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Calling all Peace and Dessert Lovers

Frank L. Cahill
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Calling all Peace and Dessert Lovers

ROCKAWAY — Sweet Peace Baking Contest and Tasting is coming to Rockaway on April 1. To celebrate peace, friendship and delicious desserts, Women in Unity is inviting amateur bakers, ages seven and up, to create a baked treat. All dessert items are welcome, including cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, ethnic desserts and dessert bars. The theme is kindness and creative expression is encouraged in the decoration and presentation of the dessert.

An equal-opportunity event — plenty of guys entered their baked goods in last years contest. Luke is always reading.

Prizes will be given to the top bakers in three divisions: Junior, Teen & Adult. Judges are local business owners. There will also be a people’s choice award. The grand prize winner will receive the title of Rockaway Sweet Peacemaker!

Don’t bake? Don’t worry! Dessert lovers are welcome to attend for tasting, prizes and the awards ceremony. Come out for a fun afternoon celebrating peace, friendship and of course, great desserts!Peace – how sweet it is!

The contest and tasting will take place on Saturday, April 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 153 Chestnut Terrace, Rockaway (across from Parks Lake). For more information email by clicking here.

$5.00 entry fee for tasters. Proceeds to support The Jersey Battered Women’s Service.

Sweet Peace is sponsored by Women in Unity, a group of women from diverse backgrounds who have come together to build and support community through unity, friendship and service. On Facebook at Women in Unity Rockaway, NJ.

Latin American Flavors Come Alive at CCM

Frank L. Cahill
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Latin American Flavors Come Alive at CCM

RANDOLPH – The Legacy Project, an interdisciplinary initiative at County College of Morris (CCM) that delivers engaging lectures for faculty, staff and the community, will present its third event of the 2016-17 academic year on Latin America. This event promises to be a treat for the senses, featuring a mini concert by Cubano Be Cubano Bop, a local seven-piece band, and a lecture by Ronaldo Linares, local chef and contestant on Food Network’s “Chopped.”

The event takes place Tuesday, March 21, 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m., in the Student Community Center, Davidson Rooms A-D, on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road. The event is free and open to the public.           

From noon to 12:45 p.m., Cubano Be Cubano Bop will welcome attendees with a mini concert, playing Afro-Cuban music featuring two horns, keyboard, bass and three percussionists (timbales, bongos, congas).

At 12:45 p.m., Linares will deliver his lecture. He has been in the kitchen since he could walk and has thrived with his different ventures – from being a Marine, to graduating from culinary school, to performing mixed martial arts, to authoring a book – all while running his restaurant with his family, balancing fatherhood and being a husband.

Born in Colombia during the turbulent cartel wars of the 1980s, Linares turned to cooking as his main ingredient in his journey from young immigrant, to rebellious teen, to successful chef and media personality. His cuisine is rustic/refined, drawing inspiration from the traditional dishes of his Colombian mother, an accomplished home cook, and his Cuban father, a French-trained chef.

From 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy another performance by Cubano Be Cubano Bop, as Linares signs his new cookbook, “Sabores de Cuba,” which will be on sale at the event.

The Legacy Project launched at CCM in 2013 with a panel discussion on civil rights. Over the years, the lecture series has grown in size and regularly gathers crowds of more than 300 people. The committee of faculty and staff who choose speakers and topics have focused on important issues, including the genocide in Rwanda, the Holocaust, Hurricane Katrina, prison reform and Latin American culture.

Visitors must obtain a parking pass from the Public Safety office, which is located across from Parking Lot 10 (a campus map can be found by clicking here). To reserve a seat, send an email to legacy@ccm.edu.

Habitat Affiliates Meet in Washington DC to Share the Importance of Their Work

Frank L. Cahill
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Habitat Affiliates Meet in Washington DC to Share the Importance of Their Work

MORRIS COUNTY — For three days in February every year, Habitat affiliates across the nation convene in Washington D.C. bringing one voice to increase support for safe, affordable homes throughout the U.S. with an emphasis on affordable homeownership opportunities, meeting with their local representatives and senators. This year nearly 300 people from around the country participated in the conference which chose the theme “One Vision-Many Voices!

During the conference, Habitat launched their first network-wide National Advocacy Agenda which will create a network of nearly 1,400 local affiliates in the U.S. pursuing a common advocacy agenda.

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen

This year Blair Schleicher Bravo, Morris Habitat CEO and Liz Decoursey, the COO were joined by Karen Allen, a recent Morris Habitat homeowner, who brought our program to life by sharing her story of the positive impact affordable homeownership has had on her life and that of her family. They were glad to have a chance to meet with Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen at his office. Frelinghuysen has been a longtime supporter of Morris Habitat’s work.

According to Blair Schleicher Bravo, “It was an exhilarating week to meet with our legislators and join with other Habitat affiliates to advance better housing policies to ensure everyone in Morris County as well as in every community across the nation have a safe and affordable place to live. It was especially poignant to hear Karen tell our government leaders what our program has meant to her and her family.”

Habitat enables families to have access to affordable homes in a county where rents and home prices are high and continue to escalate. Living in Morris County, one of the nation’s wealthiest counties, is an unreachable goal for most low and moderate income families. Therefore, individuals who work in Morris County supporting our businesses, hospitals, and retail stores are unable to live in the area. Through Morris Habitat, some of these families are able to realize their aspirations of owning an affordable home in the county where they work.

“It made our job to advocate for support of HUD funding requests; increases in the HOME, SHOP and National Service (Americorps and Vista) programs, as well as to ensure tax reform, does not undermine access to adequate, affordable housing or non – profits’ abilities to meet critical needs.”

Karen, reflecting on the conference added “My weekend in DC, attending Habitat on the Hill 2017, was an eye-opening experience.  I did not know the full extent of the passion that this group has for people with a story similar to mine.  I learned a lot on the various needs being advocated for by them, for us.”

Mike Naughton’s Yankee Doodle Circus returns to Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Mike Naughton’s Yankee Doodle Circus returns to Parsippany

PARSIPPANY —  Mike Naughton’s Yankee Doodle Circus will be held at Parsippany Hills High School on Sunday, March 12.  There will be three performances, 12:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Intervale PTA.

You can order exclusive pre-sale Tickets. Adults $18.00, and get two free children or teen tickets. Additional children tickets are only $7.00 Get your pre-sale tickets now before they go on sale to the general public.  Click here to purchase tickets or you can download the form by clicking here. Tickets day of show are Adult $18.00; Child or Teen $7.00

The performance will be at Parsippany Hills High School Gym, 20 Rita Drive.

Voted #1 Contemporary Circus and Variety Show for Families World Class Revue of 18 All-Star Features Highlighted by Comedy, Marvels and Glittering Costumes Astounding Acrobats, Terrific Jugglers, Circus Olympic Champions, Unicycle Experts, Las Vegas Magic Stars of The Moscow State Circus, The Toy Palace and  Old Fashioned Kettle Pop Corn. Always Family Friendly Join The Celebration of the 32nd Anniversary Tour.

Coffee with a Cop to be held at ShopRite

Frank L. Cahill
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Coffee with a Cop to be held at ShopRite

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany ShopRite located at 808 Route 46 is hosting Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department 3rd Coffee with a Cop event on Wednesday, March 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Coffee With A Cop is a national program which has been widely successful. The program is a very informal one, the hope is to bridge the gap between police and community in an open forum to talk about anything.

Update: Mack-Cali plans to “repurpose” 1633 Littleton Road

Frank L. Cahill
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Update: Mack-Cali plans to “repurpose” 1633 Littleton Road

PARSIPPANY — In a recent article published on Parsippany Focus, regarding repurposing of office buildings in the Mack-Cali Office Complex, we have been told by a representative of Mack-Cali, “Apparently, 1633 Littleton is being repurposed.  Nothing on the other property.” (Editors note: The other property in question is Two Campus Drive, which is vacant and directly behind 1633 Littleton Road.) Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary, acquired Two Campus Drive in Mack-Cali’s Business Campus for approximately $5.5 million.  The strategic acquisition will pave the way for the execution of the mixed-use master plan for the Campus in Parsippany.

Two Campus Drive is located directly behind 1633 Littleton Road and is totally vacant. The building was previously occupied by Securitas Security Services USA. The building contains 128,045 square feet of office space and was recently purchased.

Recently, it has been rumored that Mack-Cali will repurpose office buildings off of Route 202 and Route 10. The plan, according to some, is to turn one of the Campus Drive buildings into 97 apartment units and store-fronts at the main level. There was also talk about bringing a upscale restaurant within the complex.

Parsippany officials won’t say if any empty Mack-Cali office buildings are being considered for housing complex. 1633 Littleton Road, built in 1978, formerly occupied by Skanska has been vacant since 2014 and 2 Campus Drive, which is directly behind 1633 is also vacant. Both properties, have a for-lease sign posted, but a review of the Mack-Cali website, shows no information for these two buildings. Loopnet.com indicates both properties are off the market. 1633 Littleton Road is directly across from the entrance to Sedgefield Civic Association (Sherwood Road).

The Highlands at Hilltop is similar to a development they are constructing in Morris Plains

In neighboring Morris Plains, Mack-Cali held a ceremonial ground breaking, in August 2016, for its newest luxury residential community, Signature Place at Morris Plains. This new complex is located approximately one-half mile from 1633 Littleton Road.

Signature Place on Littleton Road, Morris Plains

The new multi-family community will feature 197 luxury apartment homes and is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

This site was previously a vacant Mack-Cali office building that is being repurposed into a multi-family residential community. (Click here for article).

Council Vice President Robert Peluso

On February 7, 2017, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a liquor license transfer to Hanover Hospitality Corp, a subsidy of Mack-Cali. The vote passed 3-2. Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso voted against the transfer.

At the time of the hearing, Council Vice President Robert Peluso said “The request to transfer a plenary retail consumption license to the premises raises a concern for me without knowing the plans for the premises. The location where they request to move the license is approved as an office complex, a use that has one of the lowest impacts on surrounding properties. Without knowing the purpose of the transfer, I am concerned that this is a precursor to conversion to a use with greater impact on our community. I would like to see the full plan for the use of this license, and the property, before being asked to approve this application. The community has a right to know what is being proposed at the premises. I will not be a rubber stamp on an application without full disclosure to our community.”

The application indicates it will be used for a restaurant, and will be issued in the name of Hanover Hospitality Corp, and will remain a pocket license until such time a physical location is secured to transfer the license. A license which becomes inactive and is no longer sited at a business premises becomes a “pocket” license. At the time a pocket license is reactivated, the licensee must file an application for a place-to-place transfer of the license so that it may be sited at the new active business address. A spokesman for Mack-Cali stated “Nothing we can report. No leases signed.”

Mack-Cali, the state’s largest office landlord, is pushing ahead with plans to re-energize its 2.2 million square feet of space in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Doing so means investing in new amenities such as cafeterias, fitness rooms and conference centers across roughly a dozen buildings, but also enhancing the area with new uses such as a hotel, a supermarket and new apartments, according to an article published in Real Estate New Jersey.

In recent years, Mack-Cali has bolstered its portfolio in Parsippany through both addition and subtraction. In January 2016 they acquired 3 Sylvan Way (click here for article), a 150,000-square-foot property, while selling four others on Century Drive and 600 Parsippany Road. (Click here for article).

In neighboring Morris Plains, Mack-Cali held a ceremonial ground breaking, in August 2016, for its newest luxury residential community, Signature Place at Morris Plains. The new multi-family community will feature 197 luxury apartment homes and is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. This site was previously a vacant Mack-Cali office building that is being repurposed into a multi-family residential community. (Click here for article).

Parsippany has 140 properties with 16,241,867 square feet of office space averaging rentals of $25.70 per square foot.

Burglar Arrested for breaking into Tabor Road residence

Frank L. Cahill
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Burglar Arrested for breaking into Tabor Road residence

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Sergeant Sean Jasiecki, Detective M. Czajka and Patrol Officer J. Lubeck respond to a residence on Tabor Road for a reported burglary on February 4.

Upon their arrival the victim advised the Officers that numerous pieces of jewelry and electronics were stolen from the residence.

Officers located a garage door that was pried open by the suspect to gain entry.

After a brief investigation the suspected burglar was identified as Denzel Johnson.

Det. M. Czajka charged Mr. Johnson on a Complaint-Warrant with the following charges:
1 count in the 3rd Degree Burglary
1 count in the 3rd Degree Theft of Movable Property
1 count in the 4th Degree Hindering

Mr. Johnson subsequently turned himself in to the Morris County Correctional Facility on February 20, where he is still incarcerated.

Ithaca College Students Named to Spring Semester Dean’s List

Frank L. Cahill
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Ithaca College Students Named to Spring Semester Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY  — Ithaca College congratulates students named to Dean’s List for the fall 2016 semester.

Lauren Astor, a 2015 Parsippany Hills High School graduate and Emerging Media major, was named to the Dean’s List in Ithaca College’s School of Communications for the fall 2016 semester. Lauren is an Social Media Marketing Intern at New York Minute Magazine.

Annemarie Lillis, also a 2015 Parsippany Hills High School graduate and Television-Radio major, was named to the Dean’s List in Ithaca College’s School of Communications for the fall 2016 semester.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 460 graduate students.

Driver takes short cut and gets arrested

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver takes short cut and gets arrested

PARSIPPANY — While patrolling the area of South Beverwyck Road and Route 46 at 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, Patrol Officer Ryan Taylor observed a 2010 Chevrolet Colorado drive through a parking lot to avoid a traffic signal.

Patrol Officer Ryan Taylor conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle in the parking lot of 855 Route 46 and made contact with Kevin Bishop, 49, Amsterdam, New York.

After a brief investigation, Mr. Bishop was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana. He was then transported from the scene for processing.

While being processed, Bishop was charged with Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,  Driving While Intoxicated, CDS in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Avoidance of a Traffic Control Signal.

He was released on his own recognizance into the custody of a sober adult pending his court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Lisa Tubbs opens “The Cleaning Authority” franchisee

Frank L. Cahill
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0
Lisa Tubbs opens “The Cleaning Authority” franchisee

PARSIPPANY — Lisa Tubbs recently opened her own business, The Cleaning Authority of Parsippany, after a career working in corporate communications for Solix, Inc. The daughter and granddaughter of entrepreneurs and small business owners, Tubbs was interested in creating something she could call her own while providing the people of Parsippany a residential cleaning service they could use.

To reach Lisa, call (973) 435-4374.

The Cleaning Authority founded in 1989 has been franchising for almost 20 years and has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. Completing more than 1.7 million cleans last year, the company is responsible for the proprietary “Detail-Clean Rotation System” designed to guarantee a thorough clean. The Cleaning Authority is an environmentally responsible residential cleaning franchise committed to using eco-friendly cleaning products. For more information, please click here or follow on Twitter @LiveLifeWeClean.

Lake Parsippany resident sentenced to 364 days in Jail in Multi-Town Motorcycle Chase

Frank L. Cahill
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0
Lake Parsippany resident sentenced to 364 days in Jail in Multi-Town Motorcycle Chase

PARSIPPANY  — Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announced the sentencing of Paul Murch, who appeared before the Honorable William J. McGovern, III, J.S.C. at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton on February 8, 2017.

Murch, 21, Parsippany, was sentenced to three years Probation on condition that he serve 364 days in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility and six month loss of his driver’s license.  He must also pay $1,081.00 in fines and fees.

He pled guilty on December 14, 2016, to third degree Eluding and various motor vehicle offenses.

In November of 2015 Andover Police attempted to pull him over for speeding.  He ignored police and continued riding his motorcycle into Newton.  He eventually stopped the bike and tried to flee on foot when he was apprehended by police.

Murch was represented by Daniel Marchese, Esq. and the State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Brent M. Rafuse.

Driver arrested for Possession of CDS

Frank L. Cahill
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0
Driver arrested for Possession of CDS

PARSIPPANY — While monitoring the traffic on Route 46 at 7:53 p.m. on February 19, Patrol Officer Jeffrey Williams observed a 2008 Hyundai Elantra make an illegal U-turn on North Beverwyck Road near the intersection of Route 46.

Patrol Officer Williams conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle and made contact with the occupants.

After a brief investigation, the passenger/owner of the vehicle ZaMani Davis, 24, Paterson, was placed under arrest for Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana. She was transported back to the Parsippany Police Department Headquarters for processing.

While being processed, she was issued a summons for Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana and Failure to Inspect a Motor Vehicle.

Ms. Davis was released on her own recognizance pending a court appearance.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Driver leaves scene of accident

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver leaves scene of accident

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Hongjian Li, 61, Livingston, traveling North on Parsippany Road, waiting in the intersection to turn left onto Freneau Road. A vehicle owned by Frandy Mazariegos-Bulux, Parsippany, was traveling south on Parsippany Road. Mr. Li was driving a 2017 Honda CRV.

Mr. Li stated a 2003 Red Ford F15 entered his side of the roadway and crashed into his vehicle head on. Then the vehicle left the scene of the crash and there were no witnesses present.

Upon arrival of Officer Ribaudo, the 2017 Honda CRV was positioned in the southbound lane of travel of Parsippany Road. Due to the position of the vehicle being so far into the southbound lanes of Parsippany Road, the investigating officer believes Mr. Li to be at fault for not yielding the right of way before attempting to turn left onto Freneau Road.

The driver of the 2003 Ford F15 was charged with leaving the scene of the accident.

The 2017 Honda Civic being towed from the scene

ShopRite hosts Community Diabetes Education Program

Frank L. Cahill
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0
ShopRite hosts Community Diabetes Education Program

PARSIPPANY — Announcing the first session in a nine-month long series of free Community Diabetes Education Program events at the Parsippany ShopRite beginning on March 29.  These classes will be held on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., and a “teachable” dinner will be served at each session. The community of people affected by Diabetes is welcome, but registration is mandatory.

ShopRite is located at 808 Route 46.

Sponsored by the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) and in partnership with the Morristown Medical Center’s Community Health Department and ShopRite of Parsippany, these monthly seminars focus on Nutrition, Medications, Blood Sugar Control, Physical Activity, and other topics essential to Diabetes care. All sessions are led by caring professionals who will assess the progress of participants by use of various free health screenings. Participants will have plenty of opportunity to share their stories and to ask questions, as well as meet 1-on-1 with Dietitian and Mentors to address individual concerns.

Morristown Medical Center’s Community Health Department generously provides giveaways for use by participants, as well as free blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C blood sugar screenings.

ShopRite of Parsippany graciously hosts these monthly events, donating meeting space and preparing “teachable dinners” for all program participants.  Sunrise Supermarkets, owned by the Gladstein Family, also owns ShopRite of West Caldwell and their dietitians, Barbara Galvin and Evelyn Minolfo, speak to the group as part of the services they provide to help improve the health of the community.

Since 1990, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) has been dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for children and adults with Diabetes in New Jersey. DFI improves patient care and quality of life by focusing on four main areas of support: medication and medical supplies assistance, patient support services, diabetes public education, and Camp Nejeda scholarships. To learn more, please visit www.diabetesfoundationinc.org

Registration is mandatory for the Community Diabetes Education Program and classes fill up quickly. Register TODAY by calling the DFI at (201) 444-0037.

 

Conservative Republican Hank Lyon to Challenge BettyLou DeCroce for Assembly

Frank L. Cahill
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Conservative Republican Hank Lyon to Challenge BettyLou DeCroce for Assembly

MORRIS COUNTY — Conservative Republican Hank Lyon, a Morris County Freeholder and businessman, is running for the State Assembly against Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce in New Jersey’s 26th Legislative District, which includes Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Fairfield Township, North Caldwell Borough, Verona Township, West Caldwell Township, Butler Borough, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon Borough, Lincoln Park Borough, Montville Township, Morris Plains Borough, Rockaway Township, and West Milford Township. “I’m running for the State Assembly because I believe the people of the 26th District deserve leaders who will fight for lower taxes, less debt, and more freedom.

I intend to give Republican primary voters a conservative alternative to BettyLou DeCroce in 2017,” Lyon said. Lyon made clear that he is only running for the seat currently occupied by DeCroce, a long-time political insider who recently voted for the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase. “I commend Assemblyman Jay Webber for his conservative leadership in Trenton. I hope to have the chance to work with him to advance our shared principles. I am not running against Jay Webber, I’m challenging Assemblywoman DeCroce and look forward to comparing my conservative credentials with her liberal record,” Lyon stated. Since graduating cum laude from the College of Holy Cross with degrees in Physics and Economics, Lyon has been a managing partner in his family’s business, which consists of real estate and restaurants, including a franchise in Rockaway Township. “Every day, I have to make decisions and consider my obligation to my customers, my employees, and my family – I balance budgets, make payroll, hire people, and deliver a service at a price people can afford,” Lyon said.

Lyon has also served on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders since 2012. During that time, he successfully fought to freeze property taxes for the first time in a generation, reduce debt every year while still investing in infrastructure, and end health insurance benefits for part-time Freeholders. “I’m proud of the fact that as a Freeholder, I have been a leader in the fight to keep taxes down while reducing debt and providing necessary services to the people of Morris County,” Lyon stated. Lyon’s campaign platform calls for:

  1. Lower taxes​ – Reverse the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase and instead cut spending and streamline government to fund infrastructure improvements, enact school funding reform to lower property taxes, and fight for across-the-board tax relief for all taxpayers and businesses.

  2. Less Debt​ – Reform New Jersey’s broken pension and health benefits systems in a way that protects current and future retirees while ending double-dipping for politicians, eliminate corporate welfare, and oppose future taxpayer-funded bailouts.

  3. More Freedom​ – Reduce burdensome regulations on job creators, fight for school choice, and defend individual liberty – including the Second Amendment and the right to life.

For additional information click here.

Township Council approves Mack-Cali Liquor License Transfer

Frank L. Cahill
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0
Township Council approves Mack-Cali Liquor License Transfer
Council President Lou Valori

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a Person-to-Person Transfer of a Plenary Retail Consumption liquor license for Mack-Cali Realty Corporation. The vote was 3-2, with Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso voting against the transfer.

The application indicates it will be used for a restaurant, and will be issued in the name of Hanover Hospitality Corp, and will remain a pocket license until such time a physical location is secured to transfer the license. A license which becomes inactive and is no longer sited at a business premises becomes a “pocket” license. At the time a pocket license is reactivated, the licensee must file an application for a place-to-place transfer of the license so that it may be sited at the new active business address. A spokesman for Mack-Cali stated “Nothing we can report. No leases signed.”

Council President Dr. Louis Valori stated “The applicant satisfied all township requirements relative to the acquisition of this license. There was no legitimate or plausible reason to reject this application.”

Council Vice President Robert Peluso

“The request to transfer a plenary retail consumption license to the premises raises a concern for me without knowing the plans for the premises. The location where they request to move the license is approved as an office complex, a use that has one of the lowest impacts on surrounding properties. Without knowing the purpose of the transfer, I am concerned that this is a precursor to conversion to a use with greater impact on our community. I would like to see the full plan for the use of this license, and the property, before being asked to approve this application. The community has a right to know what is being proposed at the premises. I will not be a rubber stamp on an application without full disclosure to our community,” stated Robert Peluso Council Vice President.

The license was purchased from the owners of the former Chand Palace, 189 Littleton Road. Chand Palace closed in September 2016.

Other than this license, there are no other licenses available within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. According to a recent OPRA request, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has 44 establishments with liquor licenses.

The license must be used within the borders of Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The new Wegmans Supermarket being constructed in the Mack-Cali campus is located in Hanover Township, so this license could not be used on those premises. In addition to Wegmans, they will be constructing three restaurants and a drive-through bank on Ridgedale Avenue and Sylvan Way.

Recently, it has been rumored that Mack-Cali will repurpose office buildings off of Route 202 and Route 10. The plan, according to some, is to turn one of the Campus Drive buildings into 97 apartment units and store-fronts at the main level. There was also talk about bringing a upscale restaurant within the complex.

Parsippany officials won’t say if any empty Mack-Cali office buildings are being considered for housing complex. 1633 Littleton Road, built in 1978, formerly occupied by Skanska has been vacant since 2014 and 2 Campus Drive, which is directly behind 1633 is also vacant. Both properties, have a for-lease sign posted, but a review of the Mack-Cali website, shows no information for these two buildings. Loopnet.com indicates both properties are off the market. 1633 Littleton Road is directly across from the entrance to Sedgefield Civic Association (Sherwood Road). Mack-Cali didn’t comment on whether these two buildings are being considered for repurposing.

Mack-Cali, the state’s largest office landlord, is pushing ahead with plans to re-energize its 2.2 million square feet of space in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Doing so means investing in new amenities such as cafeterias, fitness rooms and conference centers across roughly a dozen buildings, but also enhancing the area with new uses such as a hotel, a supermarket and new apartments, according to an article published in Real Estate New Jersey.

Two Campus Drive is located directly behind 1633 Littleton Road and is totally vacant. The building was previously occupied by Securitas Security Services USA. The building contains 128,045 square feet of office space.

In recent years, Mack-Cali has bolstered its portfolio in Parsippany through both addition and subtraction. In January 2016 they acquired 3 Sylvan Way (click here for article), a 150,000-square-foot property, while selling four others on Century Drive and 600 Parsippany Road. (Click here for article).

In neighboring Morris Plains, Mack-Cali held a ceremonial ground breaking, in August 2016, for its newest luxury residential community, Signature Place at Morris Plains. The new multi-family community will feature 197 luxury apartment homes and is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. This site was previously a vacant Mack-Cali office building that is being repurposed into a multi-family residential community. (Click here for article).

Parsippany has 140 properties with 16,241,867 square feet of office space averaging rentals of $25.70 per square foot.

One dead in Colonial Heights Apartment fire

Frank L. Cahill
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One dead in Colonial Heights Apartment fire

PARSIPPANY — At approximately 4:19 a.m. on Wednesday,February 22 a fire was reported at 300 Parsippany Road, Colonial Heights Apartments.

Parsippany Police Officer Brian Conover, stated “that all apartments were successfully evacuated with the exception of one apartment. The 64 year old male occupant was rescued by Fire personnel and then transported to Saint Clares Hospital in Denville where he succumbed to his injuries.”

Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 6, Lake Parsippany Fire District 3, Lake Hiawatha Fire Department, Mt. Tabor District 1 RIC team were dispatched to the scene. Police closed off the road leading into the complex, but morning rush-hour traffic on Parsippany Road was not affected.

Parsippany Fire Investigator Det. M. Czajka, Morris County Arson Investigator, Morris County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigative Section, and the Morris County Prosecutors Office all responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The Red Cross was notified and are in the process of assisting displaced residence. Authorities started in the kitchen area of the apartment.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes and Major Crimes Units, American Red Cross, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, and Saint Clares Hospital BLS and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery are also on the scene.

The investigation has been completed.  The cause is undetermined at this time; however, the origin is believed to be on the kitchen floor in the area of electrical appliances.  There is no indication of criminal activity.

Five tenants received emergency assistance including temporary lodging, food and clothing from the Red Cross Disaster Action Team after the fire.

Police and emergency workers at the scene of the fire on Parsippany Road.
Morris County Sheriff Crime Investigation Scene vehicle at the scene of the fire
Colonial Heights Apartments

Letter to the Editor: Town Attorney Spreads Disinformation Concerning Highland

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the Editor: Town Attorney Spreads Disinformation Concerning Highland

Dear Editor:

At the Tuesday, February 7 Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting township attorney John Inglesino chose to “grandstand” using the ten questions, submitted by me on January 3, to disseminate what could only be called disinformation. He has done this before whenever the subject of Parsippany’s participation and possible benefits under regional conformance to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act comes up.

John Inglesino has continually spoken in a negative and false sense against the Highlands Act accusing it of being responsible for Parsippany’s situation concerning what he calls unfair public housing share Parsippany must be subjected to because of it. For the purpose of keeping this short, two falsities will here be answered.

1. Concerning the Memorandum of Understanding between the Highlands and the Council of Affordable Housing; was stated with certainty as being no longer in affect. He states that the MOU is no longer in standing. The MOU is important because it upholds higher environmental landuse polices, avoiding sensitive landscapes for public housing; again waterview stands as the best example. (He sites a case concerning Chester, NJ, which only pertains to Chester’s special circumstance as proof the MOU has been negated).

Not True. The agreement MOU between the Housing Council and Highlands Conforming Communities has not yet been rescinded (which the HC can, as has not, done). Even though COAH does not exist as a functioning state agency, we are expecting the Courts to defer to it in addressing conformed municipalities in the Planning Area because its provisions are a valid record of agreement between 2 authorized agencies existing at the time and acting in response to and under the authority of an executive order. A town can reduce or better plan its housing obligation by defending sensitive landscapes within its own boundaries, and COAH (HC) does have environmental policies. 

2. Town Attorney speculates of the Constitutionality of the Highlands Act. Stating that in the past it may very well have not mustered legitimacy in the Courts, and then stated the Highlands legislation had never been challenged at the level of the US Supreme Court. 

 Not True. The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act signed on August 10, 2004 with overwhelming bipartisan support. Further more the Highlands Act, which has withstood at least three challenges in appellate court and the US Supreme Court, when petitioned, refused to hear a further appeal. 

Suggest Mr. Inglesino brush up on his knowledge of this subject. It is a fact Governor Christie has made the demise of both the Highlands and Pinelands legislation a hobby of his. Rather than advance and encourage his states water supply health and sustainability through good land use he has sold out to the private interest; perverting the NJDEP in its mission and mandate to protect our welfare, health and safety in protecting our water supply.

Parsippany appears to being managed by the same mentality, rather than defending our town’s master plan and sense of home and place, we cater to what is called economic improvements with complete disregard to our environment and natural resources.

What Town attorney Inglesino calls loss of local control and determents under regional conformance is pure here-say and conjecture. Only if a legitimate sound reason exists to reject or diminish in size a development proposal will the Conformance enlighten and make transparent to all parties the reasons. Parsippany is entirely in the planning zone, but has environmentally sensitive landscapes, which even under the regional “conformance process” could have been better protected by using the “check-list option” both Waterview and Forge Pond for example. These options were not implemented while Parsippany was in a “conformance process” from July 2010-June 2014. Instead developers determine our master plan, which is somehow not seen as a detriment? 

The one thing that also stands out is the complete silence and lack of response by our Council Members. Only Councilman Peluso asked Mr. Inglesino for a written copy of the response to the ten questions, he was refused. Remaining in the “conformance process” would definitely have helped Parsippany now that we need it most with the present affordable housing situation. Parsippany also has refused to seek a declaratory judgment. Which also warrants an explanation. Do we have a covenant with corporate developers as opposed to the people of Parsippany it is evident from Forge Pond to Waterview; up next affordable housing; what ever developers desire, while we pay our taxes and pay the salaries of officials who do not have our best interest in mind. 

When there is a Master Plan, the subordinates exercise their initiatives within its framework, and there is thus greater cohesion in seeking to achieve the superior commanders object. The commanders being the resident citizens of Parsippany and their elected officials. Knowing they are part of an even greater effort to help commonly shared human environmental goals and maintain their sense of home.

The Mayor boasts of his Town being a “regional employment center” supporting so-called targeted economic economic improvements, all with no thought of their impacts on the people who live here and the long term sustainability of our water resources. Should not a self-proclaimed “regional center” have a regional plan? These decisions and outcomes are made without us and despite us. 

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034

PHHS Girls Cheerleader Collects Clothing

Frank L. Cahill
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PHHS Girls Cheerleader Collects Clothing

PARSIPPANY — Megan Tolosi and Kristen Taylor stands in front of the mound of clothing collected today during a Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheer fundraiser.  The clothing will be sold and the money will be used to pay for activities. They were collecting unwanted clothes, stuffed animals, sheets, blankets, etc.

 

Motorcycle Accident on Route 80 East

Frank L. Cahill
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Motorcycle Accident on Route 80 East

PARSIPPANY —  Shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19 a motorcycle accident occurred on Route 80 East at the Route 280 East exit.  New Jersey State Police and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was on the scene. Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance transported the driver of the motorcycle to Morristown Memorial Hospital. Additional details are not available at this time.

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.

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