file photo Boyd Loving
Dogs living in the Village are required to be licensed
Health Department Information on Dogs
All dogs 7 months of age or older living in the Village are required to be licensed within 10 days. Please remember to remove pet solid waste immediately and always keep your dog from running at large. Contact the health department for more information. 201/670-5500 x503
Village Christmas Tree Donation Sought
The Village of Ridgewood is seeking donation of the 2014 holiday tree to be displayed in the central business district throughout the season.
Removal and transport will be included if your donation is accepted.
Please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at the Stable, telephone 201-670-5560, or by email to parks.shadetree@ridgewoodnj.net.
Sandy Aid from the Timeline of the Ridgewood blog a Quick Refresher coarse
Since the NJ Media has for so long ignored Scott Garrett we though we would fill in the gaps debunk the myths starting with our own editorial
Seems Roy Cho has joined the choirs of the Sandy Scammers
Sandy Aid should go to Victims and not Special interests
Sandy Aid should go to Victims and not Special interests
January 8, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ, No opportunity squandered . With help of the local media NJ politicians have waged a carefully orchestrated plot to capture as much cash as possible form the federal government in the form of Hurricane Sandy Aid. Sandy Aid is viewed as a treasure chest of goodie for politicians to hand out to their favorite sponsors .
Sounding almost jealous on Monday New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said that Gov. Chris Christie might have “prayed” for Superstorm Sandy, because it has provided cover for what Sweeney said are the governor’s failed economic policies.
And after all failed policies over the last 3 decades have left New Jersey with little more than hope for handouts to get this economic basket case of an economy going . The New Jersey legislator with help from their colleagues in the media recently wasted over 3 months pushing a bill that would have forced dogs to wear seat belts while New Jersey suffered the worst recession since the 1930′s.
We are told the New Jersey’s economic growth in 2013 hinges to an unprecedented extent on what the federal government does — or doesn’t — do. It isn’t just a question of whether Congress eventually authorizes the full $60 billion in Hurricane Sandy relief, economists and tax experts agree . (
https://www.northjersey.com/news/Sandy_recovery_is_top_priority_for_Christie.html )
No wounder Governor Christie after what seemed like a romantic walk on the beach with President Obama has nothing but hostility for house Republicans who had the nerve to assume that Hurricane Sandy Aid should actually only go to the victims of the hurricane .
We are told that Sandy recovery is top priority for Christie, once again referring to the “need to get miles of debilitated boardwalk repaired. Thousands of devastated homes and shuttered businesses reopened. Destroyed bridges, highways, pipelines, rail cars and even amusement parks replaced.” (https://www.northjersey.com/news/Sandy_recovery_is_top_priority_for_Christie.html ) I am wondering if Christie can explain why having $154 million in the hurricane-relief fund for Alaskan fisheries? or how $2 million for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC to nake just a few is going to help rebuild the boardwalk in Seaside Heights ?
Why Christie is fighting with Congress and his own party to help pay for it supported by New Jersey ‘s media like the Ledger’s Tom Moran who published a scathing column today on Republican Congressman Scott Garrett, who cast the lone vote in the New Jersey delegation against the fiscal cliff compromise ,that raised taxes on almost everyone in New Jersey .
Congressman Scott Garrett is seen as the prime obstacle for lobbyist want to get there hands on your money. (https://addins.njherald.com/blogs/insidepolitics/2013/01/star-ledger-columnist-hammers-scott-garrett ) .
Moran seems to be in favor of the rumored back room deal between Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn and NJ Legislature Kevin O’Tool to oust Garrett and bring home the beacon by forcing a primary challenge .
The problem for the pro-lobbyist is that Garrett pushed through fully funding the National Flood Insurance Program which pays homeowner claims that where actually caused by Hurricane Sandy . ( https://theridgewoodblog.net/garrett-takes-the-lead-on-flood-aid-for-sandy-relief/ )
Clearly the victims of Sandy have not gotten their money because the priority has been given to lobbyist who politicians deal with everyday and not to voters who most politicians only deal with once every four years.
https://theridgewoodblog.net/sandy-aid-should-go-to-victims-and-not-special-interests/
N.J. politicians urge U.S. not to use Sandy aid for other projects https://theridgewoodblog.net/n-j-politicians-urge-u-s-not-to-use-sandy-aid-for-other-projects/
Much of Red Cross fund for Sandy aid still unspent https://theridgewoodblog.net/much-of-red-cross-fund-for-sandy-aid-still-unspent/
Garrett Supports Sandy Aid https://theridgewoodblog.net/garrett-supports-sandy-aid/
Budget watchdogs have dubbed the 94-page emergency-spending bill “Sandy Scam.”
Garrett took the lead in flood insurance reform https://theridgewoodblog.net/garrett-takes-the-lead-on-flood-aid-for-sandy-relief/
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
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
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.
photos by Boyd Loving
photo by ArtChick
Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands Second Annual Daffodil Planting Day
Village should have notified residents
October 16th 2014
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.
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
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.
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
Reader says The community is tired of Valley’s bullying, the wasting of our taxes and time .
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
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.
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
