September 21,2017
by David Henderson
Ridgewood NJ, form the your tax dollars at work! . State Workers who are CWA Shop Stewards got a paid day off at taxpayers expense to conduct “union business” on Monday. that “business” was a rally for Billionaire gubernatorial candidate Murphy. in addition to their regular state salary, the Murphy machine is paying them $15/hr to show up. Maybe they should be prosecuted as state employees taking a bribe!
September 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, we have noticed and increase in the velocity of dissent to the lowest common denominator in the Village lately . Is it really the case in the Village that grown adults do not know how a simple debit card works? (REALLY) And these people can afford to pay taxes and live in Ridgewood ? (REALLY) . And some think the new Estate Card will eliminate or should eliminate all your property taxes? (REALLY).
We know a group of Paul Aronsohn crusaders , who are simply in love all things Paul Aronsohn and are still alive and active in the village , and we know this self interested group of people are trying to undermine the current mayor , but folks the disrespect and stupidity is getting a bit out of hand .
Its no wonder scammers continue to target Ridgewood as a place of easy pickings for the latest con job .
The following is a letter we pulled off of Facebook :
An open letter to Matt Rogers and Bob Rooney, respectively General Counsel and CFO of the Village of Ridgewood, concerning the Ridgewood Estate Card:
Dear Mr. Rogers and Mr. Rooney:
I am very concerned about the letter sent out by Mayor Knudsen endorsing the Ridgewood Estate Card. Has the letter been vetted by someone with a financial understanding of the working of credit/debit cards?
The letter is so cheerful, chirpy and positive, it makes it sound like “money for old rope.” Admittedly, the Mayor asks the recipients to read the “Cardholder Agreement and Membership Agreement’” a nice disclaimer, but how understandable are these agreements to the layman? I have three degrees from two top U.S. universities, and I can hardly go past the third line of such agreements. I looked up the website and the fees presented are beyond comprehension or comparison.
Reading comments on FB and trying my best to understand the economics, it appears one has to deposit $800 monthly to start earning the 0.25% offset to real estate taxes. At spending of $10,000 per year, this means a contribution of $25. Is that really worth it? There might be additional savings on purchases but based on what? And what charges are incurred if the card owner does not use $800 in purchases?
For the record, I am not an expert in this field, but I can’t but believe the card is not as good as it appears. If I am wrong, please correct me.
Again, has this been vetted by our CFO or the FAC? Wouldn’t that be something they should have looked at?
I honestly worry that the Village is exposing itself to trouble as I think the letter is not complete in all the information it should provide. Some people will feel misled.
Thank you,
Rurik Halaby
Could someone please inform Mr Halaby that the FAC has been shut down and that the FAC failed to follow even the most traditional and mundane generally accepted financial practice standards ,leaving the Village open to massive liability law suits .The FAC over time proved to be nothing more than a bunch of political hacks looking to promote the failed agenda of former mayor Paul Aronsohn.
While Mr. Halably claims to have,” three degrees from two top U.S. universities ” I guess none of the degrees involved book keeping , and basic math .By the way in 3rd Grade we all learn (in America) that you should read things before you sign it . If there is something you don’t understand you can “Google” it or even call the toll free number and ask. I know its simply brilliant.
Look we know Mr. Halaby is smarter than this . Our suggestion would be to focus on issues , like Ridgewood Water or the over development of CBD and the lack of infrastructure to support it or even the crazy high taxes , oh but wait those issues are what pushed Aronsohn and his wanabe fan club out of political power to begin .
file photo
September 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, at this point you can only laugh . Once again another ” independent traffic consultant” told the planning board on Tuesday night that a two-building mixed-use redevelopment project in the old Sealfon’s space would have minimal impact on downtown traffic , this time wait for it , “due to a massive reduction in the properties’ existing commercial space”. Where do they find these people? The “retail” is a teller less bank and one retail store ?
The planning board showed great restraint not busting into laughter. By the way where is the water going to come from?
The Enclave as it is called would encompass several properties, including that of the Hallmark Floor Company and Sealfon’s on Maple Avenue, and would contain 39 luxury-rate apartments on four floors above one story of underground parking lot that will serve the building’s commercial units with 84 spaces. A second story of parking at street level would be reserved for tenants of The Enclave but would only contain 47 spaces 10 spaces short of what zoning codes require.
The Enclave would be the fourth “Aronsohn” or “3 amigo” inspired project that followed a master plan amendment to rezone downtown Ridgewood for multifamily high density housing.
As a kicker 257 Ridgewood Avenue LLC would even be willing to add a $50,000 contribution to a fair share trust fund, which would partially fund a replacement traffic light for Maple and Franklin avenues. The would mean Village tax payers would be stuck with anywhere from $200-400,000 of the cost . Maybe the previous council majority should be asked to fund the upgrades or the developer should share ownership with the Ridgewood taxpayer ?
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
September 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, One (1) person, an adult female, was transported by ambulance to The Valley Hospital following a rear end collision at the intersection of South Irving Street and Spring Avenue, Ridgewood on Wednesday afternoon, 09/20. Ridgewood PD, FD, and EMS personnel responded to the scene. Members of Ridgewood FD Engine Company #35 attended to a minor crash related fluid spill. A flatbed tow truck was dispatched to remove both wrecked vehicles.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
September 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Fire, and EMS responded to a vehicle vs. utility pole crash on Wednesday afternoon, 09/20. The single vehicle crash occurred in front of 504 Corella Court, Ridgewood. The 4-door sedan’s only occupant, an adult male, refused ambulance transport to a hospital. Damage to the utility pole was minimal; the vehicle sustained heavy front end damage and had to be towed away.
September 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , Special Properties Real Estate Services, LLC, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, has welcomed Aerin Kwait-Taubin, a Bergen County native and successful real estate agent, to its Ridgewood, NJ office as part of the agency’s ongoing expansion throughout the region.
Aerin is a true professional with a passion for real estate and finding the perfect match between buyer and seller. Her expertise in sales and marketing stems from 17 years of launching, growing and subsequently selling her namesake swimwear brand, Aerin Rose. All original design and brand direction continued under her supervision thru 2016, when she transferred her business acumen to local real estate in Ridgewood.
Aerin brings a fresh perspective to home staging and home search needs for clients, in addition to her experience in interior design and home renovation. She prides herself on being able to translate client wishes and desires into positive results, while working within the client’s specific financial parameters.
This Bergen County native has a special fondness for the town of Ridgewood, where she has lived with her family for 13 years. Aerin is a cum laude graduate of The University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing. After college, she produced television programming for syndicated shows like CNN Showbiz, Sally Jessy Raphael, The People’s Court, Maury Povich and Metro Channels’ Full Frontal Fashion Shows.
Translation … more restrictions on what you can and cannot do on public and private property.
Another means of control and reduction in your individual rights…
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“Sustaining bees means ensuring access to “tons and tons and tons of habitat that is rich in native flowers and free of pesticides,” she says. In identifying the best cities for bees, we looked for communities with defined resolutions and commitments to protecting and/or creating sustainable habitats for pollinators. “
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“The Bee City USA program endorses a set of commitments, defined in a resolution, for creating sustainable habitats for pollinators, which are vital to feeding the planet.”
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Some QUESTIONS:
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1) How much of the Budget is now going to be diverted to support the “Bee City” commitments?
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2) How much land (REQUIRED pollinator habitats) will be designated for bees and therefore unable to be used for other purposes?
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3) WHO is our “BEE CITY USA” liaison?
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4) Who will pay for the (REQUIRED) “National Pollinator Week” celebration?
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5) What is our official “Comprehensive Bee Plan” ?
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Another national/global liberal agenda item adopted by Ridgewood designed to divert time and money and restrict land usage and personal property rights.
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WAKE UP PEOPLE….
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BEE CITY USA website: https://www.beecityusa.org/
It is an endevour gone sour. I agree with the above comment. Get out of the real estate business you are doing a poor job of it at the gate house. None of the activities bringing in major revenue for a private business are monitored by the village. When questions are asked to the village in regards to these activities they do NOT know the answers!!! It was never fair what was done to this neighborhood. No other active field or park also has a very active business in it! out of respect for all tax payers it should be at the absolute least monitored and controlled by the village. I was there yesterday with my small children after school and the amount of cars in the parking lot and in the street was ridiculous. All the fields were being used and the drivers had no respect for myself and my kids in bikes. I saw illegal parking, u turns on the street backing up from soccer moms just to get out of the driveway all the while more and more cars coming for classes or whatever at the gatehouse. Insane, unsafe and sad!!! It was a beautiful peaceful place to bring your kids but no longer. Lights or no lights it is a mess!!!!
Go visit Glen Rock and compare driver behavior with what you see in Ridgewood. Ridgewood has a car culture problem and a road design problem. Almost all drivers in Glen Rock respect the pedestrian crossings. Few Ridgewood drivers stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks or those waiting to cross. Oddly enough, more drivers stop for me when I am walking my dog than when I am walking alone or with my wife. The same is true for kids. Too many drivers ignore children on their way to and from school, which is very dangerous, especially when students try to cross Linwood or Glen (other streets could just as well be added, but I am less familiar with the problems there).
The pedestrian crossings in Glen Rock are clearly marked (unlike Ridgewood’s). The main street in Glen Rock is also wider than Ridgewood Ave, with narrower sidewalks. The wider streets give drivers better visibility. That said, the attitudes of drivers in Ridgewood is very different than that in Glen Rock. We have a cultural difference between superficially similar towns.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
September 20th 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A portion of West Saddle River Road in Ridgewood was blocked for an extended period of time on Tuesday afternoon, 09/19. Personnel from Ridgewood PD, FD, and the Village’s Shade Tree Division responded to the incident. The tree could not be removed until a troubleshooter from Public Service Electric & Gas disconnected a primary power line. Several residents in the area reported the loss of electric power to their homes. FD personnel assisted one homeowner in opening her garage door, which she ordinarily does with an automatic opener. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Published: 06:26 EDT, 19 September 2017 | Updated: 07:44 EDT, 19 September 2017
Teenagers in America today are about three years behind their counterparts from the 1970s when it comes to taking up sex, drinking alcohol, and working for pay, researchers said Tuesday.
The findings in the journal Child Development were based on an analysis of seven large, nationally representative surveys of 8.3 million teenagers between 1976 and 2016.
The surveys sought to find out how those aged 13 to 19 spent their time, and how often they engaged in adult activities such as drinking alcohol, dating, taking jobs, driving, or having sex, said the report.
September 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Tattoos and body piercings are an increasingly popular form of self-expression, but it is important for young people to carefully consider the consequences and potential risks associated with body modifications, according to the first clinical report on the topic published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The AAP recommendations, “Adolescent and Young Adult Tattooing, Piercing and Scarification,” will be published in the October 2017 issue of Pediatrics (available online Sept. 18), providing an overview of the types and methods used to perform body modifications. The clinical report details possible medical complications, which, while uncommon, should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Lead author Cora C. Breuner, MD, Chair of the AAP Committee on Adolescence, will present the recommendations during a news conference Sept. 18 at the 2017 AAP National Conference and Exhibition at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“Tattooing is much more accepted than it was 15 to 20 years ago,” Dr. Breuner said. “In many states, teens have to be at least 18 to get a tattoo, but the regulations vary from place to place. When counseling teens, I tell them to do some research, and to think hard about why they want a tattoo, and where on their body they want it.”
The AAP report highlights include:
While societal acceptance of tattoos and piercings has increased, there may still be repercussions. In a 2014 survey, 76 percent of 2,700 people interviewed said they believed that a tattoo or piercing had hurt their chances of getting a job.
The rate of complications from tattoo placement is unknown, but believed to be rare. The most serious complication from any form of body modification is infection.
Before getting a tattoo or piercing, make sure the salon is sterile, clean and reputable. The facility should be regulated by the state and provide clients with information on how to care for the area that has been tattooed or pierced afterward. The facility should practice infection control just like at the doctor’s office.
Scarification, which involves cutting, burning or branding words or images into the skin, is not as highly regulated as tattooing or piercing and is prohibited in some states.
Someone considering a tattoo should make sure that their immunizations are up to date and that they are not taking any medication that compromises their immunity.
The AAP offers guidance for pediatricians on how to distinguish typical body modification from more dramatic or intense efforts to harm oneself, called nonsuicidal self injury syndrome. The syndrome, which includes cutting, scratching or burning oneself, is a more impulsive or compulsive action that is associated with mental health disorders.
“In most cases, teens just enjoy the look of the tattoo or piercing, but we do advise them to talk any decision over with their parents or another adult first,” said David Levine, MD, co-author of the report. “They may not realize how expensive it is to remove a tattoo, or how a piercing on your tongue might result in a chipped tooth.”
Laser removal of tattoos can range from $49 to $300 per square inch of treatment area, according to the report.
“Reputable tattoo parlors and piercing salons should provide a long list of do’s and don’ts on how to care for the area that was worked on, and what signs might indicate a problem,” Dr. Breuner said.
“These services have come a long way, safety-wise, but it’s best to proceed with caution.”
If we want to support pollination of Bees, then why do we have to:
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a) join an organization (Bee City USA),
b) PAY Annual Fees
c) make financial, time and resource commitments (including land)
d) annually send reports to Bee City USA (which requires allocating time resources and personnel)
e) commit to creating and maintain a National Pollinator Week celebration (again requiring time, resources and personnel)
f) create and maintain Bee City publicity and promotion including maintaining a web page/site and actual physical signage in the village
g) create and maintain a “comprehensive Bee Plan” with restrictions/requirements on type and quantity of plants, minimal use of pesticides, tracking of pollinators, leaving acerage undisturbed (unmowed, non-removal of dead or fallen trees, non-removal of leaves, etc) and more restrictions/requirements
f) BE REQUIRED TO REPORT OUR COMPLIANCE AND PROGRESS (increase of bee acreage) to an outside organization annually (Bee City USA).
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WHY do we need to be bound to all of these items?
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IF Ridgewood wants to be more “Bee Friendly” then why can’t we just adopt our own agenda and implement all or none of it on our own pace and schedule?
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WHY the need to tie ourselves (via legal resolution) to a 3rd party organization and be bound and committed to a series of restrictions and requirements that MAY or MAY NOT be beneficial to Ridgewood?
September 19,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Can someone please answer why Maple parking lot has no lights for practices that get out after dark? It is very dangerous picking up and dropping off kids in the pitch black. Why does Habernickle parking lot have stadium lights for a field that closes at dark? Is it because the Village allowed a for profit business to open in the park? If that is the reason it’s very upsetting to think the Village is more concerned about the welfare of Healthbarn’s customers then it is for it’s own tax paying children.
Healthbarn seems to be getting a lot of perks handed to it. Very time I have been in that park I see Parks & Rec trucks working by or on the property surrounding the gate house and garbage and recycling collection too, dose Healthbarn pay for the added services? I saw that her rent is only $3,700.00 a month for the length of the entire lease, plus she gets her garden included in that price that seems like a deal a lot of people would want.
Let’s put the tax payers first not some business run by a non resident. Supporting Healthtbarn is only taking profits away from the Village programs run by Parks and Rec.
photo by Boyd Loving
September 18,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Captain of Patrol Division William Amoruso sat down to chat with one of the Village’s younger citizens on Sunday morning,
09/17 at the Daily Treat Restaurant.
Captain of Patrol Division William Amoruso engaged in a little community policing over coffee.
Community policing creates partnerships between law enforcement agency and other organizations like government agencies, community members, nonprofit service providers, private businesses, and the media. The media represent a powerful pattern by which the police can communicate with the community. Community policing recognizes that police cannot solve every public safety problem alone, so interactive partnerships are created. The policing uses the public for developing problem-solving solutions.
The contemporary community policing movement emphasizes changing the role of law enforcement from a static, reactive, incident-driven bureaucracy to a more dynamic, open, quality-oriented partnership with the community. Community policing philosophy emphasizes that police officers work closely with local citizens and community agencies in designing and implementing a variety of crime prevention strategies and problem-solving measures.
