Tag: Ridgewood Real estate

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Hurricane Floyd and the Village Hall Renovation Fiasco

VillageHall_floods_theridgewoodblog

photo by Boyd Loving

June 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Flooding of the Village Hall and Public library in 1999 led to a major renovation which Ridgewood would never seem to recover from.

Hurricane Floyd was the sixth named storm, fourth hurricane, and third major hurricane in the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season. Floyd triggered the third largest evacuation in US history (behind Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Rita, respectively) when 2.6 million coastal residents of five states were ordered from their homes as it approached. The Cape Verde-type hurricane formed off the coast of Africa and lasted from September 7 to September 19, peaking in strength as a very strong Category 4 hurricane—just short of the highest possible rating—on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. It was among the largest Atlantic hurricanes of its strength ever recorded.

The public was told it would be $2 million and six months . 5 years and $9 million later the “TAJ” as it is called was born a monument to the egomania and incompetence at the Village Hall.

The Village Council only signed off at $4.7 million for the renovation of the Village hall at then Mayor Jane Reilly’s urging. The public was told it would be $2 million and six months but Jane wanted to spend $5 million. So 5 years and $9 million later the “TAJ” as it is called was born a monument to the egomania and incompetence of Jane Reilly end of story!

The finally tally was over $9 million ,for that piece of junk that virtually floods every time it rains ! The job was so badly handled that the drainage pipes under verts field were never even touched, which was the whole point of the renovation to begin with!

The “TAJ” was called a criminal misuse of public funds by Jane ,she should have been indicted but instead because she made nice, nice to the BOE during the last budget vote down remember when that dope tried to sell Benjamin Franklin School to Valley Hospital behind everyone’s back ,she got a make work job at taxpayers expense from Dr. Porter as her reward.

So when we see the current council through no fault of there own is taking bids for roof repair it brings back lots of bad memories. Hurricane Floyd and the Village Hall renovation fiasco is a gift that just keeps giving.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS : Sealed bid proposals will be received by the Village of Ridgewood, in the Village Hall Level Three Conference Room, 131 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450, on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. prevailing time, and then publicly opened and read aloud for the following project: “Partial Roof Replacement Village Hall In the Village of Ridgewood”. The principal components of the work of the Contract shall be to supply and install a new flat roof on a portion of the Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue, in the Village. The principal items of the work of the project will include: testing the existing roof materials for asbestos containing materials, removal and disposal of the existing roof materials to a suitable sub-stratum, installation of approximately 8,000 square feet of a reinforced EPDM membrane roof with tapered insulation for effective drainage to the existing drainage system, having a minimum 20-year manufacturer’s warranty, and all other work necessary for a complete project.

https://search.marketplace.northjersey.com/g/notice-to-bidderssealed-bid-proposals-ridgewood-nj-07450-899092-d?sellertype=Private&contextType=browse

 

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History Lesson on Pease Library in Ridgewood

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History Lesson on Pease Library

May 28,2008
the staff of the Ridgewood Blog

Ridgewood NJ, During the last Maple Ave library expansion, the library patrons went to the Pease. When the new library opened, the Portrait of George Pease and some other pictures, memorabilia was moved to the main floor of the renovated library; the section was renamed “The George L. Pease Memorial Library” Once that was done, the library board, headed by Nancy Greene, and with Janet Fricke on the board, the council went to court and voided the will, because “the functions of the Pease were being served at the new library building” This was done in 1999.the Library Board (not the Village) and Sidney Stoldt, who argued the case for the Library, were in agreement that the building be closed to the public as no longer necessary. The 911 emergency center rent goes directly to the library board, and not one cent to repairs. The village residents have paid twice: once in library budget, and once separately for all repairs, including the roof. All rent from upstairs tenants, e.g. realtor, lawyer, etc. would go directly to the LIbrary Board, not the public. No member of the public was alerted to the court appearance.

All was readied for commercial rent when, in the Fall of 1999, Hurricane Floyd hit, and the police were moved into the building since it was so high and dry. The police worked closely with the Historic Preservation Commission to make certain that no part of the wood structure was ruined; they kept it as pristine as possible.

This entire lawsuit was done under the radar; in fact, when one resident attended a council meeting in 1999, and the title of a resolution was read, the resident questioned what it meant and was told that she couldn’t ask questions “at that time”.

Nobody cared, and to this day, most residents don’t care, so we have what we deserve.

Yes, I wish we could all chip in to save the building; that was the plan agreed upon by the Council when the historic grants were supposed to be applied for. Most of the matching grants would have been paid for by private funds, it was privately promised; and this was told to the Council. The promise was made that the building would be open to the public. For David Bolger to appear 24 hours before a promise to keep the building open and apply for grants is no mystery. The fix was in from the beginning. Now the council could look as if they really were considering public use, but they weren’t. All the Council members voted to accept the Bolger money.
Is it too late? Its up to the readers of this blog. Others have done more than their share; if more people would stand up, things could be reversed. But if only a dozen people are interested, the building will be stolen.

first published May 28,2008 :

https://theridgewoodblog.net/history-lesson-on-pease-library/

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Reports of an “Extermination Company” Making the Rounds in Ridgewood

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June 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood blog pulled this off the Ridgewood Moms and Dads page on Facebook , we thought it was important ; “I wanted to give everyone a heads up about something that happened to me today that I think everyone should be aware of. I live on Bogert Avenue between Ponfield and Glen Avenues. A young man came to my door early afternoon, and I believe he had short blonde or dirty blonde hair with piercing blue eyes and he was very lean who was from an extermination company. I believe it’s called Aptiva which was on his gray polo shirt. He was giving me a very hard sell and would not give me a card or brochure and was trying to pressure me to sign up for a service when I already have a service and we had just gotten our grounds sprayed and I told him that. He kept telling me that certain neighbors whose names I had never heard of before were customers already. And his schedule was filling up. I saw no truck in the vicinity, so he was parked somewhere else. And I just have a bad feeling because of how hard he pressed. I’m sorry I didn’t call the police immediately but when I went out shortly I didn’t see him anywhere so I don’t know where he went after me. Just thought everyone should be aware of this guy. He didn’t have a clipboard either, he just had an iPad.”

Several other posters commented that the same thing had happened at their home.  We do not know if he is real or not or this is a diversion tactic to case your home . We suggest playing it safe and handle with care by calling the Ridgewood Police (201) 652-3900. Don’t make yourself a victim .

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June is National Safety Month in the Village of Ridgewood

slip and fall hero1

June 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Health Department and the National Safety Council remind you that Injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 40, but there are many things people can do to stay safe and prevent injuries.
This June, the Ridgewood Health Department encourages you to learn more about important safety issues like preventing poisonings, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls.
• Poisonings: Nine out of 10 poisonings happen right at home. You can be poisoned by many things, like cleaning products or another person’s medicine.
• Transportation safety: Doing other activities while driving – like texting or eating – distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 6 crashes (15%) where someone is injured involves distracted driving.
• Slips, trips, and falls: One in 4 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones or a head injury.
Be prepared and learn basic steps to protect your child.
• Use a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt that’s right for your child’s size and age – on every trip.
• Teach your child to swim, and closely watch your child in or near water.
• Keep medicines, vitamins, and cleaning products where your child can’t see or reach them.
• Use smoke alarms. Make and practice a fire escape plan for your home.
• Make sure your child wears the right safety gear (like a helmet or pads) when playing sports or doing other physical activity.
• Create a safe sleeping area for your baby. Keep soft objects (like pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, or toys) out of the crib. Always put babies to sleep on their back.
Riding bikes is a great way to get active. Use these tips to stay alert and safe. Paying attention to the things around you can help you stay safe.
• Look for potholes, rocks, wet leaves, or anything that could make you fall.
• Be aware of cars that are parking or backing up.
• Listen for traffic and other activity around you. Don’t wear headphones when you ride.
• Try not to ride in bad weather – but if you must, go slowly.
Safety tip: Add the poison control number (1-800-222-1222) to your cell phone.
Staying safe at work is very important. If you don’t work in a safe way, you can get hurt or become sick. The good news is that there are things you can do – both at work and at home – to lower your chances of getting hurt.
Take these steps to prevent injuries at work:
• Lift things safely (use your legs if possible).
• Arrange your work area to fit your body.
• Take short breaks and stretch.
• Wear your protective equipment.
• Ask about available health resources at work.
• Ask questions when you need to.
Your overall health can also affect how you feel and perform at work. To be able to work safely, it’s important for you to:
• Get enough sleep.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Stay active.
• Manage your weight.
• Take steps to manage stress.

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Ridgewood Baseball Comes Up Short in Group 4 semifinal

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June 6,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Parker Scott homered in the fourth inning for Ridgewood in its 4-2 loss to Westfield in an NJSIAA Group 4 baseball semifinal at Northern Valley at Demarest on Tuesday,
Tuesday’s 4-2 setback to Westfield at NV/Demarest ended the season for Ridgewood Baseball .Like last season the team lost in the NJSIAA Group 4 baseball semifinals.

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Ridgewood Searches for a Municipal Prosecutor

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VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL MUNICIPAL PROSECUTOR

Date Issued: June 6, 2018

Return Date & Time: June 19, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.

Return To: Heather Mailander
Village Manager/Village Clerk
Village Hall
131 North Maple Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07451

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR THE POSITION OF
MUNICIPAL PROSECUTOR FOR THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD
FOR THE TIME PERIOD JULY 1, 2018 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2019

The Village of Ridgewood is soliciting proposals for the position of Municipal Prosecutor to provide professional services to the Village to prosecute all offenses over which the municipal court has jurisdiction. The Village Council will select one or more New Jersey State licensed attorneys for the provision of these services based upon a fair and open process, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4, et. seq. and in accordance with the Resolution previously adopted by the Village Council to secure such services through a fair and open process. In order to have a proposal considered by the Village Council, an interested party must provide evidence that he/she satisfies the minimum requirements for this position, as set forth in Section III of this document.

SECTION I Appointment of Municipal Prosecutor

One qualified individual/firm shall be appointed by the Village Council to serve as the official Municipal Prosecutor, and other qualified individual/firms may be appointed by the Village Council as necessary to administer justice in a timely and effective manner, for a term of one (1) year, to prosecute all offenses over which the municipal court has jurisdiction including, but not limited to, those services as described in Section II of this document.

The Village Council may select, at its sole discretion, individuals or firms for this position, so long as those individuals or firms meet or exceed the minimum requirements set forth in Section III hereof. Once an appointment is made, no substitution of personnel may be made without the express written consent of the Village Council, which consent may be withheld in their sole discretion.

https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/village-government/rfps-rfqs-bids/2026-rfp-municipal-prosecutor

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Village of Ridgewood Council Special Public Meeting And Public Workshop Agenda

New Ridgewood Village Council

Village Council Special Public Meeting
VILLAGE COUNCIL
SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
JUNE 6, 2018
7:30 P.M.

1. Call to Order – Mayor

2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act
MAYOR: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided
by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall,
by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”

3. Roll Call

4. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-166 THROUGH 18-167 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:

18-166 Authorize Grant Application for Kings Pond Park Development/Phase II ($58,580) – Authorizes a grant application be sent to the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust Fund for improvements to Kings Pond Park Development/Phase II. This is an Open Space matching grant application, with both the Village of Ridgewood and the County contributing $58,580 towards the project.

18-167 Authorize Grant Application for Zabriskie-Schedler House/Phase 3 ($75,000) – Authorizes a grant application be sent to the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust Fund for rehabilitation and restoration of the Zabriskie-Schedler House. This is an Historic Preservation Trust Fund matching grant application, with both the Village of Ridgewood and the County contributing $75,000 towards the project.

5. Adjournment

Village Council Work Session

THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
JUNE 6, 2018
7:30 P.M.

1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion – Operations
a. Kings Pond Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund – Phase II
b. Zabriskie-Schedler House – Historic Preservation – Phase III

7. Motion to Suspend Work Session and Convene Special Public Meeting
8. Special Public Meeting – See Attached Agenda
9. Motion to Adjourn Special Public Meeting and Reconvene Work Session
10. Presentation
a. Acacia Financial Group
b. Licensing Sellers of E-Cigarettes

11. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water – None
b. Parking
1. Valet Parking – Broad Street

c. Budget
1. Appointment of Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officers
2. Contributions as Tax Payments – Charitable Contribution Law
3. Award Contract – School Bus Transportation – Recreation Department
4. Award Contract – Vehicle Emergency Equipment – Police, Fire and Emergency Services Departments
5. State Contract Purchase – Finance Department Carpet Replacement
6. Quarterly Financial Report
7. Award State Contract – 2018 Chevy Tahoe SUV – Fire Department
8. Proposed Ordinance for Hillcrest Road Streetscape Project
9. Proposed Ordinance for North Pleasant Avenue Streetscape Project

d. Policy
1. Public Health Nuisance Code
2. Ban on Plastic Bags
e. Operation
1. Authorizing the Age Friendly Application for the AARP Community Grant
2. Amend Designated Individuals to Issue Notices on Dead Trees
3. Authorization to Join U.S. Communities Cooperative Purchasing Program
12. Manager’s Report
13. Council Reports
14. Review of June 13, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda
15. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
16. Closed Session
A. Legal – Potential Litigation – HealthBarn
B. Personnel – Village Council Appointments for Reorganization Meeting
17. Adjournment

Print

 

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2018 New Jersey Election Results

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photo Steven Lonegan Concession Speech

2018 New Jersey Election Results

U.S. SENATE ELECTION RESULTS

New Jersey
U.S. Senate – Dem – Primary
99.6 % Precincts Reporting Jun. 05, 2018 11:59 PM ET

Menendez, Bob I 258,042 62.13 %
McCormick, Lisa 157,263 37.87 %

U.S. Senate – GOP – Primary
99.6 % Precincts Reporting Jun. 05, 2018 11:59 PM ET

Hugin, Bob 167,000 75.15 %
Goldberg, Brian 55,229 24.85 %

U.S. House – District 5 – GOP – Primary
99.8 % Precincts Reporting Jun. 05, 2018 11:54 PM ET
McCann, John 16,598 52.98 %
Lonegan, Steve 14,728 47.02 %

GOP County Executive
one seat open
4-year term

Norman Schmelz10,371 50.5%
Paul A. Duggan10,185 49.5%

Democrat

Board of Chosen Freeholders
two seats open
3-year term

✔ Steven A. Tanelli34,408 50.3%
✔ Tracy Silna Zur34,002 49.7%

GOP

Board of Chosen Freeholders
two seats open
3-year term

✔ Hector Olmo10,725 26.8%
✔ Eric Kulmala10,992 27.4%
Kevin M. Parany9,522 23.8%
Edward N. Mazlish8,835 22.0%

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The Ridgewood Chamber Annual Farmers Market will be Celebrating 17 Years this Year

RidgewoodFarmersMarket theridgewoodblog

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood bog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Chamber Annual Farmers market will be Celebrating 17 years with Farm to table, fresh and delicious produce.

Ridgewood’s Farmers’ Market is held every Sunday from 9am-3pm  on the westside of Ridgewood train station…

Enjoy our farmers vegetables and fruit until Thanksgiving.

Stroll and get some fresh Mozzarella.Homemade Jams-with flavors you cannot get any other place.
Fresh baked goods, preservative free. Pickles on a stick for the kids and more.
Beautiful flowers for your yard.

FARM – and more – TO your TABLE… for more details – [email protected]
201-445-2600

Ridgewood Chamber Annual Farmer’s Market
Sun, June 24, 2018 – Sun, November 18, 2018
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Train Station Parking Lot, Godwin Ave and W. Ridgewood Ave

 

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Ridgewood Sweet & Sassy Summer Camp Dates

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photo courtesy of Sweet&Sassy

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Sweet&Sassy will be offering fun Summer Camp activities at their location.The camps will be on Monday-Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
We will be offering a variety of workshops for kids. More information will follow.Save $50 on early registration Now- May 1st, 2018.
The cost is $70 per day or $250 for the week.

Please call us at (201)670-0123 or visit our store at any time to reserve your spot!!

Sweet & Sassy Summer Camp Dates
Mon, July 09, 2018 – Sun, August 19, 2018
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sweet&Sassy Store, 216 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

 

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Ridgewood Art Institute Presents Charcoal Portrait Demonstration by Bill Angresano

ridgewood art institute

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Renowned Artist and RAI Instructor Bill Angresano will be giving a Charcoal Portrait demonstration using a live model, following our Annual Members Meeting on Sunday, June 10th at 2pm.

Please don’t miss this unique opportunity to observe the creative process at work. This free event is worthwhile to both artists and art enthusiasts. All are welcome.

The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non profit organization providing the finest instruction in Classical Realism in a variety of mediums. Classes are offered on an open enrollment basis,and can be joined at anytime. Each student is taught in direct relation to their personal skill level. For more information on class scheduling, this and future events please visit ridgewoodartinstitute.org

Sunday June 10th,  at 2 PM – 4 PM
Ridgewood Art Institute
12 E Glen Ave, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

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Ridgewood Board of Education survey gathers opinions on changes to the 2019-2020 school calendar.

Ridgewood_High_School_theridgewoodblog

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Board of Education survey gathers opinions on changes to the 2019-2020 school calendar.
Parents, guardians and staff have been emailed a survey on possible changes to the 2019-2020 school year calendar.
The survey will be open through Friday, June 8. Questions may be sent to [email protected].

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New Jersey Primary Elections Today

menednez_ridgewood trainstation_theridgewoodblog

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, ok so today is primary day and there is a little bit of action for ,NJ Congressional District 5 (CD5) , while Democrat Josh Gottheimer has no opposition from his own part on the GOP side there is former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan,vs attorney John McCann.

In the New Jersey Senate race Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez (incumbent), is being challenged by community news web site publisher Lisa McCormick The GOP has a three way race between Pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin, construction company executive Brian Goldberg, and attorney Dana Wefer.

NJ’s Fifth Congressional District

What Makes up the District?
Parts of Bergen, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties

Who is Running?
Democrats: Rep. Josh Gottheimer (Incumbent)

Republicans: Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, attorney John McCann

Who carried the District in the 2016 Presidential Race?
Donald Trump won by 1 point

Why is this Race so Important?
Republicans see this as a seat they can regain in November. Josh Gottheimer defeated longtime republican representative Scott Garrett in 2016. In November, he will face Steve Lonegan – who has lost recent elections for Governor, Senate and the House – or John McCann who serves as the general counsel to the New Jersey Sheriffs Association.

New Jersey Senate Race

Who is Running?
Democrats: Sen. Bob Menendez (incumbent), community news web site publisher Lisa McCormick
Republicans: Pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin, construction company executive Brian Goldberg, and attorney Dana Wefer

Why is this Race so Important?
This is Senator Menendez’s first election since he faced corruption charges. On the Republican side, pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin has poured $7.5 million into his campaign.

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Howard Schultz is stepping down as executive chairman and member of the Board of Directors of Starbucks

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

SEATTLE WA, Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced that Howard Schultz is stepping down as executive chairman and member of the Board of Directors and will be honored with the title of chairman emeritus effective June 26, 2018.

During his four decades as ceo and chairman, Schultz grew Starbucks from 11 stores to more than 28,000 stores in 77 countries, while demonstrating that a business can simultaneously deliver best-in-class financial performance and share success with its people and the communities it serves.

Under Schultz’s leadership, Starbucks has delivered a 21,000% gain in the value of its stock price since its initial public offering in 1992. The company’s growth was fueled by his decisions to provide uncommon benefits for those who work for Starbucks, including comprehensive healthcare, stock ownership and free college tuition, even for those working part-time.

“I set out to build a company that my father, a blue-collar worker and World War II veteran, never had a chance to work for,” Schultz wrote in a letter addressed today to past and present Starbucks partners. “Together we’ve done that, and so much more, by balancing profitability and social conscience, compassion and rigor, and love and responsibility.”

Schultz’s journey began in 1981, when he walked into the first Starbucks store, located in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market. The following year, he moved with his wife, Sheri, from New York to assume the role of director of operations and marketing. Schultz’s passion for the highest quality coffee heightened on a business trip to Italy, where he was captivated by the sense of community, romance and theater found in Italian coffee bars. In the years following his return to Seattle, Schultz purchased Starbucks with the support of local investors and dedicated his career to bringing his vision of a modern coffee house to life in America and around the world.

Schultz elevated the concept of Starbucks as the third place between home and work: a comfortable, welcoming environment that provides uplifting experiences, community and human connection.
Among his many accolades, Schultz has been named as one of The World’s Most Influential People by Time magazine as well as Business Person of the Year by Fortune. Most recently, Schultz has received the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award and has been presented with the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Business Leadership award and the NAACP LDF (Legal Defense and Education Fund) National Equal Justice award.

This year, Starbucks was named the fifth most admired company in the world by Fortune, marking the 16th year in a row that the company has appeared on the global list. Starbucks was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the 12th consecutive year and was ranked as one of 2018’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, most notably for its social-impact work.

On April 3, 2017, Schultz transitioned from ceo to executive chairman, shifting his full-time focus to the company’s social impact initiatives as well as innovation and global development of the company’s premium Reserve brand, including Starbucks Reserve Roasteries, Reserve stores and the Company’s partnership with renowned artisanal Italian bakery, Princi. Following his transition off the Starbucks board at the end of June, Schultz will oversee the opening of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan on Sept. 6 – marking the company’s long-awaited entry into Italy – and the New York Roastery in late October.

Starbucks also announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Myron E. “Mike” Ullman as its new chair of the Board and Mellody Hobson as vice chair of the Board effective upon Schultz’s retirement. Starbucks world-class, values-based board is comprised of accomplished leaders representing diversity and excellence in global technology, retail, consumer experience and other relevant skill sets.

“There are no words to fully express our gratitude to Howard for the extraordinary company he has built,” said ceo and member of the Board of Directors Kevin Johnson. “He’s helped Starbucks earn the respect of millions around the world by always being true to a higher calling, and always being bold in creating a better future. He’s taught all of us that it’s possible to be a very different kind of public company. That must, and will, continue on my watch.”
In Schultz’s letter to partners, he thanked them for their collective efforts to build a different kind of company. “Because of your creativity, your hard work, and the love that you have poured into the company, Starbucks today is widely embraced and respected. As I prepare to step away, I’d like to humbly remind you not to lose sight of what matters most: your fellow partners and our customers.”

He also expressed deep confidence in the team that will continue to lead the company. “Kevin Johnson is a true servant leader, and he will lead Starbucks as this great company enters its next journey. It’s our duty as leaders to constantly reimagine Starbucks. I am honored to call Kevin my friend and partner. And Starbucks is fortunate to have him. This leadership team is extraordinarily capable. They, too, believe that Starbucks has a responsibility to use our scale for good.”

Schultz is looking forward to spending more time with his family this summer. He is also writing a book about Starbucks social impact work and the efforts to redefine the role and responsibility of a public company in an ever-changing society.

 

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NJ Transit Moves forward on Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment on its rail fleet

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, While NJ TRANSIT continues to install Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment on its rail fleet, adjustments to weekday schedules are needed to allow for hardware components to be installed on locomotives and cab cars. Beginning Monday, June 4, some weekday trains will be temporarily discontinued or have changes to their origin and/or destinations.

These changes will primarily impact customers along the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris & Essex Lines and Pascack Valley Line and may affect customers connecting with these services. Other trains throughout the system will have schedule and/or station stop changes. These schedule adjustments are temporary and will be restored in early 2019. There are no changes planned for weekend service.

NJ TRANSIT’s highest priority is safety and the proper installation of Positive Train Control (PTC). As we progress with the implementation of this critical safety enhancement feature, it is important to remember that NJ TRANSIT remains a safe rail system and will continue to operate safely until PTC is fully implemented.

Positive Train Control (PTC) is technology to enhance rail safety by monitoring and controlling train movements. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, Wi-Fi and high band radio transmission, PTC is capable of automatically controlling train speeds and movements, thereby reducing the risk of accidents due to human error.
The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, passed by Congress, requires the implementation of a PTC system on all non-exempt commuter railroads, including NJ TRANSIT. PTC is intended to prevent:

Train-to-train collisions;
Derailments caused by excessive speed;
Unauthorized train movements in work zones; and
Movement of trains through switches left in the wrong position.

As a new technology, PTC requires design, development, prototype testing, equipment retrofitting and system-wide track implementation.