Ridgewood Public Library - Page 151 of 218

Posted on August 12, 2017August 11, 2017 by James — 2 Comments

Ridgewood Fire Department personnel responded to a fluid spill

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

August 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,Ridgewood Fire Department personnel responded to a fluid spill that occurred when the front undercarriage of a Village of Ridgewood sanitation truck hit a tree stump at the intersection of Sherman Place and Washington Place in Ridgewood on Friday morning, 08/11. No injuries were reported in the crash, but the sanitation vehicle was disabled until repairs were made. Quick action by Fire Dedpartment personnel prevented the leaking fluid from reaching any storm drain inlets. Ridgewood Police responded to gather information for a crash report.

Posted on August 12, 2017August 12, 2017 by James — 2 Comments

Reader says We would never be on the hook for $635,000 at Schedler, These are matching grants

We would never be on the hook for $635,000. These are matching grants. If the grant applications(Phase1 and Phase 11) are not approved the town would have to go back to the drawing board with all that the process would entail: resolutions ,public hearings, etc. The original request from the Schedler group was a matching grant in the amount of 90,000 dollars with 45,000 dollars in an account raised by the advocates to ensure the beginning steps for saving the house ( roof, mold treatment,etc.) The council at that time voted against this grant application knowing full well that they would not be out any money. It took years to make the Stable what it is today. When money is available in the budget,fund raising and or grants, additional work will ensue. The past council was in favor of a 90 foot baseball diamond(field). The original plans for this would have entailed removal of all trees, the house and possibly a wall which the DOT would not have paid for and would have cost upwards of a million dollars. Schedler advocates want to see a long term plan for the entire property which would include the house, an all purpose grass field, a possible play ground and walking trail and the trees! Worthy goals at a price we can afford and may take several years to complete based on the willingness to do so and budgetary constraints.

Posted on August 12, 2017August 11, 2017 by James — 4 Comments

Reader says We have to get the Village of Ridgewood out of the real estate business

We have to get the Village out of the real estate business. We buy these things and then are prevented from doing anything with them. Schedler, horse farm, Town garage, Elk’s club. Those alone are nearly $10m of real estate the Village has bought not to mention millions in studies and plans for each.

Think about this: if you had let them be bought by market forces you’d have:
Horse farm–8 houses worth $750k each. thats $6m in taxables
Shedler–Strip mall with highway access–$5m? in taxables
Elk’s club–Could be offices or bar–$1m
Town garage–retail or restaurant with parking–$2m

so $14 million in lost taxable land. So we spent $10m, fail to collect on $14m per year AND all it causes is headaches with neighbors complaining if anyone wants to do anything with these properties. Not saying everything needs to get developed. I love trees and those neighborhood parks can be great. I am just saying that as a tax payer I hate paying for these things and then having every attempt to make them usable be shot down, criticized and attacked. Just look at the BS about the horse farm since they actually got a paying tenant. Disgraceful.

Posted on August 12, 2017August 11, 2017 by James — Leave a comment

RIDGEWOOD WATER POTENTIAL LEAK ALONG NORTH IRVING STREET

file photo by Boyd Loving

POTENTIAL LEAK ALONG NORTH IRVING ST. IN RIDGEWOOD
August 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water is aware of a potential leak on the bike path at North Irving Street and Warren Place, behind Stevens Field. We will be investigating and making necessary repairs to our facilities this Monday, August 14th. The area will be fenced off until the issue has been resolved. We expect no disruption of service to residents. In the event that conditions change, Ridgewood Water will respond accordingly.

Posted on August 12, 2017August 11, 2017 by James — 5 Comments

Ridgewood Village Council Dissolves Financial Advisory Committee

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog

August 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Village Council on Wednesday nights council meeting finally approved the dissolution of the Financial Advisory Committee in favor of a “Special Projects Task Force”.

The council voted 4-1 with Jeff Voigt the only dissenter, for what the mayor called a “rebranding” of the current committee, and assured the public that the change was met with the committee’s favor.

Financial Advisory Committee was nothing but controversial from the get go. Spearheaded by former Mayor Paul Aronsohn when he was in the council the committee was often used to attack Aronsohn opponents and his plans to Urbanize Ridgewood .
The Hudson County Democrat came to the village with the full intention of turning the Village into the next Hoboken , with many critics of the former mayor thought the next Bayonne was a more fitting description of the direction.

The Financial Advisory Committee was used effectively to attack former mayor Kieth Killion and Village Manager Ken Gabbert over his $12,000 deferred pay raise, while the same committee hardly ever mentioned a word at any of the multitude of Village over spending .

In a town that spent $500,000 for a toilet , a $12,000 pay raise hardly seems worthy merit.

After a massive defeat of the Aronsohn backed slate in the previous election , the hiring of a highly qualified Robert G. Rooney as Chief Finance Officer the Financial Advisory Committee seemed a bit of a rudderless ship.

They focused their attacks on the Mayor Kundsen joined by many Aronsohn holdovers , but failed to make their case often looking out of touch and way off base.

Posted on August 11, 2017August 10, 2017 by James — Leave a comment

Season Announcement 2017-2018 Pro Arte Chorale

Pro Arte Chorale – 2017-2018 Season

August 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Pro Arte Chorale is excited to announce its 2017-2018 season under the skillful direction of Maestro Steven Fox. In early September, the chorale will begin rehearsing for the group’s first concert, A Christmas Celebration, to be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 4.p.m. All concerts this season will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ.

Guests who attended Pro Arte’s performance of the works of Anton Bruckner last June will remember the orchestral accompaniment by members of the NJ Wind Symphony (formerly the Ridgewood Concert Band). The chorus is delighted to be joined again by these fine instrumentalists for our December concert.

The program will feature sacred works by twentieth century artists, including Daniel Pinkham, Francis Poulenc, Ralph Vaughn Williams and Philip Ledger. Following the concert, audience members will be invited to join with the chorus in celebrating the season by singing some traditional carols.

The whole family will enjoy Pro Arte’s spring concert to be held on Sunday March 18, 2018 at 4pm. The lighthearted choruses and solos from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience, Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore will be familiar to many. These precursors of our modern musicals were immensely popular during the Victorian era in which they were written and continue to draw crowds entertained by the wit and humor of these operettas. The chorus will be joined by baritone Richard Holmes of the Metropolitan Opera and the NY Gilbert and Sullivan Players. You won’t want to miss this concert!A pre-concert lecture by Andrea Covais will give you background about the music and will illuminate the performance for you.

Masters of the Baroque is the chorale’s final concert on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 4pm. In 1727, shortly after George Friedrich Handel was naturalized as a British citizen, he composed his Coronation Anthem for the coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline. It’s grand music for a grand occasion. Vivaldi’s Gloria is a traditional Gloria from the Latin mass. Vivaldi wrote it in the early part of the eighteenth century for the choir of the Ospedale della Pietå, an orphanage for girls. Vivaldi’s Gloria was lost for two hundred years and was finally rediscovered in the early twentieth century in a pile of old manuscripts. For this concert the chorale will be accompanied by members of the Clarion orchestra and soloists, mezzo- soprano Mikki Sodergren and soprano Esteili Gomez.

Special Events:

Do you want to improve your vocal skills? Save the date for an afternoon Master Class with Maestro Steven Fox on Saturday, September 16, 2017. He will lead participants in a warm up followed by a discussion of vocal and choral techniques. He will then guide the group through a rehearsal of some choral pieces in a variety of styles from different periods. Check the Pro Arte website for updates on this event: [email protected]

On Monday, December 11, 2017, Pro Arte invites you to join in the Christmas tradition of an open reading of Handel’s Messiah. Novice singers, professionals, non-singers and families are all welcome. Admission is $10. Scores will be available to borrow. After singing this monumental work together, we will gather for refreshments.

Interested in adding your voice to Pro Arte Chorale? Auditions are held by appointment only. If you are interested in performing with Pro Arte, please email [email protected] or call the office at 201-497-8400 to schedule an audition. Rehearsals are Monday evenings starting at 7:30.

All concerts take place at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Ave., Ridgewood, N.J. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Advance discounted tickets are available online atwww.proartechrorale.org

Posted on August 11, 2017August 11, 2017 by James — Leave a comment

When It Comes to College, Only Half of America’s High Schoolers Say They Feel Prepared, Survey Finds

photo courtesy of Boyd Loving

Only half of U.S. students think their high schools have prepared them with the knowledge and skills they need for college, according to recent survey data.

Compiled by the nonprofit YouthTruth, the data reveal an uncertainty among high schoolers in how to become ready for college and careers.

The survey didn’t require students to explain why they felt they way they did — but anonymous comments provide some clues.

“They just want us to have high grades, and that’s what most kids are doing by cheating or studying really hard, not by actually learning something,” one student wrote. “School has taught us that having better grades is better than actually learning something, and that’s not how it should be.”

https://www.the74million.org/article/when-it-comes-to-college-only-half-of-americas-high-schoolers-say-they-feel-prepared-survey-finds?mc_cid=b7fea5f7e0&mc_eid=9ec7cf1771

Posted on August 11, 2017August 11, 2017 by James — 15 Comments

Zabriskie-Schedler House Cleanup Cost Draw Skepticism From Some Friends of Schedler

August 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, resident Jacqueline Hone voiced concerns over the Schedler clean up .Jacqueline Hone said the $99,000 was very large and the residents were in the dark about many aspects to that cleanup , including sidewalks.

Hone went on to voice her concerns on the discovery of artifacts on the property and speculated on the lack of qualifications of the clean up crew dealing with antiquities .

Also Hone voiced fears over over development and the loss of a natural space and also the many inaccuracies and falsehoods on the 2009 application that have still not been addressed .

Janice Willett then followed up about transparency in public notices specifically with the potential costs for Schedler if the Village does not get any grant money resident could be on the hook for the whole $635,000 to renovate a property with no designated purpose .

Concerns were also voiced about the process of tree clean up on the property Mayor Knudsen reassured residents that the process would be thoughtful and residents would even have the opportunity to challenge some tree removal. Deputy Mayor Sedon chairs the Schedler ad-hoc committee which has already done a walk through of the property.

Posted on August 11, 2017August 11, 2017 by James — 9 Comments

Ridgewood Council Moves Forward with Elks Buy

file photo by Boyd Loving

August 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on Wednesday night the Ridgewood council voted to appropriate $1.6 million of Ridgewood Water funds to go forward with the purchase of the former Elks Lodge on Maple Avenue .

The council voted 3-2 in favor of the purchase with Councilman Jeffrey Voigt and Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh casting dissenting votes.

The appropriation,comes less than a month after a NJ Superior Court judge ruled against the village of Ridgewood in a lawsuit, finding that it had approved “capricious” and “unreasonable” rate hikes between 2010 and 2012.

No estimate was given as to how much will it cost to renovate that space or what is going in Ridgewood Water place at Village Hall.

Posted on August 11, 2017August 10, 2017 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood Schools releases REVISED Back-to-School Night Schedule

August 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, the Ridgewood School district has released a REVISED Back-to-School Night Schedule: Sorry for any inconvenience but there are a couple of changes to the BTS Night schedule (Ridge and Willard, specifically). Here it is:

Benjamin Franklin Middle School: Tuesday, September 12 at 7 p.m.

George Washington Middle School: Thursday, September 28 at 7 p.m.

Hawes Elementary School (Gr. 3-5): Thursday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Hawes Elementary School (Gr. K-2): Thursday, September 14 at 8 p.m.

Orchard Elementary School: Thursday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Ridgewood High School: Wednesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Ridge Elementary School: Tuesday, September 19 at 7 p.m. (revised)

Somerville Elementary School: Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m.

Travell Elementary School: Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m.

Willard Elementary School: Wednesday, September 27 at 7 p.m. (revised)

Posted on August 11, 2017September 3, 2021 by James — 6 Comments

Village Council Summer Highlights from August 9th Meeting

Village Council Summer Highlights

1. VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD MASTER PLAN – Planning Board Master Plan update: funding for the Village Master Plan is in place and the Planning Board advanced the undertaking at the annual reorganization meeting on July 18. A Master Plan Committee was appointed to assist the Planning Board, the Ridgewood Village Council and the public with the Master Plan process including, but not limited to: project education, scheduling, milestones, budgeting, public engagement and participation, and to ensure an open and transparent process. Committee members include Mayor Susan Knudsen, PB Vice-chairman Joel Torielli, Planning Board members Debbie Patire and Melanie McWilliams. **Chairman Richard Joel will be substituting on an interim basis as needed. The Master Plan Committee is a preliminary step prior to formally advancing the Master Plan process.

2. As one of the most used sports fields the turf at Maple Park is now in need of replacement. Installed more than decade ago, the replacement will allow the field to continue to facilitate a variety of sports programs throughout the year. The Maple Park Turf Replacement is subject to a public hearing scheduled for August 9, 2017.

3. Purchasing the Elks Club Property allows for future planning ensuring a more efficient utility benefiting Ridgewood Water customers. The Water Capital Ordinance for $1,600,000 includes the purchase price of $1.1 mil for the property and $500,000 to renovate the building from the Water Utility Capital Fund.

4. Summer “School” ordinances: Amending Chapter 265 will prohibit stopping on portions of West Ridgewood Avenue allowing a safer approach to vehicular traffic around the Ridge School. Additionally, Enacting Title 39 on All Public School Properties authorizes the Ridgewood Police Department to enforce traffic and parking regulations on Board of Education property. Ordinance 3612 protects Ridgewood taxpayers from the unlawful enrollment of students in Ridgewood Public Schools through the Village Municipal Court.

5. Direct Village Planner to conduct a study for Redevelopment of the Hudson Street Municipal Parking Lot, allowing the Village more options moving forward with garage construction plans that could potentially save significant taxpayer dollars and build time.

Posted on August 10, 2017August 9, 2017 by James — 5 Comments

PSE&G says paving and Village street restoration is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Police

August 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, for months now there have been constant complaints about Village streets and their poor surface conditions . Long term readers of the this blog will remember that for several years there seems to be almost constant complaints about the roads. Unfortunately for the Village as long as PSE&G continues in their gas line up grade program ,there is really no end in sight for poor road conditions .

Beginning in June, work was expected to take place Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., weather permitting. The gas main replacement portion of the work is expected to be completed by the fall. The paving and street restoration is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018. Folks it is what it is !

According to PSE&G :

• To upgrade the gas lines, PSE&G digs trenches, primarily in road surfaces, and lays new pipes block by block to minimize disruptions. There will be short-term road closures and detours during construction. Local police direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic. At the end of each workday, the trenches are filled in and protective plates secured on any open areas so people can safely drive and walk. Customers always have access to their driveways.

• When possible, the utility does not dig on properties. If PSE&G does have to dig on a customer’s property, the utility restores any disturbance after the service line is installed. Grass areas are repaired and seeded, and concrete or asphalt openings are patched until final restoration work is scheduled.

• After construction, a PSE&G technician needs to access the customer’s home to connect the service line and gas meter to the new gas main. The utility contacts homeowners to arrange a date and time to do the work. During this reconnection, customers can expect to be without gas service for about 4 hours.

• If a gas meter is inside, PSE&G relocates it to the outside of the customer’s home or business. A technician relights all appliances and makes sure they are working safely before leaving a home.

• When work is finished, the utility repairs roads with temporary pavement until the ground settles. This takes about 45 to 90 days. PSE&G then restores the roads with permanent paving in accordance with town ordinance and paving requirements.

Posted on August 10, 2017August 9, 2017 by James — 2 Comments

Prospect Street Home in Ridgewood Pronounced Safe After Car Crash

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

August 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, On Wednesday afternoon, 08/09, Ridgewood Fire Department personnel were dispatched to a single family home located at 255 Prospect Street, Ridgewood for purposes of evaluating the structural integrity of the home following a motor vehicle crash in which a passenger car mounted a curb, drove across the front lawn and slammed into the front porch. The vehicle had been removed from the scene prior to arrival of Fire Department personnel. The structure was deemed safe for occupancy with no Fire Department action taken.

Posted on August 9, 2017August 9, 2017 by James — Leave a comment

Ridgewood Guild sponsors ‘Moonstruck” 8pm tonight Van Neste Park

August 9,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, yes it’s FREE ,tonight , Wednesday 8/9 around 8:00pm at Van Neste Park , the Ridgewood Guild sponsors ‘Moonstruck” – Join us and enjoy this romantic comedy founded on emotional abandon and poignant truth. Not content with one romance, it involves five or six, depending on how you count, and conceding that some characters are involved in more than one. Play our trivia game and win prizes!

Posted on August 9, 2017August 9, 2017 by James — 3 Comments

Reader says time to Fine the owners of the Town Garage for not keeping it properly maintained

Current owners have to pay for remediation – can’t stick the taxpayers with that tab! Why should the village pay for their speculation? Fine them for not keeping it properly maintained in the meantime! It is quite an eyesore.

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