PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, June 2nd, Chef Matthew Pierone was recognized by the Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 with a brief ceremony at his restaurant, The Gourmet Café. He was presented with a “Certificate of Appreciation” in recognition of his ongoing service and generosity to the Sons of Italy and the community of Parsippany Troy Hills.

On hand to make the presentation were Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, Council President Paul Carifi, and former Council President Michael J. dePierro, all current members of the Sons of Italy. Following some brief comments from the Immediate Past President, Robert Adamo, Chef Matt (as he is commonly known) was presented with the framed certificate by Adamo, 2nd V.P. Michael Fazzio, and Treasurer Michael Zambito to the delight and applause of the 44 members, and spouses, who packed the restaurant.  

Chef Matt, who is about to celebrate the 17th Anniversary of the opening of the Gourmet Café on June 23, is no stranger to awards and recognitions for his private and business initiatives for the public good.

Many of these honors, plaques, certificates, etc., are proudly displayed on the walls of his restaurant.

Known for his generosity and amiable personality, not to mention his imaginative and extraordinary culinary skills, it is easy to see why the Gourmet Café is one of the most popular and in-demand Italian restaurants in the general Parsippany area.

Matt began washing dishes at the Cobblestone in West Caldwell, cooked at the Huddle Inn in Fairfield, and Columbo’s in Orange. Pierone graduated from The New York Restaurant School in Manhattan with the highest honors. While attending school, he worked at Gracie Mansion. The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange was his next stop. He was the Poissonnier (Fish Chef) at the Rainbow Room in New York City.

Other credits are Executive Chef at the Racquets Club of Short Hills, Chef de Cuisine at Eccola Italian Bistro, Saucier at Rod’s Steak House, Chef at the Green House, and Sous Chef at the Grande Café, Morristown.

Gourmet Cafe is located at 136 Baldwin Road. Gourmet Cafe is a cozy BYOB restaurant offering classic Italian dishes in an upscale-casual dining room.

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PARSIPPANY — 500PARQ, a luxury apartment community in former Lanidex Plaza, celebrated its ribbon-cutting grand opening on Friday, May 31. The complex offers a range of rental units, including studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. These units feature modern amenities such as Technistone quartz countertops, European-style cabinetry, GE stainless steel appliances, in-home washers and dryers, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The eagerly anticipated occupancy for 500PARQ’s luxurious apartments will commence on June 10, inviting residents to experience unparalleled elegance and modern living in the heart of Parsippany.

Residents at 500PARQ can enjoy various amenities, including a sparkling pool and sun deck, a fitness center and yoga studio, a sports bar with multiple TV displays, a game lounge, a private dining room with professional-grade appliances, and a kid’s playroom. The community also boasts outdoor kitchens with BBQ stations and a multi-station dog grooming facility.

This event marks the completion of the 275 multifamily residences with state-of-the-art amenities for rent at 500 Parq Lane. The development also features newly constructed townhomes by NVR. In future phases, this vibrant multigenerational community will include additional multifamily residences, on-site retail, and open green spaces.

Parsippany Mayor James R. Barberio also addressed the attendees, highlighting the positive impact 500 PARQ will have on the local community.

“500 PARQ is more than just a building; it represents a vibrant new era for Parsippany- Troy Hills,” said Mayor Barberio. “I look forward to seeing the community thrive and grow, making Parsippany a top destination in New Jersey and the nation.”

During his remarks, Anthony Milelli, Managing Director of PARQ, took a moment to thank those who championed the project from its inception. “I am grateful for the endless support of the community and key individuals who have been with us from the start,” he said. “Among the many, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Bob Garofalo, Joe O’Neill, our families, and numerous others who have played integral roles in bringing this project to fruition.”

Haidar also appreciated everyone who contributed to the project over the years, particularly the Khoury and Milelli families. “This journey has infused me with gratitude and vision and ignited hope for the future of Parsippany.”

Located at the junction of I-287 and I-80, the project will transform the former Lanidex Plaza. The celebration of 500 PARQ signals the dawn of a transformative era in community living and development within Parsippany. To learn more, click here.

Some of the available apartments at 500PARQ include:

• Apartment 106: One bedroom, one bath, 723 square feet, $2,938 monthly.
• Apartment 108: Two bedrooms, two baths, 1,116 square feet, $3,962 monthly.
• Apartment 125: One bedroom, one bath, 884 square feet, $3,296 monthly.
• Apartment 133: One bedroom, one bath, 748 square feet, $2,840 monthly.

These units offer a variety of layouts and sizes to cater to different preferences and needs. For a complete list of available apartments, click here.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and Mayor James R. Barberio invite all residents to a Mayor’s roundtable focused on the impact of new Affordable Housing laws and the use of redevelopment tools such as Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs). This event will occur on Monday, June 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel at 199 Smith Road.

Join Mayor Barberio, alongside leading Mayors from Morris County, for an engaging and insightful journey into how our municipalities are adapting to new laws. Attendees will delve into the benefits and challenges of these redevelopment tools and hear firsthand experiences from current Mayors on navigating these complexities. Local mayors will share their firsthand experience navigating the complexities and challenges of dealing with the new affordable housing mandates and PILOTs.

Moderated by Bill Spadea, the top morning drive talk show host in New Jersey with 1.5 million daily listeners on 101.5 FM, this informative session promises valuable insights on strategic planning, smart growth, and the effects of overdevelopment. As the founder and head of the “Common Sense Club,” Spadea advocates for policies that support small businesses and families through smart, fiscally responsible government management. With 18 years of executive experience in the real estate industry, Spadea brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the discussion and leads Mayors from Morris County on an engaging and insightful journey into how our municipalities adapt.

This event is open to the public, but seating is limited. To secure a spot call the Mayor’s Office at (973) 263-4262 or email Action@Parsippany.net by June 6, 2024.

Individuals who do not RSVP are still welcome to attend, but admission will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, so individuals are encouraged to register before seats fill up!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and participate in the conversation shaping our community’s future.

Esteemed Panelists

• Mayor James R. Barberio, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
• Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Township of Hanover
• Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Township of East Hanover
• Mayor Michael Stanzilis, Borough of Mount Arlington
• Mayor Mark Taylor, Borough of Florham Park

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill recently collaborated with John Youssef, the owner of the newly opened business Jackson Cuts, to secure grants for the establishment. Jackson Cuts is estimated to qualify over $75,000 in these grant programs.

Jackson Cuts is located at 52 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. This unisex barbershop offers a variety of services, including shaves, hot towel treatments, haircuts, shape-ups, buzz cuts, blow drying, curly hair cuts, hair styling, hair design, fades, skin fades, waxing, hair maintenance, military cuts, blading, cold towels, trims, eyebrow grooming, beard trims, hair coloring, and skin care.

In collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Cahill has been working with Parsippany businesses to discuss the various grants available to them. So far, local business owners have been able to apply for over $700,000 in grants.

The Small Business Improvement Grant supports the growth and success of New
Jersey small businesses reimburse business owners for costs associated with making interior or exterior building improvements or purchasing and installing new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The grant will reimburse a small business, as defined in the statute, for 50% of eligible total project costs incurred after March 9, 2020, but no more than two years before the time of application. The total grant amount is not to exceed $50,000.

The Small Business Lease Grant supports the growth and success of small businesses and nonprofits by providing grant funding to cover a portion of lease payments. These resources will help establish and grow small businesses while also helping to fill vacant space and prevent future vacancies.

The Small Business E-Commerce Support Program provides free e-commerce and digital marketing consulting services (up to $11,400) to small businesses in the restaurant, retail, and personal care industries that operate from a commercial location.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee has 11 members, five of whom are appointed by the Mayor and six of whom are appointed by the Council.

Members shall be Township residents who have knowledge of or have demonstrated an interest in the economic well-being of the Township. Each member shall be chosen based on a particular view of qualifications and fitness for service on the Committee. Members shall serve without compensation.

The committee members are Dr. Phil Santiago, Robert Peluso, Raviram Medapati, Scott Donnelly, Adam Kandil, Drew Blind, Nick Rafanello, Loretta Gragnani, and Jigar Shah. The Chairman is Frank Cahill, the Vice Chairman is Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, and the Secretary is Raj Dichpally.

To see if your business qualifies for these or other grants, contact Chairman Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Murphy, this is your watershed moment.

Will you stand with citizens or with everything that frustrates New Jerseyans about their government? Will you sign legislation that purports to “modernize” the state’s Open Public Records Act, which reached your desk earlier this month, or veto a bill that is a brazen attack on government transparency and accountability?

In a democratic society, the free flow of information between government and the governed is essential. Transparency is not just a buzzword but a critical component of a functioning democracy. When government operates in the shadows, corruption, abuse of power, and inefficiency flourish. We should view any attempt to weaken OPRA with great skepticism, as it has been essential in preventing or exposing these problems.

Consider the long-term implications. While it may provide short-term relief to government clerks seeking to limit public scrutiny, it ultimately harms the relationship between the government and the citizens it serves. By vetoing this bill, you can demonstrate your dedication to maintaining a transparent government that respects the rights of its citizens and upholds the values of democracy.

No doubt, you face a challenging situation amidst tense budget negotiations, but succumbing to pressure from lawmakers should be the least of your concerns.

You have the opportunity to be a real hero. The earmarks and promises made to secure votes before the bill’s passage are insignificant compared to preserving public trust. The essence of OPRA has always been about government integrity and the questionable manner this bill was pushed through underscores that point.

Sure, OPRA needs modernizing, but you should veto this flawed bill and make the Legislature start from scratch.

This time, ensure real public input by holding hearings on what should be done before drafting a new bill rather than crafting one behind closed doors. In these modern times, we should be expanding access and making the process more efficient, not restricting it.

One of the bill’s most troubling aspects is that it allows state and local agencies to sue people who request too many documents at once, essentially punishing them for seeking information.

Last year, the Township of Irvington sued an 82-year-old woman, claiming her frequent requests “bullied and annoyed” municipal officials. This is a clear example of the bill’s unintended consequences.

Another provision eliminates the requirement for governments that lose records disputes in court to pay the requesters’ legal fees.

Meanwhile, the bill does nothing to stop the commercial mining of government information for profit – the issue lawmakers initially aimed to address but failed to do.

Like a bag of potato chips, this bill offers citizens considerably less while costing more, all supposedly in defense of taxpayers. It’s a bad joke, so public interest groups are screaming.

Some are surprised that conservatives and progressives have rallied against the bill, but if they understood history, they’d realize it strikes at the heart of what is truly American. Those lawmakers who voted for it either flunked history or should have.

You have expressed a commitment to transparency and good governance throughout your tenure. Vetoing this bill would be a strong affirmation of those principles. It would send a clear message that New Jersey values openness and accountability, and we will not tolerate efforts to erode the public’s right to know.

The OPRA reform bill is a step backward. Governor Murphy, I implore you to stand with the people of our state and veto this bill. Like it or not, this is your legacy calling.

By Brian Bergen