March 28, 2020
RE: Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak
State of Emergency
Glen Ridge Residents,
As of March 28, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. the Borough has five residents that are confirmed to be infected. That is five too many. Currently, we have no fatalities. These numbers will only go up in the upcoming days. We must redouble our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coron.../2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html to learn the steps to protect yourself.
While I am heartened to see so many of our residents getting outside walking, jogging and biking on many of our streets, particularly Ridgewood Avenue, I am extremely troubled by the number of young people out there who are ignoring the commonsense caution to practice social distancing. Parents should remind their children that they put all family members and friends at great risk if they contract COVID 19 and especially if they contract it and are asymptomatic. Please, please talk to your children!
On a lighter note, I am happy to report that the Borough is in good financial shape with very little debt and is on track to weather this emergency. Additionally, our administrator and department heads have demonstrated great resiliency and creativity in reorganizing virtually all facets of town management to assure that services continue to be delivered to our community while at the same time protecting the safety and welfare of our staff and residents.
What To Do If You Are Sick:
If you believe you are sick, please see the CDC guidance at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Reducing the Spread
In effort to reduce the spread of the virus and still provide essential services, we have taken the below steps.
Parks & Outdoor Space:
As of Monday, March 30, 2020 the Borough of Glen Ridge will prohibit organized group activities (sports training, etc.) and gatherings of more than 2 people in our Borough parks:
* Forest Avenue Field
* Sherman Avenue Field
* Clay Field
* Hurrell Field
* Carteret Park.
This restriction does not mean that there are only two people allowed in a park at a time, but aims to prevent groups of people meeting and using parks without practicing social distancing protocols. We ask that anyone using our passive recreational areas to respect everyone's personal space.
All playgrounds remain closed.
No block party permits will be issued until further notice.
Jogging/Running
* Whether walking or running on the street, always face the oncoming traffic, keeping to the shoulder except when passing slower runners.
* Don't stop in the middle of the road.
* Remember to keep a safe social distance. When approaching a slower runner, pass on the right but only pass when a safe social distance can be maintained.
* Pay extra attention when running with pets.
* Yield to cyclists, keeping to the shoulder.
* Always establish eye contact with drivers of vehicles at intersections. Never assume that you're seen.
Biking
* Bicycles have the same right to use the roadway as motor vehicles.
* People biking are required to obey the same rules of the road as vehicles.
* Bicyclists must ride in the same direction of traffic.
Shop for a Senior:
Many of our senior citizens are homebound due to health concerns regarding COVID-19 and need help with grocery shopping. If you are aware if a senior in need of assistance contact Jim Cowan jtcowan@glenridgenj.org (973) 748-2924.
Jitney, Train Station & Community Center:
NJT Trains are still running.
The Borough jitney program is cancelled until further notice.
Parking enforcement for the Commuter Parking zone on Ridgewood Avenue is suspended. Drivers utilizing the Glen Ridge Train Station may park in the Commuter Parking area on Ridgewood Avenue. Designated handicapped parking spaces or illegal parking in violation of state law or ordinance will be enforced.
The Community Center at the Glen Ridge Train Station is closed to the public until further notice.
All events at the Community Center, private or public, are cancelled until further notice.
The Glen Ridge senior citizen programs are canceled until further notice.
Parking:
Until further notice all overnight on street parking rules are suspended. This suspension does not include parking lots or the one-hour parking zone in our commercial area. Designated handicapped parking spaces or illegal parking in violation of state law or ordinance will be enforced.
Department of Public Works:
Public Works will continue to operate. Garbage and recycling collection services will continue during this time.
Glen Ridge Freecycle Day is cancelled until further notice. Electronics Recycling drop off at the Public Works Yard is canceled until further notice.
Municipal Building
The staff will be available via phone and email between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Please call the main number at 973-748-8400 for assistance. For the Municipal Court Offices, please call 973-748-8116. The entire directory of staff can be found at http://glenridgenj.org/grdirectory.htm
Additionally, a series of secure drop boxes have been installed in front of the main entrance to the building. Customers can use these boxes to drop off their building permits, various applications or payments. Please be sure that your name and address is written on the outside of your envelope.
Birth & Death Certificates:
The New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registry offers the convenience of ordering a copy of vital records (Birth & Death Certificates) online https://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/order-vital/online-requests/index.shtml
Municipal Court:
All Glen Ridge Municipal Court Sessions are cancelled through April 26, 2020. Please contact the court directly for your new hearing date. You can reach our Court Administrator at dciandolo@glenridgenj.org or 973-748-8116
You can pay tickets online at:
https://portalnjmcdirect-cloud.njcourts.gov/prweb/PRServletPublicAuth/wQ2guhy8lqKPggD8pVI7RLYVZ9vxwNMF*/!STANDARD?AppName=NJMC
Building Department:
Staff will still be reviewing permit applications. Applicants are encouraged to download the counter form from the website (http://www.glenridgenj.org/pdfs/building.pdf), and mail the completed form with necessary plans to the office.
In regard to home sales, we will be working with home buyers and sellers on affirming their smoke detector certificates and zoning compliance certificates.
You can reach our Historic Preservation Consultant at hpc@glenridgenj.org or 973-748-8400 ext. 238
You can reach the Director of Planning & Development at eideline@glenridgenj.org or 973-748-8400 ext. 238.
Many thanks to our police and ambulance members, the public works crew and the administrative staff for all of their hard work and dedication to our community.
To our residents, please be safe and thank you for your cooperation. As we move forward, and additional changes occur, we will keep you up to date via Borough Facebook page, email and our webpage.
Sincerely,
Stuart K. Patrick
Mayor
