Tag: Village of Ridgewood

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Rep. Scott Garrett calls new Hudson River train tunnel vital

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Rep. Scott Garrett calls new Hudson River train tunnel vital

OCTOBER 23, 2014, 11:35 PM    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014, 11:42 PM
BY HERB JACKSON
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT | 
THE RECORD

Rep. Scott Garrett said Thursday that a new train tunnel should be built under the Hudson River “sooner rather than later” because the potential closing of one or both of the existing tunnels owned by Amtrak “would be a nightmare.”

But Garrett, in a meeting with the editorial board of The Record, said leaders in New Jersey and New York should reach an agreement first on what share of the cost they would bear if they want Washington to become involved.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/rep-scott-garrett-calls-new-hudson-river-train-tunnel-vital-1.1116958#sthash.KITPPupd.dpuf

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Ridgewood will no longer donate to charitable groups

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file photo by Boyd Loving 

Ridgewood will no longer donate to charitable groups

OCTOBER 22, 2014    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014, 12:23 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER | 
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Ridgewood will no longer be donating thousands of dollars each year to local charitable organizations, a process the village manager said is illegal.

The public disclosure that the village was making these donations for a long period of time was made by Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld at a council meeting on Oct. 8.

Sonenfeld told the public that she could not specify for how long the donations have been made, but that they likely went on under several different administrations.

“I will tell you that it was probably somewhere in the range of maybe $10,000 [a year]… to sports organization, as well as to some Ridgewood charities,” she said.

Last Wednesday, Sonenfeld told The Ridgewood News that the donations had been going on for “much more than 10 years” (the technological records only go back that far). She also said that no state government entity had told the village to discontinue the donations.

She believed that the village wanted to support Ridgewood residents by making the donations, and had apparently not realized that they were illegal.

“Municipalities, by state law, cannot make donations to charitable institutions; there are very few exceptions to this,” she said. “I think it’s the idea that as a taxpayer … you’re not spending your money for someone else to determine what charity to give to.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/state-law-requires-ridgewood-to-stop-donations-1.1114768#sthash.PnhqFHmx.dpuf

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Overnight Milling Project at Garber Square in Ridgewood

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photos by Boyd Loving

Overnight Milling Project at Garber Square 
October 21,2104
Boyd A. Loving

Ridgewood NJ, Garber Square, Ridgewood was closed in both directions (eastbound and westbound) to all vehicular traffic from 2000 hours on Monday, 10/20/2014, through 0600 hours on Tuesday, 10/21/2014 to allow for milling of the road surface in preparation for paving.  This work was performed in connection with a major streetscape project approved by the Ridgewood Village Council.  In addition to paving, the project will include the addition of bike lanes in both directions, the reduction of traffic lanes from two lanes to one lane, and a median island.

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photos by Boyd Loving

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Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands Second Annual Daffodil Planting Day

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photo by ArtChick

Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands Second Annual Daffodil Planting Day

Sun, October 19, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Event DescriptionThis October community project involves the planting of thousands of daffodil bulbs throughout town. The project will culminate in April with a Daffodil Festival.

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Village should have notified residents

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Village should have notified residents
October 16th 2014

Boyd Loving

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Village Council members voted unanimously to award a $4,000 professional service contract for completion of a land survey in connection with the planned purchase of property on which a new children’s playground will likely be constructed. The property to be surveyed, and being considered for purchase, is located on Highwood Avenue near its intersection with South Broad Street.

Immediately following the unanimous vote, which took place during a public meeting, I asked Village Council members whether those who own property near the intersection of Highwood Avenue and South Broad Street had yet been informed of the council’s plan to construct a public playground on Highwood Avenue. I was informed that no such notification has yet been made; village officials are not “ready” to meet with nearby property owners yet.

Frankly, I’m perplexed. The Ridgewood News just published an article about the proposed playground. The issue has been mentioned during two recent Village Council meetings. And, a firm was just awarded a $4,000 taxpayer funded contract in connection with services that must be undertaken prior to property acquisition. But people who own property in the noted area have not been told a thing?

Whether village officials are “ready” or not, now is clearly the right time to be “ready.” Adjacent and nearby property owners must be made aware of the village’s intent with respect to acquisition of property(ies) and facility design/construction before the train leaves its current stop.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-ridgewood-should-have-notified-residents-1.1111528#sthash.gAzmWYPm.dpuf

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Ridgewood News editorial: Parking plan needs more input

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Ridgewood News editorial: Parking plan needs more input

OCTOBER 10, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Print

Officials took notice of public outcries over the Garber Square project this summer and PSE&G’s utility pole installation in 2013, and they learned that everyone should have a say when an impactful undertaking moves toward the horizon.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-editorials/parking-plan-needs-input-1.1106605#sthash.homSBShO.dpuf

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Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

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file photo Boyd Loving

Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL – REVISED SCHEDULE

As you may have heard In our continuing efforts to improve services, a new leaf removal program will begin with the upcoming leaf season. The preponderant portion of Area B will be outsourced to a private contractor for the removal of leaves. This change is being implemented so that our resources can be better utilized by providing more manpower and extending collection times in all areas to achieve the services that Ridgewood residents deserve. 

Residents in Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.

N. Monroe St. (house #108 to #412)

Valley View Ave.

Elm Court

Wastena Terr.

Beechwood Road

Unadilla Rd.

Palmer Court

Kemah Rd.

Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)

Carlton Terr.

Sheridan Terr.

Windsor Terr.

NEW dates for collection are as follows:

Area A: Oct. 20 – 23, Nov. 6 – 13, Dec. 1-5

Area B: Oct. 22 – 28, Nov. 6 – 12, Nov. 24 – 28, Dec. 11 – 17

Area C: Oct. 24 – 29, Nov. 14 – 19, Dec. 8 – 12

Area D: Oct. 30 – Nov. 5, Nov. 20 – 26, Dec. 15 – 19

Leaves must be placed directly in the street no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled pick up date. Please have your leaves in the street on the first day scheduled for collection. No brush will be collected during leaf season. You may continue to bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags are available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately. As weather is a key component to this operation if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. In addition you are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website. As a reminder, please use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block. When possible please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division (201) 670-5585.

Our new motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

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Ridgewood hires building department head, human resources professional

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Ridgewood hires building department head, human resources professional

OCTOBER 6, 2014    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014, 11:01 AM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The village has a new head start on building a better building department.

The village recently filled two new positions, including a new department head. The other new hire, intended to benefit all departments, is a senior human resources professional.

In a recent email sent to staff, Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld revealed that, after commencing a building department reorganization last June, the village landed on a new director for the department, which Sonenfeld previously stated was in “need of direct management focus.”

The reorganization, Sonenfeld has said, was necessary to create a more customer-friendly atmosphere, partly by minimizing building permit wait times and related resident complaints.

When asked by The Ridgewood News, Sonenfeld said that the new HR professional will receive a $70,000 annual salary, already approved in this year’s budget. The building department head, Thomas Yotka, will be paid $105,000, she said, some of which will result after two current employees, Mike Barker and Tony Merlino, who used to help run the department, face salary cuts.

“It was viewed as so critical to get something done,” Sonenfeld said, “we figured we’d find the money.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/staff-reorganization-starts-1.1103363#sthash.kGsY1Qao.dpuf

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Reader says The community is tired of Valley’s bullying, the wasting of our taxes and time .

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Reader says The community is tired of Valley’s bullying, the wasting of our taxes and time .

By this action, Valley has proven to me and to residents of this village that it is nothing more than a self interested business entity without any true integrity or competent leadership. This attempt will fail because the associated issues don’t support such a audacious over development. The community as a whole is now aware and tired of their bullying, the wasting of our taxes and time .It has become clear to many in all sections that fears of them trying to turn this town into Valleywood is coming true. The Board of Valley should be embarrassed by their lack of proper management planning,. their double talking and miscue on PV and their disgraceful approach and tactics agaisnt a host that has subsidized them for ages. Valley has lost its way and much of the goodwill that it once had. I personally will disassociate myself with the institution.

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Ridgewood’s Valley Hospital sues over rejection of expansion project

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Ridgewood’s Valley Hospital sues over rejection of expansion project

OCTOBER 3, 2014, 11:53 PM    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014, 11:56 PM
BY MARY JO LAYTON
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

The Valley Hospital filed suit Friday against the Ridgewood Planning Board for rejecting its proposal to nearly double in size, arguing the board illegally sided with neighborhood opponents rather than permitting an upgrade for “an inherently beneficial regional hospital.”

For Valley, the lawsuit filed in state Superior Court in Hackensack is an attempt to end a protracted and costly stalemate with the village — its expansion plans have been defeated two times in the last four years.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-s-valley-hospital-sues-over-rejection-of-expansion-project-1.1102356#sthash.4G5tiib0.dpuf

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Reader says anyone who defends the status quo Parking Meters here can only be a part of the problem. We’re not falling for it.

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Reader says anyone who defends the status quo  Parking Meters here can only be a part of the problem. 

…and how amy millions will the new parking meters cost? with the added bonus of tracking residents shopping and parking habits via credit card use. Way to go.
— How about:
1) get all of the stolen money back
2) implement REAL security for the quarters – not just toss them in a open buckets in an unguarded closet.
New security measures have already been put into place which make future thefts much more difficult – so why do we need to spend millions on new parking meters?

So your argument is “let’s not install smart meters that will avoid any slippage for villagers” ? What kind of a Luddite are you ? New meters might threaten the long standing tradition of municipal employees stealing quarters to pay for personal entertainment or help with the mortgage or money launder it through AC, so let’s protest against them? Sorry , anyone who defends the status quo here can only be a part of the problem. We’re not falling for it.

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Ridgewood News editorial: We need more Charlottes and the Ridgewood blog Agrees

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Ridgewood News editorial: We need more Charlottes and the Ridgewood blog Agrees

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Soon after she received accolades from the Ridgewood Board of Education this week, Charlotte Samuels, the 16-year-old world-record swimmer, made an admission: She’s already thinking about conquering the Ocean’s Seven. For those unfamiliar with the feat, which has been accomplished by only six people, it consists of open-water swims through channels from each of the seven continents.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-editorials/why-we-need-more-charlottes-1.1096746#sthash.Lq23Mc1N.dpuf

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Parking Meter Scandal : he could not have acted alone

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file photo by Boyd Loving
Parking Meter Scandal : he could not have acted alone
Readers continue to speculate on parking meter security issues and continue to come up with one resounding conclusion ,he could not have acted alone .
Even a $41 million renovation of the Ridgewood Train station did not change the out dated parking meter system .
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While ,Village officials said a forensic accounting firm has been retained to examine how a former employee managed to steal $460,000 in quarters from parking meters.

See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-hires-auditor-in-460-000-meter-thefts-1.1050247#sthash.Ut7rRzDP.dpuf

Although I’m not convinced that all meters would need to be replaced in order to implement a closed container/collection system, I’ll give the Village Manager the benefit of the doubt.

But, at a minimum, they should deep six those open white paint buckets/pickle containers and have all collectors use the carts depicted here:

https://www.pom.com/collectionsystems.htm

Continuing to use those buckets is a huge security risk, for the individual collecting monies (holdup/robbery) and for taxpayers (shrinkage).

It is actually very funny that we can’t afford to secure the Villages’s cash. I’m sure there is a solution out there that costs less than $460,000.

They made a deal and I’m hoping the whole story will come out eventually. Who in the police dept. is/are being protected?

Yet again, taxpayers getting screwed to protect some mob/union crony(ies) in Village Hall and/or the PD. Put in smart meters like NYC and let people use credit cards… how are we doing on Tommy Boy’s restitution ? Is he paying us back every week? The guy is obviously a wise guy, and refused to rat out his minders in Village Hall.

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Finally – A parking solution that makes sense

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Finally – A parking solution that makes sense
September 11,2014
Boyd A. Loving
2:18 PM

Our prayers have been answered – Hallelujah!

Village Manager Roberta Sonnenfeld announced on Wednesday, 09/10/2014 the Village’s intent to lease a portion of the former Ken Smith Motors property, on Franklin Avenue near North Broad Street, for purposes of providing parking for the employees of businesses operating in Ridgewood’s Central Business District (CBD).  It is believed that the proposed private/public partnership endeavor will free up many parking spaces on streets in the CBD for shoppers and restaurant goers.

No formal agreement had been reached as of Ms. Sonnenfeld’s announcement, but was revealed that Village parking enforcement agents will patrol the lot for violators, and that the Village will receive 10% of gross revenues.  More details are expected to be released once a formal contract is signed.  No word on the Village’s contribution, if any, to expenses such as building demolition, line striping, etc.

The announcement came with this advisory – the solution will not be long term in nature because the property owner wishes to develop it at a later date.

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9-11 Remembrance for the Village of Ridgewood

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9-11 Remembrance

On Thursday, September 11th at 7PM -All are invited to attend a Remembrance Mass at Mt. Carmel at 7PM.

All are invited to view the “Portraits” Exhibit displayed in the Library Auditorium open every day during the month of September. The Exhibit includes pictures and information honoring the memories of Ridgewood’s Neighbors and Friends lost in the Trade Center.