the staff of the Ridgewood blog with a little help from our friends
Ridgewood NJ, a reader wrote us and said ,”I was cleaning up my posts and came across this Facebook thread from last year. It’s amazing that the same people/group that spoon fed and pushed personal agendas are still at it. Our current Mayor and Deputy Mayor remain under attack; false accusations, lies published in the local newspaper, public opinion letters etc.
Why would they still be at it? Answer: We have an election coming up next year. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s positions become available. Exactly two seats are needed for this group to resume block voting and to pick up where they left off. They are also desperately fighting the Council’s effort to review and restructure committees, which were previously formed and by them. Why? Answer: Establishing and enforcing committee Bylaws would greatly restrict pushing personal agendas and members would be appointed to these committees in a fair, term restricted, manner. Imagine the use of checks and balances, which doesn’t exist today. Their biggest threat, is loosing their self appointed positions or that these committees be dismantled. Why? Answer: They would loose their last public platform. Meaning, they would no longer have the same clout, wide reach or public accessibility. Note how every one of their publications lists their titles and positions served. Why? Because an official title or experience gives more weight.
Like Derek Schnure said, “the little guy is now able to counter the misinformation and party politics.” Residents beware and stay informed.
Ridgewood NJ, Community Relations Advisory Board or CRAB looks for a life line in a recent letter to North Jersey Media Group : Community board vital to Ridgewood https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/06/15/letter-community-board-vital-ridgewood/399735001/ CRAB co-chairs Jan Philips (Ridgewood), and Nick McRae (Glen Rock), lay out there case to save the very and controversial political body . CRAB is a group of people looking for a cause.
Seriously? Jan Philips and teamed up with councilmen Jeff Voigt went out of their way to discredit Mayor Knudsen and misrepresent her as a bigoted b%*ch while comparing her to Glen Rock and holding Glen Rock up as the best place ever. And then it turns out that Mayor Knudsen did a fine job of honoring Pride Month. Go Mayor Knudsen. Jeff Voigt, resign, now.
The dispute was never about the Pride Flag. No one on the Village Council is biased against anyone. Jan Philips and Jeff Voigt used false and skewed information to turn it into a free-for-all simply to try and discredit the Mayor.
A reader summed it up best , “This is such an obvious silly ploy of former Mayor Aronsohn and his political motives and morally corrupt Patsys. I don’t know why more people don’t see through this. He made big promises and he didn’t deliver. He literally NEEDS to corrupt this current council and break it all apart to sneak his people back in in order to deliver on the bs promises he made about disabled housing and parking garages.”
The Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock was harassing the hell out the Ridgewood Village Council/Mayor in requesting the pride flag be flown at our Town Hall. Did they do the same from Glen Rock Council/Mayor? What say you Jeff Voigt? Pretty sure this smells of town politics especially when you consider Jeff Voigt is best friends w Hans Lehman who is married to Jan Phillips, Chair of CRAB. Disgusting. They say this isn’t political but it is. CRAB is politicizing this. All roads lead to Aronson-also a member of CRAB.
Reader says ,”Jan Phillips, self-appointed queen of diplomacy who trashes Mayor Knudsen every chance she gets. Paul Aronsohn who trashed so many people during his reign of terror that the list of those who escaped his bile would be shorter. Gwenn Hauck, at least I think that is Gwenn Hauck at the easel – the queen of mean who used to throw verbal barbs at residents and elected colleagues alike during public meetings.”
The fact is the Open Public Records Act Designed to shine a light on the individual agendas of elected officials such as yourself Mr. Voigt. Remember you are a public SERVANT meaning you work for us. OPRA is a simply way for the public to keep an eye on the special interest agenda, back dealing that controls so much of New Jersey politics.
Funny how Voigt refers to “the mayor’s supporters.” All these people supported Voigt and the Mayor did, too. She had his sign in her front yard and campaigned for him. Looks like a boatload of people got fooled by him. What a crummy person he turned out to be. So nasty, paranoid, and not doing a single thing he campaigned to do. He was dead set against the garage, now he pushes for it. he was dead set against the nastiness of Arnonsohn and company, now he personifies it. he was dead set against underhanded dealings, now he is in bed with the press. he was an advocate for the people, now he is vilifying the citizens.
I made the following comments at last night’s Village Council meeting re the Mayor’s plan to turn CRAB (Community Relations Advisory Board) and FAC (Finance Advisory Committee) to ad hoc committees:
I will address three points, Ad Hoc Committees, CRAB and FAC. The Mayor misuses the term Ad Hoc. An Ad Hoc Committee is by definition one that is created to serve a specific function for a limited period of time.
By their sheer function, CRAB and FAC cannot be Ad Hoc Committees. Regarding CRAB, I have lived in the is country since 1958, and I have never seen the country so divided on so many issues. We are polarized along political, religious, social, economic, religious and gender lines.
We need CRAB as we have never needed before, to help bring people together. And for CRAB to work it has to be populated by smart, strong, independently thinking individuals.
Regarding FAC, it is ironic that the reason we have a strong CFO is thanks to FAC and Roberta Sonenfeld. And let’s not forget that under Roberta’s predecessor, 16 tons of change flew out of the Village coffers.
And having a strong and active FAC is not a reflection on Bob Rooney’s capabilities. In fact, he should be the first to insist on a strong, independently minded FAC that will help him manage the financial affairs of the Village. We have a budget of some $50 million and if we were a corporation the CFO would work under the guidance of the Board’s finance committee.
I am tempted to comment on the Mayor’s motives in looking to neuter these two critically important committees but I will desist. Thank you.Rurik Halaby
Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc. P.O. Box 140 Ridgewood, NJ 07451
June 16,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, 2017 Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Launches 50/50 Raffle to Fundraise for its 107th Annual Celebration –
Grand Prize winner will have a chance to win up to $25,000 Ridgewood, NJ – June 14, 2017 – The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee today announced the launch of a 50/50 raffle to help fundraise for its 2017 celebration. The Committee will sell tickets at various community events now through July 3, 2017.
Tickets are $100 dollars each, with a maximum of 600 tickets sold. If the maximum number of tickets is sold, the Grand Prize winner will receive $25,000 dollars. There will also be ten $500 prize winners. Winners will be announced at 8:30PM on July 4th, prior to the fireworks display at Veteran’s Field. Visit www.ridgewoodjuly4th.com or contact 201-602-1922 for information on where to purchase tickets.
“We are grateful to have generous and committed sponsors, but we always look for new, fun ways to encourage the community to help Support the Tradition,” said Leigh Gilsenan, president of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee. “Few people realize this is an all-volunteer, community funded event that receives no direct funding from the village – and costs increase every year.”
The 2017 theme for the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The parade will be held, rain or shine, on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. The day’s full festivities include:
• Flag Raising: 9:00AM Wilsey Square (Ridgewood train station parking lot) Short program followed by traditional flag raising: Although the parade and firework portions of the day have on occasion been cancelled, the flag raising has occurred without interruption since the start of the committee in 1910. • Parade: Beings at 10:00AM (rain or shine) Parade runs along Godwin Ave and onto Ridgewood Ave through downtown, turning right on Maple Ave past the grand stand at Village Hall and ends at Leuning Park Follow the line of chairs set up by residents securing their spot. Don’t miss the competitive elementary school float competition and the Grand Marshal for this year, Bob Paoli, American Legion Post 53 Commander.
• Evening Entertainment and Fireworks: Gates open at 6:00PM Veterans Field (on the corner of Maple Ave and Linwood) The field is the ideal place to see the fireworks, which have been named the best in Bergen County by 201 Magazine for 11 years running. Bands and food/beverage vendors keep you entertained until dusk. Tickets are sold in advance at various local stores for $10, tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 6-12 at the gate. Children five years and under are admitted for free. NEW this year –tickets available for sale online. Check the website for more details, rules and regulations.
About the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit community group. All aspects of this annual celebration including fireworks, bands, evening performers, insurance, police and fire personnel are funded by voluntary contributions from local businesses and individuals. The Committee continues to require the generous donations from the community to keep the tradition alive. The Ridgewood tradition began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic section of the Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism.
“I’m happy Ridgewood chose to fly the flag, but the basis of your article was not about the flag or why it is so important to so many, and how it might be a teaching opportunity about equality, fairness and just ‘not being an asshole’ tearing down another to raise yourself up. The point of your article appears to be that Ridgewood is great and Glen Rock is not. Kind of an asshole article, tearing down one town that has no dog in the Ridgewood debate, to attempt to elevate Ridgewood.”
Unfortunately there were a lot of ugly politics at play. The pride flag was being used as an attempt to undermine the Village of Ridgewood’s Mayor Susan Knudsen and several sitting council members. A group looking to put the previous council back in place used the pride flag to pressure the Ridgewood Village council by saying, look how great Glen Rock is ,they are wonderful and you are just a bunch of ignorant bigots .
The net result is many in Ridgewood felt they were being disparaged and it led to back lash which you see in that article . It is really not aimed at Glen Rock but at Alfred Doublin of the Bergen Record , Village Councilmen Jeff Voigt and members of CRAB , Jan Phillips as well as the former Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn . The unfortunate side effect or unintended consequence is an attack on Glen Rock and for that the Ridgewood blog would like to offer an apology to the Borough of Glen Rock and the Residents of Glen Rock. We did not in anyway mean to impune our neighbors ,who where simply caught in local Village political crossfire. Do not blame the Village , as editor and staff we should have made this far clearer in the article .
Ridgewood NJ, An ordinance regulating tree removals on private property was unanimously passed by Village Council members on 6/14. A permit will now be required to remove any tree larger than 8 inches in diameter. Any healthy tree removed must be replaced, or a payment made in lieu of replacement. Key provisions of the new ordinance are outlined below.
Chapter 260, Section 260-4, Cutting or Removal of a Tree No person, property owner, hired firm, or other entity shall cause to be cut or removed any existing tree, with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 8- inches, upon any lands within the Village of Ridgewood, without a permit. Any such cutting or removal of a tree or trees, with a DBH greater than 8-inches, shall only be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Exemptions to these requirements are set forth in Chapter 260-8.
Chapter 260, Section 260-7, “Permit Requirements for Tree Removal” Any Qualified Tree desired to be removed, with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of greater than 8-inches, in the Village of Ridgewood, shall require a permit issued by the Division of Engineering of the Department of Public Works, unless said tree meets the criteria for exemption from permit requirements in Chapter 260-8. No tree over 8-inches DBH shall be cut or otherwise removed from any lands in the Village without a tree removal permit, with the exception of those meeting the conditions of the exemptions as set forth in Chapter 260, Section 4 and 7. All such trees shall be referred to as Qualified Trees. All applications to the Village of Ridgewood Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Building Department, or Engineering Division that require, as part of the proposed work, the removal of any Qualified Trees, as defined in this Chapter, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, shall submit an application for a tree removal and protection permit. All applications for a tree removal and protection permits, whether in conjunction with a major or minor subdivision application, major or minor site plan application, or other development of property improvement action, shall be made to the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works for review and subsequent action. The Engineering Division shall coordinate all applications with the appropriate land use board, the Village’s Shade Commission, and the Village Arborist.
Chapter 260, Section 260-8, “Exemptions from Permit Requirements” The following tree conditions shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter. If a tree is deemed exempt, its removal shall not require a replacement tree. B. Removal of any tree or trees which are dead, dying, or obviously diseased, as determined by a Qualified Tree Expert for those on private property or the Village’s Arborist if the tree is within the public right-of-way of any street or road, or public property, in the Village. Trees that have suffered damage, trees whose growth has been compromised, or are a danger or hazard to structures and human life as confirmed by a Qualified Tree Expert or the Village Arborist shall be permitted to be removed without the need to obtain a permit. A replacement tree shall not be required for such trees under the provisions of this Chapter.
Ridgewood NJ, Dog licenses are renewed during the month of June. One and three year licenses are available starting June 1st with a valid rabies certificate.
For 1 year licenses: Rabies Certificate that expires no earlier than May 1st of the following year.
For 3 year licenses: Rabies Certificate that expires no earlier than May 1st of the third year. (Example: a 3 year license purchased in June of 2012 will need a rabies certificate valid through May 1, 2015)
Beginning in the 2013 licensing year, renewal reminders will be sent via email. An application will be available on the website or in person at the health department. Renewal applications will be mailed upon request by calling 201 670-5500 ext 503. A Late Fee of $20.00 per dog will be assessed after June 30th.
It is the dog owner’s responsibility to renew the dog license when it expires. It is also the dog owner’s responsibility to maintain their pet with a valid rabies vaccination. The health department sends out reminders as a courtesy and to inform residents of our free rabies clinic.
Ridgewood NJ, Ellie Gruber thanked the current council for finally stepping up on the Schedler Property after years of neglect by previous Village councils. Gruber silenced critics on the Historic Preservation Grant Application and Restoration of Zabriskie-Schedler House as well as Schedler Park Property by pointing out that past neglect has only increased the cost to the current renovations and that costs are expected around the $400 thousand mark , the historical grant will pay for 1/2 of all the repairs .
Many residents from the east side spoke on the value of preserving local history and creating a community center . The Zabriskie Schedler House (circa 1825) is one of the last wood framed house from that time period . Preservation will further enhance the Village’s cultural assets.
On August 2012 ,three Bergen County Freeholders came to see the Zabriskie-Schedler house . Freeholders Mitchell, DeNicola and Hermanson wanted to learn about the history of the house and property and offered to help us save the house.
In October of 2012 “Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh favored preserving the house on the property and said the proposal needs to incorporate more than walking paths to cover the passive recreation component. Mayor Paul Aronsohn looked to Habernickel Park and said the process to complete that park should be used as a model.”
At the time as a result of these meetings held on the Schedler property, the Open Space Committee made a presentation to the Mayor & Council that will set the stage for the future design of one of the last open spaces in the Village.
Many who attended the three meetings and voiced their opinions. Some of you talked about safety, the importance of “true” open spaces, balance between sports facilities and park-like settings. Most importantly, nobody spoke against the demolition of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, the 1820’s Dutch wood frame farm house that greets all of us who exit Route 17 and enter West Saddle River Road. The demolition of this home should be prevented because it is one of the last remaining wood structures connected to our past.
At the time a group was interested in using the house. Such group, the Bergen Museum of Art & Science is proposing to house some of its antique collections in the Zabriskie-Schedler House.
However the council majority at the time took a different direction focusing on the clear cutting the park and building a 90 foot baseball diamond , but a new broom sweeps clean and at the RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING AND PUBLIC WORKSHOP SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING. MAY 24, 2017
17-56 Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Historic Architectural Consultant – Zabriskie-Schedler House Stabilization Project (Phase I)(NTE $50,000) –
This resolution authorizes the hiring of Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects to document the current conditions of the site, restore and stabilize roof, prepare and present nomination to New Jersey and National Register Nomination, and provide assistance for preparation of 2017 Bergen County HPTF Application.
Ridgewood NJ, the Village Council recognized the Ridgewood Art Ambassadors, Audrey Fink and Rosey Mccoe.
3rd grader Emilia Kelly and Madison Lenard a graduating senior was recognized ,for her work with the augmented reality virtual gallery.
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Arts Council
The mission of the Ridgewood Arts Council is to promote and support the vital part all arts play in enriching our lives, and the lives of our children and community.The Emerging Artist Gallery is still up along Ridgewood Ave. There are 51 pieces of art. Download the Wallame App and discover our virtual gallery.
Let us call out the rainbow flag wavers for what they are – racists.
No I am not kidding. And this is not a conservative accusation. PROGRESSIVES are calling the rainbow flag racist because it excludes minority LGBTs.
Philly has now added a brown and a black stripe to make the flag inclusive (see link below).
So let us call out those flying a rainbow flag sans black and brown stripes in a white town like Ridgewood for what they are – racists.
I sense a huge opportunity for 4 members of the council to seize the initiative, call out the flag bearers for their bigotry and install an inclusive version of the flag.
This entire debate is silly. I agree with previous posts that this Road has been in use for several decades with minimal issues. Traffic on this road is mostly local, and the hill is obviously used by those who are comfortable with it. Folks who get nervous about traversing lanes of normal width ought not to — and as a matter of practice don’t — use the hill. As far as I can tell, the “safety” issues all arise out a few anomalies where drivers of large trucks/buses have managed to get up/down the road without noticing the traffic signs. As with many other roads in the village, this is simply a matter of poor — or entirely missing — signage. Simply install PROPER and VISIBLE signs (“LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY”, “NO BUSES”, “NO TRUCKS”) and this will be quickly resolved. Turning the road into a one-way street is intellectually lazy and doesn’t address any of the true underlying concerns.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood high school is flying the LGBTQ community’s gay pride flag for the month of June, raising it in a short ceremony to signify and spread a message of acceptance for all.
Tyler Clementi , a gay student at Rutgers who came to a tragic demise was an alumnus of Ridgewood High School.
The rainbow or Pride flag will fly above Ridgewood High School for the rest of June . June is LGBTQ Pride Month. Students, teachers and residents were on hand to witness the flag raising ceremony June 1.
The staff went by Ridgewood High School on Wednesday and unfortunately it was no where to be found.
According to several sources Ridgewood High School is the first high school in Bergen County to display the flag.
Ridgewood NJ, Please consider supporting the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Each year the parade and fireworks are organized and put on by a Private Non-profit, All-volunteer group. It relies entirely on the generous donations of individuals and businesses. The Fourth of July in Ridgewood is going on its 107th year, please consider making a donation to continue this tradition! Without your help, this event would not be possible!
Please join us for the 107th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee 2017 is “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The 2017 theme recognizes and honors the many men and women who dedicate their work and life to others through military, police, fire, ems or civil service.
Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration Committee chooses a theme that celebrates a certain aspect of American history or culture. The theme also serves as the basis for the float competition held among the town’s elementary schools.
Thank you for your continued support of this great tradition!
Matt Rogers blew it when advising the Village Council regarding the grave legal implications of approving third party displays on municipal property based on the content of the message that third party is trying to convey. More specifically, the Village Council deliberately voted to approve the display of the six-color flag/banner on municipal property because the five voting councilmembers personally supported so-called “gay pride” or “gay rights.”
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Acccording to black letter federal Constitutional law, this is a huge no-no. (For a concept to be considered black letter U.S. Constitutional law, the related issues will typically have been long since been resolved by one or more precedential decisions by the federal Supreme Court such that they are no longer seriously being questioned by the legal community.) This remains true, despite the recent overwhelming onslaught on our secular and religious institutions, led by former president Obama, intended to promote sodomy as a valid lifestyle choice, and, in true Alinskyite fashion, condemn detractors, however well-meaning, to cruel social isolation.
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Village Attorney Matt Rogers had plenty of time to consider the relevant issues, and was paid plenty of money to support the legal work that might be necessary to formally convey to the Village Council the foolishness of imagining that it is free to consider the merits of the social or political message being conveyed in the process of deciding whether or not to allow a proposed third party display to be erected on municipal property. It is not now, nor has it ever been free to do so, and for his part, Mr. Rogers should know this fact like the back of his hand.
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In light of the above-described professional failure, and others in the past, such as the proposed (unconstitutional) law intended to ban signs bearing political messages on signs erected on the property of fee simple residences outside of election seasons, the Village Council at its meeting tonight should quietly decline to appoint Matt Rogers to another year as the Ridgewood’s Municipal Attorney.
