Updated on August 6, 2017 at 8:46 AMPosted on August 6, 2017 at 8:45 AM
By South Jersey Times Editorial Board
Please, someone, bottle whatever is in the drinking water in Elmer borough and Pittsgrove Township, and feed it regularly to residents and officials in at least 100 of New Jersey’s smaller towns.
Whatever is in the water of the two Salem County municipalities has given them immunity against a lack of common sense. As of Aug. 1, the Elmer school district is no more, having been integrated into Pittsgrove’s public school district.
This merger of not-quite-equals gives New Jersey one fewer school district, and it was accomplished without all the Sturm und Drang that usually accompanies even whispers about district combinations.
Pittsgrove and Elmer officials who drink the water have, thankfully, refused to drink the Kool-Aid that suggests New Jersey requires every school district and municipal government it now has. Vast quantities of this punch are usually served by teachers’ unions and municipal lobbying groups.
An open letter to Mr. Matt Rogers, the Village attorney:
Dear Mr. Rogers:
I could not attend the Village Council meeting of 2 August on account of my delayed flight back home. Fortunately my plane had WiFi and I was able to stream quite a bit of the meeting.
In response to a question by Councilman Voigt you described some procedure the Village Council was following to short circuit the process to hire Pike to build the garage. As a layman I was unable to follow your answer. Could you possibly tell me what is happening?
More importantly, the Mayor appears to have her mind made up on using Pike and it is damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead. Compared to the previous Village Council which held innumerable public meetings to present various plans to the community, the Mayor in typical fashion is playing her cards close to the chest. The Deputy Mayor and Councilman Hache seem to be in on her plans but I was shocked how uninformed Councilmen Voigt and Walsh are.
Comments by some of the mayor’s supporters in the social media seems to indicate that some in her circle are in the know, but not two of her colleagues.
(Side note to Councilmen Voigt and Walsh: By allowing yourselves to be shut out, you are failing miserably in executing your fiduciary to your constituency.)
Thank you,
Rurik Halaby
Village Attorney Matthew Rogers responds : On Aug 4, 2017, at 13:42, Matthew Rogers <[email protected]> wrote:
Rurik, There is nothing nefarious afoot. I’m responding to you, the Council, present Village staff and your wife. You can always share with whomever you’d like. The Local Redevelopment and Housing Law permits municipalities to consider property(ies) within its borders for redevelopment if the property meets certain criteria. The Statute was designed to promote the rehabilitation and/or the reconstruction of properties that have long gone without attention, particularly in commercial locations or areas. There is a process prescribed by the Statute that must be followed in order to take advantage of the statute’s benefits, which allows the municipality to avoid the public bidding process and negotiate directly with one or any entities that the municipality wants to consider for the project in mind. The Council can start the process by requesting the a study be performed by the Planner to determine if the property, in this case the Hudson Street parking lot, meets the criteria of the Statute. If it does and the process is completed, then the Village can negotiate directly with any contractor it so wishes. As you know, there has already been a presentation from PIKE at a Council meeting, where it became apparent that they can both provide a design and build the garage. The thought is that by utilizing the statute, the Village can avoid the time it takes to bid out design and then bid out to find a contractor to build the design. Additionally, it is the hope that by directly negotiating with the a contractor, the Village can also save money on the cost for several reasons. It will hopefully work and provide those benefits. If not, then the bidding process can always be utilized. This is the process that was used several years ago with Kensington’s proposal for the development of Walnut Street garage and the age restricted housing, which although extensively negotiated, the contractor withdrew. I hope this answers your question and if not, please let me know.
Matt
Matthew S. Rogers, Esq. Law Offices of Matthew S. Rogers, L.L.C. 123 Prospect Street Ridgewood, New Jersey 07451
The Village would presumably be stuck with 100% of the remediation costs if it decided to obtain the property at a depressed price by formally declaring the area “blighted” and invoking its power of eminent domain. On the other hand, the Village could just make a free market offer with a lowball number that takes into account the anticipated costs of remediation. One wonders, however, if the current owners would be motivated to sell in that circumstance. More likely, they would take such an offer as an invitation to negotiate. In that event the Village would need to have a (closely guarded secret) topmost number in mind and be ready to threaten to walk, and then actually walk away from the deal, Trump-style, if (when) the current owners get too greedy.
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING AUGUST 9, 2017 8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamations
A. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 Statewide Crackdown B. Declare September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month C. Declare September National Preparedness Month 8. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
9. Public Hearing – Maple Park Turf Replacement
10. Village Manager’s Report
11. Village Council Reports
12. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
13. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
3606 – Water Capital Ordinance ($1,600,000) – Purchase of Elks Club Property – Appropriates this money from the Water Utility Capital Fund for the purchase of 111 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ which is the Elks Club property
14. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
17- Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance Program – Backhoe Loader (NTE $135,478) 17- Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F250 Pickup Truck (NTE $32,219.50) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Engineering Services for Evaluation of SUEZ Treatment Changes and Associated Work (NTE $177,300) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Legal Services for Evaluation of SUEZ Treatment Changes and Associated Work (NTE $)
15. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3613 – Establish Bus Stop – Goffle Road
16. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3607 – Blue Collar Union Salary Ordinance 3608 – White Collar Union Salary Ordinance 3609 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Establish Fees for Tree Protection 3610 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – No Stopping on Portion of West Ridgewood Avenue 3611 – Enact Title 39 on All Public School Properties 3612 – Unlawful Enrollment of Students in Ridgewood Public Schools
17. ORDINANCES – FINAL VOTE
3574 – Bond Ordinance – Water Main Replacement at Stream Crossings and at Linwood Avenue and Beechwood Road 3577 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape, Police Department Scheduling Software, and Renovations to Fire Houses 3605 – Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs
18. RESOLUTIONS
17- Title 59 Approval – Initial Cleanup (Phase I) Schedler Property 17- Award Contract – Initial Cleanup (Phase 1) Schedler Property (NTE $99,875) 17- Award Contract Under Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program – 2017 Ford F550 Type 1 Horton Ambulance ($249,348) 17- Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F350 Extended Cab – Parks Department (NTE $44,000) 17- Award Contract Under State Contract – Furniture for Conference Room at Village Hall (NTE $5,000) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Auditing and Accounting Services (NTE $37,640) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Parking Garage Allocation Study (NTE $8,500) 17- Award Contract – Parking Kiosk(s) 17- Declare 1989 Pierce Fire Engine Surplus Property 17- Declare Police 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Surplus Property 17- Authorize Execution of Lease Extension – Cell Tower at Water Pollution Control Facility 17- Approve Dedication of Bench on Dunham Trail for Andy Antista 17- Establish Special Projects Task Force 17- Direct Village Planner to Conduct a Study for Redevelopment of the Hudson Street Parking Lot 17- Authorize Payment of Settlement for Sewer Backup Claim – 115 Bellair Road
19. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
20. Resolution to go into Closed Session
21. Closed Session
A. Legal – HealthBarn B. Contract Negotiations – Town Garage Property
Dizzying phenomenon of the swastika shaped fidget spinner
Antisemitic graffiti targets WZO in Ukraine
BYDANIELLE ZIRI
AUGUST 6, 2017 09:01
Before being used by Hitler’s Nazi regime, swastikas were commonly known as an ancient sign used by Hindus and Buddhists carrying positive associations such as auspiciousness and good fortune.
Ridgewood, NJ, Long-time friends and business partners Frank and Valerie O’Brien and Keith Hartig are pleased to announce the launch of their new professional painting business, Fresh Coat of Ridgewood.
Fresh Coat offers residential and commercial painting services including interior and exterior painting, wood staining and finishing, and other services for nearly every protective coating application. Their professional painters use quality, environmentally safe materials and the company offers a 24/7 receptionist, online scheduling and detailed quotes. Fresh Coat of Ridgewood serves Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, Paramus, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Wyckoff and the surrounding communities.
“We know from our own experience that it can be a real challenge to find a good painter you can trust. At Fresh Coat, every customer is a priority, and we treat you that way. We aren’t just coming in to put paint on walls – we want to make sure it’s done right, done professionally and done on time,” Keith said.
The idea to start a business started when Frank O’Brien, who has been a police officer for almost 9 years, decided he wanted to start planning his next steps. Frank and Valerie have friends in Texas who own the Fresh Coat franchise in Denton, so they started asking questions.
“It all spiraled from there and we asked Keith, who we’ve been friends with for a long time, if he wanted to come on board. Valerie has an office management background and Keith is experienced in customer service and sales, so it’s really a perfect fit for us to be working together,” Frank said.
For the owners, opening Fresh Coat is all about bringing a new, high quality painting business to their community and giving people a new, better option, whether they’re looking to have one wall painted or a whole house painted.
“Valerie and I – and Keith and his wife – bought houses in Bergen County and we’ve realized how subpar the painting industry was in our area. It was nearly impossible for us to get a call back from a quality painter, let alone a decent quote. At Fresh Coat, we offer a different level of customer service and professionalism. We want to change the industry,” Frank said.
As part of their commitment to customer service, Fresh Coat offers a 3-3-3 customer service pledge, so calls will be answered by a live person within three rings, a quote will be delivered within three days (customer schedule permitting) and the job will be started within three weeks.
Fresh Coat was founded in 2004 as part of Strategic Franchising Systems. Since 2015, Fresh Coat has been included in the Bond’s Top 100 and named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list. Fresh Coat is also part of the International Franchise Association, the Small Business Association’s Franchise Registry, VetFran and Minority Fran. All Fresh Coat employees are trained, dependable, fully insured and background-checked and Fresh Coat of Ridgewood is bonded and insured.
Traffic Alert road closures beginning the week of August 7th.
August 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, PSE&G will begin replacing gas lines on East Ridgewood Ave at Reynen Court and work East towards the Paramus border. This project is expected to take several weeks. East Ridgewood Ave will be closed during the day and detours will be in place.
Gas line construction will also continue on North Monroe Street between West Ridgewood and Woodland Ave. Please follow the detours expect delays in both areas.
Location: Ramsey Country Club, 105 Lake Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446
Event Description
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is proud to present its Annual RHS Scholarship
Charity Golf Classic, August 7, 2017 at the
Ramsey Golf and Country Club
105 Lakeside Drive
Ramsey, NJ 07446
The mission of this event is to:
“empower children through education”..
our proceeds go to the kids –
going off to college.
This day is always fun for- serious golfers, beginners, or if you just want to be out on the greens golfers and/or if you just want to join us for the BBQ Lunch or the delicious dinner in the dinning room.
This year will have some, other than golfing
going on…keep checking out the website.
Don’t miss the silent auction, prizes, hole-in-one.
New this year…kids from the RHS golf teams,
are going to play for you…or beat the Kids…
(beat the Pro).
Come and win the “Putting Contest” –
always a challenge and laughs.
If you are a single golfer, join one of our two and or threesomes. If you want to do networking…
the golf course is always the best place.
We have the entire golf course to enjoy…
“two beverage holes” and a “beverage carts”
this will help to keep your score under 90!
I cannot believe that Ridgewood would buy that property without remediation by the present owners. They rushed in to buy it before Ridgewood could finalize their decision to buy. They knew they would make a large profit on it as they knew Ridgewood would eventually buy it from them. They knew massive amounts of remediation were necessary but bought it anyway. If we let them get by with that–and the names of the purchasers should show very familiar names–they have succeeded in proving that Ridgewood can be suckered as they originally believed. Wake up Council! Make them clean it up, or reduce the price by the cost of cleaning. That would probably leave them in the hole on the purchase. The buyers knew what they were doing. Does Ridgewood?
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Fire, and EMS aided two (2) separate seizure victims at the exact same time, and in the same location (Tito’s Burritos Restaurant, 166 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood), on Saturday evening, 08/05. The seizures appeared to have been unrelated, with the exception of occurring at the exact same time and address. One (1) victim sustained a serious head injury after collapsing in a restaurant bathroom; he was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital (a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted with this case). The other victim was evaluated at the scene by Ridgewood EMS personnel and declined ambulance transport. The incident drew a response from eight (8) separate vehicles belonging to Police, Fire department, and/or EMS personnel.
I guess I’m in the minority, but buying Town Garage and building the parking garage makes perfect sense and I support the council on taking steps to improve the downtown area, finally taking a financially prudent approach to building a smaller parking garage and working to build up our town using a smart approach, not just sitting back and watching stores close and the town deteriorating. And I think they meant the lot would take 5 months of revenue collection to make up for lost property tax revenue, not the bond. Enough talking, enough procrastinating, it is time to get things done as a collective effort with an in depth parking plan. If we sit back and do nothing our property values will drop and Ridgewood will lose its character as a great downtown. It should also be noted the town would be buying property, something that is of value.
Ridgewood NJ, A large tree limb fell onto a passenger car in front of 51 Leroy Place, Ridgewood during a Saturday, 08/05 overnight storm. Telephone, cable, and internet service to a home was severed in the incident. The responding Ridgewood PD uniformed patrol officer detected a natural gas smell in the vicinity of the fallen limb and requested Ridgewood Fire Department be dispatched to investigate. Elevated natural gas readings were isolated to a nearby manhole by Ridgewood Fire Department Engine Company #35 members. PSE&G’s Gas Division was requested to respond. Fire Department personnel also secured the downed FIOS wire.
Ridgewood NJ, this Sunday the Renowned band Blue Plate Special will be performing original bluegrass tunes at Graydon Pool , August 6th from 2pm to 5pm. (Rain date is 8/13)
The band consists of five members who are committed to giving their audiences performances to remember and songs that are sure to please!
Ridgewood NJ, Our free, live online webinar will feature Dr. Robert Melillo, co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to speak directly with the founder of The Brain Balance Program!
Register to participate in a discussion about:
– How to Identify a Disconnected Kid
– Understanding the Mind of a Disconnected Kid
– Development Milestones
– Q&A for Parents
Register to attend an exclusive live webinar with expert and author Dr. Robert Melillo.
Thursday, August 10th at 8:00pm ET
REGISTER
ABOUT BRAIN BALANCE ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS
We can help. As a parent, it is painful to watch your child struggle socially, behaviorally or academically. Finding the best way to help them is often a confusing and frustrating process. You’ve come to the right place, we have helped thousands of children, and we know how to identify the issues and set a path that addresses your child’s challenges.
More Info
Call 1-800-877-5500
or CONTACT US ONLINE
for more information or to schedule an assessment
for your child.
Ridgewood NJ, Registration is Open for the Ridgewood YMCA 44th Annual Charity Golf Outing on September 25th
Proceeds to benefit the Ridgewood YMCA’s Social Responsibility Programs
The Ridgewood YMCA will hold its 44th Annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly, New Jersey. Proceeds from the event will support the Ridgewood YMCA’s Social Responsibility Programs.
As a cause-driven organization with a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA offers everyone an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y’s Social Responsibility Programs address the needs of the community, striving to turn no one away, regardless of their ability to pay. Examples of the Y’s Social Responsibility Programs include Living Strong, Living Well, a strength and conditioning fitness program developed by Stanford University for cancer patients and survivors; Delay The Disease, a program designed to introduce the benefits of exercise to people with Parkinson’s disease; and Rainbows, providing peer support for children who have experienced a painful family transition such as divorce, separation, death of a loved one or abandonment.
The fun-filled day of golf, cocktails, and dinner begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration, brunch, and a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m., followed by the annual Park Avenue BMW Putt-Off Contest. The winner of this contest will get to drive a new BMW convertible for 3 months!
“The Ridgewood Y Annual Charity Golf Outing is a great day for all”, says Ken Levitsky, Committee Chairman. “Participants have the opportunity to play golf, see old friends, make new ones, bid on terrific prizes, and do something good for the community, all at the same time”.
