The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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NEW JERSEY — On August 14, 2025, the New Jersey State Police, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, successfully carried out Phase 2 of Operation White Butterfly, a major initiative targeting convicted sex offenders who failed to comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements.
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HO-HO-KUS, NJ — A year after a devastating fire shut its doors, Tojo’s Restaurant has officially reopened at 5 North Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus. The popular eatery, forced to close following an October 28, 2024 multiple-alarm fire, has rebuilt its space from the ground up and is now welcoming back loyal customers with a refreshed look, upgraded seating, and an expanded menu.
Continue reading Tojo’s Restaurant Reopens in Ho-Ho-Kus After Fire with New Look & Expanded Menu
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The Village Council voted on Aug. 13 to establish the History and Cultural Center of Bergen County at the historic Zabriskie-Schedler House, a circa 1825 Dutch frame farmhouse on West Saddle River Road. The move converts a long-vacant town property into a community hub run in partnership with the Ridgewood Library’s Bolger Heritage Center and the Ridgewood Historical Society.
photos courtesy of Mayor Amy Wilczynski
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Allendale NJ, Allendale’s downtown just got brighter. On Aug. 4, 2025, crews installed 15 kiln-fired ceramic panels on the replastered wall at 83–89 W. Allendale Ave, bringing the borough’s Centennial Mural replacement well on its way to completion. The public art project—led by sculptor Simon Rigg with help from local volunteers and students—will be finished in time for Allendale Day on Sept. 20.
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Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood’s Professional Firefighters, FMBA Local 47, are more than first responders — they’re neighbors, family people, and community champions. For this week’s Meet the Members Monday, we spotlight Lieutenant Dave Kelly (Platoon A): a certified fire official, investigator, Level 1 instructor, EMT — and a certified therapy dog handler who helped save a life on duty.
Continue reading Meet Ridgewood’s Everyday Hero: Lieutenant Dave Kelly of FMBA Local 47
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HO-HO-KUS, NJ — Get ready, Ho-Ho-Kus! The 4th Annual Ho-Ho-Kus Day is almost here, and the community is gearing up for a day filled with music, food, games, and hometown pride. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 12 PM to 6 PM in the heart of downtown.
photos courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
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WESTWOOD, NJ — A piece of World War II naval history has found a new home in Westwood, thanks to the dedication of Eagle Scout candidate Michael Rocco Greco of Troop 321.
Continue reading Westwood Eagle Scout Restores WWII Anchor for Veterans Park Memorial
After some political twists and turns and some setbacks, optimism continues to rise about the controversial Citi Field Casino ultimately moving to green light status. The reason for the sudden optimism comes when the New York legislature narrowed the projects down to three licenses. Despite state senator Sigal opposing the Queens project or building any casino in New York City, he has recently changed his tune to the Citi Field Casino due to the backing of Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Continue reading Proposed NY Citi Field Casino Project Progresses
photos courtesy of Café Amici- Wyckoff Tavern
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WYCKOFF, NJ — A longtime local favorite has closed its doors, but something new is on the way. After serving the community for more than two decades, Café Amici officially closed on June 30, with plans to transform the space into a brand-new concept: Wyckoff Tavern.
photos courtesy of Glen Rock and Old Tappan Police Departments
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NORTH JERSEY – Coffee lovers in Bergen County have plenty to celebrate this season, as Dunkin’ continues its rapid expansion with newly opened and remodeled locations — just in time for the return of its beloved fall menu.
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PARK RIDGE, NJ — The effort to recall Park Ridge Board of Education member Robert Fisher Jr. has hit a legal hurdle after Fisher formally challenged the validity of the petitions filed against him.
Photo courtesy of Stan Rutta
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ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Officials are asking residents in Englewood and Tenafly to keep an eye out for a white-tailed deer caught in netting and plastic planter material, after multiple sightings in the area.
Englewood Councilwoman Lisa Wisotsky shared in a Facebook post on Aug. 20 that the Englewood Health Officer contacted Bergen County Animal Control and the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, both of which are aware of the tangled deer.
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LODI, NJ — After more than a year of closure, the Passaic Avenue Bridge in Lodi has officially reopened following a $3.8 million reconstruction project that modernized the 121-year-old span while preserving its critical role in the community.
Continue reading Historic Passaic Avenue Bridge in Lodi Reopens After $3.8M Upgrade
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A late-night police chase turned dangerous on Friday, August 22, when a Honda HR-V allegedly fleeing multiple Bergen County police agencies entered Route 17 from Hollywood Avenue in Ho-Ho-Kus, heading southbound in the northbound lanes.
Continue reading Wrong-Way Crash on Route 17 in Ridgewood After Police Chase Ends in Collision
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New York City has officially given Waymo, the self-driving taxi firm owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, the go-ahead to begin testing its autonomous vehicles on some of the busiest streets in America.
