives to this project, with the most important being to strengthen our central business district by addressing the No. 1 challenge: parking. As the mayor recently pointed out, the “only real negative aspect was the disinformation campaign that sought to confuse and undermine the public conversation – a disinformation campaign represented in part by an anonymous mailer.”

The mayor noted that “no one was willing to take responsibility for the mailer, [but] the language was strikingly similar to that used by some of the parking deck’s most vocal detractors.”

The next challenge for the parking deck is to secure financing. In order to bond, four of five council members are needed to vote yes. Will those who did not support the project vote no? That would be in direct opposition to the overwhelming voter support for the project.

Don Delzio

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-sunday-nov-29-1.1464278?page=3

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BFJ Planning May Provide Urban Planning Studies Ridgewood Needs

clock_cbd_theridgewoodblog
November 29,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, BFJ Planning is a consulting firm providing professional expertise in planning, urban design, environmental analysis, real estate and transportation since its establishment in 1980. Led by founding partners, Paul Buckhurst, Frank Fish, and Georges Jacquemart, BFJ serves public, private and non-profit clients throughout the country and overseas. The firm’s philosophy is one of integrated planning and hands-on, senior-level leadership.

BFJ has successfully completed more than 1,000 projects in the U.S., East Asia, Europe, and South America. Our range of services allows us to bring a project from the initial feasibility stage, through planning and approvals, to site design and implementation. Principals and staff provide expertise in a range of areas, bringing together informed, innovative thinking from different professional points of view necessary to the success of complex planning and development projects. This inclusive approach ensures that BFJ’s planning and design recommendations are realistic and achievable within project constraints.

In all the work we do, from master plans through environmental reviews and resiliency planning, BFJ is committed to participatory planning. We have a depth of experience in consensus building, public participation and community liaison programs and understand that early and consistent public involvement in the planning process is crucial to the development of plans that will be supported by the community and can be effectively implemented.

BFJ is supported by its affiliate, Urbanomics, which provides public- and private-sector clients with an array of economic development planning services, including market studies, tax policy analyses, program evaluations and economic and demographic forecasts.

BFJ Planning is a consulting firm providing professional expertise in planning, urban design, environmental analysis, real estate and transportation since its establishment in 1980. Led by founding partners, Paul Buckhurst, Frank Fish, and Georges Jacquemart, BFJ serves public, private and non-profit clients throughout the country and overseas. The firm’s philosophy is one of integrated planning and hands-on, senior-level leadership.

BFJ has successfully completed more than 1,000 projects in the U.S., East Asia, Europe, and South America. Our range of services allows us to bring a project from the initial feasibility stage, through planning and approvals, to site design and implementation. Principals and staff provide expertise in a range of areas, bringing together informed, innovative thinking from different professional points of view necessary to the success of complex planning and development projects. This inclusive approach ensures that BFJ’s planning and design recommendations are realistic and achievable within project constraints.

https://www.bfjplanning.com/planning
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Santa Makes his Return to Van Neste Square

santa
Santa in the Park
Sat, December 05, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave and Van Neste Square, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Event Description

Come visit Santa in Ridgewood !

8am-Breakfast with Santa at The Office call for
reservations 201-652-1070. YWCA Bergen County will be participating

10am – 2pm Santa arrives at Columbia Bank, 60 S. Broad St., in a fire truck with gifts for all children attending

10:30am FREE KIDS movie at Bowtie Warner Theater

2pm – 4pm Meet Santa at his house in Memorial Park at Van Neste Park Weather Permitting

For more details, please call us at 201-445-2600 or email info@ridgewoodchamber.com www.experienceridgewood.com