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New Jersey it’s all about Taxes and More Taxes

money-down-the-toilet
November 2,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As of Tuesday, New Jersey can no longer claim to have the second-lowest gasoline tax in the country.As the 23-cent-per-gallon increase hit pumps across the state, boosting the 14.5 cents the state charges per gallon to 37.5 cents giving New Jersey the seventh-highest in the U.S.

On top of that the real estate website Zillow looked at median property taxes across the U.S. last year and found that seven of the 10 counties with the highest property taxes ; Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Union, Morris, Hudson and Hunterdon are all in New Jersey. The remaining three were in New York State.

New Jersey has one of the most progressive income tax structures in the entire country. Income taxes start at 1.4 percent on earnings less than $20,000 and the top marginal tax rate hits 8.97 percent on income over $500,000.

Sales tax rate in New Jersey is 7 percent, which ties with Indiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island and Tennessee as the second highest in the USA.

Then there is corporate taxes according to the Tax Foundation, “New Jersey … is hampered by some of the highest property tax burdens in the country, is one of just two states to levy both an inheritance tax and an estate tax, and maintains some of the worst structured individual income taxes in the country,”

In state by state comparisons of state corporation income taxes collected per capita, New Jersey came in seventh highest at $265 per person.

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To early Bergen settlers November was‘Apple time’ and that meant Apple Cider!

Apples
November 1,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, November was an important month for early North Jersey families. It was “apple time” – And apples meant cider! Water wasn’t always drinkable, so cider became the popular beverage for early American families. During apple time, families would drink fresh ‘in-season’ cider. More importantly, these early settlers expanded the life of the cider by producing what we call hard cider – or “Jersey Lightning”. It was the beverage served at meals – children included!

By the 1850’s, the average Massachusetts resident was consuming 35 gallons of cider a year. But producing this cider was a labor-intensive, manual task. Then, in the late 1800s, the hand-cranked cider press was invented (see photo above). It quickly became a common household appliance that not only supplied fresh cider in season but made it possible to produce more “hard cider.”

To see a cider press and learn more about about life in the 1800’s including Lenape implements, early Dutch artifacts, farm tools, home furnishings, textiles and quilts, early cookbooks, and kitchenware come to the Schoolhouse Museum’s ‘Farm and Home’ exhibit.

To learn more about cider, apples and locally produced fruits and vegetables, and to get ready for your Thanksgiving holiday, stop by Demarest Farms in Hillsdale. Serving Bergen County residents since 1886, if you bring this article with you on November 19, Demarest Farms will donate 20% of coupon sales to the Ridgewood Historical.

Open to the public, the Schoolhouse Museum is located at 650 E. Glen Ave., Ridgewood, NJ. Museum’s hours are Thursdays and Saturdays; 1 to 3 p.m. and Sundays; 2 to 4 p.m.

To contact the Museum: 201-447 3242 or [email protected]t Demarest Farms is located at 244 Wiermus Rd, in Hillsdale, NJ.

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Transit Agencies Invite Public to Learn About Recommended Route for the Hudson Tunnel Project

Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project

November 1st 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and NJ TRANSIT  invite the public to learn more about their recommendation for the Hudson Tunnel Project at two upcoming information sessions. During the meetings in November, the public will be able to learn more about the recommendation (Preferred Alternative) and the Environmental Impact Statement for the project.

The Preferred Alternative identifies a specific alignment that includes two new tracks extending from the Northeast Corridor in Secaucus, N.J., continuing in a tunnel beneath the Palisades, and beneath the Hudson River to connect to the existing approach tracks that lead into Penn Station New York, as well as rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel once the new tunnel is complete.

  • The first meeting will be held at the Secaucus Junction Rail Station, Upper Level Long Hallway in Secaucus, N.J. on Thursday, November 10, 2016
  • The second meeting will be held at the Hotel Pennsylvania, Skytop Ballroom (18th Floor), in New York City on Thursday, November 17, 2016.

Both meetings will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and will be in an open house format. Although there will be no formal presentations, project staff will be available to answer questions. See attached flyer.

The new tunnel would be constructed first, so that upon completion of construction, trains could be diverted from the existing tunnel to allow its rehabilitation. When the rehabilitation is complete, both the existing and new tunnels would be in service, providing redundant capability and increased operational flexibility for Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT.

The Project is intended to preserve the current functionality of the Northeast Corridor’s Hudson River rail crossing between New Jersey and New York and strengthen the resiliency of the Northeast Corridor. FRA and NJ TRANSIT have made a recommendation (identified a Preferred Alternative) that consists of a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and rehabilitation of the existing Northeast Corridor Hudson River crossing, the North River Tunnel.

More information about the Hudson Tunnel Project, the upcoming meetings, and the Preferred Alternative is available at the Project website,www.hudsontunnelproject.com. Project staff may be contacted via the Project website as well, at www.hudsontunnelproject.com/contact.html.

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Reader says I am completely disappointed and disillusioned with many of Ridgewood teachers

REA, ridgewoood teachers

I am completely disappointed and disillusioned with many of our teachers. I agree ,it goes to the problem with tenure. It protects hacks earning good salaries when we have enthusiastic, energetic and able bodied folks working in retail or Starbucks because they can’t find teaching jobs. I wish all those teachers with the signs and smirks would move on but they won’t because despite their protests they know they have a great deal in the Ridgewood School System.

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Ridgewood Board of Education Pushes Hard for Full-Day Kindergarten

home alone

from the desk of Superintendent’s Office

It’s time to have your say on Full-day K

Public Vote on Full-day Kindergarten
Tuesday, November 8
Regular polling locations
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

This full-day Kindergarten question is located at the bottom of the ballot:
RESOLVED, That there shall be raised an additional $929,800 for General Funds in the 2016-17 School Year. These taxes will be used to employ additional personnel and to acquire additional equipment and supplies in order to implement the District’s full-day Kindergarten program. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the District’s tax levy. The additional taxes authorized herein will be used exclusively for purposes described herein and to finance expenditures that are in addition to those necessary to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
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Is the Village of Ridgewood blaming “Global warming” ie “Climate change” on poor maintenance of shade trees ?

abominable-snowman-520169
November 1,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,ok so now the Village is blaming “Global warming” ie “Climate change” on poor maintenance  of Village shade trees ? Be it poor planning or lack of budget the fact is Village shade trees have not been maintained ,time to focus and plan ,excuse making or excuse implying will not fix anything.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND URBAN/SUBURBAN TREES – NOV. 9 – RIDGEWOOD LIBRARY

Native Plant Society of New Jersey

November 9, 2016 at 7PM  Lecture at Ridgewood Public Library

Climate Change and Urban/Suburban Trees

Dr. Jason Grabosky, professor at Rutgers University’s School of environmental and Biological Seiences, will address Climate change and Urban/Suburban Trees.

Dr. Grabosky will discuss the implications of climate change on plant selection and management, how trees occupy spaces which change over time, and how that affects other species such as insects.

There will be time for general discussion and questions and answers.

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Jobs Working for the Village of Ridgewood

village-hall-theridgewoodblog

JOB POSTING – HR PROFESSIONAL P/T

VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD is seeking an individual to fill the Civil Service position of P/T Assistant Personnel Technician.  The Professional will assist in reviewing and making recommendations for establishment and improvement of HR policies, procedures and practices; must have exp. as HR professional in public sector as well as knowledge of Civil Service; a SPHR or PHR certification is pref’d.  Send detailed cover letter and resume to: Heather Mailander, Acting Village Manager, Village of Ridgewood, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450.  Application deadline:  11/14/16.  Village of Ridgewood is EOE.

JOB POSTING – ASSISTANT WATER SUPERINTENT

The Village of Ridgewood is seeking an Assistant Water Superintendent for the Water Distribution Facility. Qualified individual must minimally have current NJDEP W-2, and the ability to advance to W-3 or higher licenses in the future.  Strong leadership skills required, as well as at least 5 years’ experience in water distribution maintenance, repair, upkeep, and operation, and at least 2 years’ supervisory experience.  Please send resume and salary requirements to Sharyn Matthews, HR Director, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 [email protected]

JOB POSTING – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Administrative Assistant to Director of Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch, located in Ridgewood, NJ. Perform fiscal responsibilities including payroll, purchasing, processing invoices, bank statement reconciliation, and budgeting. Experience with QuickBooks preferred. Provides clerical and administrative support including preparing mailings, entering data, preparing routine documents, correspondence, spreadsheets, and reports, creating and maintaining personnel files, maintaining office supply inventory.   Must possess excellent communication skills (both verbally and in writing), strong interpersonal skills, maintain confidentiality, be well organized, and able to handle several projects simultaneously.  Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required, as well as excellent keyboarding skills.  Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch is EOE.  Send resume and cover letter, to Heather Mailander, Acting Village Manager, Village of Ridgewood, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 by 11/10/16.

JOB POSTING – DISPATCH CENTER DIRECTOR

The Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch in Ridgewood, NJ, is searching for a Dispatch Center Director. Manage operations and administration of the communications center serving Ridgewood and Glen Rock, as well as other public safety jurisdictions.

Responsible for employee hiring, training, evaluation and disciplinary issues. Oversees all operational features of the Dispatch Center, including maintenance of equipment and records; develops and oversees center’s annual budget.

Minimum of a B.S. in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Electronic Engineering, or other related field. 2 years prior experience in public safety dispatching, valid CPR cert., Emergency Medical Dispatcher Cert. and Basic Telecommunicator Cert. required. Previous supervisory experience required.

Ridgewood and Glen Rock are both EOE Employers

Send cover letter and resume, including salary requirements to:

Heather Mailander, Acting Village Manager/Village Clerk

Village of Ridgewood

131 North Maple Avenue

Ridgewood, NJ 07451

[email protected]

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SECOND AQUATRACK UNIT DEPLOYED BY NJ TRANSIT FOR LEAF CLEANING

Ridgewood Train Station

file photo by ArtChick

October 28, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is stepping up its annual battle against Mother Nature and fallen leaves on the rails.  Based on the success of its original leaf-clearing unit, NJ TRANSIT is deploying a second AquaTrack machine throughout the fall season.

The equipment is a high-pressure power-washing system which removes leaves and oily residue from the tracks in an effort to prevent train delays caused by “slippery rail” conditions.

The second AquaTrack unit will allow the cleaning process to maintain a larger coverage area in helping to prevent delays.

“While there is no way to completely eliminate the effect Mother Nature has on the railroad, the AquaTrack unit has had great success in prior years when it comes to managing leaf-related slippage on our rails,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro.  “By utilizing these two highly specialized pieces of equipment, we can keep the rails free and clear of fallen leaves, which increases safety and keep trains running on time.”

Fallen leaves left on rail tracks can cause a condition known as “slippery rail” – a challenge facing all railroads in the Northeast and other parts of the world where deciduous trees are prevalent.  The decaying leaves create an oily residue that coats the rails and causes poor traction.  The decreased train speeds, in turn, create delays.

The AquaTrack system has been in use by NJ TRANSIT since October 2003.  It consists of two 250-horsepower diesel-engine units mounted on a flat car with an operator control cab.  Two pressure-pump units dispense water up to 20,000 pounds-per-square-inch directly to the top of the rail. The process uses 17 gallons of water per minute.

Traditionally, the original AquaTrack operated primarily on the M&E and Montclair-Boonton lines, which are particularly challenged including the hilly areas around Glen Ridge and Summit stations, washing the rails twice a day Monday through Friday—once overnight and again during midday hours.  On weekends, the Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County lines are usually covered.  The addition of a second unit will add cleaning on the Raritan Valley and North Jersey Coast Lines.

In addition to AquaTrack, NJ TRANSIT also strategically spreads sand on the rails in front of peak-period trains to increase traction.  NJ TRANSIT also trims trees to help stem the amount of leaves on the tracks.  The leaf clearing operation runs from mid-October through mid-December.

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Reader says I’d much rather have had an arborist identify potential problems and have the Village of Ridgewood pay to deal with it

Tree_main__on_stevens_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Planning and accident prevention are not brain surgery, yet we just can’t do it. Here’s hoping you will approach the council, BOE, Parks-Rec-Conservation Board, Streets Dept head, and anyone else who can control this before winter sets in and it becomes increasingly difficult for tree work to be done. They can always find money for their pet projects. For my increasing number of tax dollars I’d much rather have had an arborist identify potential problems and have the town pay to deal with it, even if it involved bringing in temporary workers, than lighting up Van Neste, say. Do we always have to wait until someone is hurt? Or a BMW?

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Ridgewood Open Houses on October 30,2016

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

1630837.1 MLS # 1630837
4 W Glen Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, House
Rose Hueneke, Broker Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
18

1642968.1 MLS # 1642968
255 N Walnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Ranch
Janis Fuhrman, Sales Associate
Terrie O’Connor Realtors-Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
15

1621787.1 MLS # 1621787
379 S Pleasant Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath, C/C
Jee E. Chang, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors, Fort Lee

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
25

1634331.1 MLS # 1634331
640 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Theresa Jung, Sales Associate
Realty 7, LLC

  • Open House: 1:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/30
23

1626209.1 MLS # 1626209
4 W Glen Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Rose Hueneke, Broker Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
20

1641999.1 MLS # 1641999
645 Witthill Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Christine Gubb, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
25

1614612.1 MLS # 1614612
676 Terhune Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, Ranch
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
24

1643207.1 MLS # 1643207
313 Woodside Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Margaret A. Marino, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/30
25

1641284.1 MLS # 1641284
355 Crest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Jennifer Springer, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/30
23

1636404.1 MLS # 1636404
344 Grandview Cir, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Megan Zangrilli, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
25

1620561.1 MLS # 1620561
309 Beechwood Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Linda Aktar, Broker Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 10/30
22

1643140.1 MLS # 1643140
109 Heights Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
6 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
2 Half Bath, Col
Pam Christian, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 10/30
24
Open Houses for Sun 11/6

1630138.1 MLS # 1630138
143 Kenilworth Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Angele Ekert, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 11/6
25

1639285.1 MLS # 1639285
650 Wall St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, Col
Anne C. Ryoo, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 11/6
Posted on 11 Comments

Ridgewood Full-Day Kindergarten Yea or Nay ?

"Our Gang" aka The Little Rascals"

October 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the big local question for Ridgewood voters on November 8th will be to expand to a full-day kindergarten .

Detractors of the idea feel it’s nothing more than socialized babysitting  at taxpayers expense , with little or no long-term benefit for students ,particularly in a town like Ridgewood where there are so many activities for young people and what many perceive as a need for more family time .

Proponents feel the current half day Kindergarten is more like a 1/4 of a day , and it is far too short to accomplish much of anything and even the proposed full-day kindergarten  is still a short day leaving plenty of time for family activities . Proponents also feel a change in the current inconvenient hours

The reality seems to be somewhere in the middle ,with a change in current inconvenient hours lessening the financial pressure on families , balanced by a healthy skepticism over the idea of children spending far too much time with one point of view  and not nurturing them with a diversity of experiences .

Full-Day Kindergarten: Public Vote is Election Day, November 8

Click here for a PDF of the public presentation.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here to view all full-day Kindergarten documents.
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Reader asks Why can village tax payers dollars be used to assist a private business , but cannot be allocated to remove a tree that could seriously hurt someone?

Habernickel Park Gate House

Funny because a neighbor to habernickel has emailed over and over again about a dead tree that needs to be removed before someone is seriously hurt and the date she was given was 12/27. Crazy yet our children play fall ball there and marroons soccer. But 12/27 is acceptable???

Yet the village managed to add commercial lighting to the parking lot within a month of a private non profit sharing business start date to allow this business to hold late night restaurant style living but cannot remove a dead tree that may injure a child until 4 months after tha fact. Crazy!!! Why can an excess of village tax payers dollars be used to assist a private business , but cannot be allocated until December to remove a tree that could seriously hurt someone?

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Ridgewood Emergency Services Will Be Handing Out Glow Sticks for Halloween

Glow Sticks

October 30,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Emergency Services Volunteers will be out in the Village starting at 530 PM on Halloween distributing 600 Glow Sticks to Village Ghosts and Goblins.

IMG 8312

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Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood to host Davidoff Yamasa Tasting

Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood to host Davidoff Yamasa Tasting

October 29,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, there will be limited seating available for the Davidoff Yamasa Tasting  at the Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood.The event is November 2nd in the Davidoff Lounge so call today to reserve your spot – $20.

The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood was established in 1979 as a full line tobacco shop. They carry over 700 pipes, the finest cigars, and a wide selection of humidors and accessories.

The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood is located on 10 Chestnut St ,Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450, phone number 201-447-2204 .|

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market Open Till Thanksgiving!

RidgewoodFarmersMarket_theridgewoodblog5
Sun, June 26, 2016 – Sun, November 20, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Train Station Parking Lot, Godwin Ave & W Ridgewood Ave

OPEN UNTIL THANKSGIVING
Sundays June 26, 2016 – November 20, 2016
9:00am – 3:00pm

People have been requesting that the Ridgewood Farmers Market stay open until the Sunday before Thanksgiving – the answer is YES – UNTIL NOVEMBER 20, 2016, westside of NJ Transit Train station every Sunday, 9-3pm.

FARM to table-FRESH – visit and put your orders in to the new fruit farmer…
you will love the variety.
Fresh vegetables galore,
mozzarella made on the spot,
bakes goods-pies,
B&B Jams-great gifts,
pickles for the holidays and kids,
pumpkin patch for everyone.
NEW…fresh hot apple cider every Sunday!

Bergen Country’s real Farmers Market-
FARM to table FRESH!
FOR MORE INFO 201-445-2600
[email protected]
see you there!

Enjoy “Farm to Table”
Ridgewood Train Station
Parking Lot West Side

or call 201-445-2600