Ridgewood NJ, we read daily that drugs and alcohol have become a pervasive problem in New Jersey’s cities and suburban areas.
In a recently released New Jersey Department of Education list of substance abuse cases reported by each school district every year, the Ridgewood School district came in 137th in 2015-16 with an increase of 6 cases over last period 2014-15.
The state Department of Education cautioned that while districts are required by law to report them these numbers are reported by each district, so each district is responsible for reporting its results fairly and accurately.
Ridgewood Nj, according to Kiplinger’s exclusive 2016 analysis of state taxes 10 states impose the highest taxes on retirees. Three of them treat Social Security benefits just like Uncle Sam does—taxing as much as 85% of your benefits. Exemptions for other types of retirement income are limited or nonexistent. Property taxes are on the high side, too. And if that weren’t bad enough, some of these states are facing significant financial problems that could force them to raise taxes, cut services, or both.
New Jersey placed 8 on the list Tax-UnFriendly States for Retirees 2016
State Income Tax: 1.4% (on as much as $20,000 of taxable income) – 8.97% (on taxable income greater than $500,000)
Average State and Local Sales Tax: 6.97%
Estate Tax/Inheritance Tax: Yes/Yes
The Garden State’s tax policies create a thicket of thorns for some retirees.
Its property taxes are the highest in the U.S. The median property tax on the state’s median home value of $313,200 is $7,452.
While Social Security benefits, military pensions and some retirement income is excluded from state taxes, your other retirement income could be taxed as high as 8.97%. And New Jersey allows localities to impose their own income tax; the average local levy is 0.5%, according to the Tax Foundation.
Residents 62 or older may exclude as much as $15,000 ($20,000 if married filing jointly) of retirement income, including pensions, annuities and IRA withdrawals, if their gross income is $100,000 or less. Those amounts will gradually rise so that by 2020 joint filers can exclude up to $100,000; single filers, up to $75,000; and married filing separately, up to $50,000.
New Jersey is one of only a couple of states that impose an inheritance and an estate tax. (An estate tax is levied before the estate is distributed; an inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiaries.) In general, close relatives are excluded from the inheritance tax; others face tax rates ranging from 11% to 16% on inheritances of $500 or more. Estates valued at more than $675,000 are subject to estate taxes of up to 16%. Assets that go to a spouse or civil union partner are exempt. The threshold will rise to $2 million on Jan. 1, 2017 and the estate tax will disappear completely in 2018.
To make matters worse George Mason University’s Mercatus Center ranks New Jersey 48th in its analysis of states’ fiscal health.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH – EAST SIDE SANITATION COLLECTION
Ridgewood NJ, Wednesday, February 15th – Residents of the East Side are required to bring their sanitation to the end of their driveways (near the curb but not in the street) for collection due to the snow and ice conditions. This is for the safety of our sanitation workers. If you are a senior citizen or need assistance, please call the Sanitation Office at 201/670-5585 and they will respond.
Recycling Collection will be Area 6 – as is printed in the calendar.
Ridgewood NJ, BFMS Orchestra Director Ms. Carol Sharar reports that six BF string players have won placement into the prestigious Region I Intermediate Orchestra for 2017. They are: Catherine Park (8th grade Violin) ; William Stewart (8th grade Bass); Ashley Kim (7th grade Violin); Isabella Harelick (7th grade Violin); Ludia Kim (7th grade Viola) and Karis Han (7th grade Viola).
By Adam Clark and Erin Petenko | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 13, 2017 at 5:26 PM, updated February 13, 2017 at 11:18 PM
TRENTON — New Jersey schools reported fewer bullying incidents for the fourth straight year in 2015-16, but violence in schools climbed to a five-year high, according to new state data.
The state Department of Education on Monday released its annual look at incidents in schools involving bullying, violence, vandalism, weapons and substances, which includes drugs and alcohol, a comprehensive report based on data submitted by school districts.
Confirmed incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying dropped to 5,995 in 2015-16, down from 6,214 in 2014-15, continuing a decline that’s happened every year since New Jersey implemented a strict new anti-bullying law in 2011.
New Jersey lawmakers took a first step toward blocking the state Department of Education from requiring high-school students to pass the PARCC test in order to earn a diploma.
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers is currently among an array of graduation requirements, but qualifying scores on alternative exams such as the SAT or ACT are being phased out. Starting with the Class of 2021 — currently in the eighth grade — students will have to pass the PARCC’s Algebra 1 and 10th-grade English tests.
Only about half of students are doing that so far in the PARCC’s first two years of use.
“I do not believe it was ever the intent of this Legislature to make PARCC a graduation requirement,” said Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, D-Essex.
“Most states have stopped using it altogether. The decision of state Board of Ed to make PARCC a graduation requirement was, in my view, designed to thwart the opt-out movement,” Jasey said.
Read More: Putting PARCC in reverse, NJ lawmakers look to block graduation requirement | https://nj1015.com/putting-parcc-in-reverse-nj-lawmakers-look-to-block-graduation-requirement/?trackback=tsmclip
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Ski Team competed in the Ridgewood Alpine Ski Team against Ridge, Morristown-Beard, Highpoint, West Milford, Jefferson, Newton and DePaul. The girls’ team finished in first place: Individual results (top 10): Meg Devir (1st), Kaitlin Devir (2nd), Jane McKinley (4th), Vanessa D’Angelo (8th) and Sarah Pilson (9th). Girls are now 17-3 and have qualified for States. Boys’ team finished in 2nd place: Individual results (top 10): Sloan Ruhl (2nd) and PJ McKenna (5th). Congratulations to all the skiers.
Ridgewood NJ, the RHS Jamboree 2017 has wrapped up and in a statement released the 2017 Jamboree producers;
“A Big THANK YOU to everyone who supported the 2017 RHS Jamboree “World Tour”. Through Ads, donations, tickets and sales a whopping $141,500.00 was raised for the Jamboree Scholarship Fund for scholarships for the Class of 2017. This is an incredible achievement and one that could not have been accomplished without YOUR continued support.”
Mayor Susan Knudsen came up on stage to read the Proclamation!!!
THANK YOU !!!
Finally we wish to thank our amazing 2017 RHS Jamboree producers, Linda Aktar, Gail McCarthy, Vivienne & Mike Muldoon who’s continued believe in us took Jamboree to new heights, thank you guys !!! But as per tradition the Jamboree baton must be passed on and it’s our pleasure to welcome and congratulate our 2018 RHS Jamboree Producers Meghan Bracken, Tony Cambria, Carrie Johnson & James Sharo.
The truth will out. Teachers’ unions are 100 percent motivated to advance the interests of their tenutred members. When push comes to shove, the unions ALWAYS reveal their contempt for public school students. New laws are needed to stop this nonsense in its tracks. Teachers’ unions, bulletproof tenure, and foolish “last in first out” teacher hiring/firing rules HAVE TO GO. Take what the municipality chooses to give you or quit.
Ridgewood NJ, Capitalizing on its booming success, NJ TRANSIT showed off its updated, redesigned look for the mobile app during its monthly Board of Director’s meeting today. The new interface will bring additional features and functionality to the home page and all bus customers will be able to use the app to purchase one-way, round-trip and discounted 10-trip tickets.
“NJ TRANSIT continues to upgrade our technology in an effort to improve the features on the app, allowing for a more convenient process for our customers,’’ said
NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “A clean, functional interface is critical for our mobile app users and this redesigned look provides for one tap access to each of the most popular features. We are proud to be an industry leader in mobile ticketing and we will continue to look for ways to put the latest technology in the hands of our customers.’’
Visually, the crisp look features a new home screen with a tile layout, for easier viewing of the options, larger buttons, and clearer colors. Tiles provide access to tickets, train schedules, DepartureVision and MyBus right from the home screen. A Quick Buy tile provides for one-tap purchases of favorite tickets. DepartureVision and MyBus will display and auto refresh right on the home screen.
NJ TRANSIT bus customers can now purchase monthly passes, discounted 10-trips, roundtrip and one-way tickets for both interstate and intrastate travel.
The NJ TRANSIT mobile app’s popularity has grown steadily since its introduction in 2013 as the MyTix program, and now has more than 1.2 million customer accounts.
While the upgrades won’t be in operation just yet, the current version of the NJ TRANSIT MyTix mobile app is now available for free download on any web-enabled iOS or Android device and will soon also accept Apple Pay and Android Pay. To purchase tickets, customers simply install the app and create an account, which will securely save a customer’s profile information and purchase history.
Agree whole-heartedly with Ms. Aktar’s observation. Like many local residents I have negotiated that hill in both directions having lived in Ridgewood since 1950 and having had a driver’s license since 1959. It has been only in recent years that I have observed on too many occasions trucks attempting the ascent and creating a hazard by blocking the tracks and/or the passage of other vehicles. Some commercial vehicles, particularly landscape contracting vehicles with trailers, manage it but not without risk.
It’s a fair assumption that the widespread use of GPS devices are indeed the source of the problem, particularly in the case of those drivers unfamiliar with the area who get the impression that there is a more direct route to their destination. One would think that the NJDOT would have a more imaginative solution to the problem than those suggested. More emphatic signage on the Ho-Ho-Kus side of the tracks demonstrating the steep and tortuous nature of the roadway would be a start. Even a low clearance sign – albeit fictional – or even a height barrier at the foot of the hill would suffice to discourage truck traffic of a size unable to start up the hill.
Ridgewood NJ, It is being reported that during swimming lessons weeknights from 6:30 to 8:30 a,t the Ridgewood Y kids were told to urinate in the pool and not get out of the water. This is disgusting and uncalled for. Frankly, if you don’t want to instruct, and not get off your phones also, than find s new job! Are these people getting paid for this! It has happened several time. Who’s in charge!
Ridgewood NJ, Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, opened in Ridgewood on February 8. Franchise owners Bradford Fritts and Steve Korman held a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wednesday, February 8 to Sunday, February 12 to support the bell tower at Ridgewood High School.
The new restaurant, located at 305 E Ridgewood Ave, circulated 5,000 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $2 donation to the bell tower at Ridgewood High School.
“I look forward to bringing the authentic Jersey Mike’s sub sandwiches to the Ridgewood community, a town I know well” said Fritts. “During our grand opening fundraiser, we will be partnering with Ridgewood High School which not only provides an excellent education to the local youth but is the heart and soul of this town. We are as excited as local residents to finally open our doors and look forward to seeing you all there.”
Fritts and Korman are exemplary Jersey Mike’s franchise owners who share the company’s commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service, and who are dedicated to giving back to the local community. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised nearly $18 million for worthy local charities and have distributed more than 1.5 million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes. In 2016, the company’s 6th Annual Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving in March raised more than $4 million for 180 charities throughout the country.
About Jersey Mike’s
Started in 1956, Jersey Mike’s now has 1,500 restaurants open and under development nationwide. In 2016, for the third year in a row, the company was named the #1 fastest growing chain in the Nation’s Restaurant News Top 100, and continues to win best sub awards in virtually every market it enters.
The growth is fueled by passionate Jersey Mike’s fans who crave their subs made Mike’s Way® with the freshest vegetables – onions, lettuce and tomatoes – topped off with an exquisite zing of “the juice” – red wine vinegar and olive oil blended to perfection. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot, piled high on in-store baked bread and served up with a helping of neighborly banter from a dedicated and high-energy team.
The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. You can contact this location directly at 201-857-5377.
Ridgewood Nj, seems the attempts by the council to reconfigure parking have been met with new calls for “Garagezilla” .
In a recent NJ.com article on struggling downtowns Englewood was mentioned for having over 2000 parking spaces available, including a 345 space garage, many new, upscale downtown housing developments, and still stores are closing. The fact is the retail landscape has changed and it has nothing to do with the lack of parking or limited foot traffic/customer availability.
While in Ridgewood many allies of the former mayor Paul Aronsohn are using any attempt at incrementally adjusting parking allocations to promote a massive parking garage. Aronsohns supporters in the Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee or FAC continue to use the eerily familiar tactics they used on Mayor Killion and Village Manager Ken Gabbert , blaming all cost increases on the new Village Council.
Remember the Financial Advisory Committee was created by the mayor Aronsohn solely as a breeding ground for future council members willing to live in his shadow. The fact remains that in order for the Financial Advisory Committee to be an effective part of the Village governance the following criteria must be met:
Publish clear and realistic by-laws Post agenda’s of all meetings Post minutes of all meetings promptly All members must sign Financial disclosure forms All members must sign NDA’s or non-disclosure forms
These are professional standards that are used and commonly accepted everywhere in the world. If they are not met in Ridgewood the committee must be closed done otherwise the Village will continue to leave itself open to lawsuits.
There has been a noticeable increase repeat critical comments on the Ridgewood blog mirroring the same lines over and over. The same lines once used against Mayor Killion and Kenn Gabbert are now used against the current mayor and Village council.
“My friend went to park at one of the lots that require an app and was unable to download so couldn’t use the lot. She said the lot was mostly empty and also that there was a fee to use the app. I think the VC made these parking rules so complicated now people are just staying away. I’m not aware that merchants supported this plan. I think the new VC came in with ideas of how to “fix” parking and this is the result. I’m sure merchants would rather have seen a parking garage. Good luck. I stay out of downtown altogether now.”
To bad this poster forgot to mention the “parking app ” was the brainchild of the Aronsohn administration and Former village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld.
“The poster does have a decent point about commuters getting screwed by the vocal, anti-development, municipal-election voting majority in Ridgewood who control the Council agenda. Commuters are too busy to care much despite the fact the Council screws them at every turn, i.e. $250 annual increase to $1000 for a commuter parking space which was moved further away from Ridgewood station after the pass was paid for last Dec. Thanks VoR!”
While complaints about the overpriced commuter parking seem valid blaming the current council for the insane property taxes is a recurrent theme,“So go on blaming Aronsohn for the continued inability of this Council to come up with a viable solution for the commuters who pay the bulk of property taxes in Ridgewood. As 12:43 noted, if Ridgewood is no longer attractive to commuters as a place to raise their families (due to high property taxes versus declining schools despite a $100mn annual BOE budget, etc) then property values fall. As potential revenue sources like Valley leave, those who remain will have to just pay more to cover for the excessively expensive contracts the Village and BOE have agreed to with the public sector unions we contract with. Commuters and taxpayers getting screwed, a declining CBD, and a school system that no longer ranks highly in the nation are all facts”
Again,not sure what the Village Council has to do with the Ridgewood Board of Education, and all the residents voting for constant tax increases ie full day kindergarten and turf fields?
Other comments ecco the same shots taken against Killion ,“What proposals does the new Counxil have James? Rebuild Schedler (no conflicts of interest there, right?). Raise taxes to pay the police even more (again no conflicts, wink, wink)? Are we still studying traffic flow? Where’s the Valley PILOT? What’s the plan to renew the CBD? Commuter parking? How do we replace the potential tax revenues from Valley? Do we need such big, expensive police & fire depts if Valley is leaving in 3 years? Even you know the Village is in decline James, while Summit, Tenafly, Scarsdale and Greenwich all see the increase in their property values outpace ours. Why is that?”
This comment is so full of misinformation it ended up in our spam folder.
It all gets summed over and over by the following comments , The poster does have a decent point about commuters getting screwed by the vocal, anti-development, municipal-election voting majority in Ridgewood who control the Council agenda. Commuters are too busy to care much despite the fact the Council screws them at every turn, i.e. $250 annual increase to $1000 for a commuter parking space which was moved further away from Ridgewood station after the pass was paid for last Dec. Thanks VoR!
Anotherwords if we built the garagezilla and massive high-density housing all problems would be solved …. right that’s the ticket oy vey.
Hackensack NJ, Ridgewood teachers joined the “Bergen County Unity March and Rally” on Sunday, February 12th, at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack . It was promoted by the NJEA , REA and its bought and paid for Democrat allies and claimed,”as we come together to celebrate and reaffirm our American values of freedom, diversity, and inclusively, and to push back against hateful, divisive rhetoric. With one voice, we will send a clear message to those around the country who seek to drive us apart: We will not be divided, and we will not be silenced.”
Very high-minded words but in reality, the rally was another attempt by teachers unions to suppress school choice and charter schools. There is nothing high-minded about repressing a child’s education and forcing kids into failed schools.
The rally commenced in the snow at 2:00 PM at the municipal parking lot near Foschini Park before marching to the Courthouse where we will hold our rally.
Anti-Choice Sponsor Organizations were:
Communication Workers of America
Bergen County Education Association
Bergen County NAACP
Bergen County LGBTQ Advisory Committee
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack
Central Unitarian Church, Paramus
The Latino Coalition
Women for Progress
WEDO of Bergen County
Democratic Women of Bergen County
Bergen County Brady Campaign Chapter
Women Lawyers of Bergen County
Garden State Equality
Smile for Charity
Northern NJ Chapter, NOW
Latino American Democratic Association
Council of the Unitarian Society, Ridgewood
Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE)
Indivisible NJ 5th
Darulislah Mosque, Teaneck
Young Democrats of Bergen County.
