GR School Taxes Won't Rise, Mail Carrier Delivered DWI by Police This Week

Emergency responders logged a busy work week in Ridgewood and Glen Rock handling a series of fires and unusual arrests. There were also business happenings in the village, a proposed flat rise in school taxes in Glen Rock, and more council candidates emerging over the past week.

If you've missed any of the news this week, this is the best place to catch up.

Rebuilding after home tragically swallowed by fire

Last Sunday, a heavy fire destroyed the home of Sean Barry and partner Ray Anderson on the corner of Radburn and Harristown in Glen Rock. Close to 50 firefighters from around the county attempted to douse the stubborn blaze.

The home was destroyed, though Anderson and Barry were uninjured. A good samaratin EMT, Sean Massaro, was driving by and rushed in to help combat the fire. Shortly therafter, Police Officer Lucas Ducas Doney and Fire Chief Tom Jennings arrived and helped get the homeowners out.

Make sure to check out the story of Barry and Anderson looking to rebuild with help from the community, as well as the original writeup (both of which contain videos of the blaze) from the scene.

Blaze closes two Ridgewood businesses

Ridgewood, which aided in Glen Rock on Sunday, got assistance from its neighbor in the wee hours of Friday night to squelch a heavy fire at Dim Sum Dynasty and Oak Street Collision. No injuries were reported on Franklin Avenue though the businesses have had to close after heavy smoke damage.

Special delivery – letter carrier charged with DWI on mail route

A 47-year-old postal employee was arrested on charges of drinking and driving while having an open container of alcohol in the mail truck Thursday, Ridgewood police said.

Linda M. Milano, of Garfield, was suspended without pay by the postal service, a spokesman said. She's worked for the USPS since 1985.

Glen Rock school taxes to remain flat

The borough school district may be the only one in the state to not raise taxes in 2012-2013. Beyond that, the school district plans on expanding program offerings while hiring more staff in the upcoming school year. Ridgewood, meanwhile, is looking to find $655,000 to plug its budget hole.

Pucciarelli wants council seat

The Ridgewood pilot, planning board vice chair and respected attorney, Albert Pucciarelli, says integrity just might carry him to victory when voters choose their municipal leaders in May. If elected he'll have to abstain from any decisions on Valley Hospital's expansion aims. How big a factor that is in the minds of voters may ultimately determine his campaign's fate, though he says he hopes the election "isn't a referendum on Valley."

Ridgewood attorney charged with dragging victim with car

Police arrested Daniel McNerney, 49, of Ridgewood on charges of dragging a victim with his vehicle before being arrested without incident in Ramsey on Monday morning. Details are still a bit sketchy. McNerney is the brother of former County Executive and serves on a prestigious state ethics committee, appointed by a division of the New Jersey Supreme Court. 

GR Graduation spot potentially found

School officials say they think there might be a decent compromise in finding a graduation spot in the borough and near the high school. Likely construction work to repair drainage and make other improvements shouldn't affect the upper soccer field around the time of graduation. Additionally, Relay for Life could be potentially moved to Hamilton School.

New businesses moving in, but vacancies remain

Fro-yo is taking over in the CBD! Several frozen yogurt shops are coming into the village after a controversial ordinance was repealed. A reality TV-worth salon from (where else?) Montclair, will be setting up shop pretty soon, too. All sorts of updates contained on vacancies and upcoming businesses, so give it a click. 

Glen Rock going Nat-Geo

The borough's famed glacial rock will be featured in an upcoming issue of National Geographic Magazine. The 570-ton rock, which rests at the intersection of Doremus Ave. and Rock Rd., is believed to have moved to its current spot during the Glacial Age, approximately 15,000 years ago. 

Stylin' at Suite 201

Did you know owner/stylist Alina Leshiner was the fashion director at Real Housewives go-to clothing boutqiue Posche in Wayne? Now, Leshiner has her own store in Ridgewood (which she says is the only place she's ever wanted a store). Get to know more about her and the contemporary women's clothes that appeals from everyone from the teens to the "super cool" grandmas.

Pedestrian struck...in Glen Rock

A female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in front of a Glen Rock salon Thursday morning, police said. The female driver, identified as a 28-year-old from Fair Lawn, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident. The victim was treated for a minor leg injury.