Harry Reid agenda: Filibuster crackdown, tax increases
By MANU RAJU | 11/7/12 1:54 PM EST Updated: 11/7/12 9:14 PM EST
Sen. Harry Reid embraced his role as a more empowered Senate majority leader Wednesday, calling for a major fiscal deal in the lame duck session while vowing a new push on immigration reform and an overhaul of filibuster rules in the new Congress.
He also promised not to “mess with Social Security” as negotiations begin on fiscal reform.
Speaking at a packed news conference on Capitol Hill, Reid laid out an ambitious agenda for 2013 after his party’s surprisingly decisive Senate victories and President Barack Obama’s reelection bid, saying the public gave Democrats a new mandate to raise taxes on wealthy families as part of a major year-end fiscal deal. While Reid said he’s not going to “draw lines in the sand” ahead of the year-end fiscal cliff, he insisted on higher revenues.
Replacement of Hydraulic lift and the future of the Central Garage
November 8,2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, While the Village council has opted to replace and install a new in-ground hydraulic lift ,the real issue seems to be the continued operation of the Central Garage facility on Chestnut Street .
Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli told the Ridgewood News ,”that he was “biting my tongue” when he voted for the capital project, which he considered a bandage for a bigger issue.
“This highlights the need to look at the facility on Chestnut Street. It’s very capital intensive,” Pucciarelli said. “I think we really need to look if that facility can be relocated or replaced … for zoning reasons and [because] it’s a capital pig. It requires a lot of money. The very structure itself is in need of repair.”
(https://www.northjersey.com/news/177639341_Hydraulic_lift_to_be_purchased_in_Ridgewood.html)
The Village Council unanimously approved the appropriation of $40,000 from the municipal capital account for the project ,replacing the heavy duty lift that had recently broke beyond repair.
When pressed by residents about shared services and possibly using another town’s hydraulic lift ,Village Manager Ken Gabbert, roughly 20 other municipalities have a hydraulic lift similar to the one in Ridgewood.
“For us to take our vehicles to another municipality when our full fleet staff is here, that would be difficult,” Gabbert said. “Every single opportunity, we explore shared service. If there was a possibility [to share a hydraulic lift] we would do that.(“https://www.northjersey.com/news/177639341_Hydraulic_lift_to_be_purchased_in_Ridgewood.html)
The council will discuss the future of the central garage facility in December .
Small Business Owners: Join a Storm Recovery Conference Call Tomorrow
Small business owners have the opportunity to participate in a conference call with officials from FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Business Action Center to discuss storm recovery efforts.
YWCA Bergen County is offering its next American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course beginning Nov. 27th and running through Dec. 13th, 2012. Students must take and pass a swim test, which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 14th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 17th at 10:00 a.m. Participants mus be 15 years of age or older and a $10 swim test fee is due at registration.
This course prepares students with the CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard techniques necessary for employment as a professional lifeguard. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 112 Oak Street in Ridgewood, and the course fee is $350.
YWCA Bergen County offers a variety of American Red Cross certified programs throughout the year, including swimming lessons for ages six to adult. For more information or to register call the YWCA Aquatics Department at 201-444-5600, ext. 327, or visit www.ywcabergencounty.org.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Announce Holland Tunnel to Open to Commuters for Morning Rush on Wednesday, November 7
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced this evening that the Holland Tunnel will reopen to all commuter traffic tomorrow, November 7, at 5 a.m. This will be the first day the Tunnel will be fully operational since Hurricane Sandy hit the region last Monday night. On an average weekday, an estimated 91,000 vehicles use the Holland Tunnel to commute between New York and New Jersey.
Ridgewood NJ, PSE&G Update: PSE&G crews continue to make progress restoring power throughout the Village. Power has been restored through many areas of town, but clearly, there are still too many homes without power. PSE&G’s progress has been too slow, with too few crews, and the progress is no comfort to those who still have no power. Moreover, much of the information coming from PSE&G has been inaccurate. As stated by Mayor Aronsohn in his recent public statements, village officials continue to relentlessly press PSE&G for more help. Residents are urged to contact PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-7734 to report individual problems. Calling repeatedly may help.
Nor’easter Expected Wednesday: A nor’easter storm is expected to impact the area Wednesday into Thursday. In additional to rain and some snow, the storm may bring potentially damaging winds from Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night. Winds of this magnitude will be capable of producing downed trees and power lines. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for our area. Residents should expect the possibility of additional power outages, downed trees and power lines, and delays in ongoing power restoration efforts. Make plans now, and stay informed.
24-Hour Shelter at Mt. Carmel: Mt. Carmel Church is still hosting a 24-hour shelter for residents without power, and has graciously agreed to stay open for the duration of the power outage. They have space for residents to spend the night, and plan to serve hot meals. Please bring your own blankets and pillows. Bergen County’s Shelter in Mahwah is also available. It is located at 281 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ.
Day Time Warming Center: St. Elizabeth’s Church will be open as a warming center Monday – Friday 8:30 AM-6:00 PM. Emmanuel Baptist Church will also be open as a warming center Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please enter by the Hope Street entrance and use the bell on the left hand side of the door.
Blankets: A limited number of blankets, provided by FEMA, are available on a first come, first served basis at Village Hall. Any resident needing an extra blanket may obtain one, while supplies last, at the Ridgewood Police Department located on the second floor of Village Hall.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Information: If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Sandy you may be eligible for disaster aid. You can call to Apply: 1·800·621·FEMA (3362). For more information or to Apply: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Schools Update: An update from the Superintendent of Schools will be forthcoming in a separate communication from the Ridgewood Public Schools.
Tree Branches: Tree branches ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE STREET. If you have placed branches in the street, they MUST be removed. Please bring branches to the recycling center.
The conditions outdoors remain dangerous due to downed trees and power lines. Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay away from downed power lines. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything in contact with the wire.
For more information, continue to visit oem.ridgewoodnj.net and the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Police Department Facebook pages for updates.
Hurricane Sandy Updates – November 6 Statement from Mayor Paul Aronsohn
Good morning. This is Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn
Yesterday afternoon, I had the opportunity to join about 10 other mayors for a meeting with the President and Chief Operating Officer at PSEG.
The meeting was informative. It was useful. But unfortunately, for our purposes here in Ridgewood, it was insufficient.
The good news is that power continues to be restored in different areas throughout the Village. And thanks to an augmentation of PSEG’s staff with about 3,000 out-of-state linesmen, the work is moving forward at a faster pace than last week.
The bad news, however, is that faster is not fast enough, and PSEG is now projecting that full restoration of power throughout all of Ridgewood will not occur until Saturday.
So what does this mean?
It means that we in Village government will continue to press PSEG, holding its feet to the fire, and continue working to facilitate progress by the linesmen.
It means that many of you will start seeing your power restored today, but many of you will not until later this week.
It means that with temperatures dropping and another possible storm on its way, we – as a community – need to plan accordingly and we need to act with charity.
Now, more than ever, we need to work together – to make sure that our neighbors have the warmth they need, the food and shelter they need, the comfort they need.
Mount Carmel Church has been serving as a warming center and shelter since last weekend. I’d strongly urge people to go there – to have a good, hot meal, to recharge your phones, to sleep in a warm place.
Similarly, other houses of worship — whose power have been restored — are also providing refuge during the day.
And finally, now – more than ever – this is a time when neighbor must help neighbor.
Again, we will be working throughout the day to help restore power and a sense of normalcy. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] or call me on my cell phone at 201.213.1811.
Thank you. Be safe. And please remember – we will get through this together.
Oh, and one final, important thought: Please don’t forget that today is election. Please vote. Every single vote matters. Thank you
Diabetes Foundation and Ridgewood YMCA To Host “Everything Diabetes” Health Fair
On Saturday morning, November 10th, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. and the Ridgewood
YMCA will hold an informational health fair titled “Everything Diabetes”. The event will
provide information, advice, and resources for those living with diabetes, and those who are
looking to prevent it. The morning will offer free health screenings, include eye health, foot,
blood pressure and blood sugar screenings; fitness and BMI assessments; and other types of
testing, all free of charge. Certified diabetes educators, dietitians and other medical
professionals will be available to discuss nutrition, weight loss, diabetic medications and
supplies, physical activity, behavior change, complications, and signs and symptoms for those at
risk. Hourly educational seminars on nutrition and other related topics will be presented by
various professionals in the field, including the Valley Hospital. There will be plenty of
opportunities to ask the experts if you have a particular concern. Attendees will enjoy giveaways,
cooking demonstrations, and refreshments from vendors and local businesses and healthcare
professionals. Admission is free. The fair will be held from 9:00am to 1:00 pm at the Ridgewood
YMCA, 112 Oak St., Ridgewood, NJ.
Since 1990, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc, located in Paramus, has been improving the
care and quality of life for people living with diabetes throughout New Jersey and the tri-state
area. The Foundation serves a population that lives day-to-day with this serious chronic disorder
and needs help “now” in managing their disease. Programs of the Foundation include: assistance
with medications and supplies to those in financial need; camp sponsorships for diabetic
children; and, free public education programs on diabetes-related topics.
The Ridgewood YMCA welcomes and supports children and families by teaching the
values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. There are programs of interest to everyone-
girls, boys, men and women, of all ages, races, religions, incomes and abilities. The YMCA
builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Membership is open to all.
For further information about the event, contact the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. at 201-444-
0337 or [email protected].
Port Newark Container Terminal and Global Terminal to Open for Business on Monday
November 4,2012
Trenton, NJ – The Port Authority’s Port Newark Container Terminal and Global Terminal in Jersey City will open for business on Monday morning, continuing the restoration of the region’s maritime business following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Both Port Newark and Global will open their gates for truckers at 7 a.m. Monday. The first ship is expected to arrive at the Global Terminal at 7 p.m. Monday. Port Newark Container Terminal also is expecting vessel traffic to resume Monday night.
Today, Port Elizabeth Terminal opened for business. Four cargo vessels were expected at Maher Terminal and one cargo vessel was expected at APM Terminal. Longshoremen were back to work and unloading cargo at approximately 8:00 a.m. today. Today’s shipments are expected to provide a wide array of products and materials to the area.
Restoration of power continues to be a key requirement in returning the port to full operations. All roadways are cleared for safe passage and PAPD will direct traffic for all port employees.
The port has faced unprecedented challenges as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The storm surge caused nearly four feet of water throughout the port. Round the clock cleanup efforts have repaired damaged roadways, hundreds of displaced shipping containers, fixed rail lines, damaged electrical systems and other port cargo.
Clean up of the port is continuing around the clock to ensure that all port partners are brought back to full operation. All employees should check with their respective employers for reporting to work assignments.
The Port of New York and New Jersey is the gateway to one of the most concentrated and affluent consumer markets in the world. It is the largest port on the East Coast, and the third largest in the nation. With quick access to major population centers, the Port industry from the New York Harbor has the ability to reach approximately 20% of the US population in fewer than 8 hours. The port industry is responsible for more than 269,000 jobs in the region.
In 2011, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey handled 5.5 million TEU’s (20-foot equivalent units), a record and nearly 4 percent more than 2010’s volumes. The port’s on-dock rail system – known as ExpressRail – also set a new record in 2011, handling 422,144 containers, or 12 percent more than in 2010. In 2011, the Port’s major import commodities included furniture, beverages and apparel. The dollar value of all cargo that moved through the port exceeded $185 billion.
The Port Authority manages Port Newark, the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal, the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, the Brooklyn-Port Authority Marine Terminal, the Red Hook Container Terminal, and the Port Jersey Port Authority Marine Terminal.
New Jersey National Guard Working with FEMA to Provide Fuel to First Responders and Utility Crews
November 4th 2012
Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Army National Guard is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New Jersey State Police to provide fuel to vehicles supporting first responders, critical infrastructure workers such as gas and electrical crews, and personnel who are critical to the recovery and aid for the state of New Jersey.
From National Guard Armories in West Orange and Freehold and from an Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management in Egg Harbor Township, a fleet of 17 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) filled with fuel are making deliveries to agencies across the state in an operation that launched Thursday using seven New Jersey Army National Guard trucks. The fleet expanded on Saturday evening with the arrival of 10 Pennsylvania Army National Guard trucks and their crews.
At the West Orange armory, where a small fleet of commercial tanker trucks were operating as part of a broader FEMA effort and National Guard Soldiers were filling their HEMTTs and planning routes, 1st Lt. Zhao Chen described the operation.
“We are currently managing 8 vehicles which contain either or both unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel” said Chen, the Officer in Charge, Task Force North Emergency Re-fueling Mission. “Six of the 8 vehicles are dual containers meaning the carry both types of fuel. The other two only contain diesel.”
“There are also 7 FEMA contractors working the distribution activities” said Chen.
“The FEMA sponsored refueling mission is two refuel missions happing simultaneously” explained Maj. Andrew Hague, 50th Brigade Special Troops Battalion Executive Officer. “There is stationary or static refueling that is happening for first responders and other folks that are critical to state recovery. There is also a mobile refueling operation which is a convoy style mission.”
Both missions which began November 1 are driven and sustained by FEMA contracted fuel trucks which deliver bulk fuel drops and fuel truck swaps.
“Over 400 vehicles came through the facility on November 2” said Hague. “The day before that we were only open half the day and took care of over 200 vehicles. So we are expecting to take care of between 400 to 450 vehicles each day.”
The static refueling mission relies on National Guard Military Police to man entry control points 24 hours following vehicle criteria guidance directed by FEMA.
Hague explains that the criteria are first responders in their official vehicles, vehicles that support the servicing, repairing, or rebuilding of the infrastructure through public services such as electric and gas for example, and State Police, ambulances, fire trucks, and contractors who have been hired by those agencies who need fuel to work on recovery from Hurricane Sandy.
Personnel from hospitals are able to get refueled as well so they can get back and forth to the hospital to do their missions.
People who think they can sneak into line are out of luck.
“There is 100% ID check” Hague said “Medical personnel are pre-screened and must have identification showing which hospital they work for with a badge or some form of ID issued by the hospital. If there is a question or grey area, like if a pharmacist meets the criteria during the screening, there is a FEMA rep who will make the ultimate decision on whether a person is considered critical personnel.”
The convoy style mobile refueling missions are assigned from the Regional Operations Center through the NJ State Police who are consolidating the bulk fuel requests.
The mobile mission takes care of assignments such as the refueling of a generator bank at a waste treatment facility. Soldiers take HEMTTs filled with diesel from the FEMA tankers and drop it where it needs to go.
“So far we have accomplished 16 of those types of missions” said Hague “We contact the civilian authority and come up with the route to get there and ensure we are able to link up to do drops. We have been doing that 24 hours a day as well with sleep plans in place.”
The leadership of the missions have nothing but praise for the personnel carrying out these very important missions.
“The soldiers have been doing a great job” said Hague “ It’s all junior non commissioned officers that are out there. The teams are made up of enlisted people who are truck drivers and fuelers who are qualified to run the pumps. “
“We give them the mission, but it is the enlisted soldiers who roll out execute the job. In all their missions, the enlisted people are the National Guards direct liaison with the civilian authorities and they are doing an excellent job.”
Please note: Public Assistance Program funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Governor Christie Announces FEMA Public Assistance Approved for All 21 New Jersey Counties
Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today announced that the federal government has extended public assistance to all 21 counties in New Jersey as a result of the impact of Hurricane Sandy, extending public assistance now to all 11 New Jersey counties not previously approved. This additional assistance comes in the aftermath of the historic hurricane, while joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) continue to take place in these 11 counties to determine eligibility for individual assistance.
Public Assistance Program funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
Individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy in the 10 counties previously approved for both public and individual assistance are encouraged to register with FEMA. Those counties include: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union counties. Eligibility allows New Jerseyans to apply for different types of assistance, including temporary housing, repair, replacement or other needs such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and Small Business Administration disaster loans.
Register by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairments. Specialists are standing by at the toll-free numbers seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, until further notice. Help in languages other than English is available. Or you can register online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. You can also apply through a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone by visiting https://m.fema.gov/ and following the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”
Village of Ridgewood Hurricane Sandy Updates – Nov 4, 2012 3PM
The Village of Ridgewood has completed nearly all tree removal work that DOES NOT involve PSE&G wires and that affects public streets. Just like you, the village is waiting for PSE&G to do their work. As expected, PSE&G disappointed all of us by failing to complete the restoration as promised last night. Residents are urged to contact PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-7734 to report individual problems. Calling repeatedly may help.
Halloween: A State of Emergency is still in effect. Unsafe conditions still exist around the Village. As it is still too unsafe for school, it is too unsafe to allow children out for Halloween. Please keep your children indoors.
Charging Station: Somerville School will be open Monday 10 AM – 3 PM to recharge cell phones and laptops. No wifi is available.
Day Time Warming Center: St. Elizabeth’s Church will be open as a warming center Monday – Friday 8:30 AM-6:00 PM. Emmanuel Baptist Church will also be open as a warming center Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please enter by the Hope Street entrance and use the bell on the left hand side of the door. MT. CARMEL’S SHELTER WILL BE CLOSED TONIGHT DUE TO A POWER OUTAGE THAT JUST OCCURRED. Bergen County’s Shelter in Mahwah is also available. It is located at 281 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ.
Ice: Ice is available for Bergen County residents. Please report to Franklin Ave and Bender Ct in Franklin Lakes and park in VFW parking lot. Ice distribution will be until midnight tonight (Sunday, Nov. 4) and throughout the day tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 5).
Tree Branches: Tree branches ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE STREET. If you have placed branches in the street, they MUST be removed. Please bring branches to the recycling center.
The conditions outdoors remain dangerous due to downed trees and power lines. Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay away from downed power lines. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything in contact with the wire.
For more information, continue to visit oem.ridgewoodnj.net and the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Police Department Facebook pages for updates.
As most of New Jersey is still coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we are only days away from the most significant election of our lifetime. I pray that all of our family, friends and neighbors are safe and help each other. We are a great state in the greatest nation on earth and we will overcome and grow stronger.
Elections are always important, but in a couple of days the upcoming election is most significant because of the drastic difference between the candidates and the direction they wish to take this country in. It is important to help send not only Mitt Romney to Washington but also Joe Kyrillos and Scott Garrett because we need to make sure to keep the majority in the House and to take the gavel away from Harry Reed in the Senate.
People should know that we will have 2 ballot questions on November 6th. The first question asks if voters want to barrow 750 million dollars to fund construction on college campuses. The second question asks voters if judges should pay more towards their benefits. I recommend voters to vote NO on question 1 and yes on question 2. As a state and a nation we are broke and cannot afford more debt and everyone should help and judges are no exception.
In the 5th district’s congressional race, I am voting for Scott Garrett because Congressman Garret has a proven record of fiscal responsibility. Garrett has also voted against the Nation Defense Authorization Act to protect American’s Constitutional rights. Congressman Garrett has repeatedly stood up to the liberal social and financial agenda. Mitt Romney will need Congressman Garrett in the House to pass the needed measures to recovery and repeal ObamaCare.
Scott Garrett and Mitt Romney will not only take office in January but will also take responsibility for that office. We had 4 years of blaming, absenteeism, and incompetence from the current administration, we now deserve leadership that would not have ignored and looked the other way while the U.S. Embassy gets attacked and our ambassador and Americans killed.
We deserve better only if we get out and vote for better. Please vote Romney, Garret, Kyrillos and NO on Question 1 and Yes on Question 2.
God has already abundantly blessed this great nation, now it is up to us, we the people to take responsibility for God’s blessings and the great nation that our parents gave us.
“Lastly, as I watch the news I am concerned about some deterioration of civility caused by stress and the loss of services after Hurricane Sandy. Mediating disputes should not be something the police and emergency services should be dealing with at this point in time. Communities grow stronger by how we treat each other in times of need and distress. It’s important that we continue to do what Ridgewood does best, and that is to watch over each other and help each other. Please be careful, monitor your children and watch over your neighbors.”
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D Superintendent Ridgewood Public Schools
Stuck on Stupid: Some people will never learn
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
November 4,2012
Ridgewood NJ, it does amaze us how some will use this disaster to try to make cheap political points . Its really pathetic and in very bad taste with all the damage the tri-state area has suffered .Time to grow up !
[email protected] 173.54.30.192
Submitted on 2012/11/02 at 10:29 pm
Didnt happen- all the right wing blogs jumped on this but the governor said unequivocally this did ot happen
GOP = Grumpy Old Pricks
70.192.82.171
Submitted on 2012/11/02 at 6:13 pm
When Fishbein talks about “lack of civility”, he’s no doubt thinking about the teabagging douchebags who hang out here on the yellow blog.
GOP = Grumpy Old Pricks
70.192.82.171
Submitted on 2012/11/02 at 9:43 am
What about FEMA? Is that “necessary government” or “extravagant government”?
Mitt Romney cannot make up his mind on this issue.
On Jnue 13, 2011, in response to a question about federal disaster relief, Romney said, “Every time you have an occasion to take something from the federal government and give it back to the states, that’s the right direction. If you can go even further and give it back to the private sector, that’s even better.”
Two days ago, Romney said, “I believe that FEMA plays a key role in working with states and localitiies to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. As president, I will ensure FEMA has the funding it needs to fulfill its mission.”
What a difference a hurricane makes for the Great Flip-Flopper!
GOP = Grumpy Old Pricks
70.192.87.251
Submitted on 2012/11/01 at 2:50 pm
Conservatives: please stick do your principles and do not accept ANY government aid. Remember, you are “rugged individualists” who are not dependent on government.
Also, call Gov Christie and tell him to stop co-operating with President Obama. Fraternizing with the enemy only helps the socialist and threatens our liberty.
“Ridgewood uses lessons from Irene to prepare for Sandy” , a bit early for back slapping November 4,2012 the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Many resident felt it was a bit over the top and premature for the Village to be patting it self on the back while some many residents didn’t have power,heat or hot water .
The Ridgewood Police got high marks for everything except for the “ticket frenzy ” . The use of Facebook to put out information received many kudos.
The Village however failed a basic test when power failed at Office of Emergency Management, Village Hall and Village Police Department . Old time residents remarked thankfully we did not have too much rain or flooding because all of the Village’s first responders are still located in flood zones .
Residents also need to understand the Village given how well it fared during Sandy was not going to be Governor Christie or PSE&G ‘s most pressing priority . Take a drive down to Bay Head and you will see what I mean. The Village was very lucky that the CBD was lights on and so many neighbors and local institutions pitched in to help out
The town attracted visitors from all over North Jersey and as far as Hoboken .People came not only to warm up ,and charge their batteries but also to get a hot cup of coffee and a good meal .The Village seemed to make a good impression on everyone who came to visit and I think many local merchants may continue to get business as an after affect from all the good will.
Many remarked how the Village leave crew hustled and yes even the Ridgewood blog will admit it the BOE and particularly Dr. Fishbien really stepped up .The Village Council and Village Officials also should be commended for just like the article says being prepared !
But folks this is not the time to for photo ops and back slapping many residents in the tri-state area are still without power and face a far more daunting situation than almost any of us could imagine . , it best to take a little time out just to remember how lucky we all are. RIDGEWOOD NEWS: Ridgewood uses lessons from Irene to prepare for Sandy
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
As Hurricane Sandy’s predicted impact and damage quickly became reality, Ridgewood officials were thankful that they applied lessons learned from last year’s extreme weather conditions to preparations for this October’s super storm.
Debris is cleared from the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy. The village was hit hard by flooding during last year’s Hurricane Irene, but was spared any water damage from Hurricane Sandy.
Emergency response teams, led by Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Jeremy Kleiman, began their hurricane preparation plans in the middle of last week, several days before Sandy was expected to hit landfall. The OEM held meetings with all village department heads on Friday and offered specific instructions and details of what to do and what to expect.
