Current owners have to pay for remediation – can’t stick the taxpayers with that tab! Why should the village pay for their speculation? Fine them for not keeping it properly maintained in the meantime! It is quite an eyesore.
U.S. News Hospitals Rankings and Ratings
August 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, U.S. News has issued it top hospitals rankings and ratings. The U.S. News Best Hospitals analysis reviews hospitals’ performance in clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. Scores are based on several factors, including survival, patient safety, nurse staffing and more. Hospitals are ranked nationally in specialties from cancer to urology and rated in common procedures and conditions, such as heart bypass surgery, hip and knee replacement and COPD. Hospitals are also ranked regionally within states and major metro areas. The Honor Roll recognizes 20 hospitals with outstanding performance across multiple areas of care.
According to the U.S. News Hospitals Rankings and Ratings Hackensack University Medical Center was the top ranked hospital in New Jersey edging out local Valley Hospital at number 5 , Englewood Hospital and Medical Center number 13 and St. Joseph’s Healthcare System-Paterson also tied for 13.
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, NJ 07601-1914
#1 in New Jersey
Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ is nationally ranked in 3 adult specialties and 1 pediatric specialty.
NATIONALLY RANKED in 3 Specialties & 1 Children’s Specialty
HIGH PERFORMING in 8 Procedures/Conditions
____________________________________________________________________
Morristown Medical Center
Morristown, NJ 07960-6136
#2 in New Jersey
Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties.
NATIONALLY RANKED in 2 Specialties
HIGH PERFORMING in 9 Procedures/Conditions
_____________________________________________________________________
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1928
#3 in New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ is nationally ranked in 1 pediatric specialty.
NATIONALLY RANKED in 1 Children’s Specialty
HIGH PERFORMING in 7 Procedures/Conditions
______________________________________________________________________
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Neptune, NJ 07754-0397
#4 in New Jersey
Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ is not nationally ranked in any specialty.
HIGH PERFORMING in 8 Procedures/Conditions
_____________________________________________________________________
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
Atlantic City, NJ 08401-6713
#5 in New Jersey
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, NJ is not nationally ranked in any specialty.
HIGH PERFORMING in 6 Procedures/Conditions
______________________________________________________________________-
Valley Hospital
Ridgewood, NJ 07450-2726
#5 in New Jersey
Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ is not nationally ranked in any specialty.
HIGH PERFORMING in 7 Procedures/Conditions
_______________________________________________________________________
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
Englewood, NJ 07631-1898
#13 in New Jersey
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood, NJ is not nationally ranked in any specialty.
HIGH PERFORMING in 3 Procedures/Conditions
_______________________________________________________________________________________
St. Joseph’s Healthcare System-Paterson
Paterson, NJ 07503-2691
#13 in New Jersey
St. Joseph’s Healthcare System-Paterson in Paterson, NJ is not nationally ranked in any specialty.
HIGH PERFORMING in 3 Procedures/Conditions
file photo by Boyd Loving
JOHN REITMEYER AND COLLEEN O’DEA | AUGUST 8, 2017
Supreme Court supplies a little heat by deciding fire districts are subject to OPRA, while law lets districts move elections into November, in hopes of boosting voter turnout
Fire districts — special geographical areas that have the power to levy local property taxes to support firefighting services — are coming under increased scrutiny due to new legislation and a state Supreme Court decision. The districts have operated well below the radar in many New Jersey communities, but statewide they spent $240 million from local tax levies last year.
The court issued an opinion Monday that the more than 180 fire districts are an “instrumentality of a political subdivision” and thus subject to the full terms of New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act, which requires public disclosure of basic documents like budgets and payroll.
That opinion was issued the same day Gov. Chris Christie signed into law a bill that will allow fire districts to hold their elections each year in November instead of late February. Up until now that’s when they’ve been required to be held, even though they typically draw very low voter turnout.
August 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, According to Niche.com Ridgewood School District was ranked 15th in the state of New Jersey out of 237 districts.
Niche.com’s does an annual ranking based on test scores, college data ,ratings and information from the U.S. Department of Education.
Niche is a website that helps you discover the schools and neighborhoods that are right for you. We rigorously analyze dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews to produce comprehensive rankings, report cards, and profiles for K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of families use Niche to research public and private K-12 schools.
The Niche 2018 K-12 Rankings are based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users. Because we have the most comprehensive data in the industry, we’re able to provide a more comprehensive suite of rankings across all school types.
Families from every corner of America and every background use Niche to research schools, so our rankings are intended to be useful to a wide range of families and filterable by type and location. Our rankings strive to reflect the entire school experience, including academics, teachers, diversity, student life, and student outcomes. We also believe that each school is so much more than just one ranking number. That’s why we have in-depth profiles on each school and district and also assess them across a number of factors to produce annual graded Report Cards for each school and district. This year, nearly 100,000 schools and districts received a Niche ranking and 2018 Report Card.
Niche gave Ridgewood an overall grade of A+, receiving high marks for college prep, academics and sports.
Ridgewood teachers also scored 13th best in the state and Ridgewood scored a 39th best in places to teach in.
All Ridgewood Schools received an A grade with three schools, Ridgewood High School, Hawes Elementary School and Orchard Elementary School, receiving an outstanding A+.
August 5,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, Movie Night on the Beach at Graydon Pool , Friday, August 11th (raindate 8/12th) . Movies begins at sundown. Admissions begins at 7PM. Tickets – $5 CASH ONLY
Please bring a flashlight, folding chair or a blanket.
Water’s Edge Cafe will be open for special movie treats of: popcorn, candies, ice cream and beverage.
August 7,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Joining the New Orleans Saints 10 days into 2017 training camp, Ridgewood native Patrick Murray will compete with Wil Lutz for kicking duties. The three-year NFL veteran has appeared in 18 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, drilling 21-of-26 field-goal attempts and 34-of-35 PATs.
Murray attended Don Bosco (Ramsey, N.J.) Prep where he was a three-time letterman as a kicker and punter, earning All-State as a senior…Member of state championship teams from 2006-08…Played baseball and wrestled…Uncles, Ciaran and Brendan, and cousin Aeden, are national Gaelic football players in Ireland…Active in community as a member of Buccaneers, purchasing gifts for patients at children’s hospitals and visiting patients during the holiday season…Has also participated in events involving military veterans, service members and their families…Enjoys reading, playing guitar and playing golf in his spare time…Favorite movie is shooter and favorite TV show is Father Ted…Lists Christy Moore, Darius Rucker and The Pogues as his favorite musicians…Patrick Murray was born on June 22, 1991 in Ridgewood, N.J.
In his collage career Muarry appeared in 44 career games at Fordham, converting on 38 of 54 field goal attempts and totaling 7,985 yards on 186 punts…First-team All-American as senior, kicking 25 of 30 field goals and tallying 52 punts for 2,392 yards…Also won the Fred Mitchell Award, given to nation’s best non-FBS kicker…Earned Third-Team All-America honors as a punter during his junior year…Earned first-team all-league accolade as a freshman punter in 2009…Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
August 7,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, Little Nest Portraits in Ridgewood, NJ announced that “American Idol” singer and actress Pia Toscano will make a live appearance at the studio on Friday, August 18 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Pia has toured with J. Lo and recently released the EP “Belong.” At the Little Nest event, Pia shares posing tips she’s learned from years in front of the camera. Everyone will then have a chance to show his/her best side for Little Nest’s professional photographer. Attendees receive a photo compliments of Little Nest to use on social media. This free event is appropriate for all ages, from kids to grandparents.
Pia Toscano said that she’s “really excited to be partnering with Little Nest Portraits for this event! Being in the Entertainment Industry for 10 years I’ve learned plenty of styling secrets and working the camera tricks of the trade. I’m thrilled to be sharing this with the families of Bergen County and what better way to do it than in front of the talented photographers at Little Nest Portraits in Ridgewood! ”
Attendees can show up any time between the hours of 11:00 am and 12:30 pm. Local businesses are scheduled to be on hand with giveaways plus Pia will raffle off a signed copy of her new CD. Cupcakes by Carousel provides complimentary baby cakes and Panico Salon helps primp with camera-ready makeup and hair. The Alkaline Water King will hand out free waters. Little Skye Children’s Boutique has exclusive discounts for our new social media stars.
Little Nest Portraits is a national luxury boutique brand of photography studios specializing in maternity photography, newborn photography, and family portraits. Little Nest’s Ridgewood studio is located at 168 E. Ridgewood Avenue.
MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS OF THE MONTH,
UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE
DATE TYPE OF MEETING LOCATION TIME___
July 18, 2016 Reorganization & Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting
August 1, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
August 15, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
September 5, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
September 19, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
October 3, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
October 17, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
November 7, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
December 5, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
December 19, 2017 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
January 2, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
January 16, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
February 6, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
February 20, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
March 6, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
March 20, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
April 3, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
May 1, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
June 5, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
June 19, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
July 3, 2018 Reorganization & Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting
July 17, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Hall Court Room 7:30 p.m.
All meetings are open to the public, except for closed sessions, which may be held at any time. Regular
meetings may include work sessions, at which no formal action is taken, and/or items involving formal action
of the Board.
Updated on August 6, 2017 at 8:46 AMPosted on August 6, 2017 at 8:45 AM
By South Jersey Times Editorial Board
Please, someone, bottle whatever is in the drinking water in Elmer borough and Pittsgrove Township, and feed it regularly to residents and officials in at least 100 of New Jersey’s smaller towns.
Whatever is in the water of the two Salem County municipalities has given them immunity against a lack of common sense. As of Aug. 1, the Elmer school district is no more, having been integrated into Pittsgrove’s public school district.
This merger of not-quite-equals gives New Jersey one fewer school district, and it was accomplished without all the Sturm und Drang that usually accompanies even whispers about district combinations.
Pittsgrove and Elmer officials who drink the water have, thankfully, refused to drink the Kool-Aid that suggests New Jersey requires every school district and municipal government it now has. Vast quantities of this punch are usually served by teachers’ unions and municipal lobbying groups.
file photo by Boyd Loving
An open letter to Mr. Matt Rogers, the Village attorney:
Dear Mr. Rogers:
I could not attend the Village Council meeting of 2 August on account of my delayed flight back home. Fortunately my plane had WiFi and I was able to stream quite a bit of the meeting.
In response to a question by Councilman Voigt you described some procedure the Village Council was following to short circuit the process to hire Pike to build the garage. As a layman I was unable to follow your answer. Could you possibly tell me what is happening?
More importantly, the Mayor appears to have her mind made up on using Pike and it is damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead. Compared to the previous Village Council which held innumerable public meetings to present various plans to the community, the Mayor in typical fashion is playing her cards close to the chest. The Deputy Mayor and Councilman Hache seem to be in on her plans but I was shocked how uninformed Councilmen Voigt and Walsh are.
Comments by some of the mayor’s supporters in the social media seems to indicate that some in her circle are in the know, but not two of her colleagues.
(Side note to Councilmen Voigt and Walsh: By allowing yourselves to be shut out, you are failing miserably in executing your fiduciary to your constituency.)
Thank you,
Rurik Halaby
Village Attorney Matthew Rogers responds :
On Aug 4, 2017, at 13:42, Matthew Rogers <[email protected]> wrote:
Rurik,
There is nothing nefarious afoot. I’m responding to you, the
Council, present Village staff and your wife. You can always share with
whomever you’d like.
The Local Redevelopment and Housing Law permits municipalities to
consider property(ies) within its borders for redevelopment if the property
meets certain criteria. The Statute was designed to promote the
rehabilitation and/or the reconstruction of properties that have long gone
without attention, particularly in commercial locations or areas. There is a
process prescribed by the Statute that must be followed in order to take
advantage of the statute’s benefits, which allows the municipality to avoid
the public bidding process and negotiate directly with one or any entities
that the municipality wants to consider for the project in mind.
The Council can start the process by requesting the a study be
performed by the Planner to determine if the property, in this case the
Hudson Street parking lot, meets the criteria of the Statute. If it does
and the process is completed, then the Village can negotiate directly with
any contractor it so wishes. As you know, there has already been a
presentation from PIKE at a Council meeting, where it became apparent that
they can both provide a design and build the garage. The thought is that by
utilizing the statute, the Village can avoid the time it takes to bid out
design and then bid out to find a contractor to build the design.
Additionally, it is the hope that by directly negotiating with the a
contractor, the Village can also save money on the cost for several reasons.
It will hopefully work and provide those benefits. If not, then the bidding
process can always be utilized.
This is the process that was used several years ago with
Kensington’s proposal for the development of Walnut Street garage and the
age restricted housing, which although extensively negotiated, the
contractor withdrew.
I hope this answers your question and if not, please let me know.
Matt
Matthew S. Rogers, Esq.
Law Offices of Matthew S. Rogers, L.L.C.
123 Prospect Street
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07451
Phone (201) 857-3700
Fax: (201) 857-3699
The Village would presumably be stuck with 100% of the remediation costs if it decided to obtain the property at a depressed price by formally declaring the area “blighted” and invoking its power of eminent domain. On the other hand, the Village could just make a free market offer with a lowball number that takes into account the anticipated costs of remediation. One wonders, however, if the current owners would be motivated to sell in that circumstance. More likely, they would take such an offer as an invitation to negotiate. In that event the Village would need to have a (closely guarded secret) topmost number in mind and be ready to threaten to walk, and then actually walk away from the deal, Trump-style, if (when) the current owners get too greedy.
file photo by Boyd Loving
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING AUGUST 9, 2017 8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamations
A. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 Statewide Crackdown B. Declare September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month C. Declare September National Preparedness Month 8. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
9. Public Hearing – Maple Park Turf Replacement
10. Village Manager’s Report
11. Village Council Reports
12. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
13. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
3606 – Water Capital Ordinance ($1,600,000) – Purchase of Elks Club Property – Appropriates this money from the Water Utility Capital Fund for the purchase of 111 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ which is the Elks Club property
14. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
17- Award Contract Under National Joint Powers Alliance Program – Backhoe Loader (NTE $135,478) 17- Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F250 Pickup Truck (NTE $32,219.50) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Engineering Services for Evaluation of SUEZ Treatment Changes and Associated Work (NTE $177,300) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Legal Services for Evaluation of SUEZ Treatment Changes and Associated Work (NTE $)
15. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3613 – Establish Bus Stop – Goffle Road
16. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3607 – Blue Collar Union Salary Ordinance 3608 – White Collar Union Salary Ordinance 3609 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Establish Fees for Tree Protection 3610 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – No Stopping on Portion of West Ridgewood Avenue 3611 – Enact Title 39 on All Public School Properties 3612 – Unlawful Enrollment of Students in Ridgewood Public Schools
17. ORDINANCES – FINAL VOTE
3574 – Bond Ordinance – Water Main Replacement at Stream Crossings and at Linwood Avenue and Beechwood Road 3577 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape, Police Department Scheduling Software, and Renovations to Fire Houses 3605 – Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs
18. RESOLUTIONS
17- Title 59 Approval – Initial Cleanup (Phase I) Schedler Property 17- Award Contract – Initial Cleanup (Phase 1) Schedler Property (NTE $99,875) 17- Award Contract Under Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program – 2017 Ford F550 Type 1 Horton Ambulance ($249,348) 17- Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F350 Extended Cab – Parks Department (NTE $44,000) 17- Award Contract Under State Contract – Furniture for Conference Room at Village Hall (NTE $5,000) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Auditing and Accounting Services (NTE $37,640) 17- Award Professional Services Contract – Parking Garage Allocation Study (NTE $8,500) 17- Award Contract – Parking Kiosk(s) 17- Declare 1989 Pierce Fire Engine Surplus Property 17- Declare Police 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Surplus Property 17- Authorize Execution of Lease Extension – Cell Tower at Water Pollution Control Facility 17- Approve Dedication of Bench on Dunham Trail for Andy Antista 17- Establish Special Projects Task Force 17- Direct Village Planner to Conduct a Study for Redevelopment of the Hudson Street Parking Lot 17- Authorize Payment of Settlement for Sewer Backup Claim – 115 Bellair Road
19. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
20. Resolution to go into Closed Session
21. Closed Session
A. Legal – HealthBarn B. Contract Negotiations – Town Garage Property
22. Adjournment
Dizzying phenomenon of the swastika shaped fidget spinner
Antisemitic graffiti targets WZO in Ukraine
BYDANIELLE ZIRI
AUGUST 6, 2017 09:01
Before being used by Hitler’s Nazi regime, swastikas were commonly known as an ancient sign used by Hindus and Buddhists carrying positive associations such as auspiciousness and good fortune.
August 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood, NJ, Long-time friends and business partners Frank and Valerie O’Brien and Keith Hartig are pleased to announce the launch of their new professional painting business, Fresh Coat of Ridgewood.
Fresh Coat offers residential and commercial painting services including interior and exterior painting, wood staining and finishing, and other services for nearly every protective coating application. Their professional painters use quality, environmentally safe materials and the company offers a 24/7 receptionist, online scheduling and detailed quotes. Fresh Coat of Ridgewood serves Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, Paramus, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Wyckoff and the surrounding communities.
“We know from our own experience that it can be a real challenge to find a good painter you can trust. At Fresh Coat, every customer is a priority, and we treat you that way. We aren’t just coming in to put paint on walls – we want to make sure it’s done right, done professionally and done on time,” Keith said.
The idea to start a business started when Frank O’Brien, who has been a police officer for almost 9 years, decided he wanted to start planning his next steps. Frank and Valerie have friends in Texas who own the Fresh Coat franchise in Denton, so they started asking questions.
“It all spiraled from there and we asked Keith, who we’ve been friends with for a long time, if he wanted to come on board. Valerie has an office management background and Keith is experienced in customer service and sales, so it’s really a perfect fit for us to be working together,” Frank said.
For the owners, opening Fresh Coat is all about bringing a new, high quality painting business to their community and giving people a new, better option, whether they’re looking to have one wall painted or a whole house painted.
“Valerie and I – and Keith and his wife – bought houses in Bergen County and we’ve realized how subpar the painting industry was in our area. It was nearly impossible for us to get a call back from a quality painter, let alone a decent quote. At Fresh Coat, we offer a different level of customer service and professionalism. We want to change the industry,” Frank said.
As part of their commitment to customer service, Fresh Coat offers a 3-3-3 customer service pledge, so calls will be answered by a live person within three rings, a quote will be delivered within three days (customer schedule permitting) and the job will be started within three weeks.
Fresh Coat was founded in 2004 as part of Strategic Franchising Systems. Since 2015, Fresh Coat has been included in the Bond’s Top 100 and named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list. Fresh Coat is also part of the International Franchise Association, the Small Business Association’s Franchise Registry, VetFran and Minority Fran. All Fresh Coat employees are trained, dependable, fully insured and background-checked and Fresh Coat of Ridgewood is bonded and insured.
For more information about Fresh Coat of Ridgewood, call (201)383-4466, email [email protected] or visit www.FreshCoatRidgewood.com.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Traffic Alert road closures beginning the week of August 7th.
August 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, PSE&G will begin replacing gas lines on East Ridgewood Ave at Reynen Court and work East towards the Paramus border. This project is expected to take several weeks. East Ridgewood Ave will be closed during the day and detours will be in place.
Gas line construction will also continue on North Monroe Street between West Ridgewood and Woodland Ave. Please follow the detours expect delays in both areas.
