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Boonton Woman and Morris Plains Man Indicted for Human Trafficking of Teen Girls

MORRIS COUNTY —Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Martin McParland, Jr. of the Rockaway Township Police Department announce the Indictment of Debbie Kooken and Aldophus Mims on charges relating to the Human Trafficking of two underage girls.

Debbie Kooken, 43, Boonton, was indicted on four counts of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8(a)3, crimes of the first degree; four counts of Promoting Prostitution, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1b(3), crimes of the first degree; four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), crimes of the third degree;  four counts of Conspiracy to Commit Human Trafficking, in violation of  N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:13-8(a), crimes of the second degree; and four counts of Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution, in violation of  N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:34-1b(3), crimes of the second degree.  These acts occurred in Rockaway Township and Parsippany Troy-Hills.

Aldophus Mims, 39, Morris Plains, was indicted on four counts of Human Trafficking, in violation N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8(a)3, crimes of the first degree; two counts of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8a(1)(g), crimes of the first degree; four counts of Promoting Prostitution, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1b(3), crimes of the first degree;  two counts of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(c)4,  crimes of the second degree; five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a)1, crimes of the third degree; four counts of Conspiracy to Commit Human Trafficking, in violation of  N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:13-8(a), crimes of the second degree; four counts of Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution, in violation of  N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:34-1b(3), crimes of the second degree; and four counts of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a, crimes of the third degree.  These acts occurred in Parsippany Troy-Hills and Rockaway Township.

 

The alleged victims in this matter are two females, who were aged 15 and 17 at the time of the alleged acts.  These victims reported that they were led to engage in prostitution by the two Defendants between the dates of June 12, 2015 and June 18, 2015.   The 17 year-old victim alleged that Ms. Kooken would make arrangements for the victims to meet with several male clients at area hotels. Mr. Mims would then collect the money received after the sexual acts were completed. The 15 year-old victim additionally disclosed that Mr. Mims engaged in sexual acts with her. In addition, both victims alleged that Mr. Mims provided them with heroin during this time period.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Rockaway Borough Police Department, specifically, Officer Scott Haigh, the Rockaway Township Police Department, specifically, Detective Thomas Takas; the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Hackettstown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their continuing efforts in this investigation and prosecution.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Supervisor Marshall Wang of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or Det. Thomas Takas of the Rockaway Township Police Department at (973) 625-4000.

Editors Note: An indictment is not evidence of guilt and both Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

Register to vote by next Tuesday, October 18

MORRIS COUNTY — The registration deadline to vote in the Tuesday, November 8 election is Tuesday, October 18.

County election officials are reminding residents registering to vote in November 8 general election also offers the opportunity to have a say in local, county, state and federal elections.

 “It is important for all county residents to make their voices heard,’’ said Freeholder Hank Lyon. “There is nothing more important in a democratic society that exercising your right to vote.’’

Dale Kramer, Morris County Board of Elections administrator, said her office, open normally from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, will stay open until 9:00 p.m. next Tuesday, extending hours to give every possible chance to county residents to beat the registration deadline.

Kramer stressed that residents also can go to their local town halls and register to vote with their Municipal Clerk’s Office during their regular business hours, up to October 18.

The Morris County Elections Office is located on the second floor of the Morris County Administration and Records Building at 10 Court Street in Morristown.

October 18 also is the deadline to make needed changes in personal information – such as legal names and addresses – to ensure a vote.

“A voter may move or change his or her name and forget to notify us,” Kramer said. “As a result, their name may not be in the poll book at their new polling place, and they may have difficulty voting. By updating their information now, they can avoid confusion at the polls.”

Any U.S. citizen who is 18 years of age on or before the Nov. 8 election may register to vote as long as he or she is not incarcerated, on parole or on probation because of a conviction for an indictable offense.

To register to vote in Morris County, a person must have resided in the county at least 30 days before the election.

Register to vote or make needed changes in name and address by completing appropriate forms which are available at the Morris County Board of Elections’ Office in Morristown or by clicking here. Forms are also available Parsippany Municipal Clerk’s office, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

For additional information call (973) 285-6715.

Letter to the editor: More on Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment

lettersDear Editor:

As a lifelong resident for 35 years. Here are some facts about the LPPOA that were not shared on Thursday, October 13.

Back Story. My family has bought memberships since 1962. This year we did not. Family membership is up to 475.

1- 1980 town agrees to handle all major issues dealing with damns, dyke and spillways.

2- 1992- LPPOA spends 26,000 on a gas powered speed boat for security. Said boat was left in lake over winter and sunk. A loss for members

2A- 1992- beach shuts down due to algea growth bc we have no money bc it was spent on a speed boat.

3- In 1993 town of parsippany offers to take over “all maintenance” of lake parsippany, including lawn, tree, beach maintenance and security for the exchange of 30 family passes for under privilege families. Plus insurance (which we will get to later) for ice skating. LPPOA votes against bc they dont want to bring in the “rift raft” from the apartments. Badge prices at this time- $200 per family. Once again a loss for members.

4- 1994- Private company offers to dredge lake parsippany for free. Thats right. FREE! They were going to dig and remove all sut and soil for free. A million dollar job. Greedy LPPOA turns offer down bc they wanted to be paid for the soil that was removed.

5- Since 1989 lake membership is down over 150% and membership price has raised over 125%. If a restaurant that served bad food and had no customers, do you raise the price of food to make up for what “you” are loosing? No. That’s people who have no business skill.

6- 1996- LPPOA takes $25,000 from then Mayor of Parsippany Mimi Letts to allow the toxic run off from Route 80 and 287 to now go into lake parsippany for life. So for a one time fee, or price of a speed boat, 25,000 we are stuck with the toxic run offs. Including the big oil tanker accident that happened on Route 80 in 2000. Gallons of oil spilt into lake. Fishing and algae growth at its worst following this for the next ten years. Google the chemicals they use to clean up oil and gas on highways. People wear protective suits to administer it, yet they let us swim in it.

7- No ice skating because of insurance purposes. However, the person who buys our insurance for the lake does it thru their own company that they work for. As a lake under 25 feet deep. We automatically do no need any form of insurance. Or is a swim at your own risk lake. Therefore someone gets a kickback and your membership pays for it and still you get no ice skating. Their answer…. Build an ice skating rink on the beach. 2 1/2 miles of lake and they are spending your membership to build an ice skating rink. Think about that!!!

8- They removed the nicest land mark the lake had 12 foot.

9- Over $3000 spent every year on the stocking of the lake with trout. Any fisherman knows trout need an average of 14 to 32 feet of water with an average temperature around 56° or they die. So yes, we know the lake has none of these qualities. Once again a waste of your money..

10- There have been 2 piranhas caught in Lake Parsippany over the last month and no one has said a thing about it. Nor has a memo gone out about a fish that can hurt and damage you.

11- The beach would not even survive without the person they have running it today. Yet when I was a kid 3 beaches were packed, not 1, with 20 families on a Saturday. You had to fight for a spot.

12- Go look at the beach on a weekend. I’m not talking about the transplants who have no clue what Lake Par once was. Its an embarrassment.

13- Can not compare us to Indian Lake. They have motor boats. Ice Skating. Ice fishing. Dredge lake yearly for maintaining docks and surrounding areas. A free clam bake for all residents. And no extra fee for beach. Its apples and oranges so good try for that letter to the editor. Their $135 covers 12 months of activities. Ours goes from fishing opening day, April 1 until October 15. Therefore we should be half of that.

14- Bill Sempier personally shuts down the beach the day before Labor Day because its his birthday by re moving the docks and slides…. Ask a few members about what happened this year. Once again they don’t care about you.

15- There is no president nor has there been one since Dan O’Connor in 2012. Think why that is.

Lastly, If they had nothing to hide, these meetings would be open to all residents not the less than 100 family memberships out of 2100. When you hide stuff you are sneaky. That pamphlet was a joke.

You want our money? Hold a public meeting.

So to sum it up LPPOA

KISS MY TAX! We say No!

Name Withheld, on file at Parsippany Focus

Letter to the editor: More on Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment

lettersDear Editor:

I have been a member of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA) for 45 years. Both my husband and I served on the lake board of directors for many years. He served as president and also vice president. I always enjoyed living here until now. In past years, it was neighbor helping neighbor; be it member or nonmember of the association. I lived through the lake’s good times and bad times, through water quality problems and financial difficulties. All through those years, the lake and association survived. In all those years as a member the association never demanded a financial obligation from any of its 2,204 property owner residents.

Now in the name of possible financial need, promoting a more friendly community, and wanting more people to join the association.  The association wants to put a mandatory assessment fee on all 2,204 owners living within the boundaries of the lake. The association based this on a premise that in order for the property to reap all these benefits the property owners need to help with the burden. A theory called Fair Share. Fair Share by whose standards?

A lawyer gave the LPPOA two opinions for this Fair Share Assessment fee.

The first one in my opinion was the more equitable one. It stated. “The LPPOA could encourage property owners to voluntarily elect to subject themselves and their respective properties to restrictive covenants. A Declaration of Restrictive Covenants would bind the individual property to membership in the LPPOA. This option would result in membership for all who agreed to sigh and record the document and their successors in title.”

The second one took the route of intimation and fear. No choice! ” A property owner who refuses to pay the mandatory fee will be charge a late payment fee, an attorney’s fee, cost of collection fee and a lien would be placed on their house.”

If the intent of the LPPOA was to unite this community by enforcing the second option they are sadly mistaken. Forcing people to do something against their will is not fair and does not promote unity. It only promotes animosity and hostility. Presenting a choice is more acceptable and better received by the majority. I would encourage all the membership to seriously think this through and vote no on this issue.

Opinion number one would save hundreds of thousands of dollars which the LPPOA has budgeted to pay Attorneys, Database Administration fees, Billing Cost, Collection Fees and Mailing costs. These are the administration costs listed in the 2017 LPPOA Easement Administration Budget totaling $117,413.00.

This proposal will only be voted on by 265 residents but it will affect 2,204 residents. Where is the fairness?

Mary Purzycki 

Second Annual Halloween Story Contest for our young readers

PARSIPPANY — Trick-or-treating is less than a few weeks away and that means it’s time for Parsippany Focus’ Halloween story contest for young writers.

Here’s how it works: The contest is open to students throughout Parsippany in kindergarten through grade 12. Young authors will provide their own original halloween story. Students are encouraged to include an illustration for their stories.

A team of Focus editors will select the winners. Winning writers will receive a $25.00 gift card, have their stories printed in Parsippany Focus and have the chance to read their story for a video on parsippanyfocus.com and receive a lunch for you the winner and his/her parents at a local Parsippany restaurant.

Teachers are encouraged to use the contest as a class writing assignment. Be sure to include your contact information (email and phone number) so we can notify winners.

The deadline for submissions in 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 29.

All stories must be submitted typed with photos attached including name, email address and phone number and sent to news@parsippanyfocus.com. Include “Halloween Story” in the subject line.

Halloween contest official rules

1. The contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

2. All entries must be the original work of the student and no longer than 300 words.

4. Students are encouraged to submit illustrations with their stories. While the artwork will not be judged, some drawings will appear in an online gallery. Illustrations should be submitted on a separate piece of paper.

5. All entries and pictures should include the student’s name, age, school and grade.

6. Deadline for entries is 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 29.

7. All stories must be submitted typed with photos attached including Name, email address and phone number and sent to news@parsippanyfocus.com. Include“Halloween Story” in the subject line. If drawing can’t be attached they can be mailed separately to Parsippany Focus, Post Office Box 6245, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

8. Stories or artwork cannot be returned.

9. Winners will be selected at the sole discretion of the Parsippany Focus staff.

Langan Adds EHS Management & Compliance to its Integrated Services

PARSIPPANY — Langan Engineering & Environmental Services officially announced a new service offering – Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Management & Compliance. The national practice is led by two new Langan Associates: Gary Bacon, PE, MBA, and Devesh Sinha, PMP, SCJP, who will be based in a new Langan office in Phoenix, Arizona.

The addition represents further geographic expansion for Langan and a deepening of technical services and resources. Bacon, Sinha, and their national team possess more than 25 years of providing global EHS management and technology consulting to large multinational companies within a variety of market sectors including utilities, oil & gas, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, mining & metals, and transportation.

“We promote a strong health and safety culture at Langan, and we are extending our service offerings to include an EHS Management and Compliance Practice,” said David T. Gockel, President/CEO, Langan. “We are excited to have Gary and Devesh, two leaders in EHS management consulting, on board here to spearhead this important new practice.”

Langan’s EHS Management & Compliance Practice will focus on data driven insights to environmental compliance, waste management, incident management, occupational health, asset performance, work clearance and management of change. These services will help clients reduce liability and risk exposure, improve business performance, and enhance regulatory compliance and transparency.

The firm’s Phoenix office is located 4600 East Washington Street in the Phoenix-Tempe Gateway.

About Langan
Founded in 1970 and headquartered at 300 Kimball Road, Langan (www.langan.com) provides integrated site engineering and environmental consulting services for private developers, property owners, and public sector clients. Langan employs over 1,000 professionals and has regional offices in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. With more than 125 LEED APs, the firm ranks among the top Green Design Firms by Engineering News-Record and has consistently ranked among the Best Engineering Firms to Work For by CE News.

Langan International, the firm’s wholly-owned subsidiary based in New York, provides all technical disciplines from offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Athens, Doha, Istanbul, London, and Panama.

Panel to discuss Greystone

PARSIPPANY — Marking the one-year anniversary of the demolition of Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, the Parsippany Library will host a panel discussion titled “Greystone Remembered” on Oct. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. The panelists will be Robert Kirkbride, dean of the Parsons School of Constructed Environments; Rusty Tagliareni, author of “Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital”; John…

Eye Level Parsippany holds Grand Opening Celebration

Pictured is Om Uppu, Center Director, Manoj Chith, Siram Salem Ananthan Arayanan, Balmvrali Sundaresan, Raviram Medapati, Loganathan Kesavan, Murvgan Vadirel, Frank Cahill and Parsippany-Troy Hills Vice President Robert Peluso receiving a plaque from Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee
Pictured is Om Uppu, Center Director, Manoj Chith, Siram Salem Ananthan Arayanan, Balmvrali Sundaresan, Raviram Medapati, Loganathan Kesavan, Murvgan Vadirel, Frank Cahill and Parsippany-Troy Hills Vice President Robert Peluso receiving a plaque from Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee

PARSIPPANY — Eye Level of Parsippany recently held a grand opening Ribbon Cutting. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso cut the ribbon during the celebration.  Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Committee Chairman Frank Cahill was also in attendance.  Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov also joined in the ribbon cutting, as well as a number of chamber members.

Eye Level is located at 378 Route 46 West, Parsippany Plaza Shopping Center.

Eye Level proud of the reputation we’ve developed at the Parsippany learning center, and their instructors are committed to helping you succeed. Their attention to detail sets them apart, and they’ll make sure you’re comfortable with a specific subject before moving forward. Let them show you how rewarding their self-directed learning program can be. Eye Level Learning Center can assist with Math and English, and their instructors are dedicated to client satisfaction.

The name Eye Level stems from a story about a teacher who sought to improve his ability to teach. During a trip to an art museum, the teacher knelt down and looked up at every painting. A curious fellow visitor asked why he was crouched down to examine the works of art. He replied, “I’m an elementary school teacher and I’m bringing my students here tomorrow. I was wondering how they would enjoy the paintings they see, so I’m exploring the museum at their eye level.”

For more information, call (973) 396-2267 or click here to visit their website.

ABOUT EYE LEVEL
Eye Level a supplemental education and enrichment program, offers a teaching philosophy and education method where self-directed learning, individualized academic coaching, and critical thinking are at the core of helping children improve and excel in their academic pursuits. There are more than 1,300 Eye Level Learning Centers across 20 countries. Eye Level is a wholly-owned brand of Daekyo Co., Ltd., founded by Youngjoong Kang, who also acts as the Chairman of Daekyo’s Board of Directors.

Robert Peluso, President of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce presenting a plaque to the owners of Eye Level
Robert Peluso, President of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce presenting a plaque to the owners of Eye Level

Police raid Route 46 Video Boutique

PARSIPPANY — According to Daily Record, Gamage Jayantha, 60, of Parsippany is in Morris County Jail on $125,000 bail, charged with selling fake Xanax and inhalants with names like “Jungle Juice” nail polish remover out of Route 46 Video Boutique, 100 Route 46. The owner of the business, Jeffrey Namey, was also charged with the same offenses. Bail was set for Namey of Livingston at $150,000, no 10%. It wasn’t clear if he is still remains in Morris County Jail.

Detective Dan Cicala on Tuesday, October 12 charged Jayantha, who was born in Sri Lanka, with multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute substances that are not classified as controlled dangerous substances but which could be passed off as CDS because they are similar in shape, color, effect and feel as Xanax.


The investigation, which began in February and culminated in Jayantha’s arrest on Tuesday, involved alleged sales of fake Xanax to an undercover police officer. Jayantha also allegedly promoted sales of the imitation CDS between February and October 11, and instructed customers on its effects, comparing it to Xanax, criminal complaints said, as reported in Daily Record.

Jayantha is charged with possession with intent to distribute toxic chemicals by having on display in his store “Blue Boy Nail Polish Remover” and “Jungle Juice Nail Polish Remover” and advertising those products as inhalants, the complaints state.

Sources close to the investigation stated there are over twenty separate charges against Jayantha and Namey.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Brain Conover stated earlier today when questioned by Parsippany Focus, “At the current time no releases will be issued regarding this incident.”

Timothy Mallon was a fixture in Parsippany; everyone knew Timmy

timmy
Parsippany residents would take care of Timmy.

PARSIPPANY — Timmy was seen in front of the old Pathmark Store on Route 46, or walking down Route 46 near the Beverwyck Park and Ride. Everyone knew him as Timmy. Timmy was homeless and gravitated to the area of Route 46 and Beverwcyk Road.

Timmy Mallon passed away behind the Michaels Arts & Crafts Store in the Troy Hills Shopping Center. His body was discovered on Friday, August 5. It was reported he died of natural causes, although Parsippany Police Department did not issue an actual report of the incident.

The State has released Timmy Mallone to Par-Troy Funeral Home. He will be cremated and buried with his mother tomorrow Thursday, October 13 at Gates of Heaven Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Father Joe from St. Christophers will be doing a short at the graveside ceremony.

We would like to thank the DiMaggio family at Par-Troy Funeral Home for donating their time and services in making sure Timmy was claimed and given a proper burial. If it wasn’t for their caring and generosity he could have ended up in an unmarked grave forgotten. They worked with the state and Gates of Heaven to give Timmy a few more final acts of kindness and charity.

It was people’s kindness and generousity that helped Timmy survive for so many years. Many people more then I could ever name and many who were unsung hero’s helped Timmy in so many different ways throughout his life. Some went above and beyond and I know he appreciated them. It was said before, this is when “Pride in Parsippany” really shines: from our individual residents, our local volunteer ambulance and fire department members, our police department, and our local businesses. Timmy was cared for and loved by his Parsippany Family.

Eveyrone knew Timmy. He was a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 1968. He was a veteran. A google search revealed his last known address as 673 South Beverwyck Road.

This is what “Pride in Parsippany” is about. Timmy was known as Parsippany’s homeless man. His life had a tragic story that left him feeling forgotten and alone. If you ever had the chance to talk to him and hear his story you would have seen the sadness and loss in his eyes. Who knows what anyone of us would done if we had walked in his shoes. There was a side of him some did not see. He took care of a homeless young women for months so she wouldn’t be alone and would be safe. He may have been hard on the eyes and nose, but if you ever helped him you saw a true and genuine look of gratitude. Children learned many lessons from Timmy. He taught them that it is important to look out for their neighbors even the ones with no roof of their own. That a cup of coffee can make a huge difference.

Members of the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad have always looked out for him. Maybe because they took the time to hear his story. You can see by how many people have stopped and taken the time to recognize his life at the small memorial outside the old Pathmark that he had other friends in Parsippany. This was his town and he never wanted to leave it. I hope he realized that he was not forgotten and people did see him as a member of this community. Rest in peace Timmy. We will pass on the lessons we have learned; and you will not be forgotten.

Editors Note: We thank Jennifer Kratt Thurkauf for keeping us informed and the kind words about Timmy.

Board of Education to hold Community Strategic Planning Meeting

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Board of Education is beginning a strategic planning process that will result in a three-to-five year plan to increase student achievement and improve our schools. This program will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road.

Strategic planning is a thoughtful, reflective process that depends on participation by all stakeholders.  Your thoughts and suggestions are critical if this process is to be successful and provide the District with a meaningful three-to-five year plan to enhance our high performing district.

During the next four months students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members will have an opportunity to be part of the process by responding to our electronic surveys and participating in community forums. The information gathered during this process will be used to identify areas that are effective and areas and programs that need to be addressed over the next three-to-five years.

The Board of Education is inviting staff members, parents, students, community leaders, and other interested members of our community to contribute their thoughts, ideas, and hopes – so that we can continue to effectively plan the educational programs that our future students will need to be successful.

 

Letter to the editor: I am in favor of the easement assessment

lettersDear Editor:

This is my response to “Resident Sounds off about Proposed Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment”. An important issue which the letter failed to mention, is how many people use the lake’s property for free.

I grew up in Lake Parsippany, I was a member of the lake as a child, that’s where I learned to swim. I may no longer want to swim in the lake but I do enjoy its beauty. It’s still beautiful to look at and it’s the reason I moved back to this section of Parsippany. Even though I moved here because of the lake, I opted not to become a member. Would you like to know why? Because now a days people just roam all over the private property. Why should I pay a membership to walk on the grounds when a large percentage of residents use the lake property without being members? This is why I am for the mandatory assessment fee. The truth is the lake needs money to maintain, to remain viable and it is understandable that people who do not want to swim in it, do not want to join the association but it’s not fair that people refuse to abide by the rules, take advantage and continue to use the lake’s grounds. In the past, I have blamed the LPPOA for that, but I guess they can only do so much.

The letter mentioned property sales. Currently, Indian Lake’s assessment fee is $135. Let me tell you, that community’s property sales are not hurting. Also, that community is not cutting down all its trees and tearing down all its 2/3 bedroom homes. 2/3 bedroom homes actually sell for decent prices in that neighborhood. If my home was located in that lake community, I could sell it but in Lake Parsippany, it’s considered a “Tear Down”. That part of Denville, like so many other Morris County lake communities, has a thriving real estate market and also maintains the integrity of its homes and the health of its lake. Not every tear down in Lake Parsippany in recent time has been a derelict property. These new construction homes are just about square footage, not quality or craftsmanship. This trend hurts my property value. It’s all related. I’m sure people will say I am against change. Well, if embracing change means we‘ll be walking around a dried up pit, surrounded by treeless lots and soulless McMansions, then yes, I have a hard time accepting change.

And with regards to our tax money being used to keep up the dams, dikes, spillway, spillway bridge, detention and retention basins, as the letter states, let’s be clear, our storm drains run into this lake’s catch basins, tax money must go towards that maintenance or it would be a real mess for everyone who lives in the area. That’s not us contributing to or helping the LPPOA. The association’s cause is admirable. They want the lake healthy and clean so it can be enjoyed by generations to come – swimming, fishing, sailing, walking, jogging . . . this means extra care and support is needed.

Or maybe we should just let it become a state run cesspool?

I work two jobs to make my mortgage payment and let me tell you, I will scrape, save and sacrifice to make that $115 assessment fee. I recently asked my 96 year old Grandmother, who lives off my Grandfather’s modest pension, her opinion. She said, “Something’s in life are worth the price”. That summed it up for me. One of her only enjoyments is being driven around that lake, watching the sunset, looking at the swans. If there is not enough funds to ensure the health of that lake, we as a community should intervene. Lake Parsippany should be maintained by the residents that live here, like all the other nearby lake communities. I do not want that lake turned over to the state. It will become a hole in the ground. A smelly hole in the ground. That lake deserves a longer life span and I think we owe it one. And if people are going to continue to walk on LPPOA’s property, have picnics, sit on its benches, pose for selfies . . . then they should contribute.

Something’s are worth the price. Let’s try to hold on to what little beauty is left in this town. As we all know, Lake Parsippany is a man-made lake, and it must be maintained properly or it will die. I like to end this letter with a small list of some uncommon birds that either reside or visit Lake Parsippany from time to time. In these present times, where nature is not respected nor welcomed, it is humbling and reassuring to witness wildlife benefitting from man.

Thank you
Bridget Cazzetto

Resident sounds off about proposed Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment

lettersDear Editor:

The following was confirmed by the Township at the Thursday, October 6, 2016 Township Council meeting.

The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills maintains and restores The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association’s (LPPOA) dams, dikes, spillway, spillway bridge, detention and retention basins at no cost to the LPPOA. The township has been paying the bill since the 1980.  

Lake Parsippany Property Owners remember that when the Lake Parsippany Board of Directors presents you with a mandatory assessment fee of $115.00 next year.

The largest part of any lake budget is the maintenance of the dams and dikes.

The LPPOA does not have to worry about these maintenance and restoration costs. Your tax dollars already go to the maintenance and the restoration of the LPPOA’s dams, dikes, spillway, spillway bridge, detention and retention basins.

This IS YOUR FAIR SHARE obligation to the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association.

The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association has presented a plan to assess the 2,204 home owners who live within the lakes boundaries an assessment fee each year. This assessment would be passed down to any person who will buy their house in the future. Great selling point! Don’t think so!

Their budget proposed for 2017 states the mandatory assessment fee would be $115.00. The Association states that they would will keep that rate in future years. Sound like the same rhetoric you hear about your TAX BILLS. The resolution of the Board of Trustees of Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (if passed) states: A collection policy will be established for property owners who refuse to pay the assessment, which will include late payment charges, attorney’s fees and costs of collection and a lien on the delinquent property. The association should not demand money from area lake residents. They need to realize everyone does not have the time to sit on a beach in the summer. The residents are people who work hard for their money just to pay their bills. Residences don’t need another bill because an association thinks they need more money.

Call or email the Board of Directors of the LPPOA. JUST SAY NO TO THIS UNFAIR ASSESSMENT before the October 19, 2016 vote.

Very truly yours
Name withheld
(on file at Parsippany Focus)

Donate Your Electronics and help Victims of Domestic Violence

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is collecting used smart phones, cell phones, IPads and IPods during October, Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

All money earned by recycling these items will be donated to Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) of Morris County.

Collection boxes are located at:

      • Cerbo Lumber & Hardware at 1855 Route 46 Eastbound
      • Atlanta Bread Company at 1711 Route 10 Eastbound in the Kohl’s Shopping Center
      • White Stone Dry Cleaners at 484 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha
      • IHOP, 792 Route 46 Westbound in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center

For additional information on JBWS, please contact info@jbws.org,

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. Area women are invited to attend the October General Meeting on Monday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive.

For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club by clicking here or visit their website by clicking here.

Employment Horizons Welcomes John J. Cox to Board of Trustees

MORRIS COUNTY — Employment Horizons’ Board of Trustees recently welcomed John J. (Jack) Cox, Chief Financial Officer of Apos Medical and Sports Technologies, LTD. (New York) and Founder of NorthBridge Business Advisors (Morristown), as its newest member.  Cox has held numerous executive positions, including Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Weichert Family of Companies and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Casio America, Inc. He began his career with Price Waterhouse in Morristown after attending the University of Scranton.

j-cox
John J. (Jack) Cox

Cox is a member of the Knights of Columbus and active in his church community, St. Virgil’s Parish, Morris Plains, a member of the Diocese of Paterson Finance council and the Board of Adjustment for the Borough of Morris Plains.

Volunteerism has always been important in his family. “Devoting time and effort to Employment Horizons has the dual benefit of contributing to the community by promoting the benefit of employing our clients and also fostering the self-esteem of our clients,” states Cox.

President Kennedy once said, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” And, Cox adds, “We also must find time to be the people to thank.”

Cox resides in Morris Plains with his wife, Lisa. He has two adult children.

Employment Horizons is the premier not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive employment, training and job placement services to persons with disabilities and other disadvantages in the greater Morris County area. For more information about Employment Horizons and to learn about upcoming events, click here.

 

Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment Information Session to be held

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment Information Session will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Parsippany Club House, 701 Lake Shore Drive.

Information sessions are open to all 2016 LPPOA members.  To gain admission you must have a current 2016 photo badge.  There will be no guest badges allowed or any other exceptions.

The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA) is in the process of attempting to pass an easement assessment which will allow them to collect money from 2,204 homeowners who live near the lake under the guise of the lake view increases the property value therefore the home owner should pay to upkeep the lake appearance   

The LPPOA has already invested vast funds to pay for lawyers to pass this easement. The meetings are to explain to the members the easement assessment and have the general membership to vote to move forward. 

In the event a homeowner decides not to pay the easement assessment a Lein will be placed on the property.

Since the public will be impacted by these votes it is imperative the public be informed of these secret meetings.

Should the LPPOA be held accountable to the sunshine laws?

A reader submitted to Parsippany Focus: “Hello, recently I’ve been researching the Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment. My main concern is the absolutely disregard in the voting system. With the presidential elections coming up we are all reminded of how the citizens of a location have the most power in the democratic system. However this system is not being honored in the deciding of this Assessment. Around 300 families will vote on the well being of 2,204 families, which I think is the absolute definition of unfair. This vote should be open to everyone in district 1-4. I have contacted all the members on the LPPOA and have gotten no response. I have also contacted Mayor James Barberio’s office with no response. I think as leaders of this community it is their job to make sure everyones voices are heard. The proposal of this idea is fine. Democracy is built off ideas proposed by the common man. However the only people allowed in the meeting are members who hold a lake badge. Which costs over $250.00 for the year.”

Currently LPPOA has no President. The following is a list of officers:

Bill Sempier, Vice President. Email: lppres@hotmail.com 

Marilyn Ammirata, Secretary

Phil Berardo, Treasurer. Email: philberardo@optonline.net

Dan Nazzaro, Financial Secretary. Email: member252@optonline.net

Debbie Orme, District 1 (Drewes Beach Area). Email: josephorme@aol.com

Maryellen Iradi, District 3 (Jorges Beach Area). Email: mesprech@yahoo.com

Barbara Allu, District 4 (Hoffman Beach Area). Email: baallu@aol.com

Sebastian Ostolaza, District 4 (Hoffman Beach Area). Email: sebastian.ostolaza@gmail.com

For more information on the Lake Parsippany Easement Assessment, click here.

The Bylaws of Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association would need to be amended to include the appropriate and legal language needed to implement and manage the Annual Assessment/Easement Fee.

Over the past 14 months, LPPOA volunteers have been investigating the possibility of implementing an easement assessment on all 2204 homes within the original purchase tract of the lake.

In addition to the volunteers, with membership approval, LPOAA have secured the services of Eileen Born of Dolan and Dolan Attorneys to investigate the costs, steps and stages that would be needed in the process. The Board has projected that the possibility exists that they may be unable to support the lake from our operating budget within the next 6-10 years.

This projection was confirmed as part of the membership volunteer’s investigation. Over the years, the LPPOA Board has been learning from its participation in COLA (Coalition of Lake Associations) and by observing the efforts of other lakes in the area. Many have begun or are transitioning to a mandatory payment structure. Most recently transitioned are Lakes Arrowhead and Intervale, Many members have asked why the LPPOA doesn’t have a mandatory membership of all property owners in the Lake Parsippany community. The basic premise being that in order to reap the benefit of living in the community you need to help with the burden of cost. The concept is often referred to as an “Easement Assessment”. Basically how it would work is that every property within the boundaries of the original purchase tract of Lake Parsippany would be required to pay an annual assessment fee. This fee would cover lake property maintenance and would include structured lake usage privileges. These specific maintenance and usage privilege are included in this information package for your review, available by clicking here. In addition to the assessment fee, a membership option would be available at an additional cost that would allow full access to all lake activities as a full membership does today.

There will be a special meeting of the membership for the purpose of acting on a proposed recommendation to initiate an easement assessment upon all property owners within the original purchase tract of Lake Parsippany.

The meeting will be held at the East Lake Elementary School, 40 Eba Road, starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19. Proof of property ownership and LPPOA 2016 photo badge membership required for entry to the meeting. No guest badges no exceptions.

Parsippany is among the 10 cheapest cities to insure a car in New Jersey

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany premiums were ranked 22% below the average in New Jersey by ValuePenguin. Parsippany car insurance averaged $2,000 per year.

The least expensive places in New Jersey come mostly from the mid-northwestern part of the state, mainly from Somerset and Morris counties. The main exception is Point Pleasant Beach, the study’s least expensive city, located in Ocean County in southern New Jersey. The five cities together were about 26% under the state average with our sample driver paying about $1,902 per year. Compared to the least expensive cities in New York and Pennsylvania, they were 85% and 49% more expensive, respectively.

Quotes were collected from a variety of insurance companies across 99 towns and cities in New Jersey to understand how, and why car insurance costs vary across the state. Here are some of the findings: 

  • Premiums in Parsippany are 22% below the NJ state average.
  • The average cost of car insurance in NJ was $2,551
  • Eastern New Jersey is more expensive than Western New Jersey
  • The closer to New York City you get, the pricier car insurance is

For more information, click here.

Kafe Mozart donates to Denville Demons Baseball

PARSIPPANY — Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10 West, Powder Mill Plaza West, donated $240.00 to Denville Demons Baseball, as part of their “Dine for Dollars” program.

In a continuing effort to support worthy neighborhood causes, Kafe Mozart invites local non-profit groups to participate in their “Dine for Dollars” fundraiser program. “Dine for Dollars” is a fun and easy way for Kafe Mozart to assist in raising funds for a cause or organization of your choice.

Kafe Mozart is open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Kafe Mozart offers entertainment on Thursday and Friday evenings.  Among the local performers are Grover Kemble, Frank Elmo, Hank Sharpio and Anthony Duke Claus. For a complete schedule of performers visit www.KafeMozart.com

To make a reservation call (973) 998-7788.

Tryouts for the Denville Demons Baseball 2017 Travel teams will be held the weekend of October 15 and 16 at Gardner.  Tryouts will be for the following teams only: 8U, 9U and 11U.  This is based on the player’s 2017 playing age.  Players must be registered for the 2017 rec season prior to tryouts in order to be eligible.

Evaluations for the 2017 Spring Rec season will also take place on the weekend of October 15 and 16 at Gardner Field.  Players should be registered prior to attending, or may register on the spot.

Please contact denvillebaseball@gmail.com with any questions.

Lake Parsippany Firetruck visits Carousel of Learning

PARSIPPANY — Firefighter Andy brought a Lake Parsippany firetruck to visit Carousel of Learning Childcare Center, on Friday October 7. The children have been learning all about fire prevention this week. It was great that Firefighter Andy brought the truck, explained some fire safety rules, showed the children how he looks with all his gear on, and let them squirt water from a real fire hose. It was the best visit ever! Thank you so much firefighter Andy!

Carousel of Learning Childcare Center is located at 244 Kingston Road.

For more information, click here.

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