Ridgewood NJ, Kevin grew up in town and is now one of our amazing Police Officers. He and his little family are facing the unimaginable.. please consider donating and say a prayer for little Cole!
‘Our happy and seemingly healthy son Cole was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. It is a fast moving cancer that is in a form of a tumor near a kidney and it’s already moved away to take on more space. This came as a complete shock to us since he showed no significant signs of being sick. After investigating a stiff neck, something didn’t “sit right” with our amazing pediatrician and she ordered blood-work. Follow up blood work in the Hackensack ER turned from just anemia to a small mass on his kidney to a CT Scan that showed a much bigger problem. Every corner we have turned has been devastating.
Ridgewood NJ, The Valley Hospital is proud to have been recognized with an “A” grade for patient safety for the twelfth time from The Leapfrog Group, an organization aiming to improve health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. Valley was one of 750 hospitals to receive an “A,” ranking it among the safest hospitals in the United States.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades rate how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries, infections and accidents within the hospital.
“We are pleased and proud to once again receive an ‘A’ for patient safety,” said Audrey Meyers, President and CEO, The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System. “This top grade is a result of Valley’s longstanding dedication to ensuring patient safety and high-quality care.”
Developed under the guidance of an Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to approximately 2,500 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is peer reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.
“This is the only national rating of how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm and death, such as medical errors, infections and injuries,” said Leah Binder, President and CEO, The Leapfrog Group. “Receiving an ‘A’ Safety Grade means a hospital is among the best in the country for preventing these problems and putting their patients first, 24 hours a day.”
To see Valley’s full grade details, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade on Twitter and Facebook.
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.
About The Valley Hospital
The Valley Hospital, a 451-bed, acute care, not-for-profit hospital located in Ridgewood, NJ, is part of Valley Health System, which also includes Valley Home Care and Valley Medical Group. Valley is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. These include Gold Seals of Approval from The Joint Commission in 14 clinical areas, including six for cancer care, more than any other hospital in the nation. Valley has been recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for both Stroke Care and General Surgery, and has been named in the top five percent in the nation for stroke care, general surgery and cranial neurosurgery. Additionally, Valley has also received Excellence Awards from Healthgrades in the areas of cranial neurosurgery, stroke care, general surgery, pulmonary care and neurosciences. Valley has also been honored three times with Magnet designation – the nursing profession’s highest honor. Valley is a cardiovascular affiliate of the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute, and an academic and clinical affiliate of the Mount Sinai Health System. Key services include cardiology, oncology, women’s and children’s services, emergency care, orthopedics and neurosciences.
Ridgewood NJ, after last night Village council meeting antics it is clear that Chairmen Lehmann can not impartially represent the people of Ridgewood , it is time for him to step down or be removed from office.
Board of Adjustment
MISSION:
The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall follow the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.) and Chapter 190 of the Ridgewood Village Code and accordingly shall have authority to:
(1) Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or refusal made by the Zoning Officer based on or made in the enforcement of the zoning regulations. (2) Hear and decide requests for interpretation of the Zoning Map or zoning regulations or for decisions upon other special questions upon which the Board is authorized to pass by any zoning regulation or Official Map regulation, in accordance with this chapter and the Municipal Land Use Law. (3) Hear and decide requests for variances. Notwithstanding the above, the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall not have the power to hear and decide variances if the application also requires subdivision, site plan or conditional use approval, unless the application involves a “D” variance. (4) Exercise control over and review of subdivisions, site plans and conditional uses, only when such applications involve a “D” variance. (5) Direct the issuance of building permits for buildings or structures in certain areas shown on an Official Map, unless such building permits also require subdivision, site plan or conditional use approval. (6) Direct the issuance of building permits for buildings or structures on a lot not related to a street, unless such building permits also require subdivision, site plan or conditional use approval. (7) Prepare at least once a year a report for the Village Council and Planning Board, based upon its review of its decisions on applications and appeals for variances since any previous report. The report shall be adopted by resolution of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and shall comment on the zoning regulations which were the subject of variance requests and shall make recommendations for any amendments to the zoning regulations that the Board may deem appropriate based upon prior variance applications.
MEETINGS: Meeting are held twice a month in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Courtroom on Level Four
Click here Form:
Variance Instructions and here to download the Application of Variance.
Zoning table Application form and Instructions on the Lot,Bulk and Intensity of Use Standards.
Variance Application Checklist and Zoning Board of Adjustment Meetings and Hearing Procedures.
MEMBERS:
Hans-Jurgen Lehmann, Chairman (6/30/19)
Sergio Alegre, Vice Chairman (6/30/21)
Gary Negrycz (6/30/20)
Diana Ruhl (6/30/20)
Alyssa Matthews (6/30/18)
Ines Bunza (6/30/19)
Gregory Brown (6/30/21)
Jonathan Papietro (Alt. #1) (6/30/19)
Isaac Lebow (Alt. #2) (6/30/18)
CONTACT:
Counsel Bruce E. Whitaker, Esq. McDonnell & Whitaker, LLC 245 East Main St P.O. Box 379 Ramsey, NJ 07446-0379
Secretary Jane Wondergem 131 North Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Meeting dates are published in the Village Calendar and are shown in Calendar of Events on this Website.
Ridgewood NJ, The Pro Arte Chorale is very pleased to welcome Bryan Zaros as its new Music Director, effective July 1. The search for a new music director was launched late last year, following the announcement that the Chorale’s music director of six years, Steven Fox, was stepping down having accepted the position of Music Director for The Cathedral Choral Society in Washington DC. After a four-month selection process with several outstanding
candidates that included auditions with members of the Chorale, Bryan Zaros was offered the position which he enthusiastically accepted.
“For over 50 years, the Pro Arte Chorale has been a leading musical presence in the New York metropolitan area,” said Bryan. “With a distinguished history performing the great masterworks, this community of committed
musicians has continued to thrive and inspire audiences under a legacy of great conductors. It is my great joy and privilege to join Pro Arte as their next Music Director and continue the great performance legacy of this
ensemble. I look forward to leading them to a renewed era of artistry, impassioned music making and community engagement.”
“I am delighted that Pro Arte will be in such good hands with Bryan as their new musical leader,” said Steven Fox. “Having had the chance to meet Bryan a little over a year ago in New York, I think that he is just the right person for this special role. I am so happy for both the Chorale and for Bryan.” Bryan is a young conductor recognized for his “strong musical imagination” and “deep sense of musicality and communication.” A native New Yorker, he received a Bachelor of Music in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College and a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of Michigan. He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting at the Manhattan School of Music.
Bryan began his professional musical training as a member of the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus and as a boy chorister at The Church of the Transfiguration NYC. At the age of sixteen he was appointed the
Assistant Choirmaster at Transfiguration while also serving as the Assistant Choirmaster at St. Bartholomew’s Park Avenue. Recent conducting engagements have included invitations with choirs and orchestras in
England, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Argentina, Greece, Slovenia, Ireland and Romania. Most notably he has conducted concerts at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center and at American Choral Director’s Association
Conferences.
He is a recipient of several conducting awards including an American Prize award in Conducting. Most recently, Bryan served as the Director of Choral Activities at Avon Old Farms School, as the Conductor of the Archdiocesan Choir and Orchestra at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, and as a conductor of choirs at the University of Hartford.
Bryan is the Associate Choirmaster at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and made his conducting debut with the Cathedral’s Choirs at Westminster Abbey, London.
“I am extremely proud of the work Bryan Zaros has done as Associate Choirmaster at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, and also through his doctoral studies at the Manhattan School of Music,” said Kent Tritle, Director of Cathedral Music at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
“He embodies that rare combination of musicality, excellent people skills and a commitment to doing the hard work it takes to truly be a fine conductor. It gives me great joy to see him take on the music director position with the Pro Arte Chorale, and I look forward to witnessing his work with this cherished and esteemed ensemble!”.
The Pro Arte Chorale wishes Steven Fox continued success in his endeavors, and we are grateful for the years of musical excellence he brought to our singers and audience. We look forward to building on this success and level of excellence under Bryan’s new leadership and talent.
Ridgewood NJ, take ways from last nights meeting ;
The parking garage design presented last night; was for 255 cars, with a $11,000,000 maximum guaranteed price (currently estimated around $10,000,000).
The garage does not encroach on the street and fits the current lot ,unlike the previous Garagezilla versions .
The construction company recommended was Epic Construction. The full council still has to vote on the project.
A new Park Mobile contract goes in effect shortly and when it does the revised contract removes the 15 cents per transaction and 3% fee, which the former Village Manager signed off on .
Word is the suicide bike lane may be on the way out finally !
And as expected neither Ms.Willett or Ms Harwin were present at the council meeting .
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Public Schools launches mobile app: Download the new RPS mobile app by searching for Ridgewood Village School Dist. in your App/Play store! Features staff directory, calendar, news, sports, Skyward and more!
The Central Business District Advisory Committee
invite you to attend the second
Central Business District Community Forum
Ridgewood Village Hall
131 North Maple Ave
Anne Zusy Youth Center
Monday, May 14, 2018, 6-8pm
RSVP [email protected]
Bring your ideas how to make the CBD better.
see you there!
May 14th, 2018
Ridgewood NJ, both Mr. Halaby and Mr. Lehmann used public comment to again attack Mayor and make unproven and spurious accusation. The Mayor for the “umpteenth time ” refuted the false claims called out those who made them “liars, and morally bankrupt and ethically challenged” . Lehmann through his antics once again demonstrated why he should be immediately removed as Chair of the Board of Adjustment .
Village council Attorney Matthew Rogers, read a statement concerning “nepotism ” and Village of Ridgewood hiring practices . Rogers first read a statement outlining his job and reiterating that he represents the Village of Ridgewood not any one particular member of the council. Rogers went on addressing civil service laws of New Jersey and how they foster “merit based hiring” . Specifically Rogers referred to the fact that qualitied candidates for civil service positions can not be bypassed .All civil service appointments must be made by the civil service test.
Councilmen Voigt attempted again to misrepresent the Village of Ridgewood and how the Civil Service system in New Jersey works . The councilmen as well as Mr. Halaby and Lehmann seem to have no understanding of the civil service system . Councilmen Walsh summed it up ,”the state test is the state test ” end of story ,there is no way around it.
We formally request that you vote AGAINST the 2018-2019 budget proposed by the Ridgewood Board of Education. The budget amounting to $110,167,997 represents an egregious increase of 4.36% from the year prior, resulting in a tax increase of 3.62%. This above-inflation, above-cap pace cannot be sustained, and we refuse to accept it as a solution.
According to the Board Vice President James Morgan and Member Christina Krauss, who have abstained from voting on the budget, “options to ameliorate budgetary pressures have been discussed.” We believe these options should be presented to the residents of Ridgewood and the Village collectively should decide on a more budget-friendly course of action.
The spotlight is on the three members who have indicated to vote for the proposed budget: Mr. B. Vincent Loncto ([email protected]), Ms. Sheila Brogan ([email protected]) and Ms. Jennie Smith Wilson ([email protected]). They, along with the Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein ([email protected]), need understand that tax dollars should be used judiciously.
VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
APRIL 25, 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. Approval of Minutes
5. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-140 THROUGH 18-143 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:
18-140 Title 59 Approval – Approves the plans and specifications for Tree Trimming Ridgewood Parkland Crest Road at the View in the Village of Ridgewood, prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
18-141 Award Contract – Tree Trimming on Crest Road at The View (NTE $17,450) – Awards a contract to the vendor providing the sole quote, Downes Tree Service, Inc.,
65 Royal Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ
18-142 Award Professional Services Contract – Financial Advisory Services for Hudson Street Parking Garage Project (NTE $25,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract to Acacia Financial Group, 6000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 410 North, Marlton, NJ
18-143 Award Professional Services Contract – Green Acres Certified Appraisal – Block 3905, Lot 19 – South Broad Street (NTE $3,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract to a Green Acres Certified Appraiser, Mark E. Hendricks, Hendricks Appraisal Company, LLC, 7 Hutton Avenue, West Orange, NJ
Village Council Work Session
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
APRIL 25, 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 – Budget
a. Award Contract – Tree Trimming
b. Award Contract – Financial Advisor – Hudson Street Parking Garage
c. Award Professional Services Contract – Green Acres Diversion Property – South Broad Street
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. Hudson Street Parking Garage – Epic Management
11. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Contract – Year One of Two Year Contract – Landscaping Services
2. Award Change Order #2 – Water Main Stream Crossings
3. Award Change Order #2 – Installation of Backup Power at Critical Facilities
4. Award Contract – Water Smart
b. Parking
1. Payment for Parking Transactions Using Mobile Technology and Other
Related Services
c. Budget
1. Award Contract – Year Two of Two Year Contract – Disposal of Recyclable Materials
2. Award Contract – Eradication of Bicycle Lane Markings – Portion of Westbound Garber Square
3. Award Contract – Crossing Guard Services
4. Award State Contract – Replacement of Carpeting – Police Department
5. Discuss Contract for Professional Planner – Affordable Housing Planning Consultant
6. New Five Year Lease – Pease Upper Levels
d. Policy
1. Blade Sign Ordinance
2. Amendment to Village Code – Backyards – Bands and Music
e. Operation – None
12. Manager’s Report
13. Council Reports
14. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
15. Resolution to go into Closed Session
16. Closed Session
A. Personnel – Faulkner Act; Dept. of Public Works; Fire Department; Boards and Committees; Anti-Nepotism
B. Contract Negotiations – Property Acquisition – Green Acres Diversion
C. Legal – Affordable Housing
17. Adjournment
Ridgewood NJ, Board of Education trustees have announced the following winners of the 2017-2018 Teacher Recognition Program:
Educational Services Professional: Maria Obregon
Hawes School: Julieanna Berry
Orchard School: Mary Saglimbeni
Ridge School: Meghan McDermott
Somerville School: Nancy Kaplan
Travell School: Nicole Graziano
Willard School: Robert Krokus
Benjamin Franklin Middle School: Kerriann Reilly
George Washington Middle School: Brittany Daidone
Ridgewood High School: Sean Turkington
The Ridgewood Teacher Recognition Award reception will be held at the Education Center on Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. for the award recipients, their families, school parents, teachers and friends. Each of the award recipients will receive a stipend of $500 ($250 awarded by the individual Home and School Association and $250 by the Board).
Utility to replace additional 875 miles of cast iron and unprotected steel gas pipes over five years
April 25,2021
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) today announced a $1.875 billion settlement with the Staff of the New Jersey Board of Public utilities (BPU), the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel and other parties to continue the accelerated replacement of aging gas pipes, supporting a safe, clean and reliable gas system well into the future. The settlement agreement is pending approval by the BPU.
In a filing with the BPU in July 2017, PSE&G sought approval to continue to accelerate the replacement of the cast iron and unprotected steel gas mains line throughout its service territory. The settlement will enable the utility to replace 875 miles of gas mains and make other improvements to its gas system over the five-year period.
“By year end, we expect to have replaced hundreds of miles of aging gas pipes under the first phase of our Gas System Modernization Program,” said David Daly, PSE&G president and COO. “This agreement means we can continue the next phase of this important work, which will result in improved safety and reliability of gas service and reduced methane emissions. It will also ensure we have the critical infrastructure needed to grow New Jersey’s economy for years to come.
“Together with our contractors, we have demonstrated we can manage a larger-scale, longer-duration program safely and cost-effectively,” Daly added. “We thank all of the parties involved for their thoughtful participation and review in this matter.”
In addition to PSE&G, the BPU staff and NJ Rate Counsel, parties supporting the settlement include: the Environmental Defense Fund, Local Union 94 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 855 of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the plumbing and Pipefitting Industry, the Engineers Labor-Employment Cooperative, New Jersey Laborers – Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, Ferreira Construction, and Creamer-Sanzari Joint Venture.
In 2017, the BPU approved new rules that support longer-term infrastructure programs of up to five years. This agreement culminates nearly nine months of formal discovery, review and discussions, including public hearings before the BPU.
The mains and service lines will be replaced with strong, durable plastic piping, which is much less likely to have leaks and release methane gas. The new elevated pressure systems also enable the installation of excess flow valves that automatically shut off gas flow if a service line is damaged, and better support the use of high-efficiency appliances. The five-year program is also expected to create about 3,200 sustained jobs.
Since 2009, residential gas heating bills are down about 50 percent because of the lower cost of natural gas supply. Continued low gas prices make this the ideal time to accelerate this work.
Under the settlement, PSE&G’s return on equity on the investment will be determined as part of the utility’s base distribution rate review currently under way. The average annual bill impact for a typical residential customer is expected to be less than a 2 percent increase, or about $17, per year over the five-year program.
PSE&G has just under 4,000 miles of cast-iron gas pipes, which is more than any other utility in the nation. At this new pace, the utility lines can replace its cast-iron and unprotected steel pipes with modern ones in 25 years. Pipes installed before 1960 are the most leak-prone. They make up 25 percent of PSE&G’s network, yet account for 65 percent of leaks, excluding third-party damages. The five-year pipe replacement program would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 30,000 vehicles off the road.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Crew had a remarkably good start to the 2018 season. Several of our boats consistently took first, second and third place slots in numerous categories during the 3rd, 4th and 5th Manny Flicks at the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.
The Manny Flicks act as brush ups for Ridgewood and many of the teams in the mid-Atlantic region before the championship season begins April 28.
Coach Boris Roque-Alvarez said the coaching staff was “extremely happy with the performance and results.” Weather conditions leading up to the Flicks proved frustrating. Snow and wind prevented rowers from getting in the water to hone their technique but strength training land practices proved successful.
The Girls Varsity 2x with Senior, Amanda Perez, and Junior, Alexandra Walton Roth held first place in all three regattas. The Boys JV 4x with Juniors, Alexander Melarti, Drew Johnson, Sebastian Rivero and Sophomore, Tommy Montgomery and the Boys Ltwt 2x with Seniors, Joe O’Keefe, and Spencer Campbell also hit the trifecta 1st place mark. The crew heads to the Cooper River for the Garden State Championships this weekend.
Ridgewood NJ, At the 2018 Earth Day celebration, Ridgewood Recycling announced an exciting new addition to the curbside recycling program. Residents may now recycle food and beverage cartons (juice, milk, soy milk, soup, broth, wine, beans, cream, liquid eggs) with their plastic, glass, and metal bottles & cans. Residents will receive an informational postcard (pictured below) in the coming days.
Ridgewood NJ, PSE&G was digging on the side of the street near Whole Foods. (Not the middle of the street)The street was completely closed off from the square to the block past Whole Foods. 3 cops seem to be standing around and doing nothing , not sure what they were focusing on , they could have directed some traffic. This picture shows an empty parking lot in front of the store as well as the bank.
This ridiculous condition upset many stores on the street and they all lost tons of business since their customers had no place to even get to any stores since anything close to park, all meters were taken.
