Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-February 16, 2011 Issue

February 16, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Ho-Ho-Kus New ordinance includes tougher snow, ice regulations by Jennifer Crusco Ho-Ho-Kus residents could face tougher snow and ice regulations if the council approves Ordinance 981 this month. The ordinance, which would formally prohibit individuals from depositing snow or ice on any borough street, includes a fine of up to $500 for non-compliance. “No person, owner, or tenant of any premises abutting on any street shall throw, place, or deposit any snow or ice into or upon any street in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus,” the proposed ordinance states. “No person shall throw, place, or deposit snow or ice into or upon the property of another person without the property owner’s express permission. It is the intent and purpose of this section to prohibit all persons from throwing, casting, placing, or depositing snow and ice which accumulated within the private property Solar panel installation draws complaints PSE&G recently began the installation of multiple poleattached solar energy units in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus as part of the company’s Solar 4 All™ program. However, many residents are concerned that the units, which some say detract from local aesthetics, will affect property values. Last week, Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli noted that several residents have already lodged complaints at borough hall. However, after contacting PSE&G, Cirulli learned that the units are there to stay. The devices have been approved by the Board of Public Utilities and are being installed in the utility’s right-of-way, he explained. Residents who wish to air their concerns about the units are urged to contact the utility company directly. Last month, PSE&G announced its plans to install a total of 200,000 pole-attached solar energy units in Ho-HoKus, Allendale, Saddle River, and Upper Saddle River. PSE&G contractor Riggs Distler & Company is handling the installations in this area. The units are being placed on utility poles and street lights along main streets near area businesses and in residential neighborhoods. PSE&G said the solar panels will bring clean, renewable energy to the company’s customers and will reduce greenhouse gases. PSE&G received regulatory approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to invest $515 million in solar projects in 2009. In addition to the 40-megawatt pole-attached project, PSE&G will also develop solar gardens and rooftop installations on facilities it owns and at third-party-owned sites. The electricity generated will be connected into PSE&G’s electric distribution system. The solar installations will allow the company to earn federal tax credits and solar renewable energy credits. PSE&G has said it will return the benefits to all ratepayers. Information about Solar 4 All is available online at www.pseg.com/solar4all. J. CRUSCO belonging to said persons, upon the sidewalks or streets of the borough, or upon other real property without the owner’s permission.” Those who neglect to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks that abut their properties, or refuse to abate a violation after receiving notification from the police or other borough official, would be subject to a $50 fine. This fine would also apply to those who neglect to correct violations regarding grass, weeds, and other impediments. Anyone who throws, places, or deposits snow or ice into any borough street would be subject to fines that would be determined by the municipal judge, but would not exceed $500. This month, the council will also consider Ordinance 977 for final passage. This ordinance proposes updates to Chapter 65 of the borough’s code, which concerns underground storage tanks. The ordinance includes updated definitions of terms and tests used to determine leakage, and details concerning who is permitted to conduct these tests. Specifically, the ordinance states that qualified persons will be required to conduct the tests during normal work hours under conditions outlined by the borough’s construction department. The construction department would have the discretion to require the excavation and removal of any leaking tank. “Underground tanks removed from service or abandoned shall be safeguarded or disposed of as prescribed by (continued on page 15) Virgo Boutique Fun & Fashionable Women’s Clothing & Accessories at M-Sat 9-5:30 LOW PRICES 8 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood • 201-444-2060 UP WINTER SALE TO 50% OFF Recently relocated form NYC � �� � �� � �� � �� � �� Bring this ad in for 15% off any non-sale items � �� 2-16-11 kathy/janine �� VirgoBoutique2x2(2-16-11) �� 2 x 2” ��