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Trump Tax Cut Got You Down ; why pay less when you can still pay more

taxes why pay less when you cans till pay more

December 23,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in “A GUIDE TO PAYING HIGHER TAXES FOR PEOPLE UPSET BY THE TAX BREAKS” by Kevin Ryan, the author spells out how you can continue paying the old higher rates .

Ryan begins , “Are you upset about the tax cuts? Have no fear! I’ve written this handy guide for people who’d like to continue paying higher taxes.”

He reminds taxpayers ,  “It’s not as simple as sending the government more money than your tax return says you owe. Unfortunately, the IRS will send your overpayment back to you as a refund (or apply it toward your next year taxes if you specify them to). ”

Then he gets into the options you have to pay more taxes .

However, there are options that you can select when filing your taxes that will result in you paying more money:

• Elect to itemize deductions even if the standard deduction would be greater.

• Elect to take the standard deduction if itemizing would lower your taxes.

• File as “Married Filing Separately” instead of filing a joint return will usually result in higher taxes owed.

• Most nonrefundable credits are wholly optional, and you are not required to take them if you do not want to.

• You have the option to round each entry line item on your tax form to the nearest dollar, or to fill in exact amounts. Do it both ways and submit the result that comes out with higher taxes.

• You can also make a voluntary contribution to the US government by sending a separate payment to the Treasury via the Bureau of the Fiscal Service along with a note authorizing them to use it to “reduce the debt held by the public”. Be careful, though, such contributions are tax deductible as a charitable donation. Luckily you don’t have to take the deduction.

• And businesses have been doing their part to mitigate the devastating impact of Trump’s corporate tax cut, with some of the biggest companies in America announcing that they will voluntarily give the savings to their workers in the form of higher wages and/or bonuses. Now all that’s needed are for workers to give these bonuses back to the government, and they could basically cancel out the effects of Trump’s tax cuts!

If enough people choose to pay more than they owe and to give their bonuses and higher wages back to the government, they can help prevent or minimize the devastation and deaths that Democrats predict these tax cuts will cause. Happily, half of all Americans say they disapprove of the new tax cuts, so there will be millions of people lining up to give the government their money back!

Posted on 12 Comments

Reader accuses Councilmember of not being Upfront with Their Views on Schedler

Save Our Schedler Members & Friends at the Schedler House

file photo by Boyd Loving

Hache did not tell tell the truth. After he was voted in , he said he walked Schedler and it would not be appropriate for a sports field. Knudsen and Sedon also said that. Because they want the votes of the sports people they are changing, thinking because the field is 50 instead of ninety feet they can please everyone. Well, eagles have been seen their, Knudsen admits that. They leave with human activity, and their chances for survival are slim when they leave their nests. Google bald eagle habitats. Plus the trees themselves and other wildlife. Natural areas at a minimum here already.
And Hache, Sedon and Knudsen will win next election time too, because most people will be satisfied.

Posted on 11 Comments

Many New Jersey Towns Allowing Prepayment of Property Taxes

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog

December 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Jersey City NJ, Jersey City today said it will allow residents to prepay their entire 2018 estimated tax bills this year if they want to try to take advantage of a deduction the bill has curtailed.

Property taxes are now entirely deductible, but starting next year taxpayers will only be able to deduct up to $10,000. Residents in high-tax states like New Jersey have been flooding local tax collectors with calls asking to prepay their taxes this year so they can attempt to deduct them when they file their 2017 tax returns in April.

Jersey City had initially said it would cap prepayments of next year’s bill to two quarters , a common limit other New Jersey municipalities have , but Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat, said he decided today to allow residents to pay all four quarters this year.

Village of Ridgewood 1st Quarter Preliminary Property Taxes Due February 1, 2018

There is a 10 day grace period.  Since the 10th falls on a Saturday and the following Monday is a holiday (Lincoln’s Birthday), payments must be recieved in this office no later than Tuesday, February 13, 2018.  Postmark is not accepted.  Taxpayers who did not receive a bill last September should contact our office at 201-670-5500 ext 511  or visit our web site at www.ridgewoodnj.net for property tax amounts billed and paid.  A reminder to those taxpayers who received added tax bills last October, you will need to pay on the added bill as well as the orignal bill you received in September. As per NJSA 54:4-64 sec.3:  “The validity of any tax or assessment, or the time at which it shall be payable, shall not be affected by the failure of a taxpayer to receive a tax bill, but every taxpayer is put on notice to ascertain from the proper offical of the taxing district the amount which may be due for taxes or assessments against him or his property”.  Please mail your payments to the Village of Ridgewood Tax Collector, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ  07450-3287 or payments may be dropped off in the Village mail box at the rear main entrance.  You may also wish to consider enrolling in our ACH program where property tax payments would be automatically deducted from your checking account when due.  New enrollments or changes must be received at least two weeks prior to the due date.

 

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Choral Singers welcome to our open rehearsal

ridgewood singers

December 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ, If you are looking to sing, you may be looking for The Ridgewood Singers. We welcome you warmly for our first rehearsal on January 8 at 7:00 pm for snacks and get-to-know-you time. This pleasant ensemble of about 40 singers rehearses in Paramus and performs in Ridgewood. Our repertoire covers a great variety of genres!

Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, at The Cupola at Care One, 100 West Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus. Our spring concert is at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 6. The Ridgewood Singers perform winter and spring concerts, as well as community outreach performances. Dues are $55 for each concert season. For more information, call Cynthia at 201-207-3105, or email us at [email protected] See us at www.theridgewoodsingers.com and www.facebook.com/theridgewood

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Former Ridgewood Village Manager Misstatement of Facts on Park Mobile

Roberta Sonenfeld

pictured 31 page OPRA

December 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in an article posted by the Bergen record last week former Village manager Roberta Sonefeld boldly stated , “The misinformation currently circulating about the Parkmobile contract is curious at best,” Sonenfeld said, adding, “No village money goes to Parkmobile.”https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/ridgewood/2017/12/15/ridgewood-terminates-contract-parking-claims-no-knowledge-fees/950800001/

Despite Ms. Sonenfeld’s contention that “No village money goes to Parkmobile,” the attached document clearly indicates that between May of 2015 and December of 2017, $155,821.60 of “money” generated by the Village of Ridgewood’s Parking Utility was paid to Parkmobile.

Screenshot 2017 12 22 at 7.35.22 AM e1513946226642

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Posted on 9 Comments

the Ridgewood Blog is Sad to Report The Village of Ridgewood Has Cut Down the “Money Tree”

Ridgewood's Iconic Sycamore Tree on the island at Graydon Pool is dying

where the hell is the secret money Tree in RIDGEWOOD…It’s on the island in the middle of Graydon… and they’re cutting it down.

money-growing-on-tree-image-8

 

Posted on 10 Comments

Reader says Roberta decided that she could take what was discussed and turn it in to a contract that is in direct violation with what the council had voted on

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

There was no consensus, no vote, no amendment to the resolution following discussion about fees that Park mobile wanted to charge us. It was discussion at a work session and nothing was agreed to or decided upon. But big-ego Roberta decided that she could take what was discussed and turn it in to a contract that is in direct violation with what the council had voted on. There was also no discussion or vote to have the contract go for three years when the resolution was for two years. An amendment to the resolution would have to have been introduced and passed, but no, Roberta was larger than the law and did whatever the hell she wanted. You are aware, aren’t you, that she has been found GUILTY of an ethics violation by an independent group, the Local Finance Board? Consider the source when you read her lie-filled letter.
In addition, do not blame Heather Mailander for that resolution. She drafted it according to what the five elected officials voted on and it was signed before the March discussion at which Roberta decided to tell everyone that major fees were going to be coming. You should get your facts straight, but you are a Roberta supporter so obviously you come from the school in which facts are not needed in order to make strong statements.

Posted on 7 Comments

Updates on Ridgewood Parking Permits, Leaf Collection, Christmas Tree Pickup Dates, Village of Ridgewood Holiday Hours

Van Nest Sq

December 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village Manager Heather A. Mailander fired off more end of the year information in her latest’s E-Notice , In the notice she updated on Ridgewood Parking Permits, Leaf Collection, Christmas Tree Pickup Dates, Reand Village of Ridgewood Holiday Hours .

UPDATE ON SALE OF 2018 ANNUAL RIDGEWOOD PARKING PERMITS (RPP)

The 2018 Annual Commuter (Ridgewood Parking Permits – RPP) are now on sale at the Reception Desk in the lobby of Village Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. All applicants must bring their driver’s license and vehicle registration(s) for car(s) they wish to list on their permits, as the RPPs allow up to 3 cars on each hang tag. The RPPs allow commuters to park in designated Ridgewood parking lots without having to pay the parking meters. The following is a summary of the Ridgewood Parking Permits (RPPs) and their prices:

Premium RPP – $1,000 annual fee – allows Ridgewood residents to park in the Train Station lot, Hudson Street lot, Prospect Street lot, and all Ridgewood lots, including Route 17 Park and Ride lot. A maximum of 210 Premium RPPs will be sold, on a first come, first served basis. At this time, there are only 95 Premium RPPs left to be sold.

Non-Premium RPP – $750 annual fee – allows Ridgewood residents to park in Chestnut Street lot, North Walnut Street lot, Cottage Place lot, and Route 17 Park and Ride lot.

Park and Ride RPP – $750 annual fee – this price is for both Ridgewood residents and non-residents, and allows parking in the Route 17 Park and Ride lot.

Non-resident RPP in Central Business District – $1,500 annual fee – allows non-residents to park in the Cottage Place lot.

Ridgewood Resident Sticker – Free – All Ridgewood resident commuters who wish to park at the train station must bring in their driver’s license and vehicle registration(s) to obtain a free Ridgewood Resident sticker. Free Ridgewood Resident stickers will also be issued to all Ridgewood residents purchasing RPPs.

The Village will accept checks, cash, or credit cards (with a 3% transaction fee to the user) for payment.

There are also Central Business District (CBD) Employee stickers and hang tags that may be purchased by those who work in the CBD and allows parking at designated meters in the North Walnut Street and Cottage Place lots.

For more information, please visit our website: www.ridgewoodnj.net.

UPDATE ON LEAF COLLECTION

As of December 21st, leaves are being picked up in Area D. It is anticipated that our crews will begin the third leaf collection in Area A, on Wednesday, December 27th. After Area A is completed, there will be a final collection through the entire Village, beginning with Area C, followed by Area D, Area B and Area A (which will be the fourth leaf pickup for each of these areas). All of these dates are weather dependent. All areas may put out their leaves from December 23rd through January 1st. You may bag your leaves in paper biodegradable bags and place them on your curb or bring leaves to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation at the Recycling Center are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. If you bag your leaves, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585 and we will pick up the bags through February 28, 2018.

CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP

In an attempt to offer convenience and streamline efficiency within operations, the Parks Division has created a new schedule for Christmas tree pick-up in January of 2018.

This new schedule will follow a Tuesday/Eastside and Thursday/Westside pattern with trees being picked up from resident curbside on the Eastside of the Village on Tuesdays, January 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd. Trees will then be picked up on the Westside of the Village on Thursdays January 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th between the hours of 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Those residents wishing to drop off trees may bring them to the designated location at the Graydon Pool parking lot anytime from January 2nd – 25th, 2018.

For additional information please contact the Parks Division Office at 201-670-5565.

REMINDER – HOLIDAY HOURS

As a reminder, all Village offices will be closed on December 25th, December 26th, and January 1st, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!

Posted on 16 Comments

Making The Schedler Property in Ridgewood Into A Ballfield Is Still Unwise

Schedler Park

file photo by Boyd Loving

December 21,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Resident Jackie Hone reminded me this morning of this video done by Dana Glazer . The plan still stands for a field at Schedler. Pay close attention to what is said about the toxic fumes. A doctor spoke against this plan at a recent meeting. Why then is the committee and Council saying yes to a field? Would you allow your children to play here? Full plan in comments.

Posted on 6 Comments

Schedler Ad Hoc Committee: Back to Building Ball Fields

Schedler Park ball field

file photo

December 21,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in the Schedler Ad Hoc Committee Presentation to Village Council , it appears nothing has changed and the committee seemed to disregard all efforts of by local historians ,neighbors and friends of Schedler .

The committees presentation to the Village Council was basically reduced to a full on push for more ball fields at Schedler and nothing else matters .

The report suggest the Schedler was nothing more than a use of open spaces funding as a land grab for sports fields .

Like parking the need for ball fields in town has been questioned and the complete lack of transparency of field use has lead to little taxpayer support .

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Reader says Open, honest government is something that Aronsohn, Sonenfeld, and their defenders know nothing about.

3 amigos in action Ridgewood NJ

Jan Phillips really has balls. Oldest trick in the book, try to divert attention from the FACTS by claiming that facts are not involved. Aronsohn and Sonenfeld were found GUILTY of misusing public funds. This was not Ridgewood residents who determined their guilt. It was a group of seven independent people who have nothing to do with Ridgewood and everything to do with open, honest government. Open, honest government is something that Aronsohn, Sonenfeld, and their defenders know nothing about.

Posted on 12 Comments

Former Ridgewood Village Manager Attempting to Defend herself Omits Key Facts On Parkmoble Contract in Letter to Editor

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

December 22,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  the ethically challenged former Ridgewood Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld attempted once again to interject herself in village affairs in a letter to the editor exclaiming ,”  I must admit that I’ve been stunned as well by the misinformation, changing stories and fluctuating revenue numbers coming from Village Hall. It would be laughable if it wasn’t all so disturbing and costly to us Ridgewood taxpayers.”  https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/12/20/letter-ridgewoods-handling-parkmobile-situation-puzzling-and-disturbing/968874001/ .  This is not the first time a contract arranged by the former Village manager that  has generated controversy and not been viewed as being in the best interest of the Village of Ridgewood .

The facts are actually very simple and the Sonenfeld  letter is filled with misinformation and fails to mention two key items:

1. The Resolution that the Council signed in February of 2015 stated a 2-year contract.  She signed a 35 month contract.

2. The Resolution that the Council signed in February of 2015 stated NO FEES.  She signed a contract with fees.

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the Tyler Clementi Foundation invites you to make a wish and share it on Social Media

092910_tyler_clementi_400

December 20,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, yesterday December 19th,  the Tyler Clementi Foundation invited you to remember Tyler by sharing a special wish in his memory.

December 19th would have been Tyler’s 26th birthday. On this occasion, the Tyler Clementi Foundation invites you — and all Upstanders — to make a wish and share it on social media.

You can also support Tyler’s legacy by spreading the word about the Tyler Clementi Foundation and taking action to end bullying. https://tylerclementi.org/

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Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co , “We will definitely be regulars !”

Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co

December 20,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,Ridgewood blog reader’s continue to rave about the food at Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. in Ridgewood , in a recent visit  a reader described  the food as “Absolutely delicious” and the  “Wild mushroom arancini  is outstanding. Osso bucco with saffron risotto and short rib risotto excellent as well.  The fished up saying,” We will definitely be regulars ” other readers shared a similar experience ,” Great food and great service. Can’t wait to go back to try something else as so much looked good”  .

Radicchio Pasta and Risotto Co. is located  at 34 Franklin Ave , Ridgewood, New Jersey , Call (201) 670-7311  and check the Facebook page for specials https://www.facebook.com/radicchionj/

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Ridgewood Water: No Truth to the Rumor that the fluoridation of Water is A Communist Plot

dr-strangelove1[1]

December 20,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water does not add fluoride to your drinking water.Water hardness in our service area is 14 grains or 250ppm.
If your water is discolored, (gray, brown, yellow, orange) this is most likely due to minerals building up in our water mains. These minerals are harmless, but as more people start watering their lawns and turning on sprinkler systems, these minerals can loosen and end up in the water supply. This discoloration can also occur when Ridgewood Water does routine maintenance on it’s facilities that increases the velocity in the mains. Although it is aesthetically unappealing, it is safe to drink. We recommend avoiding doing laundry until discoloration clears.

If your water has a cloudy or milky appearance this is usually caused by air dissolved in the water. We recommend to take a glass of cold water from the tap and set it on a flat surface. If the water begins to clear from the bottom up within a few minutes, it can be concluded that dissolved air is the cause of the cloudiness. If the water does not clear up or you notice particles settling on the bottom of the glass please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526 and notify them of your issue.
If your water has a unusual taste or odor, please contact our treatment facility at 201-670-5526.
Ridgewood Water does not make recommendations as to water filters or softeners.