Tag: Village of Ridgewood

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Ridgewood Needs a House Cleaning

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog
April 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, to some this will seem like old news that Paul was going to make a statement at the mic at the close of the League of Womens Voter Candidate Night and was shut down by the moderator . However many may be unaware Mayor Aronsohn was going to make a totally inappropriate statement regarding how wonderful Roberta Sonenfeld was as the Village Manager and then he was going to ask all six candidates if they would support keeping her on.
The league knew he was planning to say something and we were confident that the moderator would allow questions only and might have intervened anyway but the moderator was adhering to the format and when Mayor Aronsohn came to the mic, she closed public comment to move on to closing statements.
After the May 10th election the Village needs a massive house cleaning ,to clear the Village of all personnel who are paid by the taxpayers of Ridgewood who harbor under some confused notion that they work for some one else . If you work for the Village of Ridgewood   you work for the Residents of Ridgewood period, you do not work for Valley Hospital, you do not work for the Hudson County Democratic Political machine , you do not work for the mayor, developers  or any other special interest group . It is time for many to focus on their resume and move on .
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Jeff Voigt : New council members will be determining the fate of our Village of Ridgewood for years to come

Jeff Voigt Ridgewood

Dear Village of Ridgewood Resident:

It is important for those voting in the upcoming election to consider who you are voting for as; the new council members will be determining the fate of our Village for years to come.  The following video describes why.   It has been my position all along that we need to develop the downtown of Ridgewood in a sensible and pragmatic way such that the character of our town is maintained; not only in its look and feel but in how many people we can reasonably accommodate – which in turn affects how we treat each other.   Don’t get me wrong – I am for development.  However, too much development will likely result in overcrowding in our downtown and; will create a different dynamic in our dealings with each other.  The slate of Evan Weitz, Janice Willet and Richard Brooks will aggressively move forward with the policies of the current council majority.  These policies benefit the few to the detriment of the many.  Thus the bad policy making and mismanagement of  Aronsohn, Pucciarelli, and Hauck will be perpetuated.  If this is a concern of yours and you do not want our Village turned into something different – I would ask for your vote.   My first priority is to ensure I do what is best for the entire Village and not for special interests.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jNtxT2R0SE&feature=youtu.be

 

Village Council Candidate Jeff Voigt

 

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Reader says Ridgewood water is nothing but a black hole for money?

ridgewoodwaterlogo-061912-rn-tif

April 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Bergen Record is reporting that the class action lawsuit trial involving Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park and the Ridgewood Water utility is delayed through at least mid-June.

Originally scheduled to begin April 5,the dispute was assigned a go ahead trial date following the failure of two mediation attempts earlier this year, held in Ridgewood and presided over by retired Superior Court judge Peter E. Doyne.

As previously reported on this blog the class action by municipal water customers Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff alleges some $3.3 million in past overcharges, and that the Village of Ridgewood improperly comingled water company revenues to other areas of the Ridgewood municipal budget.

Other issues also effect Ridgewood water including onerous EPA regulation, massive up keep in infrastructure , summer water restrictions and water quality issues .

Reader says Ridgewood Water is nothing but a black hole for money;

“Ridgewood water is nothing but a black hole for money. Resident have forgotten all the trouble we resident have had with this utility and that BS the Queen Bee gave us last night about the Ridgewood Water Dept head is just that BS . If you believe her you probably voted for the 3 Amigos and their BS. Ridgewood Water cannot keep up with the new EPA and future regulation. Do you enjoy being on water restriction while your neighboring towns that are not served by Ridgewood Water are not? Do you enjoy getting tickets for violating those restriction? . Prospective Council Candidates talk about shared services with other towns or the county to save money but what to retain control of a failing water system. Ridgewood Water has lost their creditability. Get ride of it or privatize it and that goes for the other black hole our very own Ridgewood Sewerage Plant. Oh wait I guess some residents want to retain control of our sewerage.”

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Readers React to League of Women Voters Candidates Night in Ridgewood

League of Women Voters Candidates Night in Ridgewood

photo by Boyd Loving

Reader gives their take of the League of Women Voters Candidates Night .

Not much fireworks tonight – but a few immediate take aways about the three candidates supported by the Mayor and the developers..

Weitz is too busy to have gone to Council meetings during the past two years. And, he was too busy to vote. How the heck is he going to fulfill his duties should he be elected?

Willet is happy with the housing density because she believes it is a good thing to bring more students into our Ridgewood school system. At the same time, she is going to hold down costs. Not quite sure how she is going to balance the two. She doesn’t quite seem balanced.

Brooks is in favor of nepotism rule, and apparently he does not think anyone should be deleted if they have a connection to someone holding a public position. He forgot to mention his wife is the planning board attorney so he did not explain how he is going to be able to vote on anything important that comes before the council in the next couple of years should he somehow be elected. Frankly, he seems a bit dull.

Many were very impressed with Hache, his honesty about what can and cannot be done in Ridgewood with regard to high density, not saying he will try to limit it, that means nothing. Hache did not pander for votes.

I thought he was right to leave option open about eminent domain on the toxic site of town garage. It’s vital that toxic site be cleaned up, if a private owner cannot be made to do it; taxpayers must pay for it.

The town should not sell our water facilities and lose control.

Hache stated most clearly on not wanting a large field at Schedler.

Rurik was out of order when he spoke; he had to be told to sit down, because he couldn’t stick to the issues. He had to beg Walsh for a personal clarification that she was not insulting his wife’s work at Twinney’s.

That’s what we need at council meetings. A presiding official to monitor those who insult others, like Rurik and to tell them to sit down immediately. Those who cannot stick to the issues.

Then civility can be restored.

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Tell the Village, the Guild and the Chamber of Commerce that you want plants and flowers in our planters, not politics!

Ridgewood Yard Signs
April 20,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, it seems more and more residents are critical of the sign pollution that has taken over the CBD in Ridgewood .
The change came last fall when the Council Majority pushed for the garage development on Hudson Street . To many this move was emblematic of the total lake of respect for the Village of Ridgewood by the Council Majority and their supporters . The garage was also heavily pushed the Ridgewood Guild and the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.

Dear Ridgewood Residents,

If you are appalled by the number of political signs littering our Central Business District, please file a complaint with the Village Clerk’s office. They are accepting complaints by email at hmailander@ridgewoodnj.net or by phone at 201-670-5500 x201
Tell the Village, the Guild and the Chamber of Commerce that you want plants and flowers in our planters, not politics!

The Village Clerk’s office confirmed that none of these signs were allowed until the rule was changed in Oct/Nov FOR the Parking Garage signs!! My guess is that we will see the old rule reinstated just in time for the November national election.

Heather Mailander had earlier responded by saying , “To clarify, based on last Fall’s regulations, the campaign signs may be placed in the public right of way (planting strip between the curb and sidewalk) anywhere in the Village, including planters in the CBD.  However, they may not be placed on Village property.  This includes all parks, the train station parking lot and green spaces near the train station, or other Village-owned property (Village Hall, both library properties, water properties, DPW properties, the Recycling Center, etc.).  The signs cannot be a sight hazard or a pedestrian hazard.  If you are unsure whether or not you can place a sign somewhere, please contact me.  Also, please be aware that any signs found on Village property will be removed and not returned. ”

However Councilwomen Susan Knudsen was not so sure :

“I’m not certain about information received from the clerks office regarding an ordinance change permitting political cbd signage. Please forward any correspondence regarding same to sknudsen@ridgewoodnj.net.

There were many inquires, and much outrage, over the signs back then and a legal determination that political signs placed in tree wells, planters, etc did not violate Village Code. There was not a change permitting the placement. Notwithstanding the lacking code, I disagreed with the practice then and disagree with it now. Yesterday I sent an email to all six Council candidates requesting a voluntary removal of their campaign signs from the CBD. Four candidates were thoughtful and responsive. There were several reasons for my email including respect for the many volunteers who spend countless hours and private donations on CBD beautification projects.
As stated, four candidates were thoughtful and responded accordingly. Two of the four (Rich and Bernie) never “planted” signs in the historic CBD or by the historic train station. Two others (Ramon and Jeff) voluntarily removed their signs.
Feel free to send additional questions or comments.

Councilwomen Susan Knudsen”

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Reader says Time to take Back the Village of Ridgewood from Special Interests

Abraham Godwin Ridgewood

There has been no better opportunity than now to unite all Village neighborhoods. Citizens for a Better Ridgewood has its roots on the West Side and favors slower growth in high density housing. The Concerned Residents of Ridgewood is based in the Travel/BF/Somerville neighborhood and favors a smaller-scale modernization effort by the Hospital. Friends of Schedler are in the neighborhoods east of Route 17 and favor preserving the woodlands on that property. Most recently, a group of tax payers from all over town that favors a 4 level garage over a 5 level garage has successfully petitioned to bring that issue to a vote.

After 4 years of a “Council majority” that has claimed to know what’s best for the rest of us and has insulted anyone that has disagreed with them, it looks like we might actually be able to take the town back from special interest groups and Council members with personal agendas.

Candidates Bernie Walsh, Jeff Voight and Ramon Hache have the very unique opportunity to unite these neighborhoods in our quest to preserve our property values and the charm of our Village. Please vote for them on May 10.

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Whats the Role of the Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee in Raising Taxes

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file photo by Boyd Loving

April 18,2016
the satff of the Rmidgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, from the “Take Back Ridgewood ” Facebook page,put forth a very taxing matter. According to “Take Back Ridgewood ” , “Our taxes are going UP this year. Public hearings on the new tax rates are not scheduled until May 11th (May 10th is the election date).

Since “two council candidates Evan Weitz and Janice Willett and ranking members of the Financial Advisory Committee;
when they knock at your door to ask for your vote, please remember to ask them about their role in Financial Advisory Committee and raising our taxes.

Also ask them why the news about tax increase is not being shared with the residents until May 11th. Please share and spread the word, so everyone can make an informed decision on May 10th.”

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Ridgewood Open Houses for April 17,2016

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1612261.1 MLS # 1612261
231 Van Emburgh Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, C/C
Alina Nolan, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1612679.1 MLS # 1612679
482 Northern Pkwy, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, C/C
Joyce Albert, Sales Associate
Terrie O’Connor Realtors-Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
20

1615014.1 MLS # 1615014
272 Van Emburgh Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, C/C
Tony Nabhan, Broker Associate
Keller Williams City Views Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
17

1613106.1 MLS # 1613106
34 Daniel Ct, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Twnhs
Marilyn Nuber, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
23

1613689.1 MLS # 1613689
300 Van Emburgh Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, C/C
Glenn Hefferan, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1605312.1 MLS # 1605312
395 Hamilton Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath, S/L
Olivia O. Yang, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
22

1614224.1 MLS # 1614224
114 Claremont Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Eileen Krenn, Sales Associate
RE/MAX Elite Associates

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1614648.1 MLS # 1614648
520 Hillcrest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Maureen Mole, Sales Associate
RE/MAX Properties-Saddle River

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1614873.1 MLS # 1614873
270 Hillcrest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Janis Fuhrman, Sales Associate
Terrie O’Connor Realtors-Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
21

1614642.1 MLS # 1614642
676 Howard Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Col
Beth Freed, Broker Associate
Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty-Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17

– See more at: https://www.njmls.com/NJ/BERGEN/RIDGEWOOD-open-houses#sthash.ACMskRWk.fnahRBZG.dpuf

1604193.1 MLS # 1604193
729 Mary Ann Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Col
Carolyn Strittmatter, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/24
25

1614979.1 MLS # 1614979
421 Eastgate Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Laura Gill, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1614875.1 MLS # 1614875
251 Sollas Ct, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, B/L
Olivia O. Yang, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
23

1611591.1 MLS # 1611591
169 Melrose Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, S/L
Ghada Abbasi, Sales Associate
Coldwell Banker, Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1614432.1 MLS # 1614432
227 Mckinley Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath, Ranch
Angele Ekert, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1520745.1 MLS # 1520745
352 Hillcrest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
David H. Larsen, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1508087.1 MLS # 1508087
365 Heights Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Caren White, Sales Associate
Marron Gildea Realty, Inc.

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
24

1603099.1 MLS # 1603099
51 N Hillside Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Barbara Masarky, Broker Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 4/17
24

1610883.1 MLS # 1610883
212 Claremont Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Lynn Scerbo, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1610486.1 MLS # 1610486
71 California St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Ranch
Jennifer Wilkes, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17

– See more at: https://www.njmls.com/NJ/BERGEN/RIDGEWOOD-open-houses#sthash.ACMskRWk.fnahRBZG.dpuf

1602593.1 MLS # 1602593
362 Crest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
6 Bedroom, 4 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Frances Ekblom, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1613891.1 MLS # 1613891
150 California St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
6 Bedroom, 6 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Anne C. Ryoo, Sales Associate
Tarvin Realtors

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1604701.1 MLS # 1604701
353 Highland Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 5 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Michael Machinski, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25

1604049.1 MLS # 1604049
150 Brookside Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
8 Bedroom, 8 Full Bath,
3 Half Bath, Col
Marilyn Nuber, Sales Associate
Keller Williams Village Square Realty

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
25
Open Houses for Sun 4/24

1614822.1 MLS # 1614822
240 Hillcrest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, B/L
David Snyde, Sales Associate
DRI Real Estate Co.

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/24
  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 5/1
25

1604193.1 MLS # 1604193
729 Mary Ann Pl, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Col
Carolyn Strittmatter, Sales Associate
Weichert Realtors Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/17
  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/24
25

1614463.1 MLS # 1614463
130 John St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 5 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, Col
Louise Jennee, Sales Associate
Terrie O’Connor Realtors-Ridgewood

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/24
25
Open Houses for Sun 5/1

1614822.1 MLS # 1614822
240 Hillcrest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath,
1 Half Bath, B/L
David Snyde, Sales Associate
DRI Real Estate Co.

  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 4/24
  • Open House: 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sun. 5/1

– See more at: https://www.njmls.com/NJ/BERGEN/RIDGEWOOD-open-houses#sthash.ACMskRWk.fnahRBZG.dpuf

 

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Village of Ridgewood 2016 Budget Highlights and Low lights

village-hall-theridgewoodblog

Village of Ridgewood Budget Highlights and Low lights

Budget Summary

 Operating & Capital Budgets done together. ◦ $47.8 Million Operating Budget ◦ $4.2 Net Million Capital Budget

 1.6% Municipal Tax Increase ◦ $67.40 annual increase on an average assessed home value of $693,904.

 Estimated outstanding bonds & notes $36.6 Million (12/31/15) $38.8 Million (12/31/14)

 Revenues & Expenses are up approximately 1.4% from prior year.

 General operating staffing levels flat to last year

2016 BUDGET PRESENTATION AT APRIL 13TH VILLAGE COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING

For the 2016 Budget Report that was presented at the Village Council Public Meeting on April 13, 2016 Click Here

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Ridgewood Village Manager Sonenfeld: Do as we say, not as we do

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog
file photo by Boyd Loving
April 12,2016
Boyd A Loving
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Blog has just learned that employees of the Village’s Streets and Parks Departments have been ordered to remove any campaign signs, specifically those belonging to Ramon Hache, found erected on Village owned properties.

This bizarre directive comes just months after many Village owned properties were literally plastered with “Vote Yes For Parking” signs and Village Attorney Matthew S. Rogers indicated that there was NO LOCAL ORDINANCE that prohibited the erection of election related signage on Village owned properties.

So Ms. Sonenfeld, if there is NO LOCAL ORDINANCE THAT PROHIBITS THEM FROM BEING ON VILLAGE OWNED PROPERTIES, why are Mr. Hache’s campaign signs being torn town by Village employees?

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Questions the Ridgewood Village Council Candidates Need to Answer

village-hall-theridgewoodblog

April 12,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The League of Women Voters will sponsor a  Candidates’ Night for those running for Village Council . The Candidates’ Night will take place in the Village Hall Court Room, Wednesday, April 20th from 7:30PM to 9:30PM.  All are invited to attend to learn positions on local issues.

Reader says the election is less than a month away and I don’t know where any of the candidates stand on important issues.

Do they have websites? Is there any campaign material? If the Ridgewood News were truely an unbiased local paper they would send questions to the candidates for answers and publish all responses.

I know that the League of Women Voters will have a forum but I expected more. What if the forum does not adress my questions?

What do you think the village should do about parking in the CBD? Do you think that we even have a parking problem?

Do you think that the housing density should be 25 units per acre? Do you think that it should be higher or lower?

How many high density projects can the congested downtown absorb?

Will you challenge the latest Valley Hospital Plan and ask for more concessions?

What can be done to end the cycle of empty-nesters fleeing the town because of high taxes? Do you think that there is a benefit to offer a tax break to stabilize the demographics and prevent an overflow of students in our schools?

Will you ask that all council and committee members disclose all conflicts of interest – perhaps without being asked by an angry and skeptical public?

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Village of Ridgewood Change Order

Village_Manager_Roberta_Sonenfeld_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

April 12,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld explaining what the Village spent $295,000.00 on for designs that were not approved yet…followed quick by a change order for $120,000.00 to switch to Design D. Enjoy. Thank Charlie Nowinski for bringing this up at the Village Council meeting.

https://www.tubechop.com/watch/7840960

 

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Village of Ridgewood Coucil Candidate Jeff Voigt On Finding Common Ground

Jeff Voigt Ridgewood

April 11,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Village of Ridgewood Coucil Candidate Jeff Voigt On Finding Common Ground.

Jeff told the Ridgewood blog , ““we need to get various camps together to solve some important issues.  If we do not, we may never see any progress – e.g. with density that is consistent with our existing inventory  of multifamily dwellings; a smaller garage(s) that fits in the Hudson St lot vs a 4 story/5 level proposed garage that doesn’t;  less square footage in the hospital expansion and; a smaller (e.g. 60 ft diamond) vs. a 90 ft ball field at Schedler.  We have a problem with those who want to SUPERSIZE our town to the detriment of the character and feel of it.  We need buy-in and compromise from various camps to move forward. ” ”

Video by Dana H. Glazer  https://youtu.be/dznXxgc0gj8

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Ridgewood Sues Valley Hospital to Strip it of its Tax Exempt Status

Valleywood theridgewoodblog.net 1
April 7,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Finally the Village of Ridgewood has now joined over two dozen other municipalities, including Teaneck, Englewood, Wayne, Paterson, Pequannock and North Bergen challenging the tax exempt status of their local hospital .

According to the Bergen Record ,”Valley’s 15 1/2-acre main campus would owe about $4.5 million in taxes if it were fully assessed, according to Michael Barker, the village tax assessor.”

Since a landmark ruling in 2015 stripped Morristown Medical Center of its property-tax exemption. Many towns in New Jersey have begun looking into stripping local non profit hospitals of their tax exempt status and for Ridgewood its about time !

Lets face it for many years Valley hospital have enjoyed the services that the Village of Ridgewood has provide to them. For example police and fire response to alarms, thefts investigation altercation.

Many readers do know that when other towns bring someone to the hospital they do not stay with the patient. If the patient becomes combative or unruly the Ridgewood police have to respond and remain until the situation is resolved.

Although not well publicized, theft from patients, Doctors and Valley Hospital do occur with some frequency. These incidents are investigated by the Ridgewood Police and are added to the reported crime statistics of Ridgewood.
The fact that Valley Hospital feels that they need to” Renew” or expand indicates that the response of the police and fire will only increase. If indeed Valley Hospital feels that they are part of the community then why not pay their fair share. Why would the Village of Ridgewood have to sue them for taxes .
It is time that all parties should sit down and settle this as a real community partners.  The Village and the hospital would gain more credibility if this was done in transparent and fair way. Maybe it is time to put the past aside and make Valley a real partner in the community.
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Reader asks is the Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee nothing more than a group to Promote the Mayors Agenda

Ridgewood_-Village_Hall_theridgewoodblog

Can we start a thread on the Financial Advisory Committee?

What is their mission? Are they supposed to be a nonpolitical group? Is it the bull pen for council positions?
How did the committee get so big? Who appointed them?
Will their job ever be complete or will they hang around forever?

We sincerely hope that the current Village Council will have the wisdom and
courage to act, thereby avoiding the urgency for another “independent” review of the Vil
lage budget and management process in the future.

Our committee focused only on the municipal budget and practices, not the Board of Education (BOE). Since
the BOE budget represents 64% of the property tax burden in Ridgewood, we hope that this report wi
ll also serve as a template for the BOE to establish a similar process for cost and efficiency improvements
.
Given the time and resource constraints mentioned earlier, the report is not an exhaustive study, but attempts to raise
issues and make actionable recommendations for the Village Council’s immediate attention and further
consideration. We held almost 50 hours of meetings, including with current and past Village representatives
and various Village constituents. We met with consultants in municipal government operational efficiency and
studied all of the Village’s collective bargaining agreements.

Finally, we carefully reviewed the Village’s budget trends over the past 10 years to understand key budget influences and, more importantly, what they tell us about Ridgewood’s future liabilities. Collectively, our Committee devoted hundreds of hours in an
effort to deliver recommendations that we hope will have great value for Ridgewood taxpayers.

While our committee has no authority to enact any of our recommendations, we appreciate and are honored
to have the opportunity to serve our community in this manner. We took the responsibility of Mayor
Aronsohn’s mandate seriously. We respectfully submit the following recommendations to the Village Council
with the hope that you will make every effort to act on them fully and expeditiously. We wish to be clear that
these recommendations do not, necessarily, represent the unanimous opinion of all members of our
committee. However, they do represent the consensus of the committee. It is the opinion of the committee that the consequences of failing to act on these recommendations have never been more momentous or urgent for the sustainability of our Village, as we know it, and for the rising fiscal burden on Village taxpayers.

The Members of the 2012 Financial Advisory Committee (alphabetically)
Rich Barclay
Bayard DeI\/Iallie
Ed Feldsott
Nancy Johansen *
Charlie Kime
John Maxwell
Jim McCarthy
David Sabath
Jim Schimmei
Fran Shovlìn
Roberta Sonenfeld *
Bob Zeller

Nothing above gives the FAC authority to submit letters to the editor and promote the agenda of the mayor.

That was the 2012 roster. Are they all still on? Some of them are just wanna-bees. No real financial expertise. A couple have oversized egos but can’t even manage their personal finances