Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Vehicle On Route 46

PARSIPPANY — A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle on Route 46 on Monday, April 8, authorities said.

The incident occurred in Parsippany at Route 46 and North Beverywck Road, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office said.

The road was closed as the investigation continues but since has reopened.

Parsippany Focus will update as soon as details are available.

Special Meeting: Parsippany’s 2024 Budget

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township will Review and Discuss the Mayor’s 2024 Budget Recommendations on Tuesday, April 9, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Law by filing the notice in the Office of the Township Clerk and by posting the meeting notice on the bulletin board at the Municipal Building on March 27, 2024, where it has remained posted since that date. A copy of this notice appeared in The Daily Record on April 1, 2024, and was faxed to The Star-Ledger on March 27, 2024. 

5:30 – 5:45 – 2024 Budget Summary – Administration & Finance

5:45 – 6:30 – Police Department

6:30 – 7:15 – Public Works, Parks and Engineering Departments

7:15 – 8:00 – Planning, Zoning and Building Departments

8:00 – 8:30 – Water Department

8:30 – 9:00 – Sewer Department

9:00 – 9:30 – Knoll Utility

Click here to download the agenda.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

Parsippany Residents Applaud Musella at Packed Town Hall Meeting

PARSIPPANY — Over a hundred residents from Parsippany gathered at the main branch of the Parsippany Public Library on Saturday, April 6 to interact with Councilman Justin Musella on various local hot-button issues — ranging from overdevelopment in the township to traffic congestion overburdening Lake Parsippany, to a much-needed solution to the arduous, drawn-out permitting process.

Residents actively participated during the extensive interactive question-and-answer session with many in the audience noting the constructive dialogue empowered them and fostered a sense of community involvement among attendees.

Justin Musella

Musella has been holding monthly “office hours” with residents since his election to the Township Council in 2021. Now Musella is offering residents a more expansive platform to express their opinions and grievances in detail and collaborate on potential solutions. The conversational format of Musella’s town hall is in stark contrast to the traditional township council format that only allows residents five minutes of speaking time without any response from or dialogue with township officials. Many times, the five-minute public speaking time at council meetings is arbitrarily shortened by the sitting Council President, as was the case during many controversial township proposals including the highly controversial PILOT projects.

Timothy Berrios

Parsippany Board of Education members were on hand to speak about their ongoing feud with the mayor regarding the impact of the PILOTs on their funding. Board Member Tim Berrios addressed the crowd saying, “Unfortunately the Mayor continues to ignore the Board of Education and has not responded to our many attempts to meet.” Musella emphasized that a collaborative approach to the Board of Education would bring many benefits to the taxpayers of the town as “There are millions of dollars in savings by sharing services and the only people the mayor is hurting by punching down at the Board of Education are the working families of the town.” Musella was also asked for some advice for blue-collar municipal workers on getting a fair contract from Mayor Barberio, to which he quipped “They should hire John Inglesino as their attorney since we all know the magic he can work on the (mayor’s) administration.”

Assemblyman Brian Bergen

Assemblyman Brian Bergen joined Musella’s town hall offering residents additional insight into how state and local governments collaborate on a wide array of matters and how his office’s constituent services help residents navigate around the complex state sub-agencies. 

The meeting ended with residents thanking Musella for caring about residents during a time
when other municipal officials avoided answering tough questions. There were also calls from the audience for Musella to run for mayor which was met by a long, robust applause from the crowd.

SAX Appoints Rob Owen as the Firm’s First Chief Information Officer and Practice Leader of SAX Technology Advisors 

PARSIPPANY — SAX LLP – a Top 100 accounting, tax, and advisory firm – has announced that Rob Owen has joined the company as its first Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Practice Leader of SAX Technology Advisors. Rob, a veteran information technology executive, will spearhead the strategic direction and oversight of the firm’s technology infrastructure. With more than two decades of enterprise architecture and leadership experience, Rob will be responsible for the internal IT vision and road map, playing a pivotal role in aligning technology initiatives with the firm’s business objectives.

SAX is located at 389 Interpace Parkway.

The creation of the CIO position and subsequent appointment of Rob aligns with SAX’s initiative to integrate technology and innovation to best serve clients.

“Rob’s appointment is a natural progression and strategic move of our firm given our ongoing expansion in technology, in-house at SAX, and through services that greatly benefit our clients,” said SAX CEO and Managing Partner Joseph Damiano. “Rob’s proven track record in this arena and his wealth of knowledge and resources will help SAX increase efficiency and automation across our IT infrastructure, allowing us to better deliver on our clients’ most critical missions.”

SAX Digital Transformation

Rob will spearhead SAX’s digital transformation, taking over the continued effort to modernize the firm’s technological footprint with artificial intelligence and a digital transformation strategy. As CIO, he will amplify growth by building SAX’s advisory services and empowering clients by providing access to top-tier fractional CIO, CTO, and CISO business expertise and solutions in IT consulting, managed services, AI / ML, next-generation technologies, and cybersecurity.

“I am excited to join the SAX team and expand the firm’s technological capabilities while also contributing to the goal of sustained growth,” said Rob. “I firmly believe SAX is in a prime position to become the ‘envy of the industry’ by utilizing technological innovations to enhance internal efficiencies and further exceed clients’ expectations, helping them grow. It will ultimately assist us in our goal of becoming a top 50 firm in a few short years.”

Before joining Sax, Rob served as the Chief Architect & Executive Vice President of Sales Operations at CDI LLC, a leading provider of platforms for digital business. Rob helped grow the company from $75 million to $1 billion before it was sold in February 2024. He is passionate about his work and maintains a constant state of learning, whether in technology or pursuing hobbies such as reading, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, or indulging in his love for muscle cars. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2001.

About SAX LLP

SAX LLP is a Top 100 accounting, tax, and advisory firm serving the needs of privately held companies, family-owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, and high-net-worth individuals. With offices in Parsippany, NJ, Ewing, NJ, New York City, NY, and Mumbai, India, SAX has specialized expertise that benefits clients in our largest vertical markets. SAX provides added value to clients through advisory services that include but are not limited to Cybersecurity and Managed IT, Investment Banking, Transaction Advisory, HR Consulting, Valuation, Forensic & Litigation, and Wealth Management. SAX has been nationally ranked and listed among the Top Accounting Firms by NJBIZ, INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), Accounting Today, and Forbes. For more information click here.

Make a Difference: Volunteer for the Boonton Reservoir Cleanup on Earth Day

Looking to give back to your community this Earth Day?

Click here to register for the Boonton Reservoir Cleanup! on Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you’ve ever driven on I-287 between Boonton and Parsippany, you’ve surely seen the Jersey City Waterworks behemoth. The Jersey City Waterworks, more commonly named “The Boonton Reservoir”, has long been a vital drinking water source for Jersey City and other local towns and a staple landmark for both Parsippany and Boonton. However, this massive body of water has faced extreme environmental neglect through excessive plastic pollution on its shores for many years. Bottles, bottle caps, toys, sports equipment, food wrappers, buckets, drinking straws, cigarette packaging, drug paraphernalia, plastic bags, hair combs, deck chairs, writing, and eating utensils have all surfaced in great numbers on the shores of the reservoir. Although plastic waste is the most abundant, various other items including sheet metal, tires, broken glass, chain-linked fencing, mylar balloons, clothing, cleaning products, and 50-gallon drums are also polluting the area. 

The biggest concern, however, is microplastics. To briefly summarize, plastic photodegrades by breaking down into smaller pieces over time instead of biodegrading. Once material becomes less than 5mm in size, they are then classified as ‘microplastics’. Microplastics have been found in living organisms including humans all over the world. They are easily transferred through drinking water and come from so many products like those mentioned above. Microplastics are especially lethal to marine species too. Due to their small size, fish and other marine species often confuse them for food, like roe and phytoplankton. When consumed, blockages occur in their digestive tracts and airways. Much like the renowned images of seagulls choking on six-pack rings, fish are being caught with microplastics choking their internal organs. The shores of the reservoir are covered in swaths of microplastics which not only threaten the marine ecosystem but Jersey City’s drinking water too. According to Veolia Environmental, the Boonton Reservoir currently supplies over 274,000 residents per day with drinking water. We must remember that our global environment is a shared space, and as we continue to neglect the Boonton Reservoir, Jersey City will experience its worst burdens. 

If this concerns you, then sign up for the Boonton Reservoir Cleanup on Saturday, April 20th! The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate Earth Day while giving back to their global environment. Moreover, you will be able to experience a mesmerizing hidden gem in Parsippany and help preserve Jersey City’s drinking water once and for all. For more information on how to participate, go follow our Instagram and Facebook pages @boontonrescleanup. There you will find information on how to participate, and insight on how this pollution affects our local ecosystem.

Every action reacts. We have one planet and one chance!

April Marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month

PARSIPPANY — On April 1, Child Abuse Prevention Month begins. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany launched the campaign by creating a pinwheel garden display at Parsippany Town Hall.

“Let’s unite to raise awareness in our community about the significance of guaranteeing excellent childhoods for all children, as they are the cornerstone of our future,” said Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Carol Tiesi.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany initiated the campaign by establishing a pinwheel display at Parsippany Town Hall. Photo by Matthew O’Leary.
At Parsippany Town Hall, Carol Tiesi, President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, places a pinwheel. Photo by Matthew O’Leary.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio will issue a Proclamation at the Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 16, officially designating April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”

At Parsippany Town Hall, Mayor James Barberio positions a pinwheel. Photo by Matthew O’Leary.

April signifies National Child Abuse Prevention Month, spearheaded by Prevent Child Abuse America. In 2024, the theme “Building A Hopeful Future, Together” underscores the importance of fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families nationwide.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany advocates for the power of prevention and the significance of community support. They are committed to guaranteeing that all children grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. Their mission revolves around addressing the structural and social determinants of health and well-being, such as poverty and systemic racism, aiming to establish a more equitable society where every child thrives.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

Matthew O’Leary places a pinwheel at Town Hall. Photo by Frank Cahill

Exciting News: Floor and Decor Set to Open in Parsippany!

PARSIPPANY — Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, revealed that Floor and Decor has finalized a lease in the Troy-Hill Shopping Center, replacing the former Esporta Fitness.

Spanning 56,478 square feet, Floor and Decor is poised to become a significant addition to the area and is known as the foremost retailer in high-growth, hard-surface flooring, Floor & Decor caters to homeowners and professionals alike. Typically, the warehouse store and design center employ a team of approximately 50 full-time and part-time associates.

On August 15, 2023, Esporta Fitness closed its doors. (Click here to read related article).

In a recent article in Parsippany Focus, the Troy Hills Shopping Center has seen a series of retail closures, totaling nearly 74,000 square feet of vacated space. The sequence began with the Dollar Store, followed by Esporta, iStore by St Moritz, Sport Clips, and most recently Berry Bowls. Additionally, a former Subway outlet had already been vacant before these closures. (Click here to read a related article).

Parsippany Focus will provide updates on the grand opening date once details are released.

Savor the Flavor: Annual Roast Beef Dinner at Parsippany United Methodist Church

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany United Methodist Church will host its annual Roast Beef dinner on Saturday, April 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

These dinners started about 60 years ago as a fundraiser for the church and have continued almost every Spring since then.

Church members volunteer to prepare every aspect of the dinner from Roast Beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables, rolls with butter, cole slaw, and the best homemade desserts!!

It’s a great time of fellowship and fantastic food. Tickets can be purchased at the door for just $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors, and $8.00 for children under 12. Take-out dinners can also be provided. Enjoy a homemade dinner and dessert made with love from us to you.! All are welcome!!!

Parsippany United Methodist Church is located at 903 South Beverwyck Road.

Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Welcomes Newest Member

PARSIPPANY — On Monday, March 25, at the General Meeting of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Alona Reyes became the latest member installed by Janice Carrubba, Co-Chair for Membership. So far in 2024, the club has welcomed five new members, with Alona being the latest addition!

Alona is thrilled to be joining the dynamic group of volunteers united in fellowship and service, dedicated to advancing projects that yield positive results in education, culture, and civic betterment within the community. She eagerly anticipates making a meaningful contribution and collaborating with the club members.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), which are the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. General Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month September through April at 7:00 p.m.  If you would like to attend our next General Meeting to find out more about what the club does, call Ginny at (973) 887-0336. Click here to view the website. E-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.   

Wipe the Slate Clean: Morris County Bar Association’s Free Expungement Clinic

MORRIS COUNTY — The Criminal Practice Committee of the Morris County Bar Association is running a free expungement clinic from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at Calvary Baptist Church, 10 Martin Luther King Avenue, Morristown.

Volunteer attorneys through the Morris County Bar Association will meet with members of the public who seek to have their records expunged. Assistant Prosecutors will volunteer as well to assist in the legal process. The Morris County Bar Foundation will provide free lunch to members of the public who come to the clinic. Staff from the Sheriff’s Office will provide information on various social service programs.

The Clinic will also provide information about:

  • Free Narcan
  • Substance Use Services
  • Mental Health Services
  • Social Services Benefits
  • Re-Entry Services

4.8 Earthquake Hits Local Morris County Area

MORRIS COUNTY — The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake at 10:23 a.m. had a magnitude of 4.8 and was centered about 7 kilometers, or 4.3 miles, north of the Whitehouse Station section of Readington Township in Hunterdon County.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said no injuries were reported at the county courthouse. The Morristown structure, which dates to 1827, was being evaluated for damage, he said.

The quake could be felt up and down the East Coast, including wide areas of New Jersey, New York City and Long Island, and parts of Delaware, Maryland and Connecticut. U.S.G.S. figures indicated the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people.

“Our region just experienced an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7, with an epicenter near Readington in Hunterdon County. We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency,” Gov. Phil Murphy said on social media.

Residential Burglary Rocks Brook Court: $3,000-$4,000 Worth of Items Stolen

PARSIPPANY — On April 1, 2024, at 8:42 p.m., Parsippany-Troy Hills Police were called to a residence on Brook Court following a reported burglary.

The victims had been away from home between 2:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. During this time, unknown perpetrator(s) entered through a rear sliding glass door and stole jewelry and cash valued at approximately $3,000-$4,000.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section arrived to process the scene. While investigating, officers noticed a suspicious silver SUV parked on Brook Court between 7:12 p.m. and 7:42 p.m., though its connection to the burglary remains unclear. No suspect description has been provided, and the incident is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Branch at (973) 263-4300.

Thieves Strike Again: Victory Mart Falls Victim to Burglary

PARSIPPANY — At 4:35 a.m. on April 1, 2024, authorities responded to a reported burglary at the Victory Mart, situated at 1933 Route 46 East. Upon arrival, officers discovered that unidentified individuals had gained entry by smashing the front glass door.

The perpetrators stole lottery scratch-off tickets, and cash registers, and also damaged the lottery machine. Initial investigations revealed that four unknown males arrived in a white 4-door Audi sedan around 12:31 a.m.

Two males initially broke the front door, then returned at 12:33 a.m. to commit the burglary. These same individuals were linked to a burglary at the Village Convenience Store at 12:45 a.m. Parsippany Police Detectives, alongside the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Section, arrived to process and investigate the scene.

The incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Branch at (973) 263-4300.

Crime Alert: Thieves Smash Their Way into Village Convenience Store

PARSIPPANY — On April 1, 2024, at 12:45 a.m., authorities responded to a reported burglary at the Village Convenience Store, located at 109 Route 46 East.

Upon arrival, the store owner informed officers that unidentified individuals had broken in by smashing the front glass door.

The perpetrators stole around 40 to 50 cases of lottery scratch-off tickets, $100 cash from the register, and an electronic payment transaction computer. Initial investigations revealed that four unknown males arrived in a white 4-door Audi sedan with out-of-state plates at approximately 12:43 a.m.

Three males got out of the vehicle, wearing black clothing, face masks, and white gloves, and used a rock to break into the store. The same individuals were identified as the suspects in a burglary at the Victory Mart at 12:31 a.m.

Parsippany Police Detectives, along with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Section, were called to process and investigate the scene. The incident is currently under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Branch at (973) 263-4300.

Swim Instructor Allegedly Under Influence, Charged with Endangering

MORRIS COUNTY — Police reported that last month, a swim instructor from Denville was charged with endangering another person after allegedly being under the influence while instructing.

On March 25, authorities were called to KimSwims at 424 Route 46 West, where the instructor, identified as Kyle Cooper, 36, Denville, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs while teaching young children.

Cooper was released pending a court appearance following an investigation.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Davida Padi Participates in the Study Abroad Program at The University of Scranton

PARSIPPANY — Davida F. Padi was among the 96 University of Scranton students who studied abroad during Intersession 2024.

Padi, majoring in social media strategies at Scranton, participated in the American Institute for Foreign Studies in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Burglary at Gene’s Deli: Suspects Smash Front Door, Steal Cash and Goods

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police officers were called to Gene’s Deli, situated at 87 North Beverwyck Road, following a reported burglary.

Upon their initial examination, it was established that four unidentified male individuals arrived in a white sedan around 1:26 a.m.

They forcibly entered the store by breaking the front glass door and proceeded to steal various lottery scratch-off tickets, vape products, and approximately $200 in cash.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Section arrived to process the scene. The matter is currently being investigated. Individuals with any relevant information are urged to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Branch at (973) 263-4300.

Parsippany Woman Arrested in Mountain Lakes for Unpaid Traffic Violations

MOUNTAIN LAKES — On Thursday, March 28, Patrolman Grady conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 West that led to the arrest of the passenger, 35-year-old Erin Allred of Parsippany, for active traffic warrants issued by Glen Ridge.

Ms. Allred was arrested and released pending a mandatory court date.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Mountain Lakes Police Arrest Parsippany Resident for DWI After Traffic Stop

MOUNTAIN LAKES — On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at approximately 12:23 a.m., Mountain Lakes Patrolman Bryan conducted a motor vehicle stop that led to the arrest of the driver, 42-year-old Trevor Riker of Parsippany, for driving while intoxicated.

Mr. Riker was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, and tailgating.

Mr. Riker was released pending a mandatory court date.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Letter to the Editor: Taking Action Against Malaria: A Call to Global Health Advocacy

Dear Editor:

Growing up in India, malaria was a prevalent topic in many conversations. From hearing about its impact on communities to witnessing public health campaigns aimed at prevention, malaria became ingrained in my consciousness from an early age. These experiences ignited a passion within me to contribute to global health solutions, particularly in combating malaria.

As a child, I vividly remember my mother’s constant reminder to come home and check me for mosquito bites. It was a simple precaution, but it underscored the seriousness of malaria and the importance of early detection and treatment. Looking back now, I realize how unaware I was of the severity of malaria. Privileged to have access to resources for treatment, I did not fully grasp the impact it had on those less fortunate.

Despite growing up with an awareness of malaria, it was easy to dismiss it as just another part of life. However, reflecting on those childhood experiences, I recognize the unfairness of having to worry about such a deadly disease at such a young age. It became second nature for us to be vigilant about mosquito bites, a reality that should not burden children.

My personal journey has instilled in me a deep commitment to combating malaria and improving global health outcomes. That is why I am inspired by the work of organizations like United To Beat Malaria. United to Beat Malaria, a global grassroots campaign of the UN Foundation, brings together a diverse set of partners, influencers, and supporters across the U.S. and around the world to take urgent action to end malaria. Their dedication to raising awareness, advocating for prevention, and providing resources to communities aligns with my passion for making a difference.

Recently, I joined grassroots advocates from across the country to meet with Members of Congress to urge support for life-saving malaria programs. In my meetings with Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, and Representative Mikie Sherrill, I was reminded of the power of the individual to influence policy. As World Malaria Day approaches on April 25th, I encourage those with a passion for global health to add their voices in support of ending one of history’s most deadly diseases. Text message the word CHAMPION to 30644 to join us in this global effort!

Krutika Patel
Parsippany