Untitled Page

Reminder to property owners: Second quarter property taxes and added assessment bills are due May 1st.

Those properties with sewer connections, first installment sewer service charge is due May 1st. Sewer bills are mailed once a year. Use the coupons on the bill to make your May 1 and August 1 installment payments. You may pay the entire annual sewer service charge in full on May 1. Please check the Wyckoff Tax and Finance web-page for information regarding the annual property tax billing

FRANKLIN AVENUE ROAD CLOSING - TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008
Ridgewood Water to pave Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff
(from Overlook Drive in Wyckoff to the border with
Franklin Lakes just past Lawlins Road)

Ridgewood Water will pave one lane on Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff (from Overlook Drive to the Franklin Lakes border) where Ridgewood Water constructed a new water line last fall. The paving work is anticipated to be completed in one day. Work will begin on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 6:30 am and is expected to be completed by 6:00 pm.

This work will require the complete closing of Franklin Avenue on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 in the project area. In the event of rain, the work will be performed on the next rain free day. Motorists traveling on Franklin Avenue should anticipate delays, plan for extra time, plan an alternate route or follow the detour.

The detour route is:
Traveling from Wyckoff to Franklin Lakes:
Detour at Wyckoff Avenue and Franklin Avenue. Detour traffic southbound towards Russell Avenue.
Right arrow on Wyckoff Avenue directing traffic to turn right on Russell Avenue.
Right arrow (or straight) on Russell Avenue prior to Route 208 highway, directing motorists northbound on Route 208 North.
Right arrow on Route 208 North directing traffic to exit at Ewing Avenue.
Right arrow at bottom of ramp for Ewing Avenue directing motorists to turn right onto Ewing Avenue.
End Detour signs at traffic signal at Ewing and Franklin Avenues.

Traveling from Franklin Lakes to Wyckoff:
Detour at Ewing and Franklin Avenues. Right arrow directing motorists onto Ewing Avenue, southbound.
Left arrow on Ewing Avenue directing motorists to Route 208 South.
Left arrow on Route 208 South, directing them to exit at Russell Avenue.
Left arrow on Russell Avenue ramp from Route 208 South, directing motorists to turn toward overpass.
Left arrow by stop sign directing motorists to turn left on Russell Avenue.
Left arrow on Russell Avenue directing motorists to turn left on Wyckoff Avenue.
End detour at traffic signal at Franklin and Wyckoff Avenues.

Please click on Township News on Wyckoff on the Web, www.wyckoff-nj.com for any updates regarding the road closures. (For example, if inclement weather delays the paving, notification of an extended road closure/detour will be posted). If you register your email address at “site registration”, updates will be emailed to you when they are posted.

Thank you for your patience during this temporary inconvenience. Please drive safely and drive with caution. Motorists should anticipate delays, plan for extra time and plan an alternate route.

Wyckoff Mayor Richard C. Alnor announced that Wyckoff’s user friendly Garbage and Recycling Program includes important changes that occur on Thursday,
May 1.

From May 1 to September 30, the garbage and trash is picked up at the curb on a twice-a-week schedule. Up to 4 containers are allowed per pickup during this time. Please consult the street index at the back of the 2008 Wyckoff Municipal Calendar for your collection days. Additional copies of this index are available at Town Hall or on Wyckoff on the Web. Garbage and recyclables must be placed at the curb prior to 6 a.m. of your collection day but not before 6.p.m. of the night before. Empty containers must be removed by 7 p.m. of the collection day.

Grass is collected on the second pickup day of each week from May 1 through September 30. Grass must be placed at the curb in an open, reusable, sturdy container with no liner and may not exceed 50 pounds. PLASTIC BAGS, PAPER BAGS OR LANDSCAPING BARRELS MAY NOT BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE. Landscaping barrels filled to the top can weigh as much as 100 pounds, making them very difficult to lift and empty. Residents also have the option of taking grass clippings to the Recycling Center

Between May 1 and August 31, the Recycling and Conservation Center returns to summer hours:
Monday & Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents may want to consider taking glass, steel cans, glass and aluminum to the Recycling Center in lieu of leaving it for the commingled curbside collection since the Township receives revenues from the recycling markets for these materials when they are separated.

Monday, May 12 – Districts 3 & 7
Tuesday, May 13 – Districts 1 & 5
Monday, May 19 - Districts 2 & 6
Tuesday, May 20 - Districts 4 & 8
Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) – No Pickup
Tuesday, May 27 – Districts 1 & 5
Wednesday, May 28 – Special Pickup Districts 3 & 7
Monday, June 2 - Districts 2 & 6
Tuesday, June 3 - Districts 4 & 8
Monday, June 9 - Districts 3 & 7
Tuesday, June 10 - Districts 1 & 5

Check the Municipal Calendar for complete information
Schedules also on Wyckoff on the Web (click on calendar link)

As an additional option for residents, recyclables may always be brought to the Recycling Center located on West Main Street. The Recycling Center is open September 1 to May 1 from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Saturday.

If you have any questions, call the Recycling Coordinator at 201-891-7000 ext. 118.

The Wyckoff DPW completed the Spring Leaf collection on May 2. Because of the storms that occurred in December the spring collection, which began on April 7 was much heavier than in previous years. The DPW would like to thank all of the residents for their cooperation and patience during this process.

The Annual Memorial Day Ceremonies and Parade are scheduled for Monday, May 26th. Ceremonies will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Firehouse No. 1, directly behind Town Hall, where everyone is invited to attend the Firefighter’s Memorial Service. This service honors all deceased Wyckoff firefighters.

A Veteran’s Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on the lawn of the Wyckoff Reformed Church on Wyckoff Avenue, site of the Township’s War Memorial. All local “Gold Star Mothers”, military veterans and the community are invited to attend the service and parade.

Charles Ryan, Past Commander, Midland Park-Wyckoff V.F.W. Post #7086 will be Master of Ceremonies. The Honorable Richard C. Alnor, Mayor of Wyckoff, will give the welcoming address and Major Jennifer M. Bone, United States Marine Corps will be the main speaker. Major Bone is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. This year’s Parade Grand Marshals are Andy Hamelink, Dan Wallendal and Gary Rozema. Special recognition will also be given to John Azzariti and John Riley with the designation of Veteran Honorees. The invocation and benediction will be given by CDR. Norman F. Brown CHC, USN (Ret.) and Cheryl Spirer-Wyka will be the vocalist.

The theme of the parade is “Generations of Valor”. The parade itself begins at 11:00 a.m. on Wyckoff Avenue and Hartung Drive, just south of the Reformed Church. The parade will proceed along Wyckoff Avenue and then right onto Greenwood Avenue, right onto Godwin Avenue, right onto Franklin Avenue and then into Scott Plaza at Town Hall.

Refreshments will be provided behind Fire Company #1 courtesy of the Township Committee, the Parade Committee and a local resident.

There will be no garbage and recycling collections on Memorial Day, Monday,
May 26, 2008.

Garbage collections for areas normally picked up on Mondays will continue on the second regularly scheduled pickup day of the week, which is Thursday, May 29, 2008. The collections for the remainder of the week remain the same.

There will be a special recycling pickup in Districts 3 and 7 on Wednesday,
May 28, 2008

Wyckoff Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2008 for Memorial Day. The municipal offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

The Township Recycling and Conservation Center will also be closed on Monday,
May 26, 2008 for Memorial Day. The Center will reopen on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.

The Wyckoff Public Library will be closed on Saturday, May 24, Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26, 2008 for Memorial Day. The Library will reopen on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. The Wyckoff Public Library will be closed on Sundays beginning May 25, 2008. Sunday hours will resume on October 5, 2008.

The Annual Memorial Day Service at the Wyckoff Reformed Church and Memorial Day Parade which starts on Wyckoff Avenue and Hartung Drive on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 10 a.m., will result in the closing of the following roads:

The parade will end at Wyckoff Town Hall, and all roadways should be open by 12:30 p.m.

Residents and motorists should anticipate traffic delays when driving throughout Wyckoff. Therefore, any motorists traveling through Wyckoff on Monday, May 26, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. should plan an alternate route or allow for more travel time and always drive with caution.

Wyckoff Mayor Richard C. Alnor announced that the 26th Annual Fishing Derby will be held rain or shine at Zabriskie Pond Park (a 5-acre parcel of passive recreation space), Franklin Avenue on Saturday, June 7th. Zabriskie Pond will be stocked before the event. The Environmental Commission members will be on hand to register participants and to measure the fish. To be eligible for prizes, anglers 14 years old and under must register at the sign-in table between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Entrants must supply their own fishing gear and bait.

Prizes will be awarded to winners in various age categories for the longest fish caught. Parents and grandparents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Children must bring their catch to the registration table to be measured between 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The Fishing Derby officially ends at 10:15 a.m. and prizes will be awarded immediately thereafter. Children who wish to continue fishing are welcome to do so.

The day of fishing also serves to remind everyone of the importance of keeping our water clean. Non-point source pollution a.k.a. “people pollution” results from everyday activities such as fertilizing lawns and gardens, walking pets and littering. With each rainfall pollutants generated by these activities are washed from the streets and yards into the stormwater drains that flow into our waterways including brooks, rivers and ponds as well as the ocean. These objects affect the balance in these vital waterways and we need to be more cognizant of our everyday activities.

COAH Adopts New Affordable Housing Income Limits
Township of Wyckoff Continues to Accept Applications

Wyckoff Affordable Housing applications continue to be accepted for affordable housing in the Township of Wyckoff. Applicants may apply for purchase units and/or rental units. Periodically, purchase unit owners sell and it is anticipated that newly constructed rental unit apartments may be available in late 2008/early 2009.

Affordable housing allows families earning below 80% of the median income level to acquire housing at prices they can afford. Households with the following income levels and based on the number of persons in a family may qualify: 1 person - $43,160; 2 people -
$49,326; 3 people - $55,492; 4 people - $61,658; 5 people - $66,590; 6 people - $71,523. Households making ABOVE these levels are NOT ELIGIBLE. The Wyckoff affordable housing units are for persons or families of limited income. Those interested in purchasing re-sale units must have five percent of the purchase price available for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage. Unfortunately, Wyckoff cannot guarantee the availability of an affordable housing unit for each certified household.

Those wishing to apply for low and moderate income housing units may pick up an application Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Distribution is being handled by Susan Schilstra at the Planning Board office - Room 110 in Memorial Town Hall located at Scott Plaza in the Township of Wyckoff or click here to download an application..

Effective March 1, 2008
New Law – Primary Offense
Using Cell Phone While Driving!

Wyckoff Chief of Police John W. Ydo informs residents that beginning March 1, 2008 it will be a primary motor vehicle offense to use a hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device while driving, including using these devices to send a text message.

Governor Corzine signed S-1099 into law on November 2, 2007. Specifically, the new law makes the use of a hand-held wireless telephone for talking or listening while driving, without the assistance of a hands-free device, a primary offense. The law also makes sending a text or an electronic message via a wireless phone or communication device a primary offense. Under the law, the fine for the violation of the new offense is $100. No motor vehicle points shall be assessed for this offense.

The operator of a motor vehicle may use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel only if: 1) the operator has reason to fear for his life or safety; 2) the operator is using the telephone to report to authorities a fire, traffic accident, serious road hazard, medical or hazardous materials emergency and 3) the operator is reporting the reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe driving of another motorist.

The new law supersedes and preempts all ordinances of any county or municipality with regard to the use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a motor vehicle.

Police Chief Ydo reminds motorists to obey traffic laws and drive safely; they are for all of our benefit.

Chief John W. Ydo of the Wyckoff Police Department reports an increase in scams in our area and warns residents to be alert when receiving offers via regular mail, email and /or telephone.

In one instance, an email was received announcing that “your email won you a 2008 Ford Edge Jeep.” Specifying an “ongoing Ford car promotion in Germany”. The recipient is required to provide personal information to begin the claim process. Victims must then provide additional info to actually claim the prize and provide for shipping. The lucky winners generally have to provide some payment for taxes, shipping or other costs prior to receiving their prize. Winners are also required to keep their winning confidential until the transaction is completed or forfeit their winnings. Winnings are never made available.

Another scam, via email, has been labeled the “Hitman Scam” where residents have received a message which states “be more careful,” “be very careful” or even more boldly, “pay up or I will kill you.” The sender reports to the victim that he has been contracted to kill the recipient but would not carry out the threat if the victim was willing to pay $5000. The sender claims that he has personal information, accomplices are monitoring the victim and threatens them against calling the police until after the transaction when information would be provided enabling the victim to contact authorities regarding the individual who ordered the “hit.”

Charity scams have also been identified where victims receive a request for assistance for foreign ministries. It is alleged that several donors in the U.S. are willing to make donations but prefer to make donations via travelers cheques which would be difficult to cash in their country. The victim is offered a 10% commission for helping needy people in India, Chad and other poor countries. Bogus travelers cheques are mailed to the victim to cash at their banks and to remit 90% via instructions to be mailed to them at a later date.

Several Nigerian and Canadian lottery scams have been evident for some time. Most recently a resident received an “Award Claim Notification” from “Hallmark Financial Inc” financial lottery and resources management. Victims are notified that serial numbers attached to their name drew the lucky winning number. Victims are advised that a check will be sent to them to expedite processing but could not be used until contacting a claim agent for further instructions on claiming winnings. Claims must be made within 14 days.

Chief Ydo advises that residents be wary of unsolicited offers or offers that “seem to good to be true” - because they usually are! Residents are cautioned to look for offers originating overseas, letters with mis-spellings and grammatical errors which are common in many scams. Vague instructions along with requests for personal and/or financial information. Little or no documentation provided, instructions not to tell anyone or to keep offers confidential. Offers of unrealistic financial returns, instructions to make checks payable to individuals, and/or offers which must be accepted immediately or in a short time frame.

While some of these factors may be true some of the time, residents are warned and advised to examine closely the totality of the circumstances and call the police department when an offer seems suspicious.

Township of Wyckoff 2008 Commuter Park and Ride permits for the Cornerstone Christian Church rear parking lot have been available for sale since October 9, 2007 in the Municipal Clerk’s Office. We expect the 2008 Park and Ride permits to sell out.

Vehicles using the Park and Ride facility must obtain a Township commuter Park and Ride permit from the Township Clerk’s Office at Town Hall. The program allows vehicles to park at the Cornerstone Christian Church rear parking lot Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a Wyckoff issued valid current parking permit.

The fee for a parking permit for the year 2008 for residents of the Township of Wyckoff is $45.00 and the fee for non-residents is $160.00.

Licensing of dogs and cats for 2008 continues in the Clerk's Office. Currently, a late fee of $10.00 per animal is charged in addition to the annual licensing fees of $11.00 for an altered animal and $14.00 for an un-altered animal.

Please bring proof of your pets' rabies vaccination and alteration papers to obtain a 2008 license. Also, a reminder that your pet's rabies vaccination certificate must be current and expiration dates prior to December 1, 2008 will not be accepted. If, for any reason, your Veterinarian objects to giving your animal a rabies vaccination, a written note from the Vet will allow us to issue a 2008 license.

Pet licenses will be reviewed and a summons will be issued by the Animal Control Officer to owners of unlicensed dogs and cats after April 1, 2008.

Our unique community is well served by its many neighbors who volunteer as emergency service volunteers on the volunteer Fire Department and volunteer Ambulance Corps. It is a love for community that takes much time and dedication and should be appreciated by all who live and work in this area.

We have all had the opportunity to be out on the road and see firsthand an emergency response in progress. The flashing blue lights on our volunteers’ cars and the red and blue flashing lights of actual emergency vehicles can be recognized as they respond to a fire, accident or other emergency. Not only is it a matter of courtesy to pull over, we have a legal responsibility to pull over. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Laws require that “the driver of every vehicle shall immediately drive to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right hand edge or curb…shall stop and remain until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

So, when you are driving around Wyckoff and you hear the sound of sirens, alert yourself; you will probably see our volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance corps members responding to someone’s call for help in their time of need. Remember to yield to fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles when they are responding to an emergency call as well.

Keep in mind that in an emergency response time is critical. While we may not all be able to serve as volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance corps members, we can provide a measure of assistance to our dedicated volunteers and police by pulling our car over to the side of the road and letting them pass. Such a small effort can mean precious seconds in the protection of life and property in someone’s time of need.

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Law requires that the driver of a vehicle must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk, or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Simply, this means that a driver must stop their vehicle and allow pedestrians to walk across the roadway at school and pedestrian crosswalks. Pedestrians must also use caution when crossing the roadway, as the law prohibits them from entering the roadway, and walking into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

The crosswalks are easy to recognize by the painted lines on the roadway and all school crossings and some pedestrian crossings have the black and lime green pentagonal shaped signs with a symbol of a person walking. These marked areas should signal to motorists that there are higher than normal pedestrian crossings at the location.

The Township of Wyckoff has won numerous awards over the years from the American Automobile Association for the efforts of the Township in the area of pedestrian safety, and Wyckoff continues to make pedestrian safety a top priority.

When driving through town, all motorists should yield to pedestrians and obey posted speed limits. Please remember that New Jersey Law also requires that the speed limit on local roads is 25 MPH unless otherwise posted.

The speed limit sign says 40 mph. What does that really mean for drivers? As a driver are you entitled to travel at 40 mph? Common sense should come into play. The posted speed limits are the highest allowable speeds permitted under ideal conditions.

Drivers need to be aware of the road and weather conditions and the other users of the roadway system which includes other drivers, vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. The law requires motorists to use caution and reduce their speed (slow down) when approaching intersections and congested areas. Frequently other drivers will slow down instead of stopping at an intersection or they may disregard or not notice the sign and enter the roadway without looking. You should be prepared to slow down or stop even if you have the right-of-way at an intersection.

Drivers are required to reduce their speed in rainy weather or when the roads are snowy or icy.

Wyckoff Police Chief John W. Ydo reminds motorists that the NJ State Law NJSA 39:4-98 requires every motorist to drive at an appropriate reduced speed (meaning slow down) when:

Approaching or crossing an intersection
Approaching a railway grade crossing
Approaching a curve
Approaching a hill crest
Traveling on any narrow or winding roadway
Driving on snow, ice or wet pavement
Nearing pedestrians or bicyclists or
Approaching traffic or any other hazardous conditions.

Remember common sense and awareness of our surroundings are some of the most important tools we bring with us when driving.