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Reader says Here’s some other “simple economics” of the Parking Garage

parking+meters_the+ridgewood+blog

Here’s some other “simple economics”
Parking deck can’t possibly pay for itself.
Will require subsidy from taxpayers for years and years.
Meter rates will rise and infuriate shoppers and store owners.
Meter times will expand and infuriate shoppers and store owners.
None of that seems to matter. The garage is going to be built.
If there are empty spots in the deck, which will almost certainly be the case, they should be rented to commuters for the highest amount the market will bear. Then if parking in the deck becomes a problem, cut back on the out-of-towners permits.
Until then, out-of-towners permits will mitigate the pending financial disaster..

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Regular Public Meeting of the Ridgewood Board of Education will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018

Ridgewood_BOE_theridgewoodblog

March 4,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The next Regular Public Meeting of the Ridgewood Board of Education will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be aired live on television, FiOS channel 33 and Optimum channel 77, and streamed via the “Link in Live” tab on the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us. Meeting webcasts are generally posted to the district website within 48 hours.

Calendar update: Due to the snow day used on January 4, Ridgewood Public Schools will be open on Friday, May 25.

March 5 2018 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location Board Room, 3rd Floor, Education Center

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the Ridgewood blog providing a forum for anonymous free speech

alexander_hamilton

March 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, from time to time over the years the Ridgewood blog has been criticized for providing a forum for anonymous free speech. Over the years some of the criticism has admittedly been valid ,but most of the time its part of a which hunt looking to punish and take out the poster .

The experience and fate of the Ridgewood “Math Moms “, having their children attacked and being almost driven from their homes , is one of the more egregious examples in semi recent Ridgewood history . While maligned in Ridgewood , the so called “Math Moms: who where not good enough to discuss education policy in the Village , but were invited to meet the President of the United States in the White House to discuss domestic education policy .

In recent history this blog has documented time and time again peoples businesses being targeted or bulled by coward and low life politicians who think that bullying the public is a legitimate political option .

Fact is “anonymous free speech” protects many who challenge the orthodox view in town , and lends airs to ideas that would otherwise often be suppressed because the person who mentions them is not considered “important enough” by the powers that be.

But more importantly Anonymous speech was a frequent feature of Founding father Alexander Hamilton’s life , and of the very founding America it self. Arguably the single most influential piece leading to American independence was signed simply “Common Sense,” Thomas Paine’s pen name. Just over a decade later, Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay co-wrote the Federalist Papers as “Publius.”…

Anonymous free speech was also used heavily in the deep south during the civil rights struggles and was integral in keeping supporters of civil rights from being lynched .

The bottom line is that it is highly probable that the United States would not even exist without anonymous speech. Sadly, we have forgotten this lesson somewhere in the intervening years. Today, anonymous speech is too often demonized, derided as “dark,” or otherwise dismissed for its lack of “transparency.” (https://www.ouramericannetwork.org/story?title=What-Hamilton-Teaches-Us-About-The-Importance-Of-Anonymous-Speech )

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Ridgewood Police, Fire Department, and EMS Rush to Save Women Trapped Under a Fallen Tree in Ridgewood

Ridgewood Police, Fire Department, and EMS Rush to Save Women Trapped Under a Fallen Tree in Ridgewood Ridgewood

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

March 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Fire Department, and EMS personnel rushed to aid an adult female who was entrapped under a large fallen tree at the intersection of Heights Road and Woodland Avenue on Saturday morning, 03/03. The women was out walking her dog when the huge tree fell on her.

Heavy rescue equipment and hand tools were used by several Ridgewood firefighters who worked feverishly to free the severely injured woman. Once removed, the victim was transported by ambulance to Hackensack University Center’s main campus. A paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted Ridgewood EMTs.

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Former New York Yankees Pitcher, Bob Tewksbury, will sign his new book: Ninety Percent Mental at Bookends in Ridgewood

ob Tewksbury, will sign his new book: Ninety Percent Mental

March 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Former New York Yankees Pitcher, Bob Tewksbury, will sign his new book: Ninety Percent Mental , at Bookends in Ridgewood Monday, April 9 at 7 PM – 8 PM
Books available: March 20th at Bookends in Ridgewood .

Tewksbury was drafted by them out of Saint Leo University in the 19th round of the 1981 Major League Baseball draft. He played for the Yankees for two years, before being sent to the Chicago Cubs. As a free agent in 1988, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he would stay until 1994. Again a free agent, he went to the Texas Rangers for a year. In 1996, he signed with the San Diego Padres for one more year. In December 1996, he signed with the Minnesota Twins and played for two years with the team,[3] but shoulder problems effectively ended his baseball career after that.

Due to the shoulder and arm problems he faced over the course of his playing career, Tewksbury became known as an excellent control pitcher. His best year was 1992, in which he went 16-5 on the season and had a 2.16 ERA in 233 innings pitched. He appeared in the All-Star game[5] and was third in the Cy Young Award voting that year.[6] His injury problems marred his success from that point forward, with his best post-Cardinals year being in San Diego, where he helped the Padres capture the NL West division title.

In 1992 Tewksbury walked only 20 batters in 233 innings, the best ratio in the major leagues in over half a century. The next season Tewksbury came very close to ending the season with more wins than bases on balls allowed, an elusive feat only accomplished 4 times by 3 different starting pitchers in MLB history. He had 17 wins with only 18 walks allowed late in the season but gave up a walk apiece in his last two starts and did not achieve a win in either game, ending the season with 17 wins on 20 walks.

In 1997, the ever-crafty Tewksbury threw an Eephus pitch, joining an elite few who have thrown the “junkiest pitch in baseball.” He threw it to power-hitter Mark McGwire in an interleague play game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and McGwire grounded out on the pitch – twice.Tewksbury’s son has been quoted as calling this pitch “The Dominator.”

During and after his baseball career, he became well known for his philanthropy. He has done a lot of work for the Boys and Girls Club of America,[10] as well as hospital visits for sick children.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726

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USA Baseball Bat Standard Change 2018 , Why, When, What?

20120330_baseball_33

March 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, If you have yet to hear, starting January 2018, bat standards for Little League (14 and younger) will change to a more restrictive bat. The barrels on the bats can be 2 5/8—just larger than the 2 1/4 of previous years. The rule change will only affect those who play in leagues governed by Little League International, and of course, RBSA IS LITTLE LEAGUE COMPLIANT. RBSA ADHERES TO ALL LL REGULATIONS. 2018 Compliant bats will have a logo, similar to the images below.

The new USA Baseball bat standard, or USABat, will allow youth baseball organizations to reach their goal of wood-like bat performance in order to preserve the long-term integrity of the game, as well as instill a sense of uniformity among leagues. To identify officially sanctioned youth bats, look for the “USA Baseball” licensing mark, located on the taper.

On Saturday, March 3 rd , RBSA is offering purchase discounts in conjunction with DICK’S Sporting Goods in Paramus, located on Route 17 North.
USE THE ATTACHED COUPON FOR BIG SAVINGS in purchasing 2018 baseball bats.

https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2EPGbZz&image_url=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2Fde243822401%2F760fa6e0-f51b-464f-8eb9-0873650ef4e1.jpg

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Reader says A decision to go with resident only parking is not elitist. It is based in simple economics

Hudson garage

A decision to go with resident only parking is not elitist. It is based in simple economics. If Ridgewood taxpayer funds are used for the parking structures and for the lots and on-street parking, why shouldn’t the people who pay those taxes have preferential access to that parking? They have already contributed to the costs. I commuted by train for a while. Parking in Ridgewood anywhere near the station was almost impossible, but it was very easy to park in the HHK lot (not so easy now). Why would we give preference to non-residents? If they pay the same parking fee but do not pay Ridgewood taxes that support the parking, then they pay less for the same usage. That would be unfair to residents.

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Reader says This council needs to deal in the world of facts, not unicorns and rainbows….taxes are already high and agreeing to build this garage on the belief that it will solve a non existent problem is not what you were voted onto the council to do

misterrogers02

Nice letter in the Ridgewood News from Mr. Halaby…in order to keep the CBD viable in 30 years, we should build the garage, which in turn will revitalize the CBD and make our grandchildren proud. Funny that some are willing to spend $10 million plus on a garage but will debate and attack the Schedler plans to no end( I am neither pro or con at the moment). Give me a break. Welcoming the future is not looking 5 years out sir….even looking out 2 years, it’s very clear that this town needs to adapt to the dominance of online shopping and the increased use of car services like Uber. This garage is not the future. In listening to Mr McCandless at the council meeting, where he clearly and concisely pointed out that this town does not have a parking shortage, i find it incredible how one can argue that this garage will solve an imminent problem in this town. This council needs to deal in the world of facts, not unicorns and rainbows….taxes are already high and agreeing to build this garage on the belief that it will solve a non existent problem is not what you were voted onto the council to do. The argument that this has been debated for 40 years and so we should build it is laughable. In 1980, maybe they should have built one, and we’d probably be arguing today on how to get rid of it. The current and future council members have got to be way more fiscally responsible then they have been, this towns tax base is not a piggy bank for special interests and backdoor dealmakers.

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Reader says Make the citizens of Ridgewood Great again.Stop this bullshit boondoggle..it’s not too late

Ridgewood 3 amigos

Make the citizens of Ridgewood Great again.Stop this bullshit boondoggle..it’s not too late..the carpetbaggers housing and politicos will be long gone with the cash and moving onto their next victim communities..clear case of others peoples (OUR) money and future higher taxes to pay for the bonding which will have to be paid as a priority obligation to the banks and funding sources..they love town infrastructure debt..they know the taxpayers have to be assessed to Pay them Back,Stop this huge mistake..we are not talking about the health bond or turf fields here..this is a forever damaging proposal.Pave ,insert concrete curbing ,storm sewers lighting and lines for car stalls and get back to work VC

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Readers say Lease the Hudson lot to a developer for 99 years

Hudson garage

VC, listen up. Lease the Hudson lot to a developer for 99 years. Let the developer pay for it completely. Let them charge what they want to make it a profitable. Let them pay the cost of maintenance. Let them cut deals with local merchants, banks and restaurants for validated parking, and take nothing from them except the usual property taxes. Then, see how many developers step up. If the number is ZERO, then you have an indication that the idea is a LOSER. The Village already collects taxes from the CBD property owners, so why LOSE money by going into the garage business?

A land lease is a type of financial arrangement in which the ground under a structure is leased, rather than sold to the builder, meaning that the land and the structure are owned independently.

The Village should enter into a long term land lease with parking garage company who will pay to construct and operate the parking facility.. Since they are an independent business they should be able to charge whatever rates they wish.. Ultimately the market will determine how much people are willing to pay.

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Students Cars Damaged by Falling Trees Near Ridgewood High School

Students Cars Damaged by Falling Trees Near Ridgewood High School

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

March 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Several Ridgewood High School students heading home at the end of school on Friday afternoon, 03/02, found their cars had been damaged by a tree that fell while they were attending classes. Ridgewood PD officers responded to take property damage reports. The vehicles were all parked in a privately owned lot; no word was available from the lot’s owner as to how long it would take to have the tree removed in order for cars to be driven or towed away. Fortunately no one was injured .

 

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Ridgewood Village Council Special Public Budget Meeting – Friday, March 2, 2018 5:30pm (tonight)

Village of Ridgewood Budget Passes 5-0

file photo by Boyd Loving

March 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village Council Special Public Budget Meeting – Friday, March 2, 2018 5:30pm (tonight)

Introduction of 2018 Budget Process – Village Manager and Chief Financial Officer

Discussion Items:
a. Review of Departmental Budgets and Capital Budgets
Building Department
Zoning
MIS
Parks and Recreation Department
Graydon Pool
Streets Department
Fleet Services
Recycling
Solid Waste
Yard Waste
Water Department
b. Wrap-up and Next Steps

BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULE:
March 2, 2018 – 5:30pm to 10:00pm
March 9, 2018 – 5:30pm to 10:00pm
March 16, 2018 – 5:30PM to 10:00pm
March 21st at 5:30pm – final budget overview & setting the tax rate
Tentative:
March 28, 2018 Budget Introduction
April 25, 2018 Budget Adoption

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Tree Takes a Tumble Near St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, in Ridgewood

Tree Takes a Tumble Near St

photos courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook page

March 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A large tree located on the property of the St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 169 Fairmount Road, Ridgewood, fell to the ground on Friday morning, 03/02 blocking the street and causing power outages in the immediate area. Ridgewood PD, FD, and Shade Tree Division personnel responded to the incident. A PSE&G Electric Division employee was also observed working at the scene. No injuries were reported and the tree did not strike any structures during its fall.

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Back by Popular Demand! Men’s only Networking at March Madness

march maddness

Thu, March 15, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Office Tavern and Grill, 32 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

March 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce presents the 2nd Annual…..MARCH MADNESS
Men’s – only- Networking event
Thursday, March 15, 2018
6:00-8:00 pm

Hosted by Office Tavern and Grill
(40 beers on tap)

Cash Bar- appetizers served
The admission is free

Please RSVP by 3/9/2018 to the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce at (201)445-2600 or go to [email protected] to RSVP

Last year we had 46 men attend. Bring your business cards. (weather permitting)

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Doblin Out at the Record

Alfred-Doblin

march 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Alfred Doblin is out at the Bergen Record . He either quit or was forced out. Nancy Meyer also left on Monday . It looks like a big shake once again at the failing daily . Ridgewood residents may remember Doblin for attempting to interject his bigoted opinion in the Ridgewood “Rainbow Flag” controversy . Doublin along with the “Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock” and Councilmen Jeff Voigt called the mayor Susan Knudsen a Homophobe because she dared to attempt to figure out what the law was and would not fall for the bullying attempt by the group.

The group pursued its bigoted agenda and pushed both Glen Rock and Ridgewood into displaying its “white only” bigoted rainbow flag . According to the group ,”Black Lives Matter ” flag installed in Ridgewood and Glen Rock is the racist white only rainbow flag . The new multi cultural rainbow flag includes black and brown stripes. “The black and brown stripes are an inclusionary way to highlight black and brown LGBTQIA members within our community,” said one source involved with the flag-raising event who asked not to be named. “With all of the black and brown activism that’s worked to address racism in the Gayborhood over the past year, I think the new flag is a great step for the city to show the world that they’re working toward fully supporting all members of our community.”

flag1 1

Doublin and his race baiting friends at the Community Relations Advisory Board of Ridgewood and Glen Rock are fully unaware of their major faux paus on this issue. ( https://theridgewoodblog.net/phillys-pride-flag-is-about-to-get-two-new-black-and-brown-stripes-and-heres-why/ )

Doblin even doubled down on attacks and character assassinations of Ridgewood Mayor Susan Kundsen . Alfred P. Doblin is the editorial page editor of The Bergen Record. In his latest column he once again praises Councilmen Voigt and goes on the offensive against the Mayor. Doblin continues to cling to the silly fallacy his editorial led to the flying of the rainbow ie gay pride flag at Ridgewood’s Van Nest square . ( https://theridgewoodblog.net/doblin-doubles-down-on-attacks-and-character-assassinations-of-ridgewood-mayor-susan-kundsen/ ) .

This character attack led OPRA requests flying and many attacks as well as counter attacks between the Mayor, her supporters, Doublin and councilmen Voigt ,some of it even being settled in Bergen County court.