Jason Wetzel, Betty Lagitch, Addie Ruffino, Cathy Cerbo and Kerry Guzman
PARSIPPANY — Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently visited Independence360, a program of Spectrum360 that specializes in special education and adult services for individuals with autism and related challenges.
During the visit, the Woman’s Club presented a $500 donation to Kerry Guzman, Senior Director of Development, and Jason Wetzel, Program Director of Independence360. The funds will be used to purchase gym equipment to support the health, wellness, and daily activities of program participants.
Spectrum360 provides individuals with autism and related challenges with specialized programs and supports designed to help them realize their aspirations, lead fulfilling lives, and actively engage with their families and communities. The organization offers a range of services that promote independence, personal growth, and community inclusion.
Donations such as this are made possible through the Woman’s Club’s ongoing fundraising efforts, including its highly successful Tricky Tray fundraiser held in July 2025.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a proud member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC)—the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the nation and state. Through these affiliations, members participate in education, leadership development, and community service initiatives that benefit local and regional communities.
General meetings of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills are held every fourth Monday of the month from September through April at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in learning more about upcoming activities are encouraged to contact Ginny at (973) 887-0336, visit parsippanywomansclub.org, email [email protected], or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram.
MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon presided over a ceremony at the Morris County Correctional Facility, which included the recognition and promotion of eleven Correctional Police Officers from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. The listed sworn personnel received promotions: Warden Anthony Lotz, Captain Thomas Markey, Captain Michael Schweizer, Lieutenant Robert Doriety, Lieutenant David Jenkins, Lieutenant William Williams, Sergeant Jillian Schweizer, Sergeant Michael Provenzano, Sergeant Richard Dalesandro, Sergeant Jason Simpson, and Sergeant Mike Molde.
Warden Anthony Lotz
In 2002, Warden Anthony Lotz was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections and went on to graduate from the Passaic County Police Academy in July of 2004. Throughout his tenure, he served in several Housing Units as well as the Intake Unit, earning a promotion to Sergeant in December 2011. In that role, he supervised operations as both a Housing Unit Sergeant and later as the Classification Unit Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2016 and advanced to the rank of Captain in October 2019. Warden Lotz recently served as the Administration Captain, overseeing administrative operations for the facility. Warden Lotz takes over the role of Warden from Warden Christopher Klein who proudly served as Warden from August 2013 to December 2025 where he was responsible for the daily oversight of over 180 sworn and non-sworn members of the Bureau’s three divisions: Administrative Division, Support Services Division and Security Division.
Captain Thomas Markey
Captain Markey began his service as a Correctional Police Officer in 2006, where he quickly earned a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong sense of duty. He has served in the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant primarily working on shift. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Captain Markey serves as one of the department’s firearms instructors, ensuring that officers receive comprehensive, safety-focused, and skill-driven training. He also leads the Resiliency Program Officer (RPO) program for the agency. As he steps into the role of Security Captain, Tom Markey brings with him more than two decades of dedication, technical skill, and integrity.
Captain Michael Schweizer
Captain Michael Schweizer was hired as a Correctional Police Officer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2000. While at the jail, he worked many different posts and excelled at learning several different positions. In January 2012, Captain Schweizer was promoted to Sergeant where he was assigned as a Housing Sergeant and Control Center Sergeant. In July 2014, he was promoted to Lieutenant where he was assigned as the Shift Commander for several years. In the summer of 2017, Captain Schweizer took over as the Support Services Lieutenant where he remained until his current promotion of Captain. Mike has been a member of the Special Olympics Torch Run for 7 years, and he will be riding in his 6th Police Unity Tour in May of 2026.
Lieutenant Robert Doriety
Lieutenant Doriety was hired for Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in August 2001. He was initially assigned as a relief officer where he worked multiple areas of the jail. Lieutenant Doriety was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November 2012 where he was assigned as a Housing Sergeant, Control Sergeant, and then later assigned the role of Classification Supervisor in 2016. In 2021, Lieutenant Doriety was assigned the role of Security Sergeant where he remains today. In addition to his daily duties, Bob is actively a firearms instructor and a member of the Sheriff’s Motor Unit. Lieutenant Doriety looks forward to continuing his career with this promotion to Lieutenant and will remain in the Security Division where some of his responsibilities include the Classification Department, Intake Unit, Facility Gang Unit, and Facility Security.
Lieutenant David Jenkins
Lieutenant David Jenkins was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2005. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012. Lieutenant Jenkins has served in various roles within the Bureau, and most recently served as Control Sergeant. Lieutenant Jenkins looks forward to continuing serving the department in his new role.
Lieutenant William Williams
Lieutenant William Williams’ law enforcement career began in 2002 when he was hired as a Corrections Officer at the Warren County Correctional Facility. He graduated from the Camden County Correctional Academy in 2003. Lieutenant Williams was employed there until he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections in 2006. Lt. Williams was a relief officer at the facility, primarily working various posts until he became the permanent Housing Unit Officer on 3-Alpha. This position dealt with all day-to-day activities that occurred in the housing unit. Lieutenant Williams remained in this position for several years, until he was promoted to Sergeant in February 2014. As a Housing Sergeant, he oversaw any issues involving inmates in the facility. Lieutenant Williams is looking forward to continuing his career as a Shift Commander at the facility.
Sergeant Jillian Schweizer
In April of 2007. Sergeant Schweizer was offered a job as a Social Worker for the Morris County Correctional Facility marking the start of her career in criminal justice. After a short time, Sergeant Schweizer decided that she had a passion to become a Corrections Officer and was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Bureau of Corrections in August of 2009. She has worked various positions within the correctional facility, but the last ten years of her career have been spent handling all the payroll duties for various unions and over 200 employees. Promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2021, she enjoyed being able to mentor new employees and help ease their transition into corrections. Sergeant Schweizer is the department’s Resiliency Programs Officer, which works in conjunction with Cop2Cop to help break the mental health stigma in law enforcement. Sergeant Schweizer is also an FBI trained Crisis/Hostage Negotiator for Morris County, an MOI certified instructor at the Public Safety Training academy and the Equal Opportunity Coordinator within the Bureau of Corrections. Sgt. Schweizer is looking forward to the opportunity to supervise and help motivate new employees, while continuing to learn and grow in her new position.
Sergeant Michael Provenzano
Sergeant Michael Provenzano began his law enforcement career in November 2012 and has continually served with dedication, professionalism, and integrity with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Provenzano has served multiple key assignments, including the Intake Unit, the 3rd Floor Corridor, and Housing Unit 2Delta. He has also proudly served on the Morris County Honor Guard. In addition to his operational roles, Sergeant Provenzano dedicated ten years to the PBA Local 298 board, serving as both Trustee and Vice President, further demonstrating his commitment to his fellow officers and the department’s mission. Sergeant Provenzano is known for his calm demeanor under pressure, strong leadership qualities, and dedication to mentoring newer officers. His promotion reflects over a decade of outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the community.
Sergeant Richard Dalesandro
Sergeant Richard Dalesandro attended Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in May of 2016. In 2019, he was accepted to the Juvenile Justice Commission Correctional Police Academy in Sea Girt. Upon graduating in July of 2019, he started working at the New Jersey Training School for Boys in Jamesburg until March of 2020 when he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. Since hired as a Correctional Police Officer, Sergeant Dalesandro has been the permanent officer assigned to 3D and 3D-MCU housing units. Sergeant Dalesandro looks forward to the responsibilities in his new role as Sergeant.
Sergeant Jason Simpson
Sergeant Jason Simpson began working after graduating high school as an auto mechanic. While working full-time, he began taking evening classes at County College of Morris where he would graduate with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. In August 2006, he was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. After graduating from the Bergen County Police Academy, Sergeant Simpson worked Housing Unit 3D for a total of six years. In 2012, he was assigned to the Medical Officer position where he worked for 13 years. In October 2024, Sergeant Simpson was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Recently in March 2025, he was awarded the position of Transports. Jason has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and is ready for his new promotion to Sergeant.
Sergeant Mike Molde
Sergeant Mike Molde began his law enforcement career in June 2009 and has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and a commitment to excellence throughout his sixteen years of service. Sergeant Molde has held a variety of critical roles within the correctional facility, starting on the housing tiers before moving to Intake, where he developed advanced expertise in criminal street and prison gang dynamics. Sergeant Molde’s proficiency in this area led to his selection for the Gang Intelligence Unit, where he contributed to major operations including raids, surveillance initiatives, and specialized gang-related training events. Sergeant Molde has also served as a departmental firearms instructor, further reflecting the trust placed in his skills and judgment. In 2021, he was promoted to Detective Corporal within the Internal Affairs Unit, where he conducted sensitive investigations requiring a high degree of integrity, discretion, and analytical ability. Now promoted to Sergeant, he brings a proven record of leadership, operational experience, and dedication to supporting both the mission of the department and the development of the officers under his command.
Students in CCM’s engineering programs benefit from hands-on learning, modern labs, and affordable pathways to top four-year universities.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) has been named one of the Top Twenty-Five New Jersey State Schools for Engineering Majors Seeking Strong Value by Rebellion Research Advisors, L.P., a registered investment adviser and not-for-profit educational research think tank. The recognition highlights both four-year and two-year institutions across New Jersey for exceptional returns on investment for engineering students, many of whom go on to secure high-paying positions in energy, pharma, software and transportation.
CCM’s engineering programs emphasize quality instruction and real-world application.
“CCM’s recognition reflects the college’s commitment to high-quality STEM education, strong faculty expertise, modern labs and equipment, and affordable pathways that reduce financial barriers while opening doors to top-tier, baccalaureate engineering programs,” said Virginia Rich, dean of the School of Business, Mathematics, Engineering & Technologies at CCM.
This commitment is reflected in CCM’s certificate of achievement programs, many of which can be completed in just a few semesters, with credits that may be applied toward an associate degree at CCM. The college also maintains strong transfer pathways with numerous respected four-year institutions, enabling engineering students to seamlessly continue their education at NJIT, Rutgers, Rowan, Stevens, Cornell, New York Tech, RIT, RPI, and other universities.
According to Thomas Roskop, chairperson of CCM’s department of Engineering Technologies & Engineering Science, “At CCM, we take great pride in offering one of the strongest and most affordable pathways for aspiring engineers. Our programs deliver a rigorous technical foundation and open doors to top engineering schools across New Jersey and beyond. This recognition reflects the exceptional rigor of our instruction and the drive of our students. More importantly, it reinforces that CCM is truly one of the best places to launch a successful engineering career.”
That momentum is reflected in enrollment trends at CCM. Over the past three years, the A.S. in Engineering Science program grew by 40%, while enrollment in the A.A.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology program increased by 27.5%.
For more information about CCM’s engineering programs, click here.
CCM students work with advanced equipment in state-of-the-art engineering labs.
Recent coverage of the December 16 Township Council meeting framed the PARQ discussion as a dispute over transparency. If transparency is truly the concern, residents deserve clarity — not competing narratives
At the December 18 meeting of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education, it was confirmed on the public record that no formal offers for land, a school building, or binding financial terms related to the PARQ redevelopment have ever been received by the Board. That fact matters.
During the December 16 Council meeting, Paul Carifi stated that developers had previously offered land, school construction, and per-student funding, and that the Board of Education declined those offers without informing the public. However, no written documentation, correspondence, resolutions, or formal proposals supporting those claims have been produced.
The only written material submitted to the school district was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provided by the Township in May 2025. That document was not a formal offer, was not presented for Board action, and did not constitute a negotiable proposal for land, a school facility, or binding financial terms.
The Board of Education did respond formally. Through its attorney, the Board submitted a Proposed Ordinance outlining a lawful and transparent framework for addressing school impacts related to PILOT developments. That ordinance was not acknowledged or replied to by the Township until 4:01 p.m. on December 15, 2025 — less than 24 hours before the Council meeting where claims of rejected offers were made.
Just to let you know, offers discussed verbally, during site tours, or conveyed to a single Board member are not formal offers. The Board of Education is a nine-member governing body, and no individual member has authority to negotiate or act on its behalf.
Since November 2023, multiple Board of Education members have attended Township Council meetings. During that time, there has been no formal outreach or negotiation initiated by Township leadership regarding school construction, land donation, or PILOT revenue sharing. Council President Carifi has never contacted the Board — formally or informally — to discuss such proposals.
It is also notable that Frank Neglia, the Council Vice President and a former Board of The Education President understands that formal offers must be presented in writing to the The board as a body is addressed through a public process. I don’t think any such offers were ever transmitted.
If the Mayor or Council believes formal offers were made, the solution is straightforward: produce them and place them on the public record.
Observers of Parsippany Town Council Meetings are used to spirited debate but can be forgiven for being caught off guard by the surprises on December 16.
In Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, Alison Cogan, the President of the Parsippany Board of Education (BOE), made a statement regarding the two PILOT Projects to be considered and voted on in Tuesday’s meeting. Among the important points made:
• This Ordinance could produce 400 students in addition to students from prior PILOT agreements. • The BOE has tried unsuccessfully for the last two years, to reach agreement with the town on a revenue sharing agreement. • There is no evidence that the financial incentive of a PILOT is necessary to redevelop under the existing Redevelopment Plan. • No financial agreement supporting the proposed Ordinance was made available to the public before the meeting. • Voting on this PILOT with no opportunity to review the underlying Financial Agreement and without any revenue-sharing agreement with the BOE in place is improper, premature, short-sighted, and is not in the best interest of Parsippany.
After Mrs. Cogan spoke, the audience was treated to Council President Carifi’s statement. It was then the audience learned of the great altruism of the Parq developer. According to Mr. Carifi, the developer offered to give land to the BOE and there would be PILOT money to build a new state-of-the-art school and the BOE said no. There was nothing to say ‘No” to as no details of this great generosity were provided in writing by the town, for the BOE to consider but it did provide a good talking point for Mr. Carifi.
Mr. Carifi further mentioned the $10K per student offer the town had submitted to the BOE in May. That offer did not include 1515 Route 10, nor were future PILOT’s included. Contrary to Mr. Carifi’s claim, the BOE did not say no to this offer but before responding with a counter proposal, an OPRA request was sent to the town on June 4 for PILOT contracts the town had with developers. Normally the deadline for responding to an OPRA request is 10 days. However, the town requested an extension to July 8. A response merely required electronic copies of existing contracts, which were already stored electronically. After the contracts were received on July 8, a counter proposal for $15K per student was submitted by the BOE that would include 1515 Route 10 and future PILOTs. The Mayor and the town chose to not respond to the counteroffer by the BOE until November, conveniently after the election. Once the Mayor responded at 4:00 pm on December 15, his counter of $12K per student was so riddled with caps and contingencies as to be unacceptable to all 9 members of the BOE.
The town has consistently used delay tactics such as bogus audit requests to get past milestones such as primaries, elections, and an alleged immunity deadline to to ram through a deal that benefits the town at the expense of the school district. These tactics are not consistent with a collaborative relationship.
The building of a school is not only a more expensive and front-loaded project than educating students, but the building of the school does nothing to alleviate the recurring costs to educate a child over the 30-year term of the PILOT. The school district requires an increased revenue stream in the form of a per student agreement that aligns closely with the additional costs incurred by the school district. Why would anyone think the town would make a larger contribution in PILOT funds for a school when they had to be dragged kicking and screaming to enter into a smaller revenue per student agreement sought by the BOE?
A major shortcoming in the Town Council meeting was the refusal to provide financial information on the PILOTs to the public in advance of the meeting. Even without those numbers, problems were apparent. First the claim by the financial expert, Michael Hawley of NW Financial Group, who cited the projected Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 4.65%. He asserted the IRR on the project is below the risk-free rate of return and therefore unacceptable. While he is correct in principle that an IRR below the risk-free rate of return is unacceptable and should not be pursued, the estimated IRR of 4.65% is currently above the current risk-free rate of return of 4.13%. Under the widely used Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), the risk-free rate usually employed to calculate the price of an asset is the interest rate on 10 Year US Government Bonds. The current interest rate on the 10-Year Bond is 4.13%. While an IRR of 4.65% is not particularly robust, it is demonstrably more than 4.13%. While it is likely the yield on the 10-year bond was higher when the forecast was prepared than it is now, that number was not disclosed. The forecast should have been updated to reflect the current risk-free rate as the return on the project would be higher.
Some of the questions that could have been asked if the public had received the projections in advance include:
• What discount rate was used? The higher the discount rate, the lower is the Project Value. • Why aren’t there preferred lending rates on PILOT projects that would transfer a portion of the cost away from the school district to lenders? • Were accelerated depreciation schedules incorporated into the forecast? That has a positive impact on taxable income • The rep of NW Financial cited that the Net Operating Income was divided by 5% (which is a back of the envelope way to calculate the value of an asset into perpetuity) to arrive at Project Value. However, dividing $23,273,328 by 5% is not $423,151,412, it is $465,466,560. Why the $42.3 million difference?
There was also discussion of the significant difference cited between 400 projected students vs. 151 per the Rutgers study. That uncertainty is why the BOE has long sought a shared revenue per student agreement with the town. The following items were up for negotiation.
• The amount per student attending school and living in a PILOT project. • Limitations on the total amount paid (Caps on the payout to the schools?) • What PILOT projects are included and not included in the revenue share • Are future PILOT’s (including the PILOT just voted on) included in the revenue share? State legislators realize the flaws in the PILOT legislation. S3915 seeks to provide a remedy to the flawed tax abatement legislation by Requiring “municipalities to share certain payments in lieu of property taxes with school districts; informs counties, school districts, and DCA of certain information related to property tax exemptions and abatements.”
Usually missing from the vocabulary of politicians is “priority.” The Mayor and the Town Council have never put out a vision of what they plan to do with the extra money they are receiving with the PILOT money, at least not publicly. Whatever they have in mind, they consider it a higher priority than education so the public should know what that priority is, to decide if it is more important than education. Given the lack of transparency and collaboration from the town, the incoming administration faces a low bar to clear.
New Jersey’s minimum wage will rise to $15.92 per hour on January 1, 2026, marking the final scheduled increase under Governor Phil Murphy before Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill takes office, as the state continues tying wage adjustments to inflation.
TRENTON — New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase once again in 2026, marking the final scheduled boost under Governor Phil Murphy before he leaves office.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the minimum wage for most workers across the state will rise to $15.92 per hour, an increase of 43 cents from the current rate. Since Murphy took office in 2018, the minimum wage will have increased by $7.32 per hour, fulfilling his pledge to reach—and exceed—the $15 benchmark by 2025.
Different wage structures will continue to apply to certain categories of workers, including farm laborers, tipped employees, and caregivers, some of whom are expected to see larger or phased-in increases under existing state law.
“Eight years ago, Governor Murphy pledged a stronger, fairer economy, and we’re delivering on this commitment by raising New Jersey’s minimum wage again,” said New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.
The 2026 increase will be the last enacted before Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is sworn into office during an inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 20, 2026, in Newark.
New Jersey’s minimum wage adjustments are tied to inflation following the achievement of the $15 threshold, ensuring future increases continue to reflect changes in the cost of living for workers statewide.
How can a PILOT be given for a minimum affordable, rather than more designated affordable low-income, say. 50-100 units for example. The developers already own the land, nature/god made that, and rent, and fees are unearned income extracted from wage earners for living space.
These Developers Remedy Threats in cases like the one that took place in PTH, which are corporate coups over civil society. How can good land use be simply tossed aside? If the developments are concentrated as they should be, why then minimum affordable, this will then, contrary to what Carifi is saying, happen after all, more units in the next round, unless they lower the rents in the vacant unrented units.
Can’t help feeling this whole lame duck last minute PILOT jam, was a premeditated staged event with Inglesino as a ringleader, the appearance of the Housing Master Wizard of Oz on the screen, had to retract her PILOTs of else threat, when confronted by a direct question from Councilman McGrath. The whole courtroom like session, aided and abetted the fear the developers were instilling.
Only Political Courage could have challenged these tactics. Parsippany had done everything to meet it’s 4th round obligation, and settled for a minimum in affordable units. In my opinion this whole episode, of a sudden PILOT during a lame duck council should of been looked into as a Court Challenge. Since when does Housing Obligations depend of PILOT? In blighted areas of poverty, perhaps, but Parsippany?
Highlands Conformance does give legal shields; this may have been an opportunity to look into this option, an opportunity lost, due to a time quirk; a time quirk not given the good faith of an extension, to look into the sudden failure of the developer not to met the obligation, as was set in motion? Again, if PILOT Deals are essential in meeting housing obligations, this should have been known. Mayor Barberio has made it clear (since June) that Parsippany knew of no other PILOTs in the works, then suddenly Pearl Harbor!
* Ben Spinelli NJ Highlands Council Executive Director has trumpeted the fact that the market rate units needed to in order to meet the number of required affordable units will far exceed the carrying capacity of the Highlands. There is no magic wand that will resolve this conflict. However, the reason we succeeded in amending the recent Affordable Housing Reform Act, which finally recognized the need to limit growth in the Highlands, was because of the impacts to the Highlands resources if numbers assigned by the state applied in the Highlands.
If Parsippany has the Highest Water Deficit in the watershed, and our aquifer is already being depleted due to past poor landuse and continued consumption, and depletion, how can developers be given free reign in further impacts as they please in a developers remedy? What portion of any of the housing units are regional obligations, and what benefits can Parsippany obtain from sending municipalities? Parsippany is in overdeveloped in need of redevelopment, not blighted. This is where the corporate rateable chase has brought us. There is no escape, only obligation; however the obligation must not be one-sided. The formula ratio 20 to 4 is substandard in its need and background of the actual economy and what it brings people in their wages, benefits and overall costs.
The cry about more children also seems strange would not the increase come more from residential homes, in my neighborhood in Hiawatha, Oneida Ave, there are plenty of kids in the area, waiting for school buses. Carifi and Inglesino language like welfare, and Newark like, or Inglesino past Town Hall Housing Class, beginning with Newark “Riots”, and not the actual circumstance of the Mount Laurel Community being disenfranchised is also racist in tone.
Developers don’t do PILOTs because it benefits US.
Parsippany appears not to have considered some of the following: To avoid these negative impacts, a number of towns are putting plans in place where they fulfill their AH obligation directly, using a combination of techniques, including the following.
•Rehabilitation of existing substandard housing stock •Creation of accessory apartments, shared senior housing or elder cottage housing; •Special needs/group homes; •“Buy downs” of existing housing; •Bonus credits for family rental units; •Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs); •Creation of assisted living residences.
Economy can not exist in a vacuum outside the laws of nature. As a species, and a society we are doing ourselves in. Only Political Courage can have any chance. Economy is a political decision made for the collective in it’s justice and equity.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously endorsed two additional applications for Class 5 recreational cannabis retailer licenses during its December 16 meeting, advancing proposals from Mindset Dispensary, LLC, and Cypher Dispensary, LLC, to the state review stage.
PARSIPPANY — The Township Council of Parsippany-Troy Hills has formally endorsed two additional applications by Mindset Dispensary, LLC, and Cypher Dispensary, LLC, supporting their pursuit of Class 5 Recreational Cannabis Retailer Licenses from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC).
The endorsements were approved by a unanimous vote following a comprehensive review by the Township’s Cannabis Advisory Committee, which determined that both applicants complied with all applicable local ordinances, zoning requirements, and regulatory standards.
Mindset Dispensary, LLC plans to operate at 239–257 Route 46 East, home to several existing businesses, including Recess Bar, Halal Platter King, Keo Ku Restaurant, and Moghul Express Parsippany. Cypher Dispensary, LLC has proposed a location at 99 Route 46 East, a commercial location shared with Cycle Craft.
The Council’s action follows the regulatory framework established after New Jersey voters approved adult-use cannabis in 2020. That referendum led to the enactment of P.L. 2021, c.16, signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, which created statewide oversight of the cannabis industry through the CRC.
In response to increasing interest from prospective cannabis operators, the Township Council adopted Ordinance 2024:21 in late 2024, establishing the Cannabis Advisory Committee to evaluate applications and ensure compliance with municipal standards. After reviewing both proposals, the committee recommended approval, noting that each met or exceeded local requirements.
Township officials stated that the proposed establishments have the potential to contribute positively to the local economy through job creation and new revenue, aligning with Parsippany’s broader economic development goals.
Parsippany initially limited the number of licensed cannabis retail establishments within the township to three. At its December 16 meeting, the Township Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-30, increasing the cap to five licensed cannabis retailers.
Under the ordinance, the non-refundable application fee remains $10,000, with an initial license fee of $25,000 and an annual renewal fee of $25,000.
The resolutions adopted by the Council express formal municipal support for both applications, contingent upon final approval by the CRC and the issuance of all required local permits.
Ownership and Corporate Information
Cypher Dispensary, LLC lists its registered and principal business address as a residential apartment. Its members include:
Carl E. Burwell, Jr., Member/Manager (Parsippany)
Jonathan Rojas, Member/Manager (Parsippany)
Mindset Dispensary, LLC is registered at 1571 Route 46, Parsippany, with its principal business address listed at the same location. Its member includes:
Sharandeep Dhaliwal, Member/Manager (Parsippany)
With both applications now advancing to the state review stage, Parsippany-Troy Hills could soon welcome its first recreational cannabis dispensaries, marking a new chapter in the township’s evolving commercial landscape.
The massive warehouse located at 20-30 Lanidex Plaza faces Parsippany Road
PARSIPPANY — BBX Parsippany Urban Renewal, LLC, the developer behind the new 140,031-square-foot commercial building at 20–30 Lanidex Plaza, visible from Parsippany Road, received approval for a tax-exemption agreement (PILOT) by a 3–2 vote. Councilmen Matt McGrath and Justin Musella voted in opposition.
A project led by the former Altman Logistics Properties, now FRP Holdings Inc., will bring 140,000 square feet of new industrial space to a former, obsolete office property at 30 and 20 Lanidex Plaza West in Parsippany.
Parsippany resident Bob Venezia read a statement during the public session. The statement, according to the financing agreement, says “Certification as to Commencement of Construction: The Applicant hereby certifies that it has not and will not commence construction of the Project prior to adoption by the Township’s Governing Body of a Resolution approving this Application and an appropriate Ordinance approving and making effective this Long Term Tax Exemption and Financial Agreement and authorizing the Mayor or other appropriate official to execute the Financial Agreement.”
Despite Mr. Venezia’s concerns, the Council voted 3-2 to approve the PILOT financial agreement.
As pictured above, the project is under construction and is very visible from Parsippany Road.
Commissioner Deborah Smith, Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioner Christine Myers.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight presented a comprehensive 2026 Capital Spending Plan reinforcing the county’s longstanding commitment to infrastructure, public safety, education, and the essential services that support residents throughout all 39 municipalities.
The proposed total is just over $50 million, offset by approximately $13.1 million in grant funding that reduces the net county investment to about $36.9 million.
The Capital Budget Committee — chaired by Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioners Deborah Smith and Christine Myers — outlined the proposal during the commissioners’ public meeting in Morristown. The plan is built on months of evaluation across county departments, constitutional offices and partner agencies.
“Our 2026 Capital Plan strikes the right balance between maintaining our existing assets and making strategic investments in the county’s future,” said Deputy Director Shaw. “I am grateful to Commissioners Smith and Myers, and to our administration and finance team, for their meticulous work. With this plan, Morris County remains well-positioned to support economic opportunity, public safety and a high quality of life for our residents.”
“This capital plan reflects the responsible, ongoing investment required to keep systems safe, resilient and functional for our residents,” he added.
The plan is built on a three-part investment foundation — Infrastructure, Standard and Strategic — that will keep county operations functioning safely and efficiently.
Infrastructure Investments
The plan focuses on the county’s extensive responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure, including 287 miles of county roads, 1,000 bridges and culverts, three freight railroads, 1,200 vehicles, more than 3.4 million square feet of county buildings and 20,611 acres of parkland.The county also maintains all trees within county rights-of-way as well as facilities required by the judiciary, sheriff, law and public safety, and mosquito control services.
The plan designates just over $30 million — more than 60 percent of the total — to infrastructure investments for roads, bridges, rail, drainage systems and park improvements.
“Morris County has earned its reputation as a statewide leader in infrastructure maintenance,” said Commissioner Smith. “Our 2026 plan directs $30 million toward resurfacing roads, upgrading dams in our parks, improving intersections, advancing bridge design and construction, and addressing stormwater needs. These investments support safety, mobility and economic development.”
“These are improvements residents will see and feel every day,” she added.
2026 Road Resurfacing Projects include:
3.6 miles of Fairmount Avenue in Chatham Borough and Chatham Township
1.3 miles of Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township
1.8 miles of Ridgedale Avenue in Florham Park and East Hanover
4 miles of West Mill Road in Washington Township
Standard Investments
“Our standard investments fund critical work residents don’t often see but are necessary for running county operations and ensuring their safety. From security enhancements and Sheriff’s Office equipment to vehicle replacements and IT upgrades, these dollars ensure our essential services operate smoothly every day,” said Commissioner Myers.
Approximately $13.3 million supports standard investments, including:
Security upgrades and Sheriff’s Office equipment
Buildings and Grounds improvements
Vehicle replacements
IT equipment and services updates
Strategic Investments
“This portion of the plan reflects smart, forward-looking decisions,” said Commissioner Smith. “We’re improving fire and life safety systems, strengthening emergency communications and supporting our sheriff’s patrol operations. These are meaningful improvements that enhance public safety and service delivery.”
Strategic Investments total roughly $6.65 million and address high-priority projects and operational needs, including:
Fire alarm and sprinkler upgrades
Emergency communication system improvements
Sheriff’s Patrol building fit-out
Downtown parking facility upgrades
The Capital Budget Committee invited questions from the board before incorporation of the plan into the 2026 County Budget to be introduced in the first quarter of the new year.
An estimated 1,650 vehicles will be forced onto the heavily traveled, single-lane Parsippany Road, raising serious concerns about safety, congestion, and overall traffic flow.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a 30-year Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the PARQ development Tuesday night, a deal expected to save the developer more than $117 million in property taxes.
The ordinance passed by a 4–1 vote at the December 16 council meeting, with Council President Paul Carifi, outgoing Vice President Frank Neglia, outgoing Councilman Justin Musella, and Democrat Judy Hernandez voting in favor. Republican Councilman Matt McGrath cast the lone dissenting vote.
More than 100 residents attended the meeting, with the majority of speakers voicing opposition to the PILOT, calling it an unnecessary incentive for developers given Parsippany’s prime location in North Jersey.
Council President Carifi defended the vote by citing the township’s obligation to meet the state’s December 31 affordable housing deadline.
“Failure to meet the deadline would expose Parsippany to builder’s remedy lawsuits,” Carifi said, noting that such lawsuits allow courts to approve large-scale developments without municipal approval.
Town officials stated that at least eight developers were prepared to file builder’s remedy lawsuits against Parsippany as early as January 1 if the deadline was not met.
Concentrating Development at PARQ
Town leaders argued that approving the PILOT allows Parsippany to retain some control over development by consolidating its remaining fourth-round affordable housing obligation into one location — the PARQ development off Parsippany Road.
The land surrounding the existing PARQ luxury apartment buildings has now been fully cleared of former office structures, marking the start of the next major phase of the PARQ redevelopment project. The Township Council has approved a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, clearing a critical hurdle and allowing construction of the remaining phases to move forward. Plans call for the development of more than 1,100 additional apartment units on the newly vacated property, transforming the former Lanidex office campus into one of the largest residential communities in Parsippany. The next phases will include a mix of market-rate and affordable housing units, along with amenities and supporting infrastructure, as part of a multi-year redevelopment effort.
The site, formerly the Lanidex office park, is physically separated from the rest of the township by Interstates 287 and 80. Officials described the area as relatively isolated and said concentrating development there would have the least overall traffic impact in an already congested municipality, despite projections estimating 1,500 additional vehicles on Parsippany Road, a one-lane county roadway.
Under the PILOT agreement, 95 percent of the payment flows to the municipal budget, while 5 percent goes to Morris County. The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, local fire departments, and the library would receive no direct revenue from the development for the duration of the 30-year agreement, aside from minimal land taxes.
A PILOT allows a developer to make negotiated annual payments instead of paying full property taxes. While municipalities retain most of the revenue, the agreements bypass the traditional tax structure — particularly school funding.
The meeting saw an attendance of more than 800 residents, a considerable portion of whom bore protest signs. This resulted in the room reaching its maximum capacity, prompting the need for extra chairs to accommodate the sizable gathering. Throughout the lengthy seven-hour session on Thursday, critics vehemently voiced their disapproval of the agreements, contending that they unjustly put local schools at a disadvantage and impose an excessive burden on taxpayers.
Musella Reverses Position
Councilman Justin Musella, who previously led community opposition to PILOT agreements and made them a centerpiece of his unsuccessful mayoral campaign, voted in favor of the PARQ agreement — a move that disappointed many of his supporters.
In December 2023, Musella helped shut down a council meeting at Town Hall due to crowd size, forcing the meeting to relocate to the Parsippany PAL building, where over 800 residents gathered in opposition to PILOTs. That year, Musella cast the lone “no” vote.
Acknowledging the irony, Musella distinguished PARQ from prior developments he opposed.
“This is much different — unlike the ones I opposed, which were discretionary,” Musella said. “This is about meeting our housing obligation in the least-disruptive way possible. If there were a better path, I would be the first to take it.”
Councilman Justin Musella said “This is much different — unlike the ones I opposed, which were discretionary,” Musella said. “This is about meeting our housing obligation in the least-disruptive way possible. If there were a better path, I would be the first to take it.”
Project Details and Housing Costs
The PARQ project broke ground in 2022. The original plan included:
275 units in Phase One
250 units in Phase Two
75 townhomes built by Ryan Homes
Phase One opened in June 2024.
A sample two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit offering 1,063 square feet of living space on the first floor of Building 1 is listed at $4,146 per month, with a base rent of $4,070. A sample one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit offering 723 square feet is listed at $3,159 per month, with a base rent of $3,083. Select units advertise three months’ rent free, according to the project’s website.
Ryan Homes townhouses at the site are priced starting at $984,990, with estimated monthly payments of approximately $7,060.
Under the revised plan — which developers said required a PILOT to secure financing — the project would expand to 1,100 total units, including 254 affordable housing units. Combined with redevelopment credits, the plan satisfies Parsippany’s fourth-round affordable housing obligation.
Buildings at 700 Lanidex Drive will be demolished, while 800 and 900 Lanidex Drive will remain for now.
School District Raises Concerns
Parsippany Board of Education President Alison Cogan spoke during public comment, warning about the long-term impact on the school district.
“The ordinance you are voting on tonight could produce over 400 additional students,” Cogan said. “Those students would not be accounted for in our revenue budget, since the 2% cap remains the same.”
Cogan added that the Board of Education has spent the past two years attempting to negotiate a revenue-sharing agreement with the township, without success.
Cogan also stated, “We never got any offer or written agreement or anything for a school, or land. There was never an offer of that to the board of education. So, that was interesting.”
Carifi responded that multiple proposals were made, including an offer of free land at the PARQ site for a new school, supplemented by township PILOT funds. That proposal, along with subsequent offers of $10,000 and later $12,000 per student, were declined.
Officials noted that the actual per-pupil cost to educate a student in Parsippany significantly exceeds those amounts.
Impact on Schools and Taxpayers
Because PILOT developments do not pay school taxes, the cost of educating students generated by the PARQ project would fall entirely on existing taxpayers.
Critics argue the arrangement creates a long-term subsidy for developers, while residents and small businesses continue paying full property taxes. Over time, opponents warn the structure may lead to:
Increased school taxes for homeowners
Greater strain on municipal and school budgets
Reduced funding flexibility for classrooms, staffing, and facilities
Mayor-elect Pulkit Desai attended the meeting but did not speak. Desai narrowly defeated incumbent Mayor James Barberio by 80 votes in the general election. Barberio’s election challenge is scheduled to be heard on January 5. Desai and the new council are set to be sworn in on January 3.
It is easy to name the players in Washington, D.C., but much harder to name those sitting on our own town council. Most of us follow national politics closely. Debates are televised, candidates are discussed constantly, and it is easy to feel informed.
Local politics, at least for me, has been different.
Until recently, I had only a limited understanding of how my town council functions, how individual members vote, or how resident input translates into real decisions, and I am still learning. Like many others, I have voted in local elections based on general dissatisfaction or hearsay, rather than firsthand understanding.
Attending a recent town hall made me pause. Watching council members debate and respond to residents made it clear that there are real differences in how elected officials approach their roles. It also gave me a greater appreciation for the responsibility and complexity of the job council members take on. Some appeared genuinely thoughtful and willing to take positions not always aligned with the majority. That experience made me question my own past voting choices. Had I really taken the time to understand who I was voting for?
How many of us form strong opinions about local decisions without ever attending a meeting? If we do not truly understand where candidates stand on the very issues we complain about, how confident can we be that the new people we elect will do better?
Take, for example, the conversion of a warehouse on Parsippany Road to a PILOT agreement, which has been widely discussed in Parsippany. PILOTs are not inherently good or bad. Used correctly, they can serve a purpose. But when it comes to large warehouse projects, how are our opinions being formed? Are they based on a clear understanding of the necessity, long-term financial impacts, traffic patterns etc.? or mostly on bits of information and assumptions?
I ask these questions as much of myself as of anyone else. Local decisions affect our daily lives, yet they often receive far less attention than national headlines. Do we really have the right to complain about local decisions if we choose not to participate or stay informed?
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — Video: – Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – December 16, 2025.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education will hold a public meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Dr. Frank A. Calabria Education Center, located at 292 Parsippany Road.
The meeting will begin with a closed session at 6:00 p.m., followed by the regular public session at 6:30 p.m.
During the meeting, the Board is scheduled to hear a presentation by Parsippany Hills High School students on the “Books Before Barriers” initiative. Additional agenda items include a review of middle school and high school courses of study, budget discussions, personnel matters, award of bids, payment of bills, transfer of funds, and other general business items.
The Superintendent’s Bulletin and full agenda are available on the district website. Action may be taken on agenda items and other matters that become known following the publication of the meeting notice.
EAST HANOVER — Five individuals were arrested early Wednesday morning following a police pursuit of a stolen vehicle that began in East Hanover and ended in Montville, according to the East Hanover Police Department. At approximately 1:00 a.m., East Hanover Police Officer Cerese, accompanied by her training officer, Officer Panzarino, identified a stolen Audi Q5 while patrolling residential neighborhoods. The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Newark.
When officers attempted a traffic stop on Ridgedale Avenue northbound toward Route 280, the driver fled, prompting a multi-unit pursuit involving several East Hanover Police Department vehicles.
During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle struck a curb, resulting in a flat tire and significantly reducing its speed. The chase continued through neighboring municipalities before ending in Montville, where all five occupants exited the disabled vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
Officers immediately apprehended two suspects at the scene. With assistance from multiple local and county law enforcement agencies, the remaining three suspects were located and taken into custody. One suspect attempted to evade arrest by jumping into a pond but was quickly apprehended with the assistance of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
All suspects were transported to the East Hanover Police Department for processing. Those charged include Qumarrye Richardson, 19, of Bloomfield, and three juveniles, all of whom were released following charges. A fifth suspect, Quadee Tubbs, 19, of Irvington, was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
The East Hanover Police Department expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the Parsippany Police Department, Montville Police Department, Fairfield Police Department, North Caldwell Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, and the New Jersey State Police.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
MOUNTAIN LAKES – Lakeland Hills Family YMCA proudly announces the grand opening of its reimagined Health and Fitness Center on Monday, December 22 at 5:00 a.m. The newly renovated facility offers members a fully redesigned space focused on connection, performance, and progress.
“This is more than a renovation, this is a reinvention of how we come together, move, and thrive,” said Alex Martinez, CEO of Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. “Every detail was designed to ensure our members have access to innovative tools and supportive environments that empower their wellness journeys.”
The new Health and Fitness Center includes six distinct zones for functional training, recovery, and personalized workouts: an immersive cycling studio, a dynamic turf training area, an intelligent EGYM circuit, a dedicated FitWorks training room, a next-generation cardio center, and a specialized Restore and Recovery zone. These spaces are designed to accommodate all fitness levels and foster a sense of community, growth, and achievement.
Highlights include:
FitWorks Training Room: Personal, group, and squad training designed to foster accountability, motivation, and shared success.
Cycling Studio: A sensory-rich environment where lighting, sound, and energy fuel every ride.
EGYM Circuit: Smart equipment that adjusts automatically to each user’s profile. Just tap in, and settings like weight, tempo, and range of motion are designed to deliver a complete, guided 30-minute workout. All current LHY members receive their personalized setup at no additional cost. EGYM is included in membership.
Turf Functional Training Area: A space for movement-based training where strength meets purpose in a high-energy environment.
Cardio Center: Redesigned with the latest equipment and an open layout to support both intensity and comfort.
Restore and Recovery Area: A calm, welcoming space to stretch, work on mobility, and take a moment to exhale after a great workout.
This transformation reflects the YMCA’s continued commitment to inclusivity, community health, and helping individuals reach their full potential. The updated center invites members of all backgrounds and abilities to discover what it means to move, connect, and thrive.
About Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and each other. We provide programs and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across all life stages.
Parsippany Police Department is located at 3339 Route 46.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously approved a resolution on December 16, authorizing the appointment of two new entry-level police officers to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
The action, adopted as Resolution R2025-220, comes as township officials acknowledged that the Police Department is currently understaffed and faces challenges in fully carrying out its mission to provide exemplary service and protection to residents, visitors, and those who work or travel through Parsippany. The Council determined that increasing staffing levels is in the best interest of public health, safety, and overall community wellbeing.
Under New Jersey statute and the township’s municipal code, Parsippany is permitted to appoint qualified entry-level police officers who are exempt from taking the Civil Service Law Enforcement Examination. Following a review process, Patrick Calabrese and Kevin Leba were identified as eligible and qualified candidates for appointment.
The resolution authorizes the Mayor, or his designee, to proceed with the appointments, contingent upon both candidates successfully completing required physical and psychological examinations prior to officially joining the department.
Council members voted in favor of the resolution during the December 16 meeting, signaling broad support for strengthening the Police Department’s staffing levels as part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety throughout the township.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously voted on Tuesday, December 16, to increase the number of permitted retail cannabis licenses in the township from three to five.
Under the ordinance, the non-refundable application fee remains $10,000, with an initial license fee of $25,000 and an annual renewal fee of $25,000.
At its December 2 meeting, the Township Council approved two retail cannabis applications. Fresh Dispensary Parsippany, LLC plans to operate at 3159 Route 46 East, while Troy Hills Club, LLC plans to operate at 2888 Route 10 West.
During the December 16 meeting, the Council approved two additional applications. Cypher Dispensary, LLC plans to operate at 239–257 Route 46 East, and Mindset Dispensary, LLC plans to operate at 99 Route 46 East.
All approved licenses are contingent upon applicants receiving a Class Five Cannabis Retail Recreational Dispensary License from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, complying with all township ordinances, and securing all required state, municipal, and zoning approvals prior to commencing operations.
