Week in Review: Tyler Clementi Honored, Firefighters Kill Apartment Blaze, Preliminary School Budget Unveiled

It was a week chock full of news with fires, budgets, tributes to fallen villagers, and a few debates on the Ridgewood Water faucets. As is tradition, we have the seven top stories here but so much more happened in the first week of March. Click here to take a longer look at what went down or save that click and see our top seven below.

1) Tyler Clementi Honored

The former Ridgewood High School student whose tragic story captivated the world was honored by the symphony he was a prolific violinist in. on Friday night, honoring him with a chair and created a scholarship in his name.

2) Preliminary school budget approved

The school board approved . In approving a tentative $86.7 million budget, school officials said they don't expect to add or drop any staff positions. The budget is by no means finalized, they reminded villagers.

3) Firefighters knock down fire in CBD

Ridgewood firefighters building above the row of restaurants on South Broad Street on Thursday night. There were no injuries reported and minimal damage to the building, reported Lt. Chris Duflocq.

4) A cold shower for Ridgewood Water

Former fire chief James Bombace told the village council on Wednesday night that he had major concerns with the apparent insufficient amount of pressure at fire hydrants throughout Ridgewood. The ex-fire chief said the . Village Manager Ken Gabbert and water department head Frank Moritz said they disagreed with Bombace's charge they're "deficient". Meanwhile, the council also indicated proposal to replace meter readers.

5) From Ridgewood to Madoff

A Ridgewood man has become . Resident Eric Lipkin and his father, a resident of Paramus, were named in a suit seeking over $9 million for their alleged involvement in Madoff's massive ponzi scheme.

6) Goodman announces re-election

School board member Laurie Goodman announced that she would be joining fellow board member Sheila Brogan . As of late this week, there had been no other candidates who filed to run.

7) Cell and tell – new tower proposed

The village council also (possibly up to 150 feet tall) to be built at the Firefighter headquarters on East Glen Avenue. The village could make upwards of over $100,000 per year depending on how many carriers sign a lease.