I’ve been on various boards and committees in town. I’ve also been mistreated on some of them. But that’s all within the scope of how they work. You can get booted, etc. But what are you implying about having no regard for the law? I can list lots of petty and crony-esque complaints, but if you know that the law is actually being broken you should be specific and report it!
SUMMER SPECIAL where all the rotten deals for the taxpayers get their wings..case of other people’s future loss making obligation foisted on all the Taxpapers
fish bank construction of a new massive restaurant refurbishment means the fix has been in for over a year or more.
complete abrogation of fiscal governance .A huge scandal.
these folks will be long gone when the deficits wash up on the taxpayers ..
then welcome the car rental companies and other low class operatkons in the loss making town garage .traffic during evening rush hours and evenings will be harmful to that neighborhoods schools churches and families living in that district .its being done for the money people many who don’t even live here .FOLLOW THE MONEY
photo by Boyd Loving
July 12,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood debated moving move forward with the purchase of the Ridgewood Elks club , Councilwomen Bernie Walsh objected to the purchase of the Elks Club for Ridgewood Water , at $200,000 over the appraised value plus $500-700 to 1.5 million in renovations for 30 people . Walsh reiterated that the purchase was just for Ridgewood Water.
Walsh went on noting that class “A” and class “B” office space are plentiful in Bergen County and there was no need for such a major under taking . Walsh felt is was just, “not a smart idea at this time”.
Former Mayor Knudsen pushed the idea for consolidation of space as well as the Elks is last contagious piece of property near the Municipal complex creating greater efficiencies . Mayor Hach wanted confirmation on the renovation estimates because there seemed to be significant disagreement about what was or was not estimated .
July 12,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, while the Ridgewood Board of Education has turned a deaf ear to residents , the debate raged at the Village council meeting on Wednesday night.
An extremely impassioned Steven Kim said , “in order Ridgewood tax payers , to exercise their right to vote on the school budget , school board elections must be returned to April.”
The school budget of $110,000,000 is 2/3 of the Village of Ridgewood’s spending . Keeping School Board Elections in November takes away Ridgewood voters right to vote for or against the budget .
Others debated over the small cost of $25,000 to hold an election and worried over low voter turnout .
Saurabh Dani, pointed out that “Clifton voted 7-1 in favor of changing the election back to April. “
July 12,2018
Carolee Adams from the Stop Common Core in New Jersey.
Ridgewood NJ, Moving Away From PARCC in Jersey could take years.
From my perspective, the only positive of PARCC was that it mobilized the formerly silent majority of parents to actively voice their imperative opposition to the dumbing down of their children’s education; disrespect to parental rights; and at a huge, needless, wasteful cost to taxpayers.
Further, in my humble opinion, impediments like these continue to delay our desired move away from PARCC:
1. A Pearson contract already signed.
2. The less than cooperative pushback from NJ State Senator Theresa Ruiz (D), Chair, Senate Education Committee and Senate President Steve Sweeney (D). Why? Only a guess. Pearson Education is located in Hoboken – a Democratic stronghold. Hoboken would not want to risk losing one of its key, tax-paying corporations.
3. The unnecessary interference of FedEd via ESSA. Why do we even need the USDOE when NJ is a donor state sending far more money to DC/USDOE than we receive in return?!
At a roundtable discussion. our group’s suggestions were 2 tests in K-8 (i.e. 2nd or 3rd and 7th), and 1 test in the sophomore year of high school. Regarding tests, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills was the one most mentioned for K-8. ACT/SAT seemed less popular than ever before regarding high school testing. Fair Test is usually a good resource for test information.
July 11,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, The Murphy Administration today announced the first steps in transitioning away from the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and toward a new generation of statewide testing by issuing a report, detailing proposals for draft regulations and other upcoming changes in the 2018-19 school year.
At a press conference in Atlantic City, Governor Murphy said he wants to take NJ out of PARCC student assessment testing.“PARCC’s high-stakes, high-stress system has been, I believe, a detriment to our students and our educators,” Murphy said.
Recommendations were collected by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) during a two-month, 21-county tour in which the Commissioner and staff traveled over 5,700 miles, held approximately 75 in-person sessions, three live webinars, and heard from more than 2,300 students, teachers, school administrators, education advocates and community leaders.
Speaker Coughlin lauded the move in a statement: “This is a step in the right direction. From the moment it was introduced, the PARCC was widely criticized by teachers, school administrators, parents and students for being overly confusing and taking up too much instructional time. We cannot evaluate student proficiency and base a student’s ability to graduate on a flawed system. Students should have to prove that they are ready for graduation, but not through an assessment as inadequate and problematic as the PARCC. I’m glad Gov. Murphy is reversing course on this, and clearing the way for a more effective and responsible approach to measuring student learning.”
“Because of a focused, concentrated effort to reach out to New Jersey residents and to give them a voice at the table, we are on a clear path away from PARCC,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “By making the transition in phases, we can ensure a smooth implementation in schools across the state and maintain compliance with current state and federal requirements.”
“A stronger, fairer New Jersey means one that prioritizes outreach and collaboration when making policy decisions,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. “My staff and I went on a listening tour across the state to ensure that we understood the scope of interest, and we moved forward having considered the needs of students, educators, and broader community members in building the next generation assessment system by New Jersey, for New Jersey.”
The transition will be made in multiple phases. The first phase began with stakeholder outreach and culminates with the report and proposed short-term changes. The report provides an overview of the feedback received from interested stakeholders and the process used to achieve it.
The proposed changes for State Board review include:
Streamlining graduation requirements by reducing the number of required tests in high school from six to two.
Ensuring that educators and parents receive test data in a timely manner.
Providing flexibility for first-year English learners on the English language proficiency test.
Additional changes not requiring State Board approval include:
Reducing the length of testing for all grades by approximately 25 percent.
Reducing the weight of the assessment on teacher evaluations.
More details regarding the changes can be found in the report and draft regulations.
Beginning this summer and occurring over the course of the 2018-19 school year, the NJDOE will be launching the second phase of assessment outreach in New Jersey, focusing on the more complicated questions and issues with implementation that we encountered during the listening tour. More information about Phase 2 will be made available over the next few months.
July 11,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, tonight’s Village council meeting will be the first official meeting of our new mayor Ramon Hache .
Some key issues that will be discussed are :
Purchase of Ridgewood Elks Club
Parking Meter Rates/Hours and Kiosks
Return School Board Election to April
Residency Requirement for Civilian Positions
photo of the Brogan development
The Brogan project is a disaster for the town. None of these high density projects will benefit anyone except the developers and their attorneys. Westfield is paying attention – it does not want to become Montclair or Hackensack which is where Ridgewood is headed. Where do the developers and their attorneys live?
What has started at Brogan will sweep the whole Ridgewood. In a couple of years it will be a brand new city. Oh, and for those who think new housing does not affect schools greatschools.org just lowered RHS grade to 9 from 10. It had been a 10 for many, many years. I can only imagine what the grade will be in a few years at which time we can all kiss goodbye our house values.
July 10th ,2018
the Staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Spirit of America’s Story:The Wall is a Traveling Exhibit Commemorating Our Country’s Fight for Freedom from 1775 to Present Day , “The Wall is a richly illustrated visual story of America’s struggles for freedom, a visual walk through our country’s history and our fight to be free. Our goal is to capture and preserve the spirit, the sacrifices and rich history of the American people. We do this by honoring those men and women in uniformed service who have and are currently serving and protecting our way of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness both here and abroad.” (Quotation excerpted from www.spiritofamericasstory.com/) Courtesy of Stanley A. Kober.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Address: 155 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
November 12th thru November 18th ,2018
July 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Garfield NJ, A New Jersey Transit bus was struck by a NJ Transit train in New Jersey Monday afternoon. It happened around 5 p.m. at Midland and Plauderville avenues in Garfield, near the Plauderville station, which is on the Bergen County Line.
Sources report that the bus became trapped between the closing train gates, the driver ordered the 15-20 passengers off the bus . Unfortunately the driver did return the bus and was injured. Some reports indicate the bus was hit by a Light rail train.
New Jersey Transit said Bergen County trains resumed with trains subject to 30 miin delays in both directions and substitute bus service was provided between Wesmont & Broadway & NJT Bus is accepting rail tickets and passes at Secaucus and on the BCL.
July 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Monday, July 30, 2018, at 4:00 PM, is the deadline to file a nominating petition at the:
Bergen County Clerk’s Office
One Bergen County Plaza, Room 130
Hackensack, NJ
for the Ridgewood Board of Education’s November election. Candidates must obtain at least 10 signatures on a petition to be nominated, one of which maybe the candidate. New Jersey School Boards Association has created a Candidate Kit with additional information and instructions for those interested in running for open seats.
For Bergen County specific questions, please visit the Bergen County Clerk website for nominating petitions or Bergen County Election Board website.
Ridgewood schools currently have a $110,000,000 budget that makes up over 60% of property taxes .
file photo by Boyd Loving
THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
JULY 11, 2018
7:30 P.M.
1. 7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
5. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
6. Discussion
a. Ridgewood Water
1. Award Contract – Public Policy Consultant
2. Award Contract – Professional Services – Eastside Reservoir Improvements
3. Award Contract – Well Improvements – Linwood and Cedar Hill Wells
4. Purchase of Ridgewood Elks Club
b. Parking
1. Revisions to Valet Parking Ordinance
2. Overbrook Road Parking
3. Parking Meter Rates/Hours and Kiosks
c. Budget
1. Award Contract – Purchase of 2018 Utility Vehicle – Emergency Services
2. Amendments to Contract – Security System at Village Hall
3. Award Contract – Self-Contained Compaction Unit – Recycling Department
4. Award Contract – Snow Plowing Services
5. Award Contract – Sale of Compost
6. Award Contract – Leaf Collection Services
7. Award Contract – Asphalt Repair and Patch/Curb and Sidewalk Repairs
8. Release of Escrowed Funds – Stop & Shop Supermarket
9. Award Contract – Vehicle Emergency Equipment – Fire Department
10. Award Contract – Hot Box Asphalt Repairs
11. Ridgewood Senior Citizen Housing Corporation Pilot
12. Resolution for Costs of Mailing Tax Sale Notice
13. Award Contract – Partial Roof Replacement – Village Hall
14. Award Contract – Vegetative Management – Crest Road
d. Policy
1. Appoint Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer
2. Amend Ordinance on Outdoor Cafes – Enforcement
3. Proposed Zoning Amendments – Encroachment of Stairs, Front Yard Setback –District B2
4. Residency Requirement for Civilian Positions
5. Return School Board Election to April
6. Licensing Sellers of E-Cigarettes
7. Amendment to A-Frame Sign Ordinance to Allow Displays
e. Operation
1. National Cooperative Purchasing Agreements – Sourcewell
2. Schedler Field Design
3. Ordinance – No Left Turns on to Franklin – In/Out Starbucks
4. Do Not Enter Signs – Maple Exit at Jersey Mike’s
5. Amend Ordinance – Issuance of Notices on Dead Trees
6. Interim Health Officer Coverage
7. Review of July 18, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda
8. Manager’s Report
9. Council Reports
10. Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
11. Closed Session
A. Legal – HealthBarn; The Town Garage; Ridgewood Water Lawsuit; COAH
B. Personnel – Emergency Medical Services
12. Adjournment
July 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Board of Education has many “Board Committees” , here is a list of committees and committee responsibilities .
Communications Committee
Discusses district communications policy and practice, including the district website, eNews, Newsline, staff communications, etc.
Members: Christina Krauss, Jennie Smith Wilson
Curriculum Committee
Acts as a forum to review current instructional materials and future options for updating those materials at all levels. Textbooks and other materials are discussed and examined for course relevance and appropriateness before being presented to the Board for approval.
Members: Sheila Brogan, Vince Loncto
Facilities Committee and Joint Review Committee
The Facilities Committee discusses issues relating to district buildings and fields, including capital projects, maintenance and repairs and construction. The Joint Review Committee reviews custodial and maintenance services in each of the district’s schools on a monthly basis. Goals and action plans for the custodial and maintenance services are established quarterly.
Members: Sheila Brogan, Christina Krauss
Finance Committee
Discusses issues relating to the funding of the district. Responsible for the initial presentation of the budget and continual monthly review of budget transfers for the current fiscal year.
Members: Vince Loncto, Jim Morgan
Policy Committee
Reviews, revises, and drafts district policy. The committee brings recommendations to add or change policies to the full Board for discussion and adoption. Board policy requires that new or revised policies have two readings before adoption.
Members: Jim Morgan, Jennie Smith Wilson
Federated Home and School Association *
Provides information about the Board and district to, and collects feedback from, the Home and School Associations’ presidents at their monthly meeting. To learn more about Federated HSA click here.
Liaison: Christina Krauss, Vince Loncto
Fields Committee
The Joint Village/Board Fields Committee manages the upkeep and scheduling of athletic field throughout the Village.
Member: Vince Loncto
Parks and Recreation
Comprised of select village employees and citizen volunteers appointed by the Village Council to address the recreational and open space needs and activities of the community, balancing recreational interests with environmental and financial issues.
Members: Jim Morgan
REAC – Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee
Assists the Village of Ridgewood with respect to environmental concerns by formulating, adopting, and implementing practices and policies which protect the environment, respect the ecosystem, promote sustainability, reduce climate change and support earth-friendly cost reductions within the municipality and the community at large.
Member: Jennie Smith Wilson
Safety
Member: Sheila Brogan
Ridgewood Education Foundation
The mission of the REF is to enhance the quality of education in the Ridgewood Public Schools. Since 1989 it has awarded more than $400,000 in grants for special projects created by forward-thinking teachers, parents, students and alumni(ae). The Board representative offers the perspective of the BOE by providing information, asking questions, and participating in discussions that assist in the final decisions about how to distribute funds raised. Click here for more information about the Ridgewood Education Foundation.
Representative: Jim Morgan
Ridgewood Academy for Health Professions (RAHP)
The Academy is a partnership between RHS, Valley Hospital and Bergen Community College.
Member: Sheila Brogan
Zoning Board of Adjustment – Agenda
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AGENDA
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Village Hall Court Room – 7:30 P.M.
Call to order
Pledge of Allegiance
Statement required by the Open Public Meeting Act “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in the Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including date and time of this meeting”.
Please note: A curfew of 11:00 PM is strictly adhered to by the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgewood. No new matter involving an Applicant will be started after 10:30 PM. At 10:00 PM the Chairman will make a determination and advise Applicants as to whether they will be heard. If an Applicant cannot be heard because of the lateness of the hour, the matter will be carried over to a future meeting to be determined by the Board at 10:00 PM.
REORGANIZATION
Roll call
Approval of minutes:
Non-agenda items:
Board member comments
Members of the public comments
Public hearings
Old Business:
TOM & KELLY NAKASONE – An application to permit the construction of a covered entry, 2-story addition, rear covered porch, patio with in-ground pool and detached garage which will result in coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 24%, where 20% is permitted at 321 North Pleasant Avenue, Block 3305, Lot 21, in the R-2 Zone. (Carried and renoticed from June 26, 2018)
AGENDA – CONTINUATION July 10, 2018
BURROUGHS POOLE LLC – An application for preliminary and final site plan approval, use variance, variance and waiver approval to implement a drive-thru component to be used by a Starbucks retail coffee shop at 363-381 Route 17 South, Block 4807, Lot 1, in the HC-Highway Commercial Zone. (Continued from April 24, 2018) (Carried from June 12, 2018)
KEVIN & JENNIFER HOGAN – An application to construct a front portico, a rear 2-story addition and a rear covered deck which will result in a side yard setback on the left of 9.16 feet to the first floor and 9.2 feet to the 2nd floor; side yard setback on the right of 8.3 feet to the addition and 8.75 feet to the deck, where 20 feet is required;
combined side yard setback of 15.94 feet, where 16.5 feet is required; coverage by above-grade structures of 23.1%, coverage by above-grade structures within 140 feet of the front lot line of 24.9%, where 20% is permitted for both; coverage by improvements within 140 feet of the front lot line of 46.9%, where 45% is permitted and gross building area of 39%/2,731 square feet where 35%/2,450 square feet is permitted at 82 John Street, Block 3501, Lot 6, in the R-1 Zone. (Carried from May 8, 2018 without further notice)
New Business:
JAMES & GABRIELLA WILDAY – An application to permit the construction of a 2-story addition and a rear covered porch and a 1-story addition to the detached garage which will result in coverage by improvements 43.7%, where 40% is permitted; coverage by improvements within 175 feet of the front lot line of 45.9%, where 40% is permitted; gross building area of 25.5%/5,092 square feet, where 24%/5,000 square feet is permitted; gross building area within 175 feet of the front lot line of 29.1%/5,092 square feet, where 29%/4,620 square feet is permitted and a side yard setback of an accessory structure of .78 feet, where 5 feet is required at 219 Sunset Avenue, Block 1918, Lot 11, in the R-110 Zone.
Resolution memorialization:
Discussion
Adjournment
July 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, from the James Rose Center for Landscape Architectural Research and Design;
This video was originally published in 1986 by James Rose in conjunction with his book The Heavenly Environment. It has been digitally reproduced by The James Rose Center for Landscape Architectural Research and Design. For the first time, this video is now available for public viewing and distribution. It entails shots of several private and largely undiscovered gardens designed by James Rose, as well as shots from his personal residence (now the James Rose Center) in Ridgewood, NJ.
Rose discusses suburban design norms and their inadequacies, alternatives to these norms, and designing gardens based on site characteristics as well as clients’ needs. He covers many topics, such as entrances, paths, swimming pools, screening, zoning, and more.
