We haven’t been in communications via E-Notice for a while! And I was actually hesitating sending this note out as there may be little if any impact on you as a result of our new Amnesty Program but decided on balance it would be good to communicate on this topic. I have attached a copy of the Permit Amnesty Program that the Building Department is offering for residential work that has been previously completed without having the required permits. This program is based on the review of more than 650 pending applications as well as discussions with residents. This program runs through August 21, 2015.
Two other topics that I would like to mention while I have your ear. First of all potholes: over the last several weeks we have received calls from about 450 residents, others have used our website application, resulting in the filling of over 2,000 potholes around town. Please keep that input coming – although our staff is also on the lookout for potholes, our best source of information is you.
I know that there has been news stories about animal sightings, sometimes the animals – mainly raccoons and coyotes- are rabid. If an animal looks like they are intoxicated or displaying weird behavior, you are encouraged to call the Police Department. I would also suggest that if you see a coyote, rabid or otherwise, please phone the Police Department……if we get several sightings I will put out an E-Notice. Unfortunately we cannot as yet target an E-Notice to a geographic area within the Village but we will indicate in the notice where the sightings have occurred.
You do not need to receive an E-Notice to communicate with me – please always feel free to share your observations and feedback. I had my April Meet the Manager session last evening and my next one will be on Saturday, May 23rd from 9 – noon.
Click Here
Have a great spring, Roberta
Best regards,
Roberta
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203
file photo by Boyd Loving
APRIL 24, 2015, 10:20 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015, 10:25 PM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — Village property owners would pay 1.2 percent more in taxes over the next year, under a $47.1 million 2015 municipal budget introduced by officials this week.
Ridgewood’s operating budget raises expenses and revenues overall by 1.8 percent, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld said during the council’s Wednesday night meeting.
The tax increase is the first in the village in two years and would result in a $46.72 increase for owners of the average home, assessed at $690,672.
Second quarter property taxes are due May 1, 2015. There is a 10 day grace period for property tax payments. Since the 10th falls on a Sunday, all payments must be received in this office by Monday, May 11, 2015 to avoid a penalty. Postmark is not accepted.
Please allow ample time for mail delivery. If you are using online checking, confirm with your banking institution that payments will arrive on time and be sure to include your block and lot number in the memo. We cannot make exceptions for payments still en route on May 11th . All payments received after the May 11th deadline will accrue interest from May 1, 2015. Payments may also be dropped off in the yellow Village mail box at the rear main entrance.
April 21,2015
Ridgewood NJ, We have received a few reports of random daytime sightings of raccoons. We have no reason to believe they are rabid. Usually raccoons are nocturnal but during this time of the year they are breeding and are often looking for food or drink for themselves and their babies from dumpsters, garbage cans, pools or other water sources.
Tyco, our Animal Control expert, suggests that there should only be concerns if an animal looks like they are drunk or intoxicated; if they are lying around and not responding to loud noises; attack inanimate objects (trees/rocks); or other types of weird behavior. In these cases you are encouraged to call the Police Department who will contact the animal control service.
We recommend that you do not feed feral animals or leave food out or stagnant water for them.
Big Foot https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-blog-to-promote-night-out-for-big-foot-for-earth-day/
APRIL 21, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015, 9:22 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Village Council is getting ready to introduce its spending plan for the 2015 fiscal year after a final discussion last week pertaining to some items contained in the 2015 operating and capital budgets.
All five council members stated at least some support for the staff recommended budget, which calls for a 1.2 percent tax increase. A home assessed at the village average of $690,672 would see a $46.72 increase.
The budget is scheduled for introduction on April 22, while village officials are targeting May 27 for a public hearing and adoption.
One of the changes proposed in the budget is increasing the hours for senior human resources professional Sharyn Matthews from 29 to 35 hours, making her position full-time.
Councilman Michael Sedon questioned Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld as to why it was necessary to increase Matthews’ role from part-time to full-time.
Sonenfeld responded that the full-time human resources professional will work on an organizational redesign with the significant retirements the village is facing in the coming years, as well as putting a strong process in place for a performance evaluation system.
There will also be a general savings to the village in having Matthews handle responsibilities currently borne by other professionals such as the labor attorney, Sonenfeld said.
Treasurer Steve Sanzari noted that the village budgeted $60,000 for labor attorney fees, but actually spent $96,210 last year. With a full-time human resources staffer on board, $50,000 needed to be set aside.
Chinese Mahjong, Instructional, Tuesday, April 17, 7pm. Registration required and space limited. Please contact Jin Lee at [email protected] or 201-670-5600, ext. 125. Drop-in practice, Tuesday, April 24, 10am. No registration required.
Highlights of Italian Opera: La Traviata, Sunday, April 19, 2pm. Sung by students of tenor Francisco Casanova. All welcome. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Mysterious China, Tuesday, April 21, 6:30pm. Dr. Jim Kane shares lecture of his 300-mile journey. Free, all welcome. Light refreshments.
Women & Finance, Thursday, April 23, 7pm. RW resident and UBS VP Kathy Entwistle and guest speaker, Randi Bale, teach how to improve your financial picture and get your life in order. All welcome.
MakerSpace Saturday: Poetry Magnets, Saturday, April 25, 11am-12pm. Drop in to celebrate April Poetry Month. Complimentary for RW residents; $5/project for visitors. Kids under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.
Rave On!, Sunday, April 26, 2pm. Classic early rock from Buddy Holly, Orbison, more. All welcome. Donations are greatly appreciated.
*NEW* Memoir Writing Club, Tuesday, April 28, 3pm. Ever think your life story could be a novel? Want to share your family stories with future generations? We have a new writing group to help turn your memories into memoirs. No writing experience required. Contact Kerri for more information at [email protected] or 201-670-5600, ext. 103.
Documentary Screening—Blue Gold: World Water Wars (2008, 90 min), Wednesday, April 29, 7pm. What can we do to save our dwindling water supply? Screening of award-winning documentary followed by q&a with Barry Scheibner, business manager, Ridgewood Water. Co-sponsored by the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) and the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood.
World Language Café: Italian, Thursday, April 30, 2-3pm. Meet in our auditorium and brush up on your Italian. Registration required and space is limited. Register atwww.ridgewoodlibrary.org or contact Kerri at 201-670-5600, ext. 103 [email protected].
Making a Good Impressionism, Thursday, April 30, 6:30pm. French Impressionist and American paintings from art museums of Montclair, Princeton University and Newark. Speaker: Dr. Michael Norris. Free, all welcome. Light refreshments.
Ridgewood Library Valley Hospital Wellness Partnership
Saving the Spring in Your Step, Tuesday, April 28, 7-8:30pm. Foot and ankle problems are caused by injuries, diabetes, arthritis, genetics—or maybe just the wrong shoes. Learn about prevention, symptoms and relief. Speaker: Dr. Andrew Brief, M.D., orthopedic surgeon. All welcome, registration required. To register: 1-800-825-5391 or www.valleyhealth.com/events.
Local History & Genealogy
Internet Genealogy, Monday, April 20, 7pm. Learn the best steps to accessing genealogy records and information on the Internet. For info/registration, please contact Sarah Kiefer [email protected] or 201-670-5600, ext. 135.
Researching Civil War Ancestors, Saturday, April 25, 10:30am. For info/registration, please contact Sarah Kiefer at [email protected] or 201-670-5600, ext. 135.
Ellis Island, Monday, Monday, April 27, 7pm. Monthly meeting of the Genealogical Society of Bergen County. All welcome.
Great Decisions Discussion Group
“Sectarianism in the Middle East,” Thursday, April 23, 12:30-2pm. Many of the current Middle East conflicts have been attributed to sectarianism, a politicization of ethnic and religious identity. How have governments manipulated sectarian differences? And what is the U.S. doing about it? Pre-registration and readings required. Please contact Eileen Colyer at 201-670-5600, ext. 132 or [email protected].
ESL for Adults
Spring Conversation Group, Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm, March 18-May 6. No class on April 1. Free for all ESL students. No registration required. For info, contact Eileen Colyer, ext. 132 [email protected].
Readers Choice Book Group
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Friday, April 17, 1-2:30pm. Copies available at the Circulation desk. Led by Dr. Ginny Hyman.
Movies
Monday Night Movie, Birdman (2014; R; 119 min), Monday, April 20, 6:30pm. Washed-up actor tries to overcome former superhero role. Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone. Academy Award Best Picture.
Friday Matinee, Gone Girl (2014; R; 149 min), Friday, April 24, 1pm. When Amy disappears, her husband is suspected of murder. Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike
For a Brit, he’s pretty clear on the evils of tyrrany.
Here he demonstrates clearly that he must have visited Ridgewood in person at some point in the recent past, and that when he did, he enthusiastically imbibed the message of public civility imparted by our treasured public icons, the three amigos:
Pat Condell’s words: “When you’re imposing tolerance and respect on people, there’s no need to actually show them any. Just keep throwing mud until it sticks, because you’re up to your neck in double standards here, so you need to be extra vigilent against unwelcome opinion, which in your position can be more than inconvenient (if that wasn’t outrageous enough), it can be downright threatening. So anyone trying to stir up healthy, rational debate should always be swiftly marginalized and crushed, in the spirit of reconciliation and healing. And, if your conscience troubles you, just remind yourself that you’re doing the wrong thing for the correct reason, and you’ll be fine.”
Civility Forum – May 11th at 7:30PM The next Civility Forum will be held at 7:30pm in the Senior Lounge at Village Hall. Rev. Jan Phillips will lead the discussion. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Building Department is offering an amnesty program for residential work that has been previously completed without the required permits from the Village of Ridgewood.
The purpose of the amnesty program is to ensure that any work that was completed without permits does not cause a safety hazard to our residents. The program will also give Village homeowners the opportunity to apply for these permits before they are subject to administrative action.
Construction permits are required for, but not limited to, decks, interior renovations, pools, mechanical equipment installations, generators, fire/burglar systems, electrical services and subpanels, additional light fixtures or receptacles and water and gas piping. The program requires that homeowners apply for all permits and securing all the necessary inspections during the amnesty period. A comprehensive list of permitted items can be found on the Village’s website at www.ridgewoodnj.net under The Department of Community Services.
To participate in the amnesty program, you must apply for the proper permits prior to any discovery by our inspectors. Violations will not be issued to any owner occupied dwelling provided the homeowner takes advantage of the amnesty program while the program is in effect from April 20, 2015 until the close of business on August 21, 2015.
Residents doing work without a permit and who do not take advantage of this program will be subjected to the normal administrative procedures mandated by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Please note that if your property has zoning non-conformities, you will be required to obtain the proper zoning approval. This is an opportunity to ensure that should you consider selling your home, all the necessary paperwork will be in order and you will avoid any last minute delays.
The amnesty program does not exempt any zoning, engineering or any other required prior approval issues which must be satisfied prior to the issuance of any permits. Also, some work may have an impact on your property taxes.
Contractors and commercial properties are not eligible for the amnesty program.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Construction Department at 201-670-5500 extension 506.
APRIL 17, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
An ordinance introduced last week to limit the hours motorists can park on Corella Court during the school day has nearby residents concerned that parking problems will now spill over onto neighboring Stevens Avenue.
From Sept. 1 through June 30, parking will be limited to two hours from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on both sides of Corella Court. The ordinance also calls for a stop sign to be installed on the east side of the street at its intersection with Stevens Avenue.
The changes stem from an influx of cars parked on Corella Court for hours at a time each day, which was attributed to construction done at Hawes Elementary School that took away parking from employees, forcing them to the nearby cul-de-sac, said Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld.
“It is a serious situation at Corella Court,” Sonenfeld said. “We cannot get emergency vehicles in and out [and] people cannot back out of their driveways, so it really is a serious problem.”
Jim Brandes, a Stevens Avenue resident, said the current proposal will only move the problem further up the street to the area of Stevens Avenue north of Corella Court. Brandes said the situation will, in fact, become more dangerous because Stevens Avenue is busier and more narrow than Corella Court.
APRIL 16, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015, 3:43 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Municipal officials gave high marks to the Ridgewood school system for its overall work and offered preliminary support to the district’s proposed $101 million budget.
At the annual joint meeting between the village’s governing and education leaders on Monday, Board of Education members and district administrators reviewed their anticipated 2015-16 spending plan, which will be up for BOE vote later this month.
The schools budget calls for an average tax bill increase of approximately $195, a figure based on an assessed home value of $690,662.
When combined with the district’s outstanding debt service levy, the amount to be paid is a 2.04 percent increase over last year.
In explaining the proposal, Alfredo Aguilar, district business administrator, highlighted the various programs that the budget would support. Included in his list were four additional staff positions, 13 new class offerings throughout the high school and middle schools, and $1.5 million earmarked for technology maintenance and upgrades.
CRPL presents: Story Walk®- “The Spotty Dotty Daffodil”
The Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands (CRPL) and the Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to present a Story Walk® of The Spotty Dotty Daffodil for all families to discover and enjoy together.
Story Walk® is an exciting literary initiative that combines the reading of a children’s story with a walking route, while connecting families in the out of doors. A unique way to inspire parents, teachers, grandparents and care givers to take young children on a short stroll that is free for all. The Story walk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library, visit [email protected].
The Spotty Dotty daffodil is a picture book by Rose Mannering and illustrated with beautiful water colors by Bethany Straker which features a heartfelt story of acceptance ; one that celebrates the differences in all of us- spots , stripes or otherwise.
Volunteers from the Conservancy have made arrangements for this Story walk®- of the Spotty Dotty Daffodil to be displayed April1 through May 2, in unison with the bloom of some 14,000 daffodil bulbs planted throughout the Village community. The actual story walk will take place in the meadow area adjacent to the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue in Ridgewood. Families are invited to visit the Story Walk®, enjoy the Spotty Dotty Daffodil story together and discover the beauty of nature that abounds in one local park. For your convenience, parking, restroom facilities and a playground are available.
This is an outdoor experience, so dress accordingly. The event is free to the public.
For more information please contact the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department at 201-670-5560, www.ridgewoodnj.net or visit the office at 259 N. Maple Avenue.
APRIL 14, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015, 9:42 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood Council has approved new construction code fees, adopting the implementing ordinance by 3-2 vote during its meeting last Wednesday.
Council members Susan Knudsen and Michael Sedon voted against the fee changes.
Knudsen did not offer explanation for her vote; however, Sedon said he reviewed the Building Department’s upcoming budget when reaching his decision. In comparing anticipated revenues and expenditures, the councilman said the department is turning a $134,000 profit.
“My feeling is we’re covering the cost of the department and able to make a little bit of money while still offering residents a bit of a deal on inspections when they have work done,” Sedon said, suggesting the higher fees were unnecessary.
With the new ordinance, the building department is aiming to bring the village’s construction code fees more in line with surrounding towns and the state of New Jersey.
Tom Yotka, the new director of the Building Department and construction official, said the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requires the construction official in each municipality to review the fees a minimum of every two years. Yotka noted the last effective change to the ordinance was in 2009, but did not know when the department last reviewed its charges.
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. , Ridgewood Police with the help of Fish and wildlife officials tranquilized a bear found roaming through the Village in a sign that bear-sighting season is here.
Chief John M. Ward ,”I would like to thank Bergen County, Glen Rock and Ho Ho Kus Police Departments, TYCO animal control and NJ Fish & Game for their assistance in the tracking, containment and capture of the bear. Additionally I would like to thank Ridgewood Fire, Emergency Services, and OEM for their valuable assistance with notification of the public and helping to secure the perimeter, area sports fields and schools during the incident. Finally I would like to thank our residents for their cooperation and understanding which allowed us to deal with the situation as quickly and safely as possible. “
Authorities speculate that the 175-pound male black bear that was seen Saturday morning in Ridgewood,may have been the same one seen in Hawthorne Friday night.
Experts tell The Bergen Record that bear sightings pick up at this time of year as the bruins emerge from hibernating to look for food. Males can roam as far as 50 miles from their dens.
Bears have been seen all around New Jersey but sightings have been mainly concentrated in the northwest part of the state.
New Jersey hosts a state-sanctioned bear hunt that has killed about 1,900 bears since 2010 and the state has proposed expanding the hunt in coming years.
Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld will hold office hours for Ridgewood residents and business owners on Thursday, April 23 between the hours of 4:30pm to 7:30pm. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts and provide input to Roberta. These sessions will be scheduled at 15 minute intervals and will be held in the Garden Room – on the First Level of Ridgewood Village Hall. Please contact Beth Spinato at 201-670-5500, ext. 203 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome but should realize that the schedule may already be booked. We will announce the schedule for these meetings on a monthly basis
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – A black bear reportedly roaming around Ridgewood, New Jersey, was tranquilized by authorities Saturday.
According to posts on the Ridgewood Police Department’s social media accounts, the 175-pound bear was roaming the community earlier but was removed by the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Ridgewood police tell WCBS 880 a call came in at about 8:10 a.m. about a bear in the area heading into town.
Village Clerk, when acting VM, violated ordinance and was called out on it by resident. Same resident had applied for a Village position. Resident denied position in violation of residency requirement ordinance by same Village Clerk while Acting Manager. New Vm (R.S.) learns of violation in May, 2014 and decides to amend ordinance to support her Village Clerk. Councilwoman Knudsen got to close to discovering the truth and the V.M. and 3 amigos decided to sic their attack dog(labor attorney) on her. All the rhetoric about wanting to hire the best available employee is B.S.
That’s either a crass indictment, or a rare glimpse of truth and municipal reality that the public was not supposed to be afforded. One can’t necessarily decide between the two possibilities without more information or an alternative source, but you may be assured that at least one inquiring mind wants to know which is real, and which IS an illusion!
