photo by Ridgewood Police
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Department is currently monitoring a bear in the area of North Monroe Street and Fairmount Road. Willard and Ridge students have been advised to stay in the building. Please use caution and notify the Police Department if you observe the bear as it travels through the area. 201-652-3900 . UPDATE: 11:50pm The bear has moved into Waldwick
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Mark Your Calendars for Olive R Twist Olive Oil Co’s GRAND OPENING Saturday, June 2 at 10am. Tastings, promotions, and delicious treats throughout the day!
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Bergen County’s newest gourmet Olive Oil Shop on Saturday, June 2nd.Olive R Twist carries an exclusive line of imported and domestic artisan extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy, specialty foods and unique, customizable gifts.
Olive R Twist Olive Oil Co. offers a broad selection of the finest and freshest extra virgin olive oils produced in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, full-bodied 12-18 year aged balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy.
Olive R Twist Olive Oil Co.
34 Wilsey Square
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Call (201) 882-1515
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, at Wednesday night council meeting the Village Council introduced Ordinance #3649 ,which is the Redevelopment Plan for Block 3809, Lots 12 & 13 – Hudson Street Parking Lot – Establishes a Redevelopment Plan for Block 3809, Lots 12 & 13, also known as the Hudson Street Parking Lot.
Timeline for Hudson Street Parking Garage:
June 5th Planning Board Curtesy Review
June 11th Open House for the Public 7-8
June 13th Public Hearing for adaption
June 14th Curtesy Historic Preservation Review
July 1st introduce bond ordnance
July 18th hearing for bond adaption for the bond for the Hudson Street Garage
August 8th award the contract to Epic Management to build the garage
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, at Wednesday nights council meeting several residents strenuously objected to work on the green pathway or grassy knoll at the Village train station . Since early 2017 the Village council has explored the idea of shrinking the green way at the train station in order to add more parking spaces to the train station parking lot. This was an idea that was put forward the Village engineer some would suggest as far back as 2 years ago. The Village engineer Christopher Rutishauser submitted the application for the changes to the DEP in July of 2017.
It appears a group led by Cynthia Halaby, the president of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands in Ridgewood made various statements declaring the need for preserving the green space or “grassy knoll” at the train station , yes the same Cynthia Halaby that supported laying a turf field at Schedler Park and clear cutting the trees there.
While Ms Halaby , did seem to have some clue about the green strip , other speakers appeared to have missed the last year and a half discussions about the train station parking lot and for that matter didn’t seem to even know what the grassy median or “grassy knoll “at the train station was.
Once again it’s amazing how when a pota-potty sat in the train station median grassy knoll for months in 2015 no one uttered a peep about its visibility at the Ridgewood Train Station Historic district.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/porta-potty-was-ok-but-parking-challenged-at-the-ridgewood-train-station-historic-district/
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, this email was sent to the BOE and various Ridgewood school officials on the bullying problem in Ridgewood elementary schools.
To the administration in Ridgewood public schools:
Let me ask this district a question.
How does addressing a known and long term meanness and bullying problem in elementary school, by threatening suspensions and community service, actually help the problem??
The underlying long term problem of meanness and nastiness within your school? I’m saying you’ve known. I’m saying you’ve added to it. I’m saying you’ve done NOT ENOUGH to stop it. For years.
You did finally actually address the problem. But you did it in the manner of putting out the fire once started, Rather than actually address the problem at the root.
Threatening community service and suspension from school to students who are 9 years old does nothing except to add drama and angst to a situation you ignored long enough to become this big of an issue.
And yes. I posted about this on Facebook. I intend to make this VERY public. Very. I intend to take the (many) Mother’s on board with me who want to see change and not simply threats, and we will publicly hold all Ridgewood School accountable for the children they’re responsible for. Mothers who for a variety of reasons don’t want to rock the boat about how badly our kids feel and are treated in your care.
There are many. You have a wide spread problem. We want to see these kids CHOOSE KIND and we want you to help.
It’s remarkable how many mothers you can mobilize in 24 hours and if There’s a lull please be advised we are working on it. It won’t last.
Please know. YES. There will be no hiding from what goes on anymore. We expect to see how you implement CHOOSE KIND and we expect to see it swiftly.
This district will no longer happily raise our taxes and in conjunction provide less for our students. Particularly students who have an IEP and should be protected from the bullying, assaulting behaviors which brought this about.
Your method of threatening students with detention suspension doesn’t work. It’s putting out fires. What you need to do is become proactive and stop it at the source. Be a leader. Make your school one which chooses to be kind, choose kind, show kindness. Not one which threatens bad behavior in to secrecy and blame.
I say enough and I’m bringing a Mom army with me.
CHOOSE KIND should be a dominant statement within Ridgewood schools and homes starting NOW. What are you going to do to help that.
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as expected ,according to the IRS , “Despite state efforts to circumvent the new statutory limitation on state and local tax deductions, taxpayers should be mindful that federal law controls the proper
characterization of payments for federal income tax purposes”.
No surprise here , the IRS may not look kindly at New Jersey’s attempts to skirt Federal Tax law , congratulations you’re screwed !
Guidance on Certain Payments Made in Exchange for State and Local Tax Credits
NOTICE 2018-54
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
This notice informs taxpayers that the Department of the Treasury (Treasury
Department) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) intend to propose regulations
addressing the federal income tax treatment of certain payments made by taxpayers for
which taxpayers receive a credit against their state and local taxes.
SECTION 2. BACKGROUND
Section 11042 of “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” Pub. L. No. 115-97, limits an
individual’s deduction under § 164 for the aggregate amount of state and local taxes
paid during the calendar year to $10,000 ($5,000 in the case of a married individual
filing a separate return). State and local tax payments in excess of those amounts are
not deductible. This new limitation applies to taxable years beginning after December
31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026.
In response to this new limitation, some state legislatures are considering or
have adopted legislative proposals that would allow taxpayers to make transfers to
funds controlled by state or local governments, or other transferees specified by the
state, in exchange for credits against the state or local taxes that the taxpayer is
required to pay. The aim of these proposals is to allow taxpayers to characterize such
transfers as fully deductible charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes,
while using the same transfers to satisfy state or local tax liabilities.
Despite these state efforts to circumvent the new statutory limitation on state and
local tax deductions, taxpayers should be mindful that federal law controls the proper
characterization of payments for federal income tax purposes.
SECTION 3. GUIDANCE TO BE ISSUED
The Treasury Department and the IRS intend to propose regulations addressing
the federal income tax treatment of transfers to funds controlled by state and local
governments (or other state-specified transferees) that the transferor can treat in whole
or in part as satisfying state and local tax obligations. The proposed regulations will
make clear that the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, informed by substance
over-form principles, govern the federal income tax treatment of such transfers. The
proposed regulations will assist taxpayers in understanding the relationship between the
federal charitable contribution deduction and the new statutory limitation on the
deduction for state and local tax payments.
SECTION 4. DRAFTING INFORMATION
The principal authors of this notice are Mon Lam and Merrill Feldstein of the
Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax & Accounting). Other personnel from
the Treasury Department and the IRS participated in its development. For further
information regarding this notice, contact Ms. Lam or Ms. Feldstein at (202) 317-5100
(not a toll-free call)
May 24,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, from “It takes a Ridgewood Village Facebook page ;
“Please join me in contacting Mr. Jeffrey Hauger, Director of the Office of Assessments for the NJ State Department of Education as we have just been notified that students in the class of 2020 no longer meet graduation requirements if they did not take the PARCC this year. The previous requirements meant that if you took the PARCC ELA Grade 9 and PARCC Algebra 1 and passed, you had met the requirements.
The Department of Education did not notify RHS of the updated requirements until after our tests were already administered, forcing them to be partially re-administered next week. Our school has tried unsuccessfully to appeal this decision and it has been denied. I have many issues with this test, but I really have an issue with them continually adjusting their requirements. Enough. He can be reached at 609-376-3960 or [email protected] “
May 23,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, RHS senior Griffin Fink was recently selected as a Merit Winner by the National YoungArts Foundation for Jazz/Double Bass. Selected from a very competitive pool of applicants from 47 states, YoungArts winners gain access to one of the most comprehensive programs for emerging artists in the United States, offering financial, professional and artistic development over the course of their careers. This year’s finalists had the opportunity to participate in the 37th annual National YoungArts Week in New York in April. Griffin plans to continue studying music at William Paterson University this fall. Griffin is pictured here with Principal Tom Gorman and arts Chair Chris McCullough.
GRAYDON MEMBERSHIP RATES
RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
Village priced memberships are available to Ridgewood residents, non-residents who pay local property taxes to the Village of Ridgewood, and employees of the Village of Ridgewood and Board of Education. Proof is required.
***Purchase resident adult and child badges between April 1 and April 30 to receive a 10% discount.***
ADULT – $120.00
CHILD – (ages 2-15, under 2 free) $110.00
SENIOR – $30.00 (62 and older)
PERMANENT DISABLED – $30.00
LATE SEASON ADULT MEMBERSHIP – $60.00 (available August 1st)
LATE SEASON CHILD MEMBERSHIP – $55.00 (available August 1st)
DAILY PASS – $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
NON-RESIDENT GRAYDON POOL MEMBERSHIPS
The Village Council and the Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to invite all families in the surrounding area to join the Graydon Pool facility for the summer season.
ADULT (ages 16 and up) – $200.00
CHILD (ages 2-15) – $175.00
GUEST PASSES (must be accompanied by a current season member)- $10.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
TENNIS BADGES
RESIDENT ADULT – $35.00
RESIDENT CHILD – $30.00
NON-RESIDENT ADULT – $45.00
NON-RESIDENT CHILD – $40.00
DAILY PASS – $5.00
BADGE REPLACEMENT – $5.00
Tennis Rules/Regulations and Badge Memberships
Purchase all badges from the comfort of home via CommunityPass (Visa and Mastercard accepted). In person assistance is available daily at the Graydon Badge Office, on site at the pool facility. Hours vary by season dates.
GRAYDON POOL 2018 SEASON
June 2 through Labor Day, September 3, 2018
Early Season – June 2 through June 21
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends – 10 am to 7:30 pm
Regular Season – June 22 through August 12
Daily 10 am to 7:30 pm
**Holiday**, July 4th, closes 4 pm
Late Season – August 13 through Labor Day, September 3
Weekdays – 12 noon to 7:30 pm
Weekends/Holiday – 10 am to 7:30 pm
file photo by Boyd Loving
May 23,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, shades of the Garden States future , Illinois is losing more citizens than nearly every other state, and according to reports, the biggest reason citizens are leaving is that they can no longer afford to live in the Land of Lincoln.
In Illinois like New Jersey , the major reason people leave is because the state is simply taxing them out of their homes, according to Chicago’s WGN TV.Illinois lost 33,703 citizens to outward migration last year. In 2016, the state lost another 37,508 people. A report by the Chicago Tribune also noted that Chicago has been a net loser of its citizens for the last three years running. And the surrounding county were also a net loser of its population.
Changes in federal tax law , have made it exceedingly expensive to live in high tax states like New Jersey .
Will Governor Murphy’s massive tax increases , and forced over development , be the straw to break the camels back and locally will the massive new $110 million school budget ,plus millions in school bond financing finally force the last tax payers to head for the hills ?
Will this years school year end with massive flight from town?
May 23,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council of the Village of Ridgewood has proclaimed the week of May 20th through May 26th as Emergency Medical Services Week and
encourages the community to support Ridgewood Emergency Medical Services, as well as all of their programs, ceremonies, and activities. Ridgewood Emergency Services responded to 1631
requests for assistance in 2017 and is a vital public service. Emergency Services is the largest volunteer agency in the Village of Ridgewood. The members are are ready to serve those in need 24
hours a day, seven days a week. The members engage in countless hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance lifesaving skills.
The 2018 theme for EMS WEEK is “ EMS STRONG-ALWAYS IN SERVICE”. Please help Ridgewood Emergency Services live up to this theme by volunteering and joining our Department in
EMS or in Special Operations. Free Training. Help yourself, Help your family, Help your community. We need your help. Please contact us:[email protected] or by calling 201-670-
5570. Please stop by and see us at the Memorial Day Run where we will be supporting all the participants and visitors in Ridgewood.
photo by Boyd Loving
Village Council Special Public Meeting
VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
MAY 23, 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. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE
Ordinance #3649 – Redevelopment Plan – Block 3809, Lots 12 & 13 – Hudson Street Parking Lot – Establishes a Redevelopment Plan for Block 3809, Lots 12 & 13, also known as the Hudson Street Parking Lot
5. Adjournment
Village Council Work Session
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
MAY 23, 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 – Parking
a. Redevelopment Plan – Ordinance
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. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Professional Services – Water Rate Study
2. Resolution – Purchase of Elks Club Property
b. Parking
1. Timeline for Hudson Street Parking Garage
c. Budget
1. 2018 Estimated Tax Rate
2. Somerset County Cooperative Pricing – Fleet Services
3. State Contract Purchase – Police Department Carpet Replacement
d. Policy
1. Proposed Encroachment Agreement – Olive R. Twist LLC
2. Paint the Town Purple & Orange Ribbons
3. A Frame Sign Ordinance
4. Extension of Electronic Signs in Windows of the CBD
5. Authorization to Sign Seasonal Contracts/Agreements for Recreation Department
e. Operation
1. Authorizing the Historic Preservation Grant for the James Rose Center
2. Reject Bids – School Bus Transportation Services
11. Manager’s Report
12. Council Reports
13. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
14. Closed Session
A. Personnel – Boards and Committees; Professional Appointments; Extension of Professional Services Agreement (Schedler)
B. Legal – WPCF-NSU; Proposed Settlement; Ridgewood Water Lawsuit
15. Adjournment
may 23,2018
the staf of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT has unveiled new interactive touchscreen kiosks as part of its continuing effort to improve communication with customers. The high-tech digital displays, currently being piloted at select rail and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stations, allow customers to access service information, maps and alerts to stay informed of travel options.
The interactive information kiosks are now in place at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail at Harborside and Pavonia stations.
“By listening to our customers, we know that receiving information is one of their top priorities,’’ said Kevin Corbett, Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT. “These digital displays are an added tool that will enable customers to quickly learn the current service status for their particular trip as well as their travel options for rail and light rail. We look forward to hearing feedback from customers on this latest informational asset as we continue to modernize and expand customer communications at stations and terminals.’’
NJ TRANSIT worked with Intersection, a technology and media company, on the installation of the kiosks.
The kiosks feature large formats and have a user-friendly touchscreen which provide engaging real-time data specific to a customer’s trip and mode of travel. The kiosks provide customers with systemwide maps, real-time service alerts, departure times, scheduled service changes and emergency messaging. Each kiosk contains the NJ TRANSIT branding on top, for easy identification.
photo by ArtChick
May 22,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, H.I.L.T. (Highlights in Leisure Time) is a senior’s club sponsored by Ridgewood Parks and Recreation, for Village residents 55 and older. Monthly meetings offer entertainment or informational presentations. Special events include picnics, socials and a variety of trips to dinner theaters, museums, historical sights and sightseeing tours. Annual dues are $15.
Call 201-670-5560 to speak to Deanna Schablik for more information.
H.I.L.T. Membership Application
May 22,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Come, relax and browse through the many garden books in the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood Resource Room at the Habernickel Family Park Gate House (2nd floor), 1057 Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood.
The Resource Room will be open to the public the second Tuesday of each month, from 1 to 3 pm, on the following dates:
2018
January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11
