photo courtesy of Ridgewood water
May 27,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Ridgewood Water announces that earlier this year the rehabilitation to 1 of their water storage tanks has been completed, while improvements to another is just around the corner. After that, 3 tanks remain to be rehabilitated with completion dates expected by the end of 2019.
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Walks is promoting safer streets this summer . “Now that the weather is warmer and more of us are out and about, it’s time to join our campaign to keep our streets safer for all who walk, cycle, play, drive and ride.”
“Keep Kids Alive Drive 25” signs are now available and only $25. You can purchase one or more by emailing [email protected]
In the mean time Ridgewood Walks says , “Get your feet ready….things are happening! June begins the first annual Ridgewood Walks “Step Into Summer” walking tours…and we are all in! We will soon activate the online sign-up sheet, so come back soon for that announcement.
In the meantime, volunteer to be a tour guide and plan your own group walking tour! It’s fun—just ask some of our Tour Ambassadors from last October’s Walktoberfest, tagged here. Spread the word and join us!
To be a tour ambassador, or to just talk to us about it, email us at [email protected]
May 26,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
MOUNTAINSIDE NJ , A new Fairleigh Dickinson University poll released Friday shows proven New Jersey job creator and former Marine Bob Hugin nearly tied with “ethically challenged” career politician Bob Menendez in the race for U.S. Senate.
While 28 percent of voters still supported Menendez, 24 percent back Hugin. An additional 46 percent were undecided.
“It’s no surprise the race has tightened. When given the choice between a proven job creator and former Marine like Bob Hugin, and a corrupt ineffective career politician like Bob Menendez, voters will continue to move steadily in our direction,” said Hugin Communications Director Megan Piwowar. “Our campaign is encouraged by the momentum so far, and Bob looks forward to continuing to meet with voters all across New Jersey to discuss how we can bring positive change and bipartisan problem-solving to Washington.”
Bob Hugin, a Marine Corps Veteran and business leader who has created thousands of New Jersey jobs, is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to challenge incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Menendez.
file photo by Boyd Loving
May 26,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood police report that a Saddle River, N.J. resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters on May 22nd to report a theft in the past at her place of business on South Maple Avenue. The victim reported blank prescription pads were stolen from the business. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.
photo is the grassy knoll at the Ridgewood Train Station
May 26,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on Facebook former council person Gwenn Hauck said , “Any excuse not to build a garage – and paving over the most historic patch of green RWD I can think of for another parking band-aid!”. The hot topic of discussion has been the silly hullabaloo led by the usual suspects and a few uninformed residents and once again demonstrating the need for residents to pay far more attention to what is going on in the Village.
Wrong , the Garage plans are moving forward , as referenced by the Ridgewood blog on May 24th , https://theridgewoodblog.net/timeline-for-hudson-street-parking-garage-in-ridgewood-2/ .
The difference being that this garage fits neatly into the foot print of the Hudson Street parking lot and does not encroach on the street like the “Garagezilla ” pushed by the 3 amigos ie … Gwen Hauck, Albert Pucciarelli and Paul Aronsohn .
The plan to add spaces at the train station , by shrinking the medium ie… the “grassy knoll” came from the Village engineer over one year ago . The very same “grassy knoll” we might add the the 3 amigos plotted the very destruction of the Village of Ridgewood ,by pushing the building of high density housing .
The latest nonsense from the 3 amigos and their supporters , spear headed by none other than the “clear cut ” Halaby’s , Yes the same Halably’s who pushes for a turf field and to clear cut all the trees at the Schedler property even pushing to destroy the historic Zabriskie Schedler House. By the way Gwen the historic Zabriskie Schedler House is in Ridgewood in what used to be called the Glen School district .
Now suddenly after all these years a “grassy knoll” at the Ridgewood train station is of historic importance . The fact is most people in the village except a few commuters and farmers market visitors didn’t even know it existed.
This is the same “grassy knoll” that was inhabited by heavy construction equipment and a porto-potty for most of 2015 , yet not even a peep from the Halaby’s or any other objectors at that time .
Photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page
may 26,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A 15-month old girl was trapped in her car seat for over one (1) hour after live electric wires fell on her parent’s parked SUV when tree limb broke off and fell to the ground. The incident occurred in front of 112 Oak Street, Ridgewood late Friday afternoon, 05/25. The unharmed girl was safely removed from the vehicle and reunited with her parents after a PSE&G technician cut power to the area. Ridgewood Police, Fire Department, Emergency Services, and OEM personnel responded to the incident.
Ridgewood Police reported that power to the east side of town would be restored by 8:00pm. PSE&G was clearing wires from a tree that fell in front of the YMCA on Oak Street.
May 26,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, according to James Brown CPA ,If you have received an IRS envelope from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in your mailbox that does not contain a refund check, it will probably cause an increase your heart rate likely increased. But Don’t panic, though; most of the issues in these letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.
Every year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers, notifying them of changes to their account, requesting additional information, and alerting them to payments that are due. Many of these letters are issued in error or are sent only because of a misinterpretation of facts.
If you get such a letter, it may be for one of several reasons; perhaps you overlooked an item of income or the amounts you reported on your return don’t match other information that the IRS received. It is also possible that someone else is using your SSN or is claiming your child as a dependent. The list goes on.
Such a notice normally covers a very specific issue about your account or your tax return. The notice should offer specific instructions on what you need to do to satisfy the inquiry. However, because the law requires that these letters be sent to advise you of your rights and other information, they can be very lengthy and difficult to understand. Thus, it is important to call this office or forward a copy of your letter immediately so that it can be reviewed and handled accordingly.
The worst option is to ignore the letter and hope that the issue will go away. Most of these letters are computer-generated, so if the issue is not resolved after a certain period of time, another letter will automatically be sent. As you might expect, each succeeding letter will become more aggressive and more difficult to deal with. Procrastination only makes the situation worse!
Most importantly, don’t automatically pay the amount the IRS is requesting unless you are positive that it is correct. Quite often, taxpayers do not actually owe the amount that is being billed, and it is quite difficult and time-consuming to get a refund for such a payment. It is thus good practice to have this office review your notice prior to making a payment.
Unfortunately, many taxpayers receive these letters without knowing it because they have moved and left no forwarding address. The IRS registers your address change when you file your annual tax return, but that may not be timely enough, especially if your return is on an extension or if you are behind in your filings. It is always better to notify the IRS (and your state, if applicable) when you get a new address, just as you would your family and your financial and business affiliations. You may not want to receive correspondence from the IRS, but as noted above, it is always easier to deal with the first notice than to wait. The complications can only increase when notices go unanswered. The IRS provides Form 8822 (Change of Address) for taxpayers who have relocated between tax filings.
Receiving such a notice may also be the first indication that your ID has been compromised by cyber thieves, many of whom have already filed phony tax returns using other people’s Social Security Numbers. If this is the case, you will want to take immediate actions to minimize the financial damage.
In fact, your notice might not even be from the IRS. It may actually be from a thief who is trying to sucker you into a scam to separate you from your hard-earned money.
You are strongly urged to contact this office immediately if you receive a notice from the IRS or from a state tax agency. It is important for all IRS correspondence be verified and then dealt with promptly and correctly. This office can handle these matters for you, so please call for assistance.
JAMES D. BROWN, CPA starts with a complimentary consultation to find out where you are and where you want to be. Call us at (201) 357-5228
file photo by Boyd Loving
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police several “smash and grabs”. On May 10th, a Berkshire Road resident reported criminal mischief in the past. The victim reported discovering a shattered driver’s side window on his parked vehicle. The victim reported no personal property was missing from the vehicle. The amount of damage is unknown at this time.
On May 10th, a Norman Drive resident reported criminal mischief in the past. The victim reported discovering a shattered driver’s side window on his parked vehicle. The victim reported no items were missing from the vehicle. The amount of damage is unknown at this time.
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Run is the premier road race in northern New Jersey and one of the longest running races in the tri-state area. Choose either the 10K, 5K, Road Mile, Fun Run – all or one of them.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:
Friday May 25
Road Runner Sports, Paramus NJ
4:00PM to 8:00PM – Packet Pick Up
Saturday May 26
Road Runner Sports, Paramus NJ
11:00AM to 4:00PM – Packet Pick Up
Sunday May 27
YMCA, Ridgewood NJ
1:00PM to 4:00PM – Packet Pick Up
Monday May 28 – Race Day
Veteran’s Field, Ridgewood NJ
7:00AM – Registration & Bib Pick Up
8:15AM – Wheelchair 10K
8:20AM – 10K
10:15AM – 5K
11:15AM – Masters Women’s Elite Mile; Open Women’s Elite Mile immediately to follow
11:40AM – Masters Men’s Elite Mile; Open Men’s Elite Mile immediately to follow
12:00PM – Fun Run Mile
Online registration is now open for the 43rd Annual Fred D’Elia Ridgewood Run on May 28, 2018! See you there!
https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Ridgewood/TheRidgewoodRun
May 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is kicking off the Memorial Day weekend with “early getaway” rail and bus service on Friday, May 25 for the benefit of customers leaving work early. To help speed the getaway, customers are encouraged to enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature of the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.
In addition to giving customers a jump on the unofficial start of summer, NJ TRANSIT is making it easy and affordable to get to fun in the sun around the state with a variety of discounted summer savings packages.
Friday, May 25:
From approximately 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., extra outbound trains will operate, stops will be added, select connections will be adjusted. To accommodate the earlier ridership demand, select trains between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. will be cancelled or combined on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County/Port Jervis lines. Visit njtransit.com or see rail timetables for details.
Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on more than two dozen bus routes starting around noon. Visit njtransit.com for details.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27:
Rail:
The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bus:
Weekend shuttle service resumes between Toms River and Seaside Park on Bus Route No. 137. The bus leaves Toms River at 11:25 a.m. with the return departure from Seaside Park at 6:25 p.m. This service runs every weekend and holiday through the end of June, when direct service resumes from New York on Bus Route No. 137 and Newark Bus Route No. 67. See schedule for details.
Light Rail:
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule respectively.
River LINE will operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule respectively.
Memorial Day, Monday, May 28:
Rail:
Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines.
The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bus:
Bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information. Many routes serving shopping malls will operate on weekend/holiday schedules. Consult timetable for details. NOTE: Buses may be subject to detours and service delays for Memorial Day parades through various towns. See njtransit.com for details.
Light Rail:
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Summer Savings
With Memorial Day marking the “unofficial” start of the summer recreational season, this weekend is a great time for customers to take advantage of NJ TRANSIT’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags and Monmouth Park:
Beach Packages: Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system (excluding Atlantic City Rail Line stations) and save up to $5.50 on admission to one of five beaches — Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach or Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a discounted beach admission for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows. Beach Packages will be available on weekends and holidays from May 26 through June 17 and then daily starting Monday, June 18 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 3.
Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor: Save up to $38 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together.
NJ TRANSIT provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in New York and Newark Penn Station.
Monmouth Park: Save $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack. Simply purchase a package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Monmouth Park Racetrack”) or at ticket windows from any NJ TRANSIT station except Atlantic City Rail Line stations and receive round-trip transportation, Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $3.50 plus the regular cost of a round-trip rail ticket.
Visit njtransit.com/summer for more information on NJ TRANSIT summer travel deals.
On weekends, kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT – Extended for Memorial Day Weekend
Every weekend, families riding NJ TRANSIT can save with the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult. For the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the program will be extended and in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, May 25 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 29.
Travel tips
Check Schedules in Advance: Plan your trip online or with the NJ TRANSIT mobile app to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the long holiday weekend may affect bus travel times especially on routes using the Garden State Parkway heading down the shore. Customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return. Use the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus.
Luggage: Travel as light as possible. Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces. On multilevel trains, customers with large bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that Ptl. Michael Karcher was dispatched to 175 Franklin Avenue on a report of a shoplifting in progress on May 12th. The business reported observing the actor flee in an orange taxi cab and provided a direction of travel. Ptl. Michael Karcher located the described vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver and occupant were identified at the scene and the loss prevention officer was escorted to the scene and identified the passenger as the shoplifter. A 45-year-old male from Little Ferry, N.J. was arrested at the scene for shoplifting, receiving stolen property, hindering apprehension, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of hypodermic needles. The arrestee was also found to have multiple outstanding warrants for arrest out of New Milford, Teaneck, Parsippany, South Hackensack, and Lodi, NJ. The arrestee was transported to Ridgewood Police headquarters and issued multiple criminal complaints. The arrestee was then transported to the Bergen County Jail.
file photo by Boyd Loving
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police reported that on May 14th ,Patrol units responded to the intersection of Oak Street and Franklin Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian on May 15th. Upon arrival the pedestrian had a complaint of pain and was being treated by a Valley Hospital Ambulance who was on scene at the time of patrol’s arrival. The driver of the vehicle reported while attempting a left turn onto Oak Street her vehicle collided with the pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to the Valley Hospital for treatment and the driver of the vehicle was issued at summons for failing to yield to a pedestrian.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Members of Ridgewood Fire Department Engine Company 35 and Tower Ladder 36 rescued “Theo” (a pet cat) from a tree located in the 100 block of Hope Street, Ridgewood, on Thursday afternoon, 05/24. Theo was chasing a bird and became stuck in the tree early Thursday morning. When firefighters responded to 7:00 AM Thursday morning call for assistance from Theo’s owner, Theo was unfortunately in location unreachable by ladder. Luckily, Theo changed his location as the day progressed. After receiving a second phone call for assistance, firefighters were able to reach Theo’s new perch shortly after 3:00 PM. Ridgewood Firefighter Kurt Harba performed the actual rescue. Harba quickly hustled a nervous and squirming Theo into his owner’s house immediately after descending a 35 foot ground ladder taken off of Tower Ladder 36.
more photos https://www.facebook.com/pg/theridgewoodblog/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1730529473652557
photo by Boyd Loving
May 25,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewod NJ, A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 65 months in prison for participating in the December 2015 robbery of a North Jersey bar and the violent carjacking and kidnapping that took place shortly afterwards, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Wilbur Jonathon Barahona, 22, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares to a three-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping. Judge Linares imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Barahona admitted that on Dec. 25, 2015, he and others forcibly robbed a bar in Hawthorne, New Jersey, and subsequently fled with approximately $200 in cash.
In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 2015, Barahona and others hailed a taxi in Paterson, New Jersey, and forcibly took the taxi from the driver. Barahona admitted that he and others forced the driver into the back of the vehicle and took over driving. Barahona also admitted that during the carjacking, other conspirators caused seriously bodily injury to the driver by hitting him in the head with a beer bottle and slicing his throat with a knife before eventually leaving him on the side of the road in New York. The taxicab driver survived.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Linares sentenced Barahona to five years of supervised release and fined $1,500.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo, and the Ridgewood and Hawthorne Police Departments, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine K. Lou and Karen D. Stringer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Hans Lehmann is no longer the chairman or a member of the Board of Adjustment.
Hans-Jurgen Lehmann, Chairman term was set to expire on June 30,2019 . Lehmann caused quite a stir during the last council election for for being at the center of a controversial hate filled and bigoted flier sent out in support of candidate Harwin.
Concerns were raised beyond the hate filled nature of the flier that in his position as Chair of the Board of Adjustment , Lehmann’s remarks could open the door to a flood of lawsuits against the Village.
