Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water reminds you July is #SmartIrrigationMonth. July is Smart Irrigation Month, a public awareness campaign to promote efficient water use. In the United States, more water is used in July than in any other month. In summer months, outdoor watering accounts for more than half the total water use of a home in our service area. And most water used to irrigate lawns and landscapes ends up evaporating or on paved areas. During #SmartIrrigationMonth take a look into some water-saving tips that will also produce financial savings and preserve our water resources.
Now is a good time to make sure you’re watering efficiently. A rain shut-off device is an inexpensive gadget to add to your sprinkler system to prevent if from running in the rain. Rain sensors are actually required by law in the state of NJ on automatic sprinkler systems. When it’s hot or windy, more than a third of the water can be lost to evaporation.
Ridgewood NJ, Summer Fun with the Small Business Resource Group!
The Small Business Resource Group (SBRG) is a networking group founded by a panel of professionals well-versed in the varied needs of startups and small businesses. SBRG seek to build a supportive community of professionals who can be a resource for one another, sharing knowledge, experience and referrals.
Join us at Serendipity Labs Ridgewood for this free event:
• Meet your Business Neighbors
• Meet the SBRG Team Members
• No Workshop …Just Wine & Fun!
• Raffles / Games / Door Prizes
• Free Consultations from the SBRG Team Members
RSVP today! We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Below is a link to the registration page:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-fun-with-the-sbrg-tickets-47514716797
For more information please reach out to:
Jed Regen at 201.835.5161
Wed, July 18, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Serendipity Labs, 45 N. Broad St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, since this came up in the last Village council election we thought we would embark on an local civics lesson . Contrary to the misinformation campaign ,the Ridgewood Village Council does not control nor is responsible for school budgets, policy or funding of Ridgewood public schools . It has no say and former Mayor Knudsen had nothing to do with the lack of voter participation in school board elections.
The Ridgewood school budget is in the area of $110,000,000 and yes that is huge . That budget accounts for over 60% of the Village’s property taxes .
From the Ridgewood School website :
About the Board
About the Board/Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Board of Education?
The Board of Education does not “run” the Ridgewood Public Schools. That’s the job of the Superintendent. Rather, the BOE’s job is to ensure that the schools are well run. The Board does this by
1) Setting district policies and goals
2) Communicating policies and goals to the superintendent
3) Overseeing the budget
4) Hiring and evaluating the superintendent
5) Serving as the communications link between the community and the school district.
What is the role of the superintendent?
The Superintendent’s responsibilities fall into three areas:
1) Primary advisor to the Board of Education
The superintendent briefs the board on district issues and provides updates on district operations as well as background information, alternatives, suggestions, and recommendations before Board decisions are made. The superintendent may ask other district staff to attend board meetings to give reports on particular items.
2) Chief Executive Officer of the school district
Responsible for administering the policies adopted by the school board and for running the school system on a daily basis. The superintendent is accountable to the board regarding how well the district is run.
3) Educational leader of the community
It’s the superintendent’s job to evaluate and assess how district policies are being implemented at all levels. The superintendent ensures that all issues on an agenda for board action are accompanied by his/her recommendation, including staff input and study when necessary. The superintendent also acts as the liaison to the Board for all district employees.
What happens at Board of Education meetings?
At public meetings, the Board of Education takes official action on school business, discusses policy and confirms personnel appointments recommended by the superintendent. Board members have the opportunity to discuss items prior to voting on official agenda items. At every public meeting of the Board, there are two opportunities for the public to address the Board.
Where and when can I get minutes from a previous Board of Education meeting?
Minutes of public Board of Education meetings are available on the district website (click here), at the Ed Center at 49 Cottage Place. Board minutes are presented for approval at subsequent Board meetings, in order to be voted into the public record.
Where can I get a copy of an upcoming Board of Education meeting agenda?
Board of Ed agendas are available on the District website (click here) on Friday afternoon prior to the meeting. The agenda is also posted at the Ed Center at 49 Cottage Place by Monday afternoon prior to the meeting.
How and when may I address the Board during a Board of Education meeting?
The Board seeks public comment twice during each regular public meeting. The first opportunity for comment is at approximately 7:30 p.m. under the agenda item “IV. Comments from the Public.” The presiding officer (usually the Board president) may limit public comments to conclude at 8:00 p.m. in order for the Board to continue with its scheduled agenda. Later in the meeting, at approximately 9:00 p.m., there is a second opportunity for public comment under the agenda item “IX. Comments from the Public.” The time may be adjusted at the discretion of the presiding officer, taking into consideration a break point in the agenda.
Persons wishing to speak must, upon being recognized, approach the podium, state their name and address and also write their name and address on the sheet at the podium. Each speaker shall be limited to four minutes. The Board Recorder will note the time. A speaker who has not finished in the allotted time will be directed by the presiding officer to summarize quickly and relinquish the floor within 30 seconds.
The public is invited to address the Board on any topic regarding the school district, both subjects on the agenda or general topics. Comments should be limited to issues. If personal remarks or discourteous statements are made, the presiding officer shall require the speaker to stop. No person will be recognized for a second time until all others asking to speak have been heard.
Why does the Board go into closed Executive Session?
The Ridgewood Board of Education may meet in closed Executive Session prior to, or at the end of, a regular public meeting. In accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (aka the “Sunshine Law”), closed Executive Sessions are not open to the public. Although debate may be private, any action taken must be in public session. The Board will indicate that “action may be taken” when they return to public session and before the meeting is adjourned.
Only items that fall under the following topics may be discussed during closed Executive Session:
Collective bargaining agreements/proposals or other contracts
Personnel issues
Matters confidential by law
Items protected by attorney-client privilege
Matters of individual privacy
Specific pending or anticipated litigation
Purchase or lease of real estate
Protecting public safety
How is the Board of Education selected?
Members are elected to three-year terms by the local voters. School board elections are in November. Board members elected in November will be sworn in and take their seats at the Reorganization meeting in January.
If a vacancy occurs between elections, the current Board will appoint a new board member to serve until the next election. Appointed members will be sworn in and take their seats at the next regular public meeting of the Board.
What are the legal requirements to become a Board member?
To become a member of a local Board of Education in New Jersey, you must:
Be able to read and write
Hold U.S. citizenship and one year’s residency in the school district
Have no interest in any contract with, or claim against the Board
Not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal government body, or in the case of county school districts, the county governing body
Be registered to vote in the district
What is the Board member’s Code of Ethics?
All school board members in New Jersey are required to abide by the following Code of Ethics for School Board Members:
a. I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.
b. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.
c. I will confine my board action to policy making, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.
d. I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.
e. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.
f. I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.
g. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school.
h. I will vote to appoint the best-qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.
i. I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.
j. I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.
L18A:12-24.1
If I have a question or concern about something in the district, whom should I contact?
If you have a concern, we encourage you to talk first with the teacher or principal, next the department supervisor, then the assistant superintendent, and finally the superintendent. Should the superintendent be unable to resolve a problem, and it involves district policy, school board meetings and agenda items, the budget or requests for specific courses or programs, the Board of Education is the final step in the process. Please remember that all personnel items should be referred directly to the administration.
What are the best ways to communicate with the Board of Education?
To communicate with the Board as a whole, we invite members of the public to attend a regular public meeting and share your ideas and thoughts during the public comments period. You may also write a letter to the Board President, care of the Ed Center, which will be shared with other Board members. Individual Board members can be reached via email
Parsippany-Troy Hills N.J. , just days after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy rams through an enormous tax increase on New Jersey taxpayers, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA will move its headquarters and consolidate top managers from North Wales, Montgomery County, to its facility in Parsippany-Troy Hills, N.J.
Gov. Phil Murphy, who announced the move Thursday , New Jersey lured the firm with a $40 million package of tax breaks. Teva USA, an arm of an Israel-based firm that is the world’s largest manufacturer of generic drugs, has seen its stock price fall nearly in half as its main moneymaking drug lost its patent protection, and multibillion-dollar acquisitions left it mired in debt. Its latest chief executive, Kare Schultz, has announced a $3 billion plan to cut 14,000 jobs, a quarter of its global workforce.
In essence the State of New Jersey taxpayers are paying TEVA to relocate to Parsippany .
Our friend Carolee Adams gave us the inside story for Bergen County in a Facebook book note she said , “HERE’S THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS DEAL from Mayor Rendo of Woodcliff Lake: “Teva Pharmaceuticals was a presence in Woodcliff Lake until last year when it closed its doors leaving us with an empty building, unemployed area residents, and our area businesses hurting from the patrons that they lost. Now Murphy come in claiming that his administration lured Teva to NewJersey when it already had a presence in Woodcliff Lake. So here’s the shell game. Teva closes, moves to Parsippany with Murphy giving them tax credits and making it look like they never had a presence in the State. Was it to reward the New Democratic Mayor of Parsippany? Hmmmm.”
Washington DC, Many taxpayers have encountered individuals impersonating IRS officials – in person, over the telephone and via email. Don’t get scammed. We want you to understand how and when the IRS contacts taxpayers and help you determine whether a contact you may have received is truly from an IRS employee.
The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.
However, there are special circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business, such as when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, to secure a delinquent tax return or a delinquent employment tax payment, or to tour a business as part of an audit or during criminal investigations.
Even then, taxpayers will generally first receive several letters (called “notices”) from the IRS in the mail.
Note that the IRS does not:
Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.
Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.
If you owe taxes:
The IRS instructs taxpayers to make payments to the “United States Treasury.” The IRS provides specific guidelines on how you can make a tax payment at irs.gov/payments.
Here is what the IRS will do:
If an IRS representative visits you, he or she will always provide two forms of official credentials called a pocket commission and a HSPD-12 card. HSPD-12 is a government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for federal employees and contractors. You have the right to see these credentials. And if you would like to verify information on the representative’s HSPD-12 card, the representative will provide you with a dedicated IRS telephone number for verifying the information and confirming their identity.
Collection
IRS collection employees may call or come to a home or business unannounced to collect a tax debt. They will not demand that you make an immediate payment to a source other than the U.S. Treasury.
Learn more about the IRS revenue officers’ collection work.
The IRS can assign certain cases to private debt collectors but only after giving the taxpayer and his or her representative, if one is appointed, written notice. Private collection agencies will not ask for payment on a prepaid debit card or gift card. Taxpayers can learn about the IRS payment options on IRS.gov/payments. Payment by check should be payable to the U.S. Treasury and sent directly to the IRS, not the private collection agency.
Learn more about how to know if it’s really an IRS Private Debt Collector.
Audits
IRS employees conducting audits may call taxpayers to set up appointments or to discuss items with the taxpayers, but not without having first attempted to notify them by mail. After mailing an official notification of an audit, an auditor/tax examiner may call to discuss items pertaining to the audit.
Learn more about the IRS audit process.
Criminal Investigations
IRS criminal investigators may visit a taxpayer’s home or business unannounced while conducting an investigation. However, these are federal law enforcement agents and they will not demand any sort of payment.
Learn more about the What Criminal Investigation Does and How Criminal Investigations are Initiated.
Beware of Impersonations
Scams take many shapes and forms, such as phone calls, letters and emails. Many IRS impersonators use threats to intimidate and bully people into paying a fabricated tax bill. They may even threaten to arrest or deport their would-be victim if the victim doesn’t comply.
For a comprehensive listing of recent tax scams and consumer alerts, visit Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts.
Know Who to Contact
Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report a phone scam. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page. You can also call 800-366-4484.
Report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.
Report an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, or an IRS-related component like the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, to the IRS at [email protected].
file photo by Boyd Loving of RPD searching for a senior suffering from Alzheimer’s
July 7,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and affects about 50 million people worldwide, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. There is still no cure for the disease or way to stop its progression, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved some medications to treat symptoms related to memory loss, language and other thought processes.
Phase II Clinical Study of Elenbecestat Demonstrates Safety and Tolerability in MCI and Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease at 18-Months
Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, “Eisai”) and Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) (Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, CEO: Michel Vounatsos, “Biogen”) announced today that elenbecestat was generally safe and well tolerated in a Phase II clinical study (Study 202) of the oral BACE (beta amyloid cleaving enzyme) inhibitor elenbecestat (development code: E2609) conducted in the United States, and the results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in amyloid beta (Aβ) levels in the brain measured by amyloid-PET (positron emission tomography). A numerical slowing of decline in functional clinical scales of a potentially clinically important difference was also observed, although this effect was not statistically significant. This study, a Phase II study of 70 patients, is the first study of a BACE inhibitor to show a statistically significant difference in amyloid beta in the brain while also suggesting a delay of clinical symptom decline in exploratory endpoints.
Study 202 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02322021) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group 18-month Phase II clinical study in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease, or mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease with confirmed amyloid pathology by PET screening. Seventy patients were randomized to four treatment arms receiving elenbecestat (5, 15, or 50 mg) or placebo daily. During the study period, more than half the patients in the elenbecestat 5 mg and 15 mg arms were switched to the 50 mg arm for three months or more. The 50 mg treatment arm plus the group switched to the 50 mg arm are hereafter referred to as “50 mg total arm” (38 subjects) with a mean duration of approximately 11 months on 50 mg per day.
Elenbecestat demonstrated acceptable safety and tolerability profile through 18 months of study drug administration. In the elenbecestat 50 mg total arm, the six most common adverse events observed were contact dermatitis, upper respiratory infection, headache, diarrhea, fall, and dermatitis. No serious adverse reactions suggestive of hepatic toxicity were observed in this study.
In addition to the safety objectives, the study assessed Aβ in the brain at 18 months as measured by amyloid PET as well as efficacy in terms of clinical symptoms, which were exploratory objectives in this study.
The elenbecestat 50 mg total arm demonstrated a statistically significant difference in Aβ levels in the brain as measured by amyloid PET compared with placebo (35 subjects participated in this longitudinal amyloid PET assessment). This is the first time in which a significant effect in Aβ in the brain using a BACE inhibitor was confirmed in a clinical study of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through moderate Alzheimer’s dementia.
CDR-SB (Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes) was an exploratory endpoint to assess efficacy in terms of clinical symptoms. The study showed numerically less decline in CDR-SB for the elenbecestat 50 mg total arm as compared to placebo of a potentially clinically important difference (41 subjects participated in this assessment), which was not statistically significant. Further, a similar magnitude and direction of differential in decline was observed in a post-hoc analysis of ADCOMS, Eisai’s newly developed assessment scale (Alzheimer’s Disease Composite Score) in the elenbecestat 50 mg total arm as compared to placebo. The study was not powered to show statistical significance compared to placebo on clinical symptoms.
Eisai plans to present detailed results of the study at a future medical meeting.
Elenbecestat, discovered by Eisai, has been jointly developed by Eisai and Biogen since March 2014. The two companies are currently conducting two global Phase III clinical studies (MISSION AD1/2) in early Alzheimer’s disease.
“It is highly encouraging that Study 202 confirmed elenbecestat’s treatment effect in reducing amyloid in the brain and suggested a slowing of clinical decline. Eisai and Biogen will continue to work together to advance the ongoing Phase III program (MISSION AD) in order to contribute a new potential treatment option to Alzheimer’s disease patients as soon as possible,” said Lynn Kramer, MD, Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Neurology Business Group, Eisai.
“Biogen is heartened by the safety and tolerability results of this study of elenbecestat,” said Alfred Sandrock, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer at Biogen. “We remain committed to research in Alzheimer’s, an area of significant unmet need with a devastating impact on those living with the disease, their families, friends, and society.”
Biogen Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about results from the Phase II study of elenbecestat, the potential effects of elenbecestat, Biogen’s strategy and plans, and the potential of Biogen’s commercial business and pipeline programs. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “except,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible,” “will,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements or the scientific data presented.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including, without limitation: the risk that we may not fully enroll our clinical trials or enrollment will take longer than expected, unexpected concerns may arise from additional data, analysis, or results obtained during our clinical trials, regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail or refuse to approve or may delay approval of Biogen’s drug candidates, the occurrence of adverse safety events, we may encounter other unexpected hurdles, which may be impacted by, among other things, the occurrence of adverse safety events, failure to obtain regulatory approvals in certain jurisdictions, or failure to protect intellectual property and other proprietary rights, or uncertainty of success in the development and potential commercialization of elenbecestat.. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statement. Investors should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors identified in Biogen’s most recent annual or quarterly report and in other reports Biogen has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on Biogen’s current beliefs and expectations and speak only as of the date of this press release. Biogen does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Elmwood Park NJ, A Bergen County, New Jersey, man today admitted conspiring with his father to file false federal tax returns for shell companies, resulting in $191,953 in fraudulent refunds, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jason Crespo, 35, of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiring with Jose Crespo, his father, to defraud the IRS by filing false corporate tax returns and cashing the resulting fraudulent refund checks.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between 2010 and 2012, Jason and Jose Crespo filed numerous false federal corporate tax returns – IRS Forms 1120 – for fake businesses, knowing that the businesses were not real and that the credits claimed on the tax returns were false. The Crespos took advantage of fuel excise tax credits offered under federal tax law. The federal government taxes gasoline, diesel fuel, and certain other types of fuel, but certain commercial uses of these fuels are nontaxable. Businesses that purchase fuel for a nontaxable use can claim a tax credit by filing a “Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels” – IRS Form 4136.
In one instance Jason and Jose Crespo filed a federal corporate tax return for 2008 for Jason Cleaning Service Corp. that falsely claimed a fuel excise tax credit of $14,556 and a resulting refund of $10,592. In fact, Jason Cleaning Service Corporation was a shell company and the fuel excise tax credit and other tax return numbers were false. Jason Crespo received and cashed the $10,592 refund check at a check-cashing facility in Guttenberg, New Jersey. He cashed many other refund checks for similar false tax returns at this same facility.
Jose Crespo pleaded guilty on Sept. 11, 2017, before Judge Linares to engaging in the fuel excise tax credit scheme and another tax fraud scheme, both of which claimed fraudulent refunds from the IRS of approximately $1.5 million. Jose Crespo was sentenced on Dec. 20, 2017, to three years in prison.
Marilyn Crespo, Jose Crespo’s wife, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2018, before Judge Linares to engaging in the same fuel excise tax credit scheme and causing a loss to the IRS of $286,742. She was sentenced June 27, 2018, to one year and one day in prison.
The filing a false tax return count carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison, and a potential $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Jason Crespo’s sentencing is set for Oct. 4, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
Washington DC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested nine U.S. citizens for smuggling 64 illegal aliens in five separate events over the weekend.
“In addition to securing and protecting our nation’s borders, frontline Border Patrol agents are committed to reducing heat-related injuries and preventing deaths along our borders,” stated U.S. Border Patrol Acting Chief Carla L. Provost. “These rescues are a result of stepped-up enforcement at our immigration checkpoints coupled with our search and rescue efforts that are key to preventing unnecessary loss of life.”
In the last two months, Border Patrol agents have thwarted 42 smuggling attempts involving tractor trailers, rescuing 406 people from possible death due to soaring temperatures along the Southwest border.
On June 30, agents arrested an adult female for attempting to smuggle 10 individuals through a Border Patrol immigration checkpoint. The individuals were discovered in the sleeper cab of the truck after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics and people in the tractor trailer.
That same day, two adult females driving a box truck were arrested for smuggling 7 illegal aliens through the same Border Patrol immigration checkpoint. The individuals were concealed and locked inside of the truck. Three hours later, agents arrested two men attempting to smuggle 21 people concealed inside a box truck. After a K-9 alerted, agents conducted a search of the cargo area and discovered people hiding behind stacks of tires.
On July 1, agents arrested two individuals attempting to smuggle 14 people through a Border Patrol immigration checkpoint. The individuals were discovered concealed in the sleeper compartment of the truck. Later that day, agents arrested two people for smuggling 12 people who were locked in the trailer compartment of an 18-wheeler. All of the smugglers were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for prosecution.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol has stepped up its search and rescue efforts in an attempt to prevent heat-related deaths along the Arizona border. This week, temperatures in Arizona are expected to exceed 115 degrees.
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Council is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to serve on the following Boards and Committees: Zoning Board of Adjustment, The Ridgewood Arts Council, the Library Board of Trustees, The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board (this member must have a child in the Ridgewood School system), and the Shade Tree Commission.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variance applications and appeals from rulings and determinations arising from the enforcement of Village zoning ordinances.
The Ridgewood Arts Council will assist in the promotion of and encourage artistic and cultural programs and will provide for educational opportunities in the areas of art and culture. The Ridgewood Arts Council will also provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to the Village Council, as needed.
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing board for the Ridgewood Public Library and its employees. The Board of Trustees works with the community to establish Library policy and secures funds to carry on services to the public, and set goals and objectives.
The Ridgewood Community Center Advisory Board develops policies and procedures for the operation of the Community Center facility and assists in the fulfillment of the County Municipal Alliance Grant requirements. The member position open is for a resident with children in the Ridgewood school system.
The Shade Tree Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the Green Team to promote awareness and education of the residents as well as advise and provide recommendations to the Village Council in promoting and sustaining a safe and productive shade tree resource.
All interested residents should fill out a Citizen Volunteer Leadership form (found on the Village website by clicking on “Forms”, then clicking on Page 2, and then clicking on “Village Clerk”), and send it along with a cover letter indicating on which board(s) or committee(s) the resident wishes to serve, and a biography or resume to:
Donna Jackson
Deputy Village Clerk
Village of Ridgewood
131 North Maple Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
Deadline for submissions is July 17, 2018.
The Northern Branch is a freight rail line owned by CSX Transportation that runs through Hudson and Bergen Counties to the New York State Border. The Northern Branch Corridor, through which the rail line traverses, is a densely settled suburban environment that has not been served by passenger rail since the discontinuation of service on the Northern Branch and West Shore Lines in the 1950s and 60s.
The Northern Branch Corridor Project calls for transit improvements in northeastern Hudson and southeastern Bergen Counties through the restoration of passenger rail service on an existing freight rail line. The electric light rail service would operate on West Side Avenue in North Bergen, and then on existing railroad right-of-way owned by CSX Transportation (CSX) between 91st Street in North Bergen and the northern border of Englewood and would introduce new station stops in North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood.
Project Planning
The growth of automobile usage and accompanying roadway congestion in recent decades led planners and officials to search for solutions to the growing traffic problems in the Bergen County area. In the mid-1990s the West Shore Region Study provided a comprehensive examination of multi-modal opportunities throughout Bergen County, New Jersey and Rockland County, New York. Recommended for further study was an extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) from 85th Street in North Bergen along the Northern Branch to Tenafly, New Jersey.
The Northern Branch Corridor DEIS was prepared by NJ TRANSIT in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to evaluate the benefits, costs and social, economic and environmental impacts of constructing and operating passenger rail service on the Northern Branch. The DEIS evaluated two Build Alternatives: the Preferred Alternative, which extended existing Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) service from North Bergen to the Tenafly-Cresskill border, and a similar HBLR extension that terminated at Route 4 in Englewood.
The DEIS was published in November 2011, and can be reviewed here: Northern Branch DEIS.
Public hearings were held in January 2012, and the public comment period closed on February 21, 2012. More than 1,200 comments were received and reviewed by NJ TRANSIT. While many comments expressed support for the service, residents and community leaders in Tenafly were strongly opposed to the extension of service into their community. After considering the comments, FTA and NJ TRANSIT have developed a new alignment that would extend HBLR service from North Bergen to Englewood Hospital, which is north of Route 4 and south of Tenafly. Light rail service would not extend past Englewood.
This new alignment results in changes to the service plan and potential environmental and social impacts explored in the DEIS circulated for comment in 2012. As a result, this new alignment and associated changes have been analyzed in a Supplemental DEIS (SDEIS) and circulated for public comment and agency feedback in a process closely approximating the one undertaken for the DEIS.
The SDEIS was published on March 24, 2017, and can be reviewed here: Northern Branch SDEIS.
Similar to a DEIS, an SDEIS requires a public hearing and public comment period. The comments on the SDEIS and DEIS will be addressed together in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). A 60-day public comment period will follow the notice of availability (NOA) of the SDEIS, during which time NJ TRANSIT will hold a public hearing. Comments will be collected and reviewed in the same manner as conducted for the DEIS. Provided that the SDEIS comments do not present compelling arguments for substantial revision to the SDEIS Preferred Alternative, an FEIS will be prepared, incorporating the SDEIS findings and unchanged elements from the DEIS. A response to comments chapter will be included in the FEIS, addressing all comments received during the prior two comment periods.
Ridgewood NJ , the National Weather Service has once again issued a …HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* HEAT INDEX VALUES…In the mid to upper 90s.
* TIMING…Highest heat indices will occur in the afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at-
risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity
may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended
exposure.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and
humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees
for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any
length of time.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.
Ridgewood NJ, On May 25th the USEPA released an updated health advisory on Perfluorinated chemicals in drinking water. The advisory Is not a regulation or enforceable, but meant to be guide for water purveyors such as Ridgewood Water to take action to protect their consumers. The advisory established lower limits on these chemicals than had previously been set. As a result Ridgewood Water determined that one facility was above the new limit. The facility was shut down pending the results of new test samples taken at the facility. The results of the latest tests indicate that the blended output of the facility at its point of entry has levels below the limit. The facility will be restarted if system demand requires us to boost production. The output will be tested monthly to ensure that PFOA and PFOS remain at safe levels. To further reduce concentration, Ridgewood Water will evaluate the feasibility of installing treatment for the removal of these chemicals.
Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration website ; Gates Open Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 6:00 pm – Veterans Field (Rain Date- Thursday, July 5, 2018).
Patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed are on the field. There will be 2 lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Expect delays. Gates will close at 9:00 PM.
Schedule:
Gates open – 6:00 PM
Evening Entertainment – Including:
Treble
Eugene Thomas and No Big Deal
The Dad’s Night Band
50/50 Raffle Drawing 8:30 PM
Gates close – 9:00 PM
National Anthem
Fireworks by Fireworks Extravaganza
Grand Finale:
Food and beverages are available for purchase on the field.
No dogs are permitted on the field per town ordinance.
No refunds or exchanges will be given.
For directions to the Evening Entertainment use your favorite map website and enter 131 N. Maple Avenue.
Fire protection for the fireworks display is by The Ridgewood Fire Department.
Security is by the Ridgewood Police Department.
Parking
We recommend parking in the central business district and walking to Veteran’s Field. There are significant street closures around Vet’s Field, including Maple Avenue.
Limited handicap parking is available for the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks in the northern Graydon Pool parking lot located on Northern Parkway, near Meadowbrook. You can drop off individuals at the Graydon South parking lot entrance and then park your vehicle.
There are many viewing points for Ridgewood’s annual fireworks display, but the best is Vet’s Field where the ground works are set up. Food trucks are on site and local musical groups perform at the Kaschau Bandshell while the crowd waits for the sun to set before the big show. This show-stopping pyrotechnic display brings spectators from miles around, so come early, pack the bug spray and bring a blanket or beach chair. As it grows dark, just sit back and enjoy.
West Trenton NJ, The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their holiday safely. This may include getting together with family and friends at a barbecue, driving to the Jersey shore to enjoy the beach, or going out on the water on a boat.
During the July 4th holiday weekend last year, there were 5 fatal crashes that resulted in 5 deaths, with alcohol as a contributing factor for two of them. These types of tragedies can often be avoided by calling a taxi, using transportation applications such as Uber and Lyft, making plans to stay with friends or family, or having a designated driver.
The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6. During this period, more than 70 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speed, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.
Motorists are also reminded that when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road to move over or be ticketed for the violation. According to New Jersey’s Move Over Law, drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights must move over to leave an empty lane next to those vehicles. If it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit.
“Increased patrols serve to reduce crashes and crash-related fatalities,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “Although statewide crash fatalities are slightly down from this time last year, we know we can do much better. We want everyone to get to and from their destinations safely and enjoy the holiday with their friends and families.”
The State Police Marine Bureau will also be patrolling the state’s waterways this weekend, and troopers will be looking for signs of boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reckless operation of boats and personal watercraft.
Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercrafts. A synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.
Ridgewood NJ, At 10AM (rain or shine) the Ridgewood 4th of July Parade will begin. The Ridgewood July 4th Committee invites you to “Support the Tradition” ! The Parade of bands and festive floats will march from the Westside of the Train Tracks ; down E. Ridgewood Avenue to N. Maple Ave., past Village Hall ending at Graydon Pool.
