Well glad they came to the right conclusion on this topic ! They really couldn't expect people to somehow get Sandy debris to recycle center. Other towns were cleaning up, shouldn't have taken us that long to make the right decision. Hope it doesn't snow again before they complete this cleanup.

I had no idea that the plan was potentially to not pick up anything. The reason I didn't think that was an option is because it is absurd to think that they would not have.

Borough of Paramus employees were observed picking up storm related debris one week post Sandy. And we have not even started yet? Certainly the wheels of government in Ridgewood need a bit more oil so they turn faster.

good call Village Council. we appreciate it.

I live across from Glen Rock and they have picked up 3 times since power was restored, no special rules, no cutting and binding little piles with twine. They just line up a bunch of trucks and heavy equipment and get it done...very efficient. I wish Mr. Gabbert had been there when the Village employees were telling the elderly lady next to me that she had to get the giant branches from a fallen street tree to the Recycling Center herself, as it was, to quote, "not our problem." I think some of the resident frustration has come from having to deal with an us-vs-them attitude from Village employees on this matter, when it was obvious that there needed to be an interim solution before springtime. I'm glad common sense prevailed, but I'm not sure why it took a council meeting to get it done when Glen Rock, Paramus, and Midland Park have all picked up branches routinely since the storm?

Great job by the Village. Thank you to whoever made this rational decision. Count me as a very appreciative resident.

The Village made it very clear that they would not be picking up this debris. Many people, myself included, went to a lot of effort and expense to follow those earlier Village instruction by clearing the debris ourselves, either personally or paying for someone to remove it. Now I have to share in the tax expense of those who didn't do it themselves by having the Village change course and do the clear-up for them. I just wish this decision could have been made from the outset as I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels a little ripped off.

I agree Harlan. We paid to have our branches chopped and taken away because we were told 3 weeks ago there would be no branch pickup. Never mind the leaves we put out in time for pickup to only have them sit there for 18 days and counting. Thanks

I paid in advance to have my removed, in the form of a $19k property tax bill. Finally they make this announcement.

How many of the branches/trees are from the burm and how many are from the homeowners property? I don't think the village should be expected to pick up storm damage trees that were in my back yard.

I would like to see the village open the re-cycling center on Sundays, at least for the next few weeks. Many of us don't use landscapers, and work during the week. This would give us more of an opportunity to bring branches and yard waste to the site.

Great lead on this one James.

As a good neighbor and following the rules I paid a lot of money to have two large damaged trees taken down and every last twig and a big pulled-out stump removed. No way could I have carted that stuff across town. There needs to be an emergency policy in place (we will have more storms) so that people don't waste their time and money hiring contractors for this. It would have been a lot cheaper to put that stuff in the street.

The 3 feet x 2 1/2 inches in diameter rule is not being enforced. I have seen people pull up to the yard waste truck in pick up trucks and box trucks full of branches and even trunks of trees that exceed those dimensions. To top it off, the attendants will help you unload.

And not everyone can afford to hire someone to remove the debris. Nor does everyone own a truck to do it themselves. This absolutely needed to be done by the town, and I'm glad they saw the light!