COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF
June 17,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
The Ridgewood Police Department is hosting the first “Meet the Chief” at the Daily Treat today, June 17, 10am to 12pm. Anyone who would like to come have a conversation in a relaxed and open setting is welcome. The Chief Jacqueline Luthcke will listen to any comments, compliments, complaints or community concerns in an effort to work together to solve problems.
….the fly would like to remind residents that that the “Reverend” Jan Philips has often been over heard disparaging Mayor Knudsen referring to Paul Aronsohn as the real mayor of Ridgewood . While Arosohn briefly held the title of mayor though his actions it was obvious he was not the mayor or Ridgewood .
The facts support the claim CRAB did target Ridgewood for “disruption”:
CRAB’s own meeting minutes going back to February of 2017 reflect the plan to ask the village to fly the flag in a public space, not over village hall.
CRAB then deviated from that to ask the village to fly the flag at village hall, a request they did not make of Glen Rock.
The village, rightly, raised concerns about flying the flag at village hall.
CRAB’s Jan Phillips, Janice Willet, and their supporters, including Voigt, then used that concern to label the mayor and deputy mayor as intolerant bigots. OPRA requests reveal Voigt ignoring and lying about an email on 5/4 from the mayor about flying the flag at Van Neste.
Facebook posts from Jan Phillips show she and her supporters knowingly took the mayor’s comments about flying the flag at village hall out of context in an effort to smear her. When called out that they had done so, they did not apologize or retract.
While the mayor and deputy mayor are clumsy communicators who have been their own worst enemy more times than not, they have been the target of Aronsohn and his library/garage/high-density crowd on this matter.
I will never forget Jan Phillips at the town meeting when she accused those who were speaking from their hearts against having that Godzilla garage built as GRANDSTANDING. I was one of those people. Not at that particular occasion, but several other town meetings. Residents standing for hours on busy weekday nights, for the opportunity to express themselves about what kind of future they want for the town they love. Our town, Ridgewood,
I attended a few of the civility meetings and felt that she kow towed to former Mayor Aronshon, excessively agreeing with everything he said.
I do not believe , from what I observed, that she is sufficiently objective to be the leader of a the Community Advisory Board, she is not sensitive enough to diverse opinions. In my opinion.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
file photo by Dana Glazer
June 16,2017
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.
June 16,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
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.”
June 16,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Councilmen Jeff Voigt continues to sink his political career , Despite the Councilmen s claims of “bullying” in a recent letter: Bullying behavior by elected officials?https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/06/12/ridgewoodletter-bullying-behavior-elected-officials/389482001/
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.
file photo by Boyd Loving
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.
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.
June 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,a reader challenged us on the recent blog article , “There was much ADO about the Pride Flag in Ridgewood “,https://theridgewoodblog.net/there-was-much-ado-about-the-pride-flag-in-ridgewood/ .
“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 .
June 15,2017
by Boyd Loving
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.
photo by William Thomas
June 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
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.
FORMS:
Application for New/Renewal of Dog License
Rabies Exemption Form
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.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
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.
