Tag: Ridgewood Water

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Problems in Ridgewood’s CBD it’s more than just Parking

Ridgewood CBD

January 28,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Check this article out – Englewood has over 2000 parking spaces available, including a 345 space garage, many new, upscale downtown housing developments, and still stores are closing. It has nothing to do with the lack of parking or limited foot traffic/customer availability; it’s the changing face of retail merchandising in America.

Shopping habits have changed dramatically, it going to take more than parking to keep the downtown prospering.

https://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2017/01/in_bergen_county_an_upscale_downtown_struggles_for_answers.html#incart_river_index

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Time for Ridgewood’s Financial Advisory Committee to File Financial Disclosure as well as Non-Disclosure Agreements

CBD high density housing

January 28,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Pro Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) continue to spread unfounded rumors about Mayor Knudsen. While readers Are question are members of the Financial Advisory Committee getting more out if it than (questionable) personal glory, unacceptable power (much less under current than previous council, which invented the committee), and CV items for possible future election runs?
Perhaps financial disclosure, as well as non-disclosure agreements should be required for all committees along with bylaws,minutes and meeting agendas.

Financial Disclosures: Candidates running for committees (or any office in the Village) should be required to detail their financial holdings, debt and sources of income so that the public can identify any conflicts of interest they may have.

A Non-disclosure agreement (NDA), also known as a confidentiality agreement(CA), confidential disclosure agreement (CDA), proprietary information agreement(PIA), or secrecy agreement (SA), is a legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties.

Recent PRO FAC posters continue to post rumors and innuendo about Mayor Knudsen like they did on Mayor Killian and Kieth Gabbert .

Makes it easier to raise municipal taxes more than 2% a year when you don’t have financial advice. Note the last time we had a “CFO” the Village raise municipal taxes 4.8% a year to hand out retroactive pay hikes to friends and offer +4% annual wage increases to Police & Fire during the Great Recession when inflation was below 2%. Those mistakes might have been avoided if the then Council had good financial advice. Looks like we’re going to make the same mistakes again. At least we won’t need so much public safety now that Valley’s leaving.

The last time Ridgewood had a CFO municipal taxes rose 4.8% a year.

Mayor Knudsen and her cronies have finally driven Valley out of Ridgewood – the largest employer in the Village by a wide margin, and a neighborhood institution since 1951. We won’t need such a large police force and fire dept anymore.

This blog is just a Mouthpiece covering up Knudsen’s conflicts of interests and lies

Why doesn’t The Mayor recuse herself from discussions on Schedler? She’s conflicted given her dad lives across from the property and he donated to her campaign.

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Reader says please don’t cut the book shelf space. Most important part of the Ridgewood library!!

Bike_Ridgewood_Public_Library_theridgewoodblog

I saw Green’s presentation. Boy do I ever feel relieved. I am a senior citizen and Nancy said it was too confusing and difficult for people to find the stairs to go to second floor from the first floor and that it is too “dim” to read upstairs , so they need to redesign the first floor to put the staircase to the second floor right in your face when you walk into the library. And they need natural sunlight from a newly designed roof.

I thought I was getting Alzheimer’s disease and going blind. because I always get lost when I am trying to find the stairway and it is too dark for me to read.

The auditorium with tiered seats will seat about 250 she said. Now it seats about 150. Justin Timberlake still won’t come and perform.

Relax Nancy. Buy some new furniture if you have too, update the lighting fixtures if you have to, but they’re fine for me and really, Nanc, that auditorium has featured some top-notch talent, especially in classical music. It has a great stage and grand piano and the viewing from the floor is fine. And great acoustics. So be happy, I am.

From a long-time Ridgewood resident and library user.

Oh! please don’t cut the book shelf space. Most important part of the library!!

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UPDATE : The Valley Hospital Unveils Plan to Relocate and Build a New Hospital in Paramus

Valley_Hospital_theridgewoodblog

we apologize: do to a computer glitch the comments were off  COMMENTS ARE NEVER TURNED OFF BY THE BLOG ADMINISTRATOR EVER

Ridgewood Campus Will Be Maintained for Outpatient Services

January 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus, NJ, The Valley Hospital will build a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Paramus, announced Audrey Meyers, President and CEO of The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System.  Meyers, who was joined by members of Valley’s Board of Trustees, elected officials, and community leaders in making the announcement, said the new facility will allow Valley to meet the long-term healthcare needs of northern New Jersey and ensures that residents have access to the highest quality of care.

On February 1, Valley will file a Certificate of Need application with the New Jersey Department of Health, which must approve the hospital relocation. Valley anticipates breaking ground in 2019 and the new hospital could open as early as 2023.

The planned site for the new hospital campus is conveniently located on Winters Avenue in Paramus, just 2.5 miles from Valley’s current location in Ridgewood and directly across the street from the hospital’s comprehensive cancer and same-day-surgery centers (The Luckow Pavilion).  Winters Avenue runs parallel to Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway between East Ridgewood Avenue and A&S Drive.  The hospital’s property is located near the Fashion Center and Paramus Park mall.

While the new hospital has not yet been designed, it will be a state-of-the-art, welcoming hospital that incorporates the best practices in healthcare facility design. Conceptual plans call for a 372-bed, approximately 910,000 square-foot facility that will range in height from three to seven stories. The facility will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained using “green” or environmentally friendly principles and processes and will be in full compliance with the Paramus’ zoning ordinances.

Moving inpatient and emergency services to Paramus will allow Valley to repurpose its current campus in Ridgewood for a broad range of healthcare services, including an urgent-care center, and laboratory, radiology and endoscopy services. In addition, Valley plans to consolidate existing ambulatory and outpatient services and health system business functions back to the Ridgewood campus.

“The ‘New’ Valley Hospital will combine Valley’s exceptional level of care and dedicated staff with the latest innovations and advancements in healthcare,” said Meyers. “This new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to raise the bar in all that we do – providing world class healthcare, strengthening our communities and helping people and families live healthier lives.”

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), State Senator Bob Gordon, Assemblyman Joseph Lagana, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, and Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera were among the elected officials on hand to show their support for the new hospital.  Senator Menendez, Assemblyman Lagana and County Executive Tedesco also reside in the Borough of Paramus, “Valley has long been a valued member of the Paramus community and we are excited to be the future home of The Valley Hospital,” said Mayor LaBarbiera. “The ‘New’ Valley Hospital will help revitalize an aging industrial and office-use area of Paramus, bring much needed roadway improvements, provide economic benefits for the entire town, and diversify a retail-dependent tax base. Valley has always supported Paramus through sponsorships and community programs, and consistent with their philosophy of giving back, Valley has committed to work with us on new initiatives.”

“Valley’s continuous efforts to innovate and elevate the level of care they provide demonstrates their steadfast dedication to the people they serve,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.  “The “New” Valley Hospital means increased services for patients, more jobs for area residents, and greater access for families across northern New Jersey to the latest advancements in healthcare now and in the future.”

“I am excited about the potential for Valley’s new, modern hospital to transform care for our residents and bolster our economy by supporting local businesses and bringing good jobs to northern New Jersey,” said Congressman Gottheimer.

“For all of us who live here, raise our families here or work here, access to quality healthcare is an essential component of our quality of life.  Valley has been the hospital of choice for my family, and this new project will ensure future generations have access to the highest quality care,” said Senator Bob Gordon.

“This is a milestone day for Bergen County,” said County Executive Tedesco. “Valley’s commitment to the community has been unwavering, and this exciting project will not only provide greater access to healthcare for the residents of Bergen County, but will also strengthen our local economy by creating new jobs. Bergen County is well on its way to becoming the healthcare hub of the state.”

The “New” Valley Hospital will incorporate cutting-edge technology and the latest innovations and best practices in healthcare facility design. It is being designed from the ground up to integrate innovative technology and the flexibility required to accommodate new and emerging healthcare models. To enhance privacy and comfort as well as improve the quality of care provided, the new hospital will be built with single-patient rooms. Research has found that patients cared for in single-patient rooms experience shorter lengths of stay, fewer sleep disturbances and lower rates of hospital-acquired infections.

The plans for the new hospital also call for the creation of universally sized rooms for surgery and procedures. These rooms will be designed to accommodate the latest in healthcare technology and meet all of the standards to allow them to be used for general surgery, minimally invasive robotic surgery, cardiac catheterizations or endovascular procedures.

“While our staff has long been recognized for the quality of care they deliver to our patients in Ridgewood – where we consistently rank at the top of patient satisfaction in New Jersey – modern, single-patient rooms in our new facility will allow us to provide our patients and their families with an even higher level of care and service,” said Meyers.

Meyers said that Valley is committed to working with the town to improve traffic flow in the area and that one of the advantages to this site were its multiple entry and exit points, which would mitigate any impact to local streets.

“We very much look forward to continuing to work with Mayor LaBarbiera and the Council, and will be hosting Town Hall meetings for the residents of Paramus to introduce our project to the Borough,” said Meyers.

Valley has launched a new website, www.TheNewValleyHospital.com and a Facebook page, Facebook.com/TheNewValleyHospital, where interested visitors can learn more about the proposed healthcare facility and stay up-to-date with the hospital’s plans.

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Is My Teen Using Drugs? Can I Know For Sure?

RHS

file photo by Boyd Loving

The drug-abuse crisis among teenagers and young adults isn’t abating

January 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Prescription drugs, especially opioids, are a growing threat to the health of young people, with 6 percent of teens 12 to 17 saying they use the drugs for non-medical reasons. And in 2014, prescription drugs caused the overdose death of 1,741 young people ages 18 to 25, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

If those statistics aren’t alarming enough, studies reveal that 3 percent of teens have used heroin and that drug’s use is on the rise. In 2009, 21,000 teens sought treatment for heroin addiction, compared to 4,400 10 years earlier, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

So how can parents concerned their teen might be using opioids or other drugs find out for sure? Some parents seek to confirm their suspicions with one of the many drug-testing kits available at the corner pharmacy.

But clever teens and free-market ingenuity are making the accuracy of those urine drug tests questionable. In fact, the urine drug test cheating industry is estimated to be near $1 billion, with products easily purchased on the web, including synthetic urine, substitute urine and even devices aimed solely at defeating the drug test.

“Unfortunately, there’s a whole industry of products out there that help people cheat the drug tests,” says Dr. Matt McCarty, CEO and founder of Genotox Laboratories (www.genotoxlabs.com).  “Even if you decide to make your child use a urine test, savvy teenagers know that once you send them into the restroom alone they can substitute a friend’s urine or synthetic urine and trick you.”

The challenge for parents is to confirm that their handy drug-testing kit really is testing their teen’s urine and not someone else’s. They aren’t the only ones who face that predicament. Drug-test cheating is a problem that human resource departments, law enforcement and other agencies or businesses that test for drugs encounter as well.

Cheating the tests also is a problem when monitoring patients who are taking opioid medications under a doctor’s care, or who are undergoing rehab and recovery from addiction.

But there are ways to foil the cheaters. Genotox Labs, for example, developed a product called ToxProtect™ that adds a cheek swab to the urine-collection process so the DNA can be matched.

“With a DNA test, there’s no maybe about it,” McCarty says. “It either matches or it doesn’t match.”

What might lead a parent to insist on a drug test for their teen? The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence says there are drug-abuse warning signs parents can look for, and McCarty says all parents should be on the lookout for these signs. They include:

• Physical and health signs. Bloodshot eyes; pupils smaller or larger than normal; frequent nosebleeds; changes in appetite or sleep patterns; sudden weight loss or weight gain; deterioration in personal grooming or physical appearance; and impaired or unstable coordination.
• Behavioral signs. Skipping class and declining grades; loss of interest in extracurricular activities; acting isolated, silent or withdrawn; demanding more privacy and avoiding eye contact; and sudden change in relationships and friends.
• Psychological warning signs.  Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing; periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation; lack of motivation and inability to focus; appearing fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid for no apparent reason.

While schools and other agencies may provide some help, ultimately it’s up to the parents to address a teen’s drug problem, McCarty says.

“All evidence suggests that preventing drug abuse starts at home,” he says. “It’s not someone else’s responsibility. It’s the person who has the problem and their family who need to deal with it. That’s why if you test your kid for drugs at home, you want to make sure you’re getting their results and aren’t letting them fool you.”

About Dr. Matt McCarty, M.D.

Dr. Matt McCarty is a board certified, fellowship trained physician specializing in chronic pain management. Aware of the growing need for medication monitoring and personalized medicine, he founded Genotox Laboratories (www.genotoxlabs.com), a rapidly growing national reference lab providing medication monitoring services through urine drug screen confirmations and pharmacogenomics testing. He believes that earlier and better monitoring by all physicians prescribing controlled substances could lead to lower rates of addiction, diversion and overdose deaths. With his team at Genotox he invented a patent pending DNA authenticated sample matching method called ToxProtect™. It ensures urine submitted for drug testing is matched to a specific donor. ToxProtect™ uncovers the use of substitute and synthetic urine and detects substance misuse, abuse and relapse when all other urine drug testing fails. He hopes that through the most advanced genomic testing platform offered by Genotox, a clinician can uncover substance misuse abuse and relapse allowing for earlier intervention.

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BREAKING : The Valley Hospital Unveils Plan to Relocate and Build a New Hospital in Paramus

Valley_Hospital_theridgewoodblog

Ridgewood Campus Will Be Maintained for Outpatient Services

January 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus, NJ, The Valley Hospital will build a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Paramus, announced Audrey Meyers, President and CEO of The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System.  Meyers, who was joined by members of Valley’s Board of Trustees, elected officials, and community leaders in making the announcement, said the new facility will allow Valley to meet the long-term healthcare needs of northern New Jersey and ensures that residents have access to the highest quality of care.

On February 1, Valley will file a Certificate of Need application with the New Jersey Department of Health, which must approve the hospital relocation. Valley anticipates breaking ground in 2019 and the new hospital could open as early as 2023.

The planned site for the new hospital campus is conveniently located on Winters Avenue in Paramus, just 2.5 miles from Valley’s current location in Ridgewood and directly across the street from the hospital’s comprehensive cancer and same-day-surgery centers (The Luckow Pavilion).  Winters Avenue runs parallel to Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway between East Ridgewood Avenue and A&S Drive.  The hospital’s property is located near the Fashion Center and Paramus Park mall.

While the new hospital has not yet been designed, it will be a state-of-the-art, welcoming hospital that incorporates the best practices in healthcare facility design. Conceptual plans call for a 372-bed, approximately 910,000 square-foot facility that will range in height from three to seven stories. The facility will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained using “green” or environmentally friendly principles and processes and will be in full compliance with the Paramus’ zoning ordinances.

Moving inpatient and emergency services to Paramus will allow Valley to repurpose its current campus in Ridgewood for a broad range of healthcare services, including an urgent-care center, and laboratory, radiology and endoscopy services. In addition, Valley plans to consolidate existing ambulatory and outpatient services and health system business functions back to the Ridgewood campus.

“The ‘New’ Valley Hospital will combine Valley’s exceptional level of care and dedicated staff with the latest innovations and advancements in healthcare,” said Meyers. “This new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to raise the bar in all that we do – providing world class healthcare, strengthening our communities and helping people and families live healthier lives.”

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), State Senator Bob Gordon, Assemblyman Joseph Lagana, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, and Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera were among the elected officials on hand to show their support for the new hospital.  Senator Menendez, Assemblyman Lagana and County Executive Tedesco also reside in the Borough of Paramus
“Valley has long been a valued member of the Paramus community and we are excited to be the future home of The Valley Hospital,” said Mayor LaBarbiera. “The ‘New’ Valley Hospital will help revitalize an aging industrial and office-use area of Paramus, bring much needed roadway improvements, provide economic benefits for the entire town, and diversify a retail-dependent tax base. Valley has always supported Paramus through sponsorships and community programs, and consistent with their philosophy of giving back, Valley has committed to work with us on new initiatives.”

“Valley’s continuous efforts to innovate and elevate the level of care they provide demonstrates their steadfast dedication to the people they serve,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.  “The “New” Valley Hospital means increased services for patients, more jobs for area residents, and greater access for families across northern New Jersey to the latest advancements in healthcare now and in the future.”

“I am excited about the potential for Valley’s new, modern hospital to transform care for our residents and bolster our economy by supporting local businesses and bringing good jobs to northern New Jersey,” said Congressman Gottheimer.

“For all of us who live here, raise our families here or work here, access to quality healthcare is an essential component of our quality of life.  Valley has been the hospital of choice for my family, and this new project will ensure future generations have access to the highest quality care,” said Senator Bob Gordon.

“This is a milestone day for Bergen County,” said County Executive Tedesco. “Valley’s commitment to the community has been unwavering, and this exciting project will not only provide greater access to healthcare for the residents of Bergen County, but will also strengthen our local economy by creating new jobs. Bergen County is well on its way to becoming the healthcare hub of the state.”

The “New” Valley Hospital will incorporate cutting-edge technology and the latest innovations and best practices in healthcare facility design. It is being designed from the ground up to integrate innovative technology and the flexibility required to accommodate new and emerging healthcare models. To enhance privacy and comfort as well as improve the quality of care provided, the new hospital will be built with single-patient rooms. Research has found that patients cared for in single-patient rooms experience shorter lengths of stay, fewer sleep disturbances and lower rates of hospital-acquired infections.

The plans for the new hospital also call for the creation of universally sized rooms for surgery and procedures. These rooms will be designed to accommodate the latest in healthcare technology and meet all of the standards to allow them to be used for general surgery, minimally invasive robotic surgery, cardiac catheterizations or endovascular procedures.

“While our staff has long been recognized for the quality of care they deliver to our patients in Ridgewood – where we consistently rank at the top of patient satisfaction in New Jersey – modern, single-patient rooms in our new facility will allow us to provide our patients and their families with an even higher level of care and service,” said Meyers.

Meyers said that Valley is committed to working with the town to improve traffic flow in the area and that one of the advantages to this site were its multiple entry and exit points, which would mitigate any impact to local streets.

“We very much look forward to continuing to work with Mayor LaBarbiera and the Council, and will be hosting Town Hall meetings for the residents of Paramus to introduce our project to the Borough,” said Meyers.

Valley has launched a new website, www.TheNewValleyHospital.com and a Facebook page, Facebook.com/TheNewValleyHospital, where interested visitors can learn more about the proposed healthcare facility and stay up-to-date with the hospital’s plans.

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Burglaries on Bingham and Spring Ave, Identity Fraud and Vehicle Break-in Highlight Ridgewood Police Blotter

ridgewood_police_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Janaury 27,2017

Complied by the staff of the Ridgewood blog

 

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police report two Village burglaries; A Bingham Road resident discovered his home had been burglarized upon arriving home on January 22. The resident reported he discovered a first floor window had been broken by a rock and unlawfully entered. The residents checked the interior of the residence but found nothing missing. Det. Douglas Henky responded to the scene to investigate the burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief, however the homeowner declined to have the Bergen County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit respond to process the scene. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau photographed the scene and is investigating the incident.

On January 23, patrol units responded to a report of a burglary in the past on Spring Avenue. The house was discovered to have been entered between 12:30pm and 1:52pm by an unknown actor forcefully making entry. The residence was found to have been ransacked and jewelry, silverware and other various items were reported to have been stolen. Det. Jeffrey Casson responded to the scene to investigate and requested the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Unit to respond. Upon arrival, B.C.I. investigated and processed the scene along with the Ridgewood Detective Bureau.

Thefts at Valley Hospital; On January 19, a Hawthorne, N.J. resident reported the theft of a mobile device while at the Valley Hospital. The victim reported the cell phone was left unattended for a short time in a hospital office and when the employee returned she discovered it missing. The Apple IPhone 6 is valued at $700.

A parked vehical break in ; A Midland Park, N.J. resident reported on January 21, a theft occurred from his vehicle while it was parked unattended in the Village of Ridgewood between 1/19/17 and 1/21/17. The victim reported the unknown actor stole approximately $440 in contracting equipment. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

The Ridgewood Police also report a string on identity theft; On January 20, a North Monroe Street resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report identity theft. The victim reported an unknown person entered a Chase Bank in Columbus, Ohio using the victim’s identity and cashed two cashier’s checks from the victim’s accounts, which totaled $4800. The bank is investigating the incident. The victim was provided a Ridgewood Police identity theft information form.

On January 21, a Sheffield Road resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report identity theft and fraud. The victim reported an unknown actor withdrew $3200 from his TD Bank savings account and $700 from his TD Bank checking account at a branch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. TD Bank advised the victim the actor utilized a N.J. Driver’s License to make the withdrawal. The Driver’s License has been discovered to be a fraudulent identification. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

All actors are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Ridgewood Public Library Continues to Push it’s “Merely speculative” Plans for Renovation

Ridgewood Public Library by ArtChick

file photo by ArtChick

January 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as previously reported on this blog Nancy Green gave a presentation about plans for remodeling the library. Basically, she presented a wish-and-hope plan, which included some architectural drawings.   She stated that they will work within the existing footprint……although there was a quick mention of “squaring off” the empty space on the northwest corner of the building along the walkway from Maple Avenue (behind the auditorium).  Tiered seating in the auditorium was discussed as a possibility.  Nothing will happen without approval from the Council.  She says this is all very preliminary, but clearly, a lot of work has gone into this very preliminary presentation.

Sounds like we have heard all this before,“Ms. Greene described the five-year planning process conducted by the Library, which included the development of a Strategic Plan with consultant Alan Gray of Darien Library, and a Building Program with consultant Leslie Burger of Princeton Library.” Do you think that hiring two consultants who gave their presentation at the

Readers seem to fall into “NO LIBRARY EXPANSION. Board has too much money to play with and can’t stop delusions of grandeur. Buy a new outfit for a big opening somewhere else. Stop charging a fortune for DVDs. At least the old ones should be free.” category.

Readers suggest, “If the plea is “We already spent a ton of money, so we have to spend more,” I recommend the following reply by the Council: “Your bad. Cut your losses.” Spending $5 million to create a performing arts center with no parking while reducing the number of books in the library would be as appalling in the current financial situation as Christie’s plan to spend $300 million upgrading the State House while state pension plans, infrastructure, and much more are in desperate need and our credit rating sinks and sinks. NO to library upgrade. Replace the board and stop charging a fortune for DVDs and so on.”

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The Priority of Ridgewood Committee By-Laws

Jeff Voigt Ridgewood Council
file photo by Boyd Loving , Councilman Voigt
January 27,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, It is a wonderful that the Village Council is going to be reviewing all the bylaws of the Committees and Boards, and is going to have a template for all of them to follow in the future.  It seems that some of these bodies of volunteer citizens have no written bylaws at all.  Some have very skimpy bylaws.  And some have bylaws that exceed the charge that is stated for the committee.  While these committees and boards provide a huge service, and their volunteer members work hard at their tasks, it is very important that their roles are clearly defined.  They are not elected officials, and they are not employees of the Village.  They are volunteer citizens who can provide input and ideas.  Period.

Two committees in particular need to be watched.  Both are chaired by citizens who ran (unsuccessfully) for Village Council last spring, with the full support of Aronsohn-Pucciarelli-Hauck-Sonenfeld.

The Financial Advisory Committee has somehow extended its bylaws to include more responsibility than it is supposed to have.  The chairman Evan Weitz wants to be included in the contract negotiations for the police and fire departments.  Seriously.  Can you even imagine that a committee of volunteers thinks they can be included in these negotiations?  It is not even legal.  And he is being egged on by Councilman Jeff Voigt, who sent an email to Evan Weitz recently asking him to come to the January 4, 2017 meeting and asking him to defend the FAC during public comments.  Evan Weitz has also requested access to information that is not available to the public via OPRA requests.  So glad that the Village Council is going to take a close look at the bylaws of this committee and reign them in.  This committee seemed like a good idea in the beginning, it made some useful recommendations about budget planning and other financial activities, but it is probably no longer needed.  Hopefully this committee can be eliminated altogether, as we now have a CFO who is highly competent.

The Parks and Recreation Committee is chaired by Richard Brooks, who chastised the Village Council on January 25 for having the audacity to put Schedler and Graydon on the Worksession agenda.  Using language and tone of voice that was condescending and falsely authoritative, Mr. Brooks suggested that absolutely no recommendations or decisions about these two parks or any parks should be made EVER without running them by the PRC first.  Mr. Brooks needs to be reminded that his committee is advisory and has absolutely no authority.  He also made a point of announcing that the current and past Village Council liaisons to the PRC, Mr. Hache and Ms. Hauck, are lifelong residents of Ridgewood; he stated that having lifelong residents who grew up playing in the Ridgewood parks is an asset.  When is this elitism going to end?  Newer residents are often made to feel like second-class citizens, and this is dead wrong.  A new resident has just as many rights and his or her opinions are wholly as valuable as those of someone who has lived here for many years.

Although Councilman Voigt publicly characterized the proposed review of all Committee and Board bylaws as an utter and complete waste of time, the fact is that this task is both essential and urgent.  Volunteer committee members are the lifeblood of this community, but their responsibilities need to be clearly defined in order for everyone to be able to achieve the best outcomes.  And when disgruntled citizens such as Mr. Weitz and Mr. Brooks are put into positions where they can attempt to wield power that is not theirs to wield, we have a serious problem.

Mayor Knudsen stated last night that the reviews will begin in March, by which time all Council members will have provided relevant materials from the committees and boards on which they serve.  Looking forward to seeing the outcome of this major endeavor.
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Time to Shut Down the Financial Advisory Committee

Village Council election signs
January 27,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, is it only the Ridgewood blog that concerned a committee the FAC is peering into all town finances, without minutes, public meetings ,bylaws or agendas?
And while we welcome volunteers, the financial background of many on the committee seems a bit thin.
Do the residents of Ridgewood really want town finances discussed in this matter? By people who so clearly have their own agenda?
One reader said , “I was concerned over Richard Brooks statement about the importance of running”all things parks” through them. It indicated a level of importance that simply isn’t their role. I think this is one of the reasons the Mayor is focusing on bylaws for the village committees.”

Another was even more disturbed, “I agree big time. Richard Brooks was extraordinarily nasty and condescending in his tone and presentation. Excuse me, sir, but you are a volunteer (thank you, we appreciate it) but you are not an elected official (not even close, by the way, you were voted down by a huge margin, you were the lowest vote getter). So get off your high horse and stop telling the elected officials what they can and cannot do. They can discuss Schedler and Graydon and any other park they want to. Yes, they will listen to recommendations or suggestions from you and your committee (again, thank you for volunteering) but they are in charge and wild decide what they will and will not do.. Not you. Got it? Get it. Now sit the hell down.”

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Reader suggest forcing Property Values Down to Create More affordable housing

for sale Ridgewood_Real_Estate_theRodgewopodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

Given the population decrease in NJ due to people seeking greener pastures (or just a job or lower property taxes) elsewhere, perhaps the answer is not to build additional housing units in Ridgewood to help us meet our COACH obligations, but to find some way to force the price or market valuation of the entire existing housing stock in Ridgewood down far enough in value as that a sufficient number of previously built single family homes in Ridgewood end up falling into the affordable housing category. Why try to build up (because there is no actual room to build out) when you can simply drag down? Perhaps there would be some difficulty in forcing the unfortunate existing owners to sell but, hey, this is New Jersey…we’ll just intimidate them, Soprano’s style, until they see the wisdom of the policy. /s

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Highlights from Ridgewood Village Council Work Session

Ridgewood Village Council
file photo by Boyd Loving
January 26,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council met on January 25 and there was zero animosity, no explosions from a certain councilman…..it was all pleasant and friendly.  Way to go!
A few highlights:

1. Parking space allocations are being changed in order to provide more for commuters/general and fewer for shoppers/diners.  Also there will be fewer for CBD employees.  The Council is being very responsive to comments and complaints from citizens, and is also responding to direct observation that their initial allocation maps needed to be adjusted.

2. Nancy Green gave a presentation about plans for remodeling the library.  Basically she presented a wish-and-hope plan, which included some architectural drawings.   She stated that they will work within the existing footprint……although there was a quick mention of “squaring off” the empty space on the northwest corner of the building along the walkway from Maple Avenue (behind the auditorium).  Tiered seating in the auditorium was discussed as a possibility.  Nothing will happen without approval from the Council.  She says this is all very preliminary, but clearly a lot of work has gone into this very preliminary presentation.

3. The Hudson Street lot was discussed.  Old plans for garages that fit on the space are being revisited.  Maybe two retail stores could be added along S. Broad Street, providing income while just losing 10 spaces.  It was emphasized that meter rates would have to go up to maybe $1 an hour in order to help finance any kind of garage.  The question was raised as to whether this would discourage people from coming to town.  Along this line of discussion, Tony Damiano had announced that several businesses recently closed and he placed full blame on the lack of a garage for the demise of these stores.  Really Tony?  And one might wonder…..stores are closing, spaces galore are available in Cottage and Walnut…..so why build a garage and add two more stores?  Much to consider.

4. Schedler was on the agenda.  There is a grant that will enable the removal of the dilapidated shed and garage as well as the removal of trees that are already dead.  Failure to use this grant money will result in loss of the grant.  A sound study will be conducted prior to the removal of these things, to provide a baseline for sound studies moving forward.  Schedler residents urged caution at the microphone, and implored the council to make sure that no live trees are taken down.

5. Speaking of trees, a tree nursery is being planned with trees donated by the State.  These will be very tiny saplings that will be potted, and can be planted throughout town as they grow.  This is a Girl Scout project.

6. The recently passed short-term rental law was discussed by one or two residents.  This “Air-BNB” ruling prohibits the rental of any house or rooms for less than one month.  One citizen who spoke has been operating an Air-BNB in her home.  She stated that she is a very nice and responsible person, that her tenants are very nice and responsible, and she may not be able to stay in her home now that her income has been cut by 20%.  Another citizen stated that this ordinance came “out of the blue.”   Mayor Knudsen explained that this issue came up first through the Zoning Board several months ago…..and then some residents made specific complaints about such goings-on in their neighborhoods.  The Council looked at the situation, studied what other municipalities are doing, and enacted the ordinance after several public meetings and discussions that were announced and published (you snooze, you lose).  Do homeowners have the right to do whatever they please with their own properties?  No, they do not.

7. The bylaws review project is getting going.  Bylaws of all committees and boards will be reviewed and revised.  Some have no bylaws while others have extensive ones.  All will now have to follow a set template.  Some committees might be eliminated.  Council liaisons are to get their respective committee bylaws to their council colleagues by mid-March, and then the review will commence.

8. One resident applauded the new facebook website of the Mayor, as it provides much valuable and timely news.  The Mayor stated that soon all five council colleagues will become co-administrators of the page and can add updates from their various committees, etc.

9. An ad-hoc committee worked with Councilmen Sedon and Hache to look at Graydon hours and fees for 2017.  A couple of highlights included recommending a family rate (a maximum fee for families of four or maybe five) and a pro-rated discount for buying membership in August.  Council members will study the recommendations and discuss at the next meeting.

10. Uber was discussed as was valet parking.  These are all mechanisms to help reduce the number of cars occupying parking spots in the heartbeat of the CBD.

11.  Councilman Sedon and his son Hunter will both be celebrating birthdays this week, as announced by Mayor Knudsen.  Happy Birthday to two fine men!

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PUBLIC WATER FORUM SPONSORED BY RIDGEWOOD AND LEAGUE OF WOMAN VOTERS

Ridgewood_water_theridgewoodblog

photo by ArtChick

A PUBLIC WATER FORUM 

January 26,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water and the Ridgewood League of Women Voters will host a public water forum on Thursday, January 26th, 2017 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.  Youth Center, Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood

Find out:

•  How drought affects supply and demand

•  What we do to control contaminants ?

•  Why conservation is important

Featured presenters:  Richard Calbi, Ridgewood Water Director

David Scheibner, Business Manager

Ridgewood Water customers in Glen Rock, Midland Park, Wyckoff and Ridgewood are welcome.

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Rurik Halaby : An open letter to the Village Council re tonight’s VC Meeting

Rurik Halaby

file photo by Boyd Loving

An open letter to the Village Council re tonight’s VC Meeting. I cannot attend as I am on a business trip, but have written an open letter to the members of the Council. Please attend if you can, whether you agree with me or not. The key thing is for the Ridgewood Residents to be aware of all that is going on at the Council level and for their views to become known.

Dear VC Members:

I am traveling on business and so cannot attend. If there I would have made the following points:

1. Schedler: I would not spend a red cent on the Schedler house until you have some idea as to what we will be doing with it long-term. At what cost and for what use? What cost of operation and maintenance? As I have mentioned on numerous occasions, put together a committee of people knowledgeable about house restorations to advise if the house is worth saving. All this talk of a nationally recognized historic home is nonsense. What is the age of the house and what will it be restored as? Plus since Mayor Knudsen’s father lives across the street from the house, she should recuse herself from any consideration.

2. Parking garage: Has the VC no shame or sense of intellectual integrity? When will you get going on the Hudson St. Parking Deck? The idea of Mr. Sedon leading another study is laughable. Has he read the 10’s of thousands of pages of studies already undertaken, or are you using this as an excuse to do nothing? Shameful political cowardice!

3. Mayor Susan Knudsen’s new FB Page. Is this an official Village of Ridgewood page or the start of the Knudsen/Sedon 2018 reelection campaign. I would appreciate Mr. Matt Rogers’ input since the page uses the Village of Ridgewood logo.

This is being copied to the press and to Facebook. Let the sun shine in!

Thank you,

Rurik Halaby

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NJ STATE SENATOR CALLS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO UNDERGO ANNUAL ADDICTION SCREENINGS

Ridgewood High School theridgewoodblog.net 3

LILO H. STAINTON | JANUARY 24, 2017

Proposal would expand use of an evidence-based screening and referral program now in place at some healthcare clinics to all public and private high schools statewide

New Jersey’s high school students would receive annual addiction-risk assessments under a new proposal designed to reduce substance-use disorders among young people and improve their chances for a healthy, productive life as adults.

Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex), a longtime champion of efforts to curb addiction and limit the harm associated with drug use, introduced a bill Monday that would expand the use of an evidence-based screening and referral program now in place at some healthcare clinics to all public and private high schools statewide. The process is already used in several other states including Massachusetts, staff said.

Hours later, Vitale announced he would also partner with Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Sen. Tom Kean (R-Union) to craft legislation to advance several plans Gov. Chris Christie outlined recently to address the growing opioid epidemic. Christie devoted some two-thirds of his State of the State address earlier this month to New Jersey’s addiction crisis.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/01/23/senator-calls-for-high-school-students-to-undergo-annual-addiction-screenings/?utm_campaign=Observer_NJ_Politics&utm_content=New%20Campaign&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=New%20Jersey%20Politics