Tag: Ridgewood Schools

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Yes, there were comments of opposition. After the presentation, comments were allowed, many supporters commented, and there were several non supporters that also spoke. Opposition showed much concern against the large project, some wanted to keep the pool as it is, several concerns regarding a bond if falls thru, may not work, and the tax implication on taxpayers, some comments about how one sided the respond form by the committee was on the village’s website and no question from the public for a ’yes’ or ’no’, the robo calls, no formal information was sent to the village residents, some want to have a formal vote, the numbers of needed memberships, would they hold up yearly, that would make it self funded, comments of being here several years and each year more large projects go thru causing increased taxes along with the BOE budgets increases on taxes. The mayor extended the time to allow for those who wished to comment, so everyone could get to speak. It was a well balanced amount of comments – pro and opposed.

Then the council members gave their comments. Some support the project. discussions will be ongoing, possibly for a need to meet in the middle of issues.
Guess its back to the drawing board for the pool committee.

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Comedy legend Joan Rivers will meet and greet her fans on Saturday, January 31st, Book Ends at Ridgewood, New Jersey 11am – 1pm to sign copies of her two newly published titles.

Rivers’ books are MEN ARE STUPID…AND THEY LIKE BIG BOOBS…A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO BEAUTY THROUGH PLASTIC SURGERY and MURDER AT THE ACADEMY AWARDS…A RED CARPET MURDER MYSTERY.

An informational social commentary, comedy, memoir, and practical, info-packed journey into beauty treatments including plastic surgery, Men are Stupid…is written for every woman who wants to improve herself, giving the average woman a step-by-step guide on how to look and feel gorgeous – delivered with Joan’s quintessential sense of humor.

In Rivers’ new novel, Murder on the Red Carpet, it’s Oscar night in Hollywood and the famous mother-daughter interview team is on the red carpet, mikes in hand. Everything is glitz and glitter as the stars arrive, but things turn quickly from fabulous to scandalous as a just-back-from-rehab starlet drops dead.

For more information visit, www.book-ends.com.

https://broadwayworld.com/article/Joan_Rivers_Visits_Ridgewoods_Book_Ends_131_20090130

>Washington, Jan 27 –

Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) released the following statement regarding President Obama’s meeting with House Republicans today:

“I thank President Obama for his efforts to reach out to Republicans in the conversation about how best to stimulate our economy. The discussion centered on many Republican-offered suggestions, such as tax cuts for small businesses. While he did not embrace any of the ideas offered, I look forward to additional opportunities to share our pro-growth ideas with the president so we can work together to find a solution to the current economic crisis.

“My main concern with this bill is that some Members of Congress are seeking this opportunity to institute major spending projects that are not at all stimulative. We will stimulate the economy by allowing American businesses to grow and create jobs, and allowing American taxpayers to keep more of their money in their wallets.

“The proposed plan on which we will begin debate today includes $200 million to re-sod the National Mall, $600 million for Federal vehicles and $1.3 billion to upgrade the IT systems for various State and Federal agencies. Now, some of the projects listed in this bill are certainly worthy of government funding, but let’s not masquerade these projects as a stimulus. Stimulus is not an excuse to expand government programs. Stimulus means the economy will grow. Stimulus means people will be employed. Stimulus means we empower taxpayers, rather than burden future generations of Americans with unbridled debt.”

Scott Garrett

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LQQK for an early April opening from what I hear. Food will be something like you’ve never experienced in Bergen County. Lots of big things happening over there at BLEND from what I’m told.. Stay TUNED!

>Mayor David T. Pfund dropped a bombshell during last night’s Village Council Work Session when he hinted that he would not seek re-election to the Village Council prior to the expiration of his current term in 2010.

The Mayor commented that he would not be serving on the Village Council in 2011, which is when the proposed $13.9 million “Graydon Water Park” would open if construction begins as proposed in August of 2010.

It is being reported that Mayor Pfund is supporting every major capital project currently under consideration by Council members, including:

The $2.9 million purchase of vacant property on West Saddle River Road for preservation as open space

An $18 million parking garage/retail complex on North Walnut Street

The $13.9 million “Graydon Water Park”

The Fly wonders if Mr. Pfund is supporting these expensive projects only because he won’t be around to deal with the mess that will surely follow if our economy continues to go down the tubes, and the Village has trouble paying off the interest on any municipal bonds sold to raise cash.

>It is being reported that union leaders representing Ridgewood police, fire, public works, and Village Hall employees were formally advised that layoffs would begin today, Thursday, January 29, 2009, if their respective memberships did not agree to pay cuts and other concessions.

It is also being reported that the Village plans to cut some municipal services, including a reduction in the solid waste pickup schedule, within the coming 2-3 weeks.

These measures are being taken in response to a reported $600K shortfall in operating income vs. projected budget.

As we get more details, we will pass them along.

>By LARRY HIGGS
TRANSPORTATION WRITER

Drivers, including truckers, would have to clean snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the road, under a bill released by the Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday.

The committee unanimously released an amended bill over protests by trucking industry representatives that the proposed requirement is unsafe for truck drivers and relies on technology they say doesn’t exist here.

“There are still problems. This could be the last straw for some (small) trucking companies,” said Sam Cunningham of Spring Lake, who handles government relations for the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers.

Safety experts said ice and snow flying off the tops of tractor-trailers and other large trucks is a hazard.

“We know that people have been killed and people have suffered property damage,” said Pam Fischer, state Division of Traffic Highway Safety director.

In a poll of 1,000 drivers by AAA clubs of New Jersey, seven of 10 motorists support such a law, which would allow police to pull over vehicles being driven with ice and snow on them or flying off them, said David Weinstein, AAA spokesman.

“What we’re talking about is 2,000 pounds of ice when they leave it there (on the roof of an 18-wheeler),” said William Margaretta, New Jersey Safety Council executive director. He referred to a transportation study provided by trucking industry officials saying that is the weight of an inch of snow and ice on a 48-foot-long trailer.

Trucking industry officials said federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules prohibit drivers from climbing on the roof of a 13-foot-high tractor-trailer to clean off snow and ice.

Fischer said equipment to clear trucks of ice and snow exists in Canada, but local trucking officials said they know of no such equipment here.

>Posted by cjrothma January 26, 2009 20:04PM

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/assembly_committee_votes_to_al.html

Legislation allowing local governments and school districts to defer half a billion dollars in pension payments — a key and controversial piece of Gov. Jon Corzine’s budget agenda — cleared a hurdle today, passing the Assembly Budget Committee.

The 7-5 vote followed heated testimony from leaders of unions representing teachers, police and firefighters, as well as a spirited defense from Treasurer David Rousseau.

Under questioning from lawmakers, Rousseau said the plan is far from ideal, but is the only way to help towns avoid layoffs or big property tax hikes to balance their budgets during an economic crisis.

“This isn’t something we came to you with bands behind us, press releases touting a great program,” Rousseau said. “This is something we need to do to give municipalities the tools to keep property taxes under control…and we don’t want to see additional people laid off from their jobs.”

The proposal — which had been stalled since it hit turbulence in the Senate in December — passed the committee almost along party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. The exception was Assemblyman Joseph Vas (D-Middlesex), who voted against it.

The plan would allow towns to pay 50 percent of their pension obligations this year, 60 percent in 2010, 80 percent in 2011 and 100 percent in 2012. Corzine has said he will strictly enforce a 4 percent annual cap on local property tax increases, restricting municipalities’ revenue-raising options in a year when their state aid will likely be cut.

Bill sponsor Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D-Union) predicted the measure now has enough juice to clear the Legislature. Cryan and co-sponsor Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) said opponents have yet to offer a realistic alternative, even as they acknowledged problems with putting off payments into the retirement fund for state workers.

“I hate this legislation. I think it is awful. But I think there is no choice,” Schaer said.

Republicans disagreed, saying the proposal would increase the burden on towns in the long run, and questioning why local governments that choose not to defer payments would still be forced to put that money into a separate account.

“We’re going to create such a monster in three years that no one will be able to solve,” said Assemblyman Joseph Malone (R-Burlington).

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) called the plan “wildly irresponsible.”

Union leaders also joined in the attack, with representatives of the New Jersey Education Association and New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association among those worrying about the deferral’s long-term effects.

“We’re just kicking the can down the road. We’re going to have to pay it sometime,” said PBA president Anthony Wieners.

But their pleas did not change the final outcome, which committee chairman Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) called a harbinger of the wrenching budget choices to come.

“This is the beginning of a very difficult year,” he said.

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/assembly_committee_votes_to_al.html

>Tuesday, January 27, 2009
BY CLAIRE HEININGER
STAR LEDGER

https://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1233041150170760.xml&coll=3

Fallout from the financial crisis could cost NJ Transit $150 million, leading to increased fares or delayed capital improvement projects even as construction begins on an $8.7 billion rail tunnel under the Hudson River, officials said yesterday.

NJ Transit is one of at least 31 transit agencies in 18 states now vulnerable because of downgrades in the credit ratings of banks, NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles told a legislative committee in Trenton.

NJ Transit’s agreements with AIG – the insurer that received billions in government bailout money this summer – have led to “technical defaults” that could force the agency to pay investors about $150 million, unless the federal government guarantees the transactions, Sarles said.

He said he believes a federal solution will be found before commuters are hurt.

“Any kind of increase would be a last resort, so I would hope not to get there,” Sarles said after testifying before the Assembly Transportation Committee. “But in the end it would require probably just deferral of some projects a little longer.”

If the agency was forced to pay, it would try to find the money by postponing expansion projects instead of increasing fares, which would have to rise by more than 10 percent, Sarles said. He declined to specify possible targets for delay, saying he hopes to avoid that scenario by reaching a federal solution with the help of Sen. Robert Menendez of Hoboken.

Sarles said other transit agencies – including ones in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. – have banded together to lobby for the federal government to use its AAA credit rating to back the transactions.

The agreements allowed banks to pay for equipment for transit agencies, if the agency agreed to pay them back and found another company to guarantee it, Sarles said. Together, NJ Transit and the 30 other transit agencies could be on the hook for $1.5 billion.

Sarles’ testimony came nearly two weeks after the federal government gave final approval for a new commuter rail tunnel under the Hudson River.

He said the project is on track to begin construction this summer and be completed by 2017. The tunnel would more than double the capacity for train traffic between New York and New Jersey, from 23 trains to 48 trains per hour, and state and federal officials say it will produce 6,000 construction jobs per year.

https://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1233041150170760.xml&coll=3

>Trenton may waive town mandates, developer fees

Monday, January 26, 2009
BY RUDY LARINI
Star-Ledger Staff

https://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1232947510327210.xml&coll=1

A landmark affordable-housing law signed by Gov. Jon Corzine at an outdoor ceremony in the heat of summer is facing troubles in the midst of the nation’s economic deep freeze.

A big component in the law was setting up a funding source to help build more affordable housing: a 2.5 percent fee on developers of commercial and industrial property. But because of the recession, it has raised just a small fraction of the hundreds millions of dollars it was expected to produce, according to state Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Union).

A Senate committee led by Lesniak, responding to a call from Corzine in his State of the State address, will consider a bill to suspend the fee today. The measure before the upper house’s economic growth panel would also relieve towns from building affordable housing as long as the state does not pony up money to replace the lost revenue.

Lesniak said the fee was expected to yield as much as $160 million in its first year — other estimates have been in the range of $80 to $100 million — but instead has discouraged development in an already depressed economy. He said just about $10 million has been raised from the fee in its first six months.

“This fee is an impediment to affordable housing,” Lesniak said. “Two and half percent of nothing is nothing. Our economy is sinking and sinking fast and this 2.5 percent fee is a drag on job creation.”

Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, the major force behind the law, supported Corzine’s call for freezing the 2.5 percent fee. He could not be reached for comment late last week.

James Hughes, dean of Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, said suspending the development fee in today’s economic climate makes sense despite the need for affordable housing.

“The overall condition trumps anything else,” he said. “This is an extremely perilous economic time.”

Housing advocates, however, worry that the actions could water down a law that was enacted after a long grass-roots lobbying effort.

“We should be giving the changes in the bill passed six months ago — that Senator Lesniak himself sponsored — a chance to work instead of trying to undo those significant positive changes in the law,” said Adam Gordon, a staff attorney for the Cherry Hill-based Fair Share Housing Center.

Staci Berger, director of advocacy and policy for the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, questioned how it would affect more than 200 municipalities that already have filed affordable-housing plans with the state Council On Affordable Housing.

“It would be good public policy and certainly fair to find out how those plans are coming along before we stop them,” she said.

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities has opposed the 2.5 percent fee since it was debated in the Legislature last year, said director William Dressel, who called it “the wrong tax at the wrong time.”

Dressel noted the assessment on developers was intended to replace regional contribution agreements, which allowed upper-income suburban towns to pay poorer cities to take on their affordable-housing obligations. Opponents of those agreements, known as RCAs, called them a form of unspoken racism that kept the poor concentrated in cities. They were abolished under the new law.

“This (the fee), quite frankly, was going to be the funding lifeline for affordable housing,” Dressel said. “But we felt it was going to inhibit the development of affordable housing.”

Lesniak said his bill would waive the municipal obligation to build affordable housing unless funding is found to replace the lost development fee revenue. It calls for diverting $15 million from the state’s long-term obligations and capital expenditure fund to affordable housing. Lesniak said other revenue could come from anticipated federal stimulus aid.

Dressel said that as long as the state is suspending the fee, it is only fair to suspend the obligation to build affordable housing, a burden he said would have fallen heavily on municipal taxpayers.

Amy Whilltin, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Builders Association, said the group had no immediate comment on Lesniak’s proposal.

In addition, Lesniak’s committee will consider bills that would exempt projects on property of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, including the sprawling, $2 billion Xanadu shopping and entertainment complex in the Meadowlands and the Jets’ new football training facility and headquarters in Florham Park, from both the 2.5 percent fee and the obligation to build affordable housing.

Those proposals, sponsored by Sens. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) and Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris), are coming under fire from critics as a giveaway to Xanadu developers.

Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, said Xanadu’s developers would have to pay about $50 million in developers’ fees to accommodate the hundreds of affordable houses its 20,000 jobs would require. “This is a cynical attempt to save Xanadu $50 million,” he said.

But Chris Eilert, Sarlo’s chief of staff, said the bills are expected to be changed to require the development fee be paid to the state, which would assume the obligation of building the affordable housing.

Rudy Larini may be reached at [email protected] or at (609) 989-0379.

https://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1232947510327210.xml&coll=1

>Friday, January 23, 2009

BY EVONNE COUTROS

NorthJersey.com

STAFF WRITER

RIDGEWOOD — The Village Council will decide next week whether to move ahead with architectural plans for a proposed $13.9 million aquatic center that includes four pools, water slides, expanded locker and concession facilities, and a playground.

The plan would replace the sand-bottom Graydon Pool on Linwood and North Maple avenues and follows two years of meetings, tours of aquatic facilities, pool chat sessions, studies and surveys.

Village Manager James Ten Hoeve has concerns about the plan, which would rely on membership fees for funding.

“The point is to make an in-ground state-of-the-art facility which, based on information, should attract membership,” Ten Hoeve said. “The key, the absolute key to this whole thing working, is membership. They need members.”

Economic times are a worry, Ten Hoeve said. “What makes me nervous is the state of the economy, people losing jobs, or not being given their job bonuses,” he said.

The facility as presented would include a toddler pool, leisure pool with two slides and bench seating, a dive well with one- and two-meter boards, and an 8-lane, 25-yard lap pool with starting blocks.

There would be new landscaping, a sand play area, a renovated and expanded concession area, and new locker rooms with showers.

The pool would be open to non-residents who would pay a higher rate than the annual $150 per person fee and the maximum fee cap of $750 per year set for a resident family, Ten Hoeve said.

Non-residents would be permitted to join if the 8,000 membership level is not reached through resident memberships.

That’s where Ten Hoeve said he has concerns for the village.

“I don’t know how to measure will people pay $750 for their family versus going to Long Beach Island for a week,” Ten Hoeve said. “The projection is they will have 8,000 members within three years of its opening.

The village would issue a bond for the cost of construction and design over 25 years. Ten Hoeve said it could have a 30-year life because the project qualifies under the local bond.

The facility could open in 2011 and would be self-funded with membership fees picking up the debt.

The dollar figures are based on 5,000 residents joining the new aquatic center, but Ten Hoeve said the village has to rely on the Graydon Pool Advisory Committee consultants’ projection of membership.

Current membership at the sand-bottom Graydon Pool is around 3,900, Ten Hoeve said.