The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
New Date for Coffee & Conversation is May 14
May 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, Members of the Ridgewood Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein will host residents for coffee and casual conversation on Monday, May 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. Please join them at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Ridgewood. Residents are welcome to drop in and share their thoughts, questions, suggestions and concerns.
May 9th 2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The 8th Annual Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival continues Wednesday and Thursday, May 9-10 in downtown Ridgewood. This year’s theme The Impact of Film showcases human rights films, international subjects, women’s issues and how film impacts American culture.
Headlining the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival on May 10, presented by the Ridgewood Arts Council as part of their Artists Talk Series, is a conversation with Hollywood producer Scott M. Rosenfelt. Rosenfelt is known for Home Alone, Mystic Pizza and Teen Wolf among others. Also on May 10, actress/director Cady McClain (All My Children, As the World Turns) will show her documentary on famous female filmmakers and will be part of a panel discussion entitled Women Behind the Camera Forecast: 2018. Foreign Film Night will be held at the Ridgewood Library on May 9 and 10. Admission to Foreign Film night is free.
On May 9, opening night starts at the festival’s base, the Art Deco Bow Tie Cinema on Ridgewood Avenue. The evening begins with a red carpet event with the filmmakers. The night will include a variety of student films, both foreign and American as well as foreign and American shorts. There will also be Q & A’s with New Jersey award-winning writer/director, Anthony Marinelli and Bergenfield High School film teacher, Ashley McKee talking about the roles and possibilities for young filmmakers.
The final night of the Festival, May 10, starts with a red carpet event with filmmakers and celebrities. Featured films of the evening include Butterflies, The Last Visit, and Silk City Artists and Musicians. The film Breaking Point will also be shown. This is the premiere screening of this film. Breaking Point was filmed in New Jersey and stars Real Housewife of New Jersey, Dolores Catania in her movie debut.
The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival will also feature panel discussions, including Q & A’s with documentary filmmaker, Vince Parrillo , former Ridgewood resident and first time filmmaker; Brad Forenza (Breaking Point); and New Jersey director/producer Joe Paul. Six-time award winning Actor Jack Mulcahy (Brothers McMullen, Porkys, Sex and the City) will host a Q & A about his new short and his roles.
An after party and awards presentation will be held on the final night of the festival, May 10, at the Steel Wheel Tavern, 51 N. Broad Steet, Ridgewood. Festivities start at 10:45 and the public is invited to attend. After party admission is $15 per person.
Festival tickets are $10, $5 for those over age 62. Admission includes all films being shown that evening. Purchase tickets here. Tickets can also be purchased at Mango Jam, 41 North Broad Street, Ridgewood or at the door. View a complete schedule of films and get more Festival news. For more information, contact Tony Damiano at 201-493-9911.
May 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the results are in in what may go down with what could be considered by many to one the most contentious elections in Ridgewood history . The challengers Janice Willett and newcomer Alexandra Harwin ran against Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon, the incumbent mayor and deputy mayor, respectively.
With 59% of the vote the incumbents take a decisive win in the 2018 Ridgewood Village Council elections !
Candidate Number of Votes
Janice Willett 2025
Alexandra Harwin 2040
Susan Knudsen* 2989
Michael Sedon* 2973
This is Includes All Polling stations and absentee ballots
May 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Lawrenceville NJ, John W. Poole, MD of Ridgewood was recently installed as the 226th President of the Medical Society of New Jersey (MSNJ) at the organization’s Annual Meeting on May 5. He has served as a member of MSNJ’s Board of Trustees since 2008, and will assume the presidency from Christopher E. Gribbin, MD.
“Dr. Poole is a leader and advocate for patients and physicians alike,” said Larry Downs, CEO of MSNJ. “His knowledge and advocacy experience on the hospital, state and national level make him an invaluable asset to our organization. On behalf of MSNJ and our physician members throughout the state, we are proud to welcome Dr. Poole to his new role as our new president.”
In his inaugural speech as President, Dr. Poole outlined his goals for his upcoming term:
“My goal is to ensure MSNJ remains the most effective advocacy organization in the state,” he stated. “I love New Jersey. I was born and raised here. However, there are major issues – such as the absence of ‘real’ medical liability reform, monopolistic insurance companies and burdensome mandates – that negatively impact patient care. Both our patients and our profession as a whole need a strong, united voice to advocate on their behalf. I believe that voice is MSNJ.”
Dr. Poole is a board-certified general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He practices at North Jersey Surgical Specialists in Hackensack, NJ, a member of Holy Name Medical Partners. As part of the Holy Name family, Dr. Poole is currently serving his second term as President of the Medical Staff at Holy Name Medical Center, after first being elected in 1997. He has previously served as Chief of General Surgery and Director of the Department of Surgery, as well as a member of Holy Name’s Board of Trustees and Medical Executive Committee.
In order to provide the very best possible care, Dr. Poole believes physicians have the responsibility to interact with their legislators and actively advocate on behalf of patients. As such, he has served as Chair of the MSNJ PAC (MedAC) since 2006 and on the Board of the AMA’s national PAC (AMPAC) from 2009-2016, elected Chair in 2013. Dr. Poole also serves as the Chair of the NJ Delegation to the AMA House of Delegates, as well as the Executive Committee of the Southeast Delegation in the AMA for NJ. Since joining MSNJ’s Board of Trustees in 2008, Dr. Poole has been an active member, serving as Treasurer for five years and on the Executive Committee of the Board for nine years.
Dr. Poole received his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. He received his medical degree from University of Virginia and completed his surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AGENDA
Tuesday, May 08, 2018
Village Hall Court Room – 7:30 P.M.
Call to order
Pledge of Allegiance
Statement required by the Open Public Meeting Act “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in the 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 date and time of this meeting”.
Please note: A curfew of 11:00 PM is strictly adhered to by the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood. No new matter involving an Applicant will be started after 10:30 PM. At 10:00 PM the Chairman will make a determination and advise Applicants as to whether they will be heard. If an Applicant cannot be heard because of the lateness of the hour, the matter will be carried over to a future meeting to be determined by the Board at 10:00 PM.
Roll call
Approval of minutes:
Non-agenda items:
Board member comments
Members of the public comments
Public hearings
Old Business:
New Business:
KEVIN & JENNIFER HOGAN – An application to construct a front portico, a rear 2-story addition and a rear covered deck which will result in a side yard setback on the left of 9.16 feet to the first floor and 9.2 feet to the 2nd floor; side yard setback on the right of 8.3 feet to the addition and 8.75 feet to the deck, where 20 feet is required; combined side yard setback of 15.94 feet, where 16.5 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 23.1%, coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 24.9%, where 20% is permitted for both; coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 46.9%, where 45% is permitted and gross building area of 39%/2,731 square feet where 35%/2,450 square feet is permitted at 82 John Street, Block 3501, Lot 6, in the R-1 Zone. (Carry to June 12, 2018 without further notice)
AGENDA – CONTINUATION May 8, 2018
BRENDAN & SEAN LYNCH-LITTLEJOHN – An application to permit the construction of a single story addition and deck which will result in a side yard setbacks of 5.43 feet and 2.79 feet, where 10 feet is required; combined side yard setback of +/- 9 feet where 10.89 feet is required; rear yard setback of 25.46 feet, where 30 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 33.61%, where 20% is permitted; coverage by improvements of 55.74%, where 45% is permitted at 223 South Broad Street, Block 3902, Lot 10, in the R-3 Zone.
EVEN & JENNIFER CONTRUCCI – Application to permit the construction of a new detached garage which will result in side yard setback of 1.4 feet, where 5 feet is required and a building height of 18 feet, where 15 feet is the maximum permitted at 506 Heights Road, Block 1605, Lot 8, in the R-110 Zone.
ACKERMAN PRESERVATION, LLC – An application to permit a two-story addition, detached garage and patio which will result in a rear yard setback of 26.8 feet, where 40 feet is required; front yard setback and a patio located within the front yard setback, where it is not permitted at 415 East Saddle River Road, Block 4804, Lot 15, in the R-125 Zone.
BRENDAN & SUZANNE O’SHEA – An application to permit an in-ground swimming pool, with an adjacent patio and various retaining walls, which will result in coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 26.01%, where 20% is permitted; coverage by improvements of 41.63%/8,888.5 sq. ft., where 40%/8,750 sq. ft. is permitted; coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 47.05%/7,100 sq. ft., where 40%/5,987 sq. ft. is permitted; fence and wall height up to 7.3 feet, where 4 and 6 feet is permitted and fence and wall side yard setback of 4 feet, where 9.9 feet is required at 305 Wastena Terrace, Block 1907, Lot 18, in the R-2 Zone.
Resolution memorialization: Aponte, 648 Upper Blvd.
Discussion
MDRE Holding, LLC, 148 Prospect Street – One year extension of variance approval to May 9, 2019
Joseph, 683 E. Ridgewood Ave.- One year extension of variance approval to June 13, 2019
Annual Report
Adjournment
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)
file photo by Boyd Loving
May 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as expected the Ridgewood Board of Education passed a massive budget increase of 4.3%, your tax hit is 3.6%. Two members of the board had great suggestions, and the other three don’t seem to care what public say had to say . All three need to be replaced and have needed replacement for some time .
During the presentation, they basically the BOE took 2% is for granted, but needed to justify 1.62% which is above 2%.
They killed the ridiculous windows project, but replaced it with different capital projects.
James Morgan tabled an amendment to the budget, in which these two newly added items were not a priority, so they can probably wait until the referendum, and let’s keep the budget under 2%. His amendment was defeated 3-2.
They spent a lot of time pretending they were cost focused as usual , which no one believes but frankly its school performance that’s lacking .
College-Ready Student Performance :
High school students take AP® exams to earn college credit and demonstrate success at college-level course work. U.S. News calculated a College Readiness Index based on AP exam participation rates and percentages of students passing at least one AP exam. The index determined which types of medals (gold, silver or bronze) were awarded to top-performing schools. College Readiness Index 53.6
Below is what I emailed to my Travell Men’s Thursday Night Basketball pals. I strongly urge everyone take the time to EMAIL or TEXT their friends directly.
“Hi Guys—
This is my bi-annual Ridgewood political announcement to my Travell men’s. basketball brethren.
Tomorrow, Tuesday May 8 is our Village Council Election. I’m supporting Susan Knudsen and Mike Sedon, who are our current mayor and deputy mayor.
The overdevelopment of Ridgewood is my primary concern. More developers are licking their chops, looking to impose more high density housing projects on Ridgewood. We can’t allow that. RHS is already packed, and will only get more so. We’ll need added police and fire, traffic and parking issues will get worse, and our limited water allowances will get reduced further.
As council members, Mike and Susan fought overdevelopment at every turn. They stopped Valley from doubling in size, they voted against the high density housing projects that our former Mayor pushed on us. They will build a smaller parking garage at a smaller price, in accordance with the Village referendum. I know both Susan and Mike very well, and I assure you, unless you prefer a “City” to a “Village”, you need to get to the polls and vote for them.
In 2012, the WRONG candidate was elected by a 10 VOTE margin, and we have four housing projects about to be built as a result. 10 is all we need for a good Thursday night of hoops. So yes, Travell Men’s Basketball could make or break the future of our Village.
Please vote for Knudsen and Sedon.
Glad to answer any questions.
Thanks.
Our town politics went down hill from the day Paul Aronsohn was elected and got worse when Gwenn and Albert came on board with him. All votes on meaningful issue were 3 to 2 and with Roberta Sonenfeld hired as VM after kicking out Ken Gabbert, it was more like 4 to 2. That is one of the reasons why when I look at who is backing Harwin and Willett I cringe. The whole crew is in their corner. Why? I think it is a case of revenge politics and not one bit about the issues. They are not running on issues. Try to find one and not transparency and civility. That is what you run on when you have nothing of any consequence to run on like a larger garage? Give me a break. There was a time that it might have been an issue. Now it is more like no garage vs. a smaller garage. They are clueless about what the residents are interested in and have negatively campaigned with lies and innuendos.
May 8th 2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Village Council Election is today May 8th, 2018 ,Polls open 6:00am – 8:00pm .
Follow the Ridgewood blog Up to the Minute Coverage on Twitter https://twitter.com/Ridgewoodblog
May 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, according to Anne Loving on Facebook ,”Candidate Harwin was at the train station this morning. She introduced herself to councilwoman Bernie Walsh, and said she is running for office and she will represent the commuters. (Mind you, councilwoman Walsh is completing her sixth year serving on the council. She herself is a commuter and she represents the commuters.). So what does this tell us? Ms. Harwin never attends council meetings although she wants to serve on the council. She has stated that she watches meetings from home after she gets her kids to bed. Ok, I cannot believe this. She would know councilwoman Walsh and her distinctive smile and thoughtful commentary if she ever watched meetings. So Ms. Harwin does not watch meetings, does not attend meetings, does not know who is serving now, does not know who she would be serving with if elected. How could anyone consider voting for someone who I so completely disinterested and uninformed? KNUDSEN AND SEDON.”
You see it does to pay to go to council meetings , you might even get to know the other members of the council .
may 7,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Board of Education budget vote is tonight. The BOE will be voting on a $110,000,000 school budget and to increase the school tax by 3.62%. The meeting starts at 7:30, & public comment is first. I know people have busy lives, but anyone who does not speak up now, should have no excuse to complain later.This number gets compounded year after year after year.
The school budget is 65% of our tax dollars, so this is going to be a big hit. 2 of the 5 board members believe they can keep the budget within the cap, and without losing any teachers/programs at the schools. I would like to see the entire board to work together to achieve that.
e-mail addresses are as follows: dfishbein@ridgewood.k12.nj.us sbrogan@ridgewood.k12.nj.us viloncto@ridgewood.k12.nj.us ckrauss@ridgewood.k12.nj.us jmorgan@ridgewood.k12.nj.us jswilson@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
To vote for the woman stating flat out lies because you are tired of the Mayor’s friends rebuking Alexandra is really a sad case of affairs. The Mayor’s friends would have no need to defend her or attack Ms Harwin if Harwin’s speeches and her printed mailings said something about her campaign, what she wants to do to help Ridgewood, etc. instead of doing nothing but slandering the other candidates, the Catholic Church (while she claims we are attacking Jews), the Police and Fire Departments etc. If you plan to vote for Harwin would you please list a few positive things that would encourage you, and us, to do so. Think really hard about voting for Harwin. Her platforms seem to be only a bigger garage than planned and to do whatever Aronson wants her to do. If you lived here during the Aronsohn reign think really hard about returning to it. It’s not just a “poor woman, everyone seems to hate her so I’ll vote for her to make her feel better.” It actually is a clear choice of wanting Ridgewood to continue to grow in an orderly manner or if you want it to grow with immediate speed and heavy development. Please, look at what she has presented as her platforms. Read her mailers. She says nothing to show you how she would add to Ridgewood rather than simply tearing it apart. I too was ready for “change” but not for the destruction the only other candidates offer.
May 7,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In honor of Air Quality Awareness Week, The Department of Environmental Protection and the Ridgewood Health Department would like to share some tips to reduce air pollutants:
• Turn off vehicle engines while waiting in line to save money, fuel, and benefit public health. Do not idle your car.
• Develop good driving habits. Combine automobile trips to reduce “cold starts.” Choose a cleaner commute by carpooling, using public transportation, bicycling or walking.
• Have your vehicle’s emission codes read if the check engine light comes on, to determine what maintenance issues need to be addressed. Ensure personal or fleet vehicles are properly maintained and inspected at licensed inspection facilities when required. For more information, visit: www.njinspections.com/
• Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours to reduce evaporation of gasoline, a volatile organic compound capable of forming ozone. Ask the gas station attendant to stop refueling your car when the nozzle clicks off, and to avoid overfilling or dripping fuel. Any additional gasoline after the first click may not reach your vehicle’s gas tank, although you will pay for it. Tighten gas caps securely.
• Maintain an energy-efficient vehicle. Keep vehicle tires properly inflated to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions.
• Turn off lights when leaving a room. Turn off the air conditioning and turn up the thermostat while away from home. These actions can save money, as well as reduce pollution.
• Check the local forecast using the Air Quality Index (AQI) at www.njaqinow.net/ before painting, mowing the lawn or doing other activities that cause air pollution. If it’s an orange or red day, which typically means the temperature is hot or uncomfortable, postpone projects that use solvents or engines.
• Get a low-cost air quality sensor and monitor local air quality.
• Consider an electric vehicle when it’s time to buy your next car. Visit www.drivegreen.nj.gov to assess affordability, find state and federal incentives, and learn about charging options.
• Plant trees and support programs that help maintain a healthy tree canopy.
May 7,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, don’t think this Village Council Election is all about high density house and forced over development ,think again ,Harwin is bragging all over the internet on her endorsement of “high density” Senator Loretta Weinberg.
Weinberg has continually promoted over development in Bergen County .
Harwin: So grateful to be endorsed by Loretta Weinberg, NJ State Senate Majority Leader and women’s leadership pioneer.
“Now, more than ever, we need to elect strong, progressive women, and it is in that spirit that I hope Alexandra Harwin gets elected to the Ridgewood Council. She’s smart. She’s thoughtful. And she would bring to Village Hall a welcome mix of energy, passion and integrity. Ridgewood is lucky to have Ali Harwin. I hope you vote for her on Tuesday, May 8.”
— Senator Loretta Weinberg — with Alexandra Harwin and Loretta Weinberg.
Senate Democrats Block Cardinale’s Efforts to Provide Affordable Housing Relief
June 20, 2017
Citing pleas from both local officials and residents who are concerned with the cost and impact of building thousands of new units of affordable housing on their little remaining open space, Senator Gerry Cardinale (R-39) attempted to force Senate votes yesterday on a pair of bills he sponsors that would provide temporary relief to municipalities. Both efforts were immediately blocked by the majority Senate Democrats.
Senate Democrats blocked votes on a pair of bills sponsored by Sen. Gerry Cardinale that would provide affordable housing relief to municipalities. (Pixabay)
“We’ve heard repeatedly from mayors, councilmembers, and residents that their towns cannot absorb the thousands of units that the Fair Share Housing Center has demanded they build,” said Cardinale. “It’s clear that the Legislature must regain control of a housing policy that the New Jersey Supreme Court has recklessly advanced beyond its mandate and at the expense of property taxpayers and local communities. I’m saddened that New Jersey Democrats continue to support an activist Court that wants to pave over New Jersey.”
The bills Cardinale attempted to advance, S-3080 and S-3081, would impose a moratorium on affordable housing litigation and establish an “Affordable Housing Obligation Study Commission,” respectively.
Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg stood on both occasions for Senate Democrats to table Cardinale’s motions to relieve his bills from the stalled committee process and bring them to the Senate floor for consideration.
“There aren’t too many people in Bergen County who are happy with the expensive affordable housing policies that Majority Leader Weinberg continues to defend,” said Cardinale. “I’m surprised she’s fighting so vigorously for overdevelopment, crowded schools, and higher property taxes throughout Bergen County.”
Cardinale’s efforts on the Senate floor followed a well-attended public meeting held by the 39th District legislators last week to hear the substantial concerns of public officials.
Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi and Assemblyman Bob Auth (both R-39) sponsor the identical versions of Cardinale’s bills in the General Assembly, A-4666 and A-4667, and have been strong advocates for affordable housing reform.
“The Fair Share Housing Center has issued local municipal obligations that would require just about every open field and every wooded lot in Bergen County to be replaced with high-density housing,” added Cardinale. “Democrats may be happy with that, but we’re not. We’ll keep fighting to preserve our towns and protect our property taxpayers.”
April 7,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, Fair share housing is driving all the high density housing in Bergen County and the rest of the state ,destroying neighborhoods and communities in their wake. . Anyone who is saying I am progressive and I want to run for higher level office in NJ, and at the same time saying “I will oppose” high density development, is not being honest with voters. This and the “rainbow flag” is the only progressive cause where they can show their voting record in Ridgewood to gain a ticket for higher office in NJ. This is exactly with Harwin’s mentor Paul Aronsohn did in 2008 and what a mess that made.
Fair Share Housing using the “Mount laurel Doctrine” clams to be helping working families but instead seems to be the DEVEOPERS BEST FRIEND. Forced over development creates more demand for police, fire, schools, roads ,sewers ,electric and water. , Often over whelming the infrastructure of the target town.
The back ground ,the New Jersey Supreme Court, in Mount Laurel I (1975) and Mount Laurel II (1983), declared that municipal land use regulations that prevent affordable housing opportunities for the poor are unconstitutional and ordered all New Jersey municipalities to plan, zone for, and take affirmative actions to provide realistic opportunities for their “fair share” of the region’s need for affordable housing for low and moderate-income people. Peter J. O’Connor, founder and Executive Director of Fair Share Housing Center, was one of three attorneys who brought the original Mount Laurel litigation.
The Mount Laurel Doctrine, which prohibits economic discrimination against the poor by the state and municipalities in the exercise of their land use powers, was the first case of its type in the nation and is widely regarded as one of the most significant civil rights cases in the United States since Brown v. Board of Education (1954). The Mount Laurel Doctrine today is a cornerstone of land use courses in all of our nation’s law schools.
In 1985, the New Jersey Legislature, in direct response to the Mount Laurel decisions, enacted the Fair Housing Act, which created the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) to assess the statewide need for affordable housing, allocate that need on a municipal fair share basis, and review and approve municipal housing plans aimed at implementing the local fair share obligation.
A new Village Master Plan document will guide Ridgewood’s development 40 plus years into the future making it critically important for trusted, experienced Council members to be active participants. Council members with a proven track record of protecting resident property values, Ridgewood neighborhoods, and the character of the Village we call home. Mayor Knudsen is the most experienced Council member in the area of Municipal Land Use making her participation important to the future of the Village. Experienced Council members with a comprehensive understanding of Municipal Land Use patterns, development and zoning, will serve the community best as we begin the exciting Master Plan process.
