No one on the council was against A garage, they were against THE garage as originally planned. Many pro garage residents also turned against the first iteration, based on the size of the proposed structure. Now the issue is a higher cost and the cost of money is slowly rising. a hundred bucks per basis point increase per million soon adds up over the life of the financing bond. The deputy mayor presented plan b last year, which seemed palatable and fit in the footprint.
February 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Public Library is hosting Reading Marathon Month at the Ridgewood Library . If you donate (even a dollar!) to the Friends of the Ridgewood Library, you could design your very own smiley face for our windows. Visit us at the library or online at www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/reading-marathon for more information.
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a hit and run driver who struck a Ridgewood Police Officer on Van Emburgh Avenue at around 10:37 A.M. on Monday January 29th. The Ridgewood Police Officer was concluding a motor vehicle stop on Van Emburgh Avenue near the intersection of Cathleen Terrace (near the Washington Township Boarder), when a 2014 or newer dark colored Acura TLX sedan struck the officer causing minor injuries. The vehicle was traveling south on Van Emburgh Avenue and continued southbound toward East Glen Avenue after the collision. We are asking anyone with information to contact the Ridgewood Police Department at 201-670-5519 or email Detective Peter Youngberg at [email protected].
February 2,2018
John Paquin on Vintage Ridgewood New Jersey
Ridgewood NJ, What happened in 1788? The US constitution was ratified, and this wonderful Sugar Maple was born. I brought an arborist to the site this morning, and we took measurements, used accepted norms, did some calculations, and turns out this tree is 229 years old! give or take a year at least. actually decades older than the house even. Might even be the oldest tree in Bergen County?
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Because there have been a significant number of reported cases of the flu in the communities we serve, The Valley Hospital has chosen to restrict visitation at this time in order to protect our patients, staff and other visitors. The flu is easily and most often spread as a result of coughs, sneezes or simply talking.
Those who will not be allowed to visit include: Children under 14 and anyone who has signs of influenza (including fever, sore throat, cough and cold). Only immediate family members (over age 14) and clergy will be allowed to visit. Valley asks you please speak with your nurse if you have extenuating circumstances.
So let me get this straight. The Borough of Glen Rock sues the Village of Ridgewood over water rates and now the Village of Ridgewood is providing free fire protection services to the Borough of Glen Rock? Huh? Free fire protection services? Free as in paid for by taxpayers from the Village of Ridgewood?
Come on, people. Surely you’ve all heard of “Mutual Aid”? If it was one of our schools in danger, Glen Rock, and others, would be there. Hackensack is not our closest hospital but they have an ambulance standing by for “our” fireworks.
This goes above and beyond “mutual Aid.” It is regular daytime response to incidents at commercial/multi unit residential buildings.
Ridgewood taxpayers need to stay alert on this issue. Look what happened when Montclair made a deal to provide fire protection services to nearby Glen Ridge. Montclair’s taxpayers got screwed big time.
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village received 4 proposals for the Hudson street garage project. At last Wednesdays council meeting Village Manager Heather Mailander made it clear that the Wednesday review was a quick once over with more in-depth review to follow.
Reader says , “Several months ago Councilman Hache publicly (during an open public meeting of the Village Council) voiced his strong opposition to the construction of any sized parking garage that would result in either increased parking fees, expanded metered parking hours (he cited both of the aforementioned as simply “another form of taxation), and/or an increased property tax burden for homeowners.
Now, all of a sudden, he’s Gung Ho on proceeding with the review of parking garage designs even prior to the financials being discussed. He went so far as to publicly chastise Mayor Knudsen for “stalling” when she suggested that financing arrangements should be discussed first.
WTF Ramon? What gives? Why the sudden about face?”
Many readers pointed out that Councilmen Ramon Hache seemed very focused on pushing the garage project forward for both design and financing . While we are not sure we would agree with that assessment .
The garage issue has be bandied about for the better part of 30 maybe 40 years although some would trace it back to the time when parking meters were first introduced to the Central Business District in Ridgewood making it more like 60 years .
Frankly we think the issues should be moved forward or finally put to rest once and for all .We now 4 proposals coupled with proposals for financing . Either the garage makes sense or it does not .
An anti garage reader summed it up , “Why are we still arguing every week about a garage we don’t need.It’s become the national pastime in Ridgewood. It’s been happening for over 20 years.At this rate it will happen for twenty more. We voted it down and it refuses to die.Politicians continue to ignore the voice of the people and make side deals with developers.There are much better uses of our tax dollars that can be made in our Village’s infrastructure.Is there anyone on the council with some real vision?”
file photo by Boyd Loving
February 2,2018
the staff of The Ridgewood Blog
Glen Rocj NJ, It was reported that a Ridgewood Fire Department SUV was involved in an injury-free crash while on the way to assist the Glen Rock Fire Department in the investigation of a fire alarm sounding at the Hamilton School on Harristown Road. The fender bender happened on January 31, Wednesday at the intersection of Ackerman Ave and Maple Ave, Glen Rock. A witness to the crash said that no tow trucks were needed because the damage was so minor. Several Glen Rock police officers were seen at the crash location. Warning lights and siren were said to have been activated on the fire vehicle.
February 2,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, With a large cast and crew of over 150 people, RHS Jamboree has plenty of hungry mouths to feed. Procuring and managing a delightful and varied array of generous food donations from both local restaurants and home cooks takes a lot of organizing, but thanks to Roni Farfalla and her all-star team of Ridgewood High School (RHS) students, no one goes hungry. Cast and crew pay for donated meals which, in turn, helps raise money for this years 72nd Jamboree scholarship fund which last gave 40 RHS graduates in scholarships funds to pursue higher education.
Born in Hoboken, Roni and her family moved to Ridgewood 25 years ago when her oldest was just 6 months. This is her fifth year chairing the Jamboree Hospitality Committee which takes on the responsibility of overseeing meal offerings over a six and a half week period including breakfast, lunch, and dinner for approximately 24 rehearsals plus 4 performances. But that doesn’t stop Roni and her husband Frank Farfalla from staring in this years show “Jamboree Night Live” were favorite characters from TV past and present perform a “live” in studio musical experience at Benjamin Franklin School, Wednesday February 7th though to Saturday February 10th.
For Tickets to see the show and more information go to rhsjamboree.org
Bottom row from left to right Bella Salerno, Jenna Farfalla, Brooke Ward, Grace Saltamacchia,
Top row left to right Bridget Ward, Sophia Mchedlishvili, Katrina Abramenko , Roni Farfalla
Photo credit Susan Knudsen
February 1,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, at the Village Council meeting on Wednesday night Ridgewood Water’s Richard Calbi reviewed its lead and copper compliance , this has been an issue since 2012 . 2 conditions water comes in contact lead solder or stagnation of water .
Ridgewood Water sees the best and most cost effective solution as corrosion control and creating a protective barrier between the water and the material.
Ridgewood Water uses a chemical call poly orthophosphate, a food grade additive . The Treatment is approved by the US EPA and the NJ DEP . Ridgewood Water fully implemented the treatment in 2016.
Poly/Orthophosphate :
Inhibits corrosion of steel distribution water lines, iron and galvanized piping, and lead and copper plumbing.
Decreases iron tuberculation, which can extend the life of the distribution system.
Lowers lead and copper levels in the delivered potable water by inhibiting corrosion in the water system.
Lessens the occurrence of microbial-influenced corrosion, providing longer system life.
Controls iron and manganese, minimizing rusty and dirty water in the distribution system.
Reduces discoloration, staining, and mineral build-up, resulting in fewer customer complaints.
Diminishes calcium scale deposits typically seen in hot water lines.
Lowers chlorine demand and improves disinfection by inhibiting iron and manganese. Saves money by reducing corrosion and scale, lowering chlorine demand, and decreasing hydrant flushing, leaks, and failures.
In 2012 Ridgewood Water exceeded the limit for lead and copper , in 2016 the treatment was fully implemented and the results were almost instantaneous . Ridgewood Water had to collect and provide a minimum of 60 samples for 30 months in a row . Results are now some of the lowest results ever .
Ridgewood Water said will the results showed the lowest levels recorded . However you should still take precautions , avoid stagnant water , run you facet first thing in the morning for 15-30 seconds or just wait till the water turns very cold . Best to continue to use an NSF filter and lastly test your water if you have any concerns.
file photo by Boyd Loving
February 1,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Village reported that a total of 267 cars were parked during the trial period for the centralized valet parking in the central business district of Ridgewood .Leaving the Village with a tab of $23,000 to pay the vendor. While we commend the Village Council for trying as many options as possible we are wondering why the CBD restaurants did not support the project ? One can only conclude from the results that the CBD does not need more parking .
file photo by Boyd Loving
Not having to place the school budget before the voters seems to mean that they now think they can do anything they want as there is no way to vote the budget down. That was a sneaky way to get control when all the town wanted was to save some money and get more voters out by combining the school board with a general election
Regular Public Meeting
February 5 2018 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location Board Room, 3rd Floor, Education Center
Board Announcements
2018 Official Election Results
Candidates for Board – Three Year Term
Sheila Brogan: 2,766
Christina Krauss: 2,394
Personal Choice: 53
Total School Election Votes Cast: 7,175
2017-2018 School Calendar is Approved
Click here to open the 2017-2018 School Calendar, approved by the Ridgewood Board of Education on March 7, 2016.
Sadly the political opportunists are posturing to be quoted in the newspaper and photographed at the wake and funeral. He was such a great man and will now be taken advantage of in death by those who cannot miss an opportunity to see and be seen.
For just once could FORMER Mayor Paul Aronsohn refrain from responding to the news media. How disrespectful of Pastor Johnson that the FORMER Mayor felt the need to be quoted. Shut up Paul; we’re sick and tired of hearing from you. Thanks much.
Remember :
Ridgewood MLK Day Fiasco
https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-mlk-day-fiasco_aronsohn_josh/
February 1 2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, during a question and answer at last nights Village council meeting, Councilmen Ramone Hache asked Richard Calbi of Ridgewood Water if it would be feasible to stem contaminates before they get into the water supply? Calbi answered that the best alternative to lower the Village’s consumption of Water. Saying Ridgewood Water’s goal is to get people to use less water outside lessening the need for the amount of water and the amount of water that needs to be treated .
Councilwomen Bernie Walsh followed up asking the obvious question ,what wells will the four new high density multi family developments draw from, what’s going to be the challenge? Richard Calbi claims New Jersey state calculations show Ridgewood with surplus water but the reality is far different during peak demand. Calbi then admitted there is going to be new demand with the developments but hedged that there was already a demand on those sites in the past , Calbi than made an astonishing assessment that in each development there would be an increase in consumption due to the amount of dwelling going in .
Mayor Knudsen jumped in and asked for clarification of the paper number and the real number, and Richard Calbi reiterated that at peak times during the summer Ridgewood Water simple does not have the capacity. Thus the need for water restrictions.
Was not the Village previously told that the new high density developments would lead to NO INCREASE IN WATER CONSUMPTION ? Can no flush Friday be far behind ?
Hi, I made that complaint and continue to send emails as there was no follow up regarding my issue.
Someone asked for details…. happy to provide….
On 3 sepeate incidents over the last 2 yrs my wife received a parking violation for either not having a sticker or parking in an employee lot without a sticker. In all cases the vehicles are registered to me and the tickets, (which are either mailed or placed on the windshield – with no consistency for either method) are issued to the vehicle owner requiring both parties to show up in court should you wish to fight the ticket. Those are the simple facts….
Here are the details as I see them:
Town requires all employees (including business owners) to purchase a monthly or yearly parking pass and you must affix the sticker in the driver side rear side window. Most windows are tinted making it difficult to see them.
Note Mayor and Council: You are providing a parking pass to the employee, not the car, so it should be a hang tag that follows the employee regardless of means of transportation. What if the car is in the shop, rental, borrowed a friend or family members car…. What… buy more stickers?
Then you must park in designated lots and use the park mobile app…. no coin option. So what happens when the app doesn’t work….ticket thats what….
What happens when the enforcement mule decides its raining or snowing and or too busy checking Facebook to bother getting out of the car to check for the sticker…. ticket thats what…. or his admin app doesn’t work or fails show the vehicle as paid even though it has. Again ticket….
Again, if the car is a rental, borrowed from a friend or registered to someone else its an issue because the driver isn’t issued the ticket the vehicle owner is. This now required both individuals to go to court to have it dismissed. (loss of wages and time)
Observation: Enforcement salary, benefits, fuel, insurance and enforcement vehicle cost how much a year?? Guessing has to be easily 100K or more. Then factor in admin staff, utilities, salaries and court time maybe all total 200 – 300K? Too fed up with this abuse to get actual numbers but I bet im close.
Calculate How many tickets are dismissed monthly against number written? After all he has to write so many a month based on borough statistics…. how else would they know if he is effectively doing his job…. But noooo its not a quota.. It’s a performance review.
Subtract how how many went to court and were guilty and paid…. you are left with a quantity of unknown violations of which a percentage were just paid regardless of guilty or not.
So what’s to stop him from writing erroneous tickets or being directed to? After all most individuals wouldn’t waste precious time for a 30.00 ticket…. You now have legal extortion if you ask me. Just like red light cameras which were banned and how hey wanted to issue speeding tickets using distance calcs between tolls based on easy pass. Faceless violations issued to the registered owners of a vehicle regardless if they were operating it or not.
With internet sales increasing every hour, downtown rents through the roof… merchants are barely surviving and without employees and shoppers those businesses will cease to survive.
So really what is the incentive for fee based parking…..
The Answer I received….. other towns do it…..
My response…. if I told you Billy jumped off the bridge you should too… would you think it’s a good idea just because someone else did it?
Seems an incentive for people to seek employment and people to shop in Ridgewood would be achieved by not charging for parking.
If you cannot fiscally manage the town with the taxes you accumulate you should look at your spend and if need be raise taxes to cover the losses for parking at it benefits the community by having a floursihing downtown area with employment opportunities.
I am ashamed of the town council and mayor in their dismissive attitude towards this issue which has now cost me approx 1K in lost wages dealing with this administrative nightmare.
I have offered to help solve the issue… so I am not complaining without offering to resolve it but again…. no response.
Now it comes to light that the Park Mobile solution, which was put in place due to officials stealing quarters, costs more in fees than the town earns…. We call this TCO (true cost of ownership and Return on Investment in the IT world where I have domain expertise.)
If this is true…… how do you all still have jobs…… If I screwed up this bad I would be terminated…..
This isn’t rocket science nor is it a Democrat – Republican conversation…. its common sense and logic….
Stop charging for parking…. sell the enforcement vehicle(s) layoff the parking officials which saves salary and benefits and I bet there isn’t much of a deficit after it all nets out if any at all… Who knows you may actually be positive…..
I may not have all the numbers correct because I don’t have the time or inclination to use the freedom of information act to request records which will cost the town money as well as myself for copies etc just to prove I am right …. ( a ducks a duck – it is as it appears)
What are we left with? A poorly managed system which easily lends itself to corruption and or costly mistakes.
Let’s level the playing field… for every erroneous ticket issued and found not guilty and or dismissed in court, there should be a $100.00 charge back to the town for lost time and wages per individual affected. Then see how many tickets get issued.
