(Just One More Thing…)
Dear Editor:
Now, forgive me, folks, I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t pretend to be. I’m just someone who likes things to make sense. There’s something about this rush to approve the PARQ PILOT deal that just doesn’t sit right with me. We’re being told that if the Township doesn’t act immediately—right now, no delays—Parsippany will face serious legal trouble. We hear warnings about losing immunity and descending into chaos. It all sounds pretty dire. Yet, when you take a closer look, this seems less like a true legal emergency and more like a red herring.
Understanding the Affordable Housing Rules
From what I understand, New Jersey is entering Round 4 of its affordable housing rules, which cover 2025 through 2035. The State cleaned up the old system last year—now there are clear rules, firm deadlines, and no more guessing games. Every town has to file a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan explaining how it will meet its housing obligations. Here’s where I get curious: the law says towns need a plan. It doesn’t say they have to rush into a 30-year financial deal.
How Other Towns Responded
Most towns seemed to understand the requirements just fine. By January 31, 2025, 431 of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities had signed on. By June 30, 424 towns—about 94%—filed their plans on time. There was no panic, no sense of alarm. They simply planned.
December 31, 2025, Checkpoint
December 31, 2025, keeps being described as if it’s the end of the world. But from what I can tell, it’s really just a routine compliance checkpoint. Towns that did their homework and acted in good faith are protected. The only ones in trouble are those that failed to plan ahead. There are also worries about “immunity.” But over the last ten years, fewer than 1% of towns statewide actually lost it—and only after years of ignoring the law. Taking some time to read the fine print before signing away decades of tax revenue doesn’t sound reckless to me.
The Impact of S-3915
Then there’s S-3915, the bill being considered in Trenton. If it passes, towns will have to share PILOT money with schools. Right now, Parsippany schools don’t get much from these deals. So, rushing to lock in a 30-year agreement before the rules change raises the question: who does that really help?
A Recent Election and the Need to Pause
And just one more thing—the voters spoke on November 4, 2025. Yes, it was close, but Mayor Barberio narrowly lost, and Parsippany chose change. In a situation like that, it seems only fair to let the incoming administration take a look before anything permanent is decided.
A Call for Thoughtful Action
Perhaps the best move isn’t to rush. Maybe it’s to pause, let the new team come in, review the facts, and then decide—calmly, carefully, and without fear. After all, poor planning by a few shouldn’t become an emergency for everyone else. Just asking…..
Tim Berrios – 35 Year Parsippany Resident
The following statements are made in my capacity as a private citizen, and not in my capacity as a board member. These statements are also not representative of the board or its individual members, and solely represent my own personal opinions.
