PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Organization Meeting and Agenda Meeting – January 4, 2023.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
PARSIPPANY — On December 22, 2022, Lake Parsippany residents received correspondence from Capitol Senior Housing (CSH) advising them of a proposed plan to construct an assisted living facility near Littleton Road and Beechwood Road. The notice, signed by Mr. Joseph F. McElwee, a partner in CSH, advised residents at that time that CHS had “submitted an application” for the construction project to the Township of Parsippany and that they are awaiting a public hearing by the Township Zoning board of Adjustment. (Click here to download the letter).
In the letter, Mr. McElwee invited impacted members of the community to attend a meeting at the Parsippany Athletic Building at 7:00 p.m. on January 4, 2023, in advance of the public hearing, to have an open and productive dialog, and address questions and concerns by residents on the proposed project.
Organizer Robert Asaro Sr. and Joseph F. McElwee
Before that January 4 meeting, area resident Robert Asaro Sr., whose property would be directly impacted by the project, took the initiative to organize a group of like-minded neighbors to oppose the proposed commercial building collectively. Mr. Asaro utilized the “Lake Parsippany Residents” Facebook page to address his concerns that “the building would be located in the backyards of the homes on Fieldcrest Road, along Littleton Road, and across the street from Brooklawn Middle School on Beechwood Road.” He went on to list many problematic issues that could develop due to this construction, urging those concerned to attend the meeting and voice those concerns. Mr. Asaro, with some assistance from friends and neighbors, hand-delivered notices of the meeting to area residents days before, hoping to generate support. Obviously, it worked, as approximately 100 concerned area residents showed up for the meeting armed with a deluge of questions.
Crowd following meeting.
The meeting began as scheduled and was opened by Mr. McElwee, who also introduced Daniel T. Sehnal, the Civil Engineer on the project. He also expressed surprise that so many people were in attendance. The presenters explained that the project would include an area of 4½ acres in the proximity of the intersection of Beechwood Road and Rita Drive. The facility would house 83 units of assisted living residents, and it would be three stories high (the highest point being 42 feet) with underground parking. In addition to the residents, the facility would employ 52 employees on day shifts and five employees overnight. Egress to the facility would be off Beechwood Road only. CSH estimates that the facility would require approximately two weekly medical assistance calls. Additionally, CHS would have its own EMS personnel available for non-emergency situations.
Joseph F. McElwee listening to residents concerns.Daniel T. Sehnal addressing the residents.
A polite but serious crowd peppered Mr. McElwee with various relevant questions as he made his presentation, and Mr. McElwee, to his credit, tried to address each issue as it was presented. Issues arose, in no particular order, regarding increased traffic on Littleton Road, utilization of township resources, safe egress in and out of the facility, ability of fire department apparatus to access all sections of the building, etc., while many of the responses were met with overall dissatisfaction and nodding heads. Officials from Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company District 3 expressed concern that their apparatus would not be able to navigate to certain parts of the building due to the configuration of the roadway and that there were no studies done, nor was any input sought regarding those concerns. Mr. McElwee stated that they would address that matter, but by then, it was evident that the presentation did not satisfy the audience’s concerns.
As the meeting proceeded, comment by comment, it became very evident to the representatives from CSH that there was strong disapproval of the proposed facility. At that point, Mr. McElwee calmly said that since it was clear that no one in the substantial crowd approved of or welcomed the new assisted living facility and that he did not want to build this project where it was not welcomed, he was “withdrawing his application” and would not be proceeding with the project, obviously to the cheers of the assembled residents.
Following the announcement by Mr. McElwee, and as the crowd gathered in groups to discuss the events of the evening, Mr. Asaro stated, “I want to thank everyone who pitched in and helped get this accomplished.” This was a community effort, and we’re all obviously very happy with the outcome.” And tonight’s turnout shows that there is still “Pride in Parsippany.”
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Commissioners will hold an Annual Meeting on Friday, January 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room (555) and by WebEx at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown.
John Krickus will serve as Commissioner Director, and Christine Myers will serve as Commissioner Deputy Director.
Krickus and Myers will be a terrific team providing fiscally conservative leadership for Morris County government in 2023 and will continue to hold the line on taxes, invest in infrastructure and education, making the best-run county in New Jersey even better,” said Morris County Republican Chairwoman Ali, who added, “we are so grateful for the wonderful leadership County Commissioner Director Selen provided this year.”
Laura Ali said the 2023 leadership team was unanimously supported at the annual caucus. Morris County Republican leadership has been integral in making Morris the best place to live in New Jersey, with the number one county college and vocational school district and the safest communities in the state. Last June, major financial rating agencies Moody’s and S&P awarded their highest-possible “AAA” rating for a record 47th year to Morris County, continuing a legacy as one of the best financially-run counties in America.
Krickus is in his third three-year term on the board. He is a member of the Budget Committee, producing no county tax increase for multiple years. He also is the liaison to the Morris County Improvement Authority, the County College of Morris and Morris County School of Technology, and the Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development.
Commissioner Krickus is a Marine Corps veteran, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-retired), and worked in data analytics for Dun and Bradstreet and Experian.
Previously, he served on the Washington Township Committee for 12 years, including three years as Mayor. Born and raised in Madison, he now lives in Long Valley with his wife Carolyn, where they raised their two daughters.
Christine Myers
Christine Myers served a term as Freeholder and was appointed to the Office of Advocacy – Small Business Administration, where she reduced regulations on small businesses resulting in billions of dollars in savings. In her previous term, Christine leads the development of a county strategic plan and a debt reserve policy. Commissioner-elect Myers was the top vote winner in the Fall election for her second term on the board.
Christine served in executive roles at AT&T and Lucent/Avaya, and Siemens and is the co-founder of a growing manufacturing business. She also served in leadership positions at numerous non-profits, including Cornerstone Family Programs, Americas Gleaned Seafood, and the Order of Malta.
She and her husband Stan raised their two sons in Mendham and have recently moved to New Vernon.
Meeting generally take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
Public meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. Most of the public meetings are in the Public Meeting Room, 5th floor, Administration & Records Building, Court Street, Morristown. Please note there is a public comment portion at every evening meeting.
Commissioner work sessions begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Knox Room on the 5th floor of the Administration & Records Building. While the public is invited to attend the work sessions, there is no public comment portion of the meeting unless granted by the Commissioner Director.
PARSIPPANY — James M. Cryan, the former Township Administrator of Cranford, has been appointed as Parsippany’s newest Business Administrator. The Township Council approved Cryan 5-0. He will assume the position as of Monday, January 9.
Township Attorney Michael Lavery swears in James “Jamie” Cryan and Parsippany’s new Business Administrator during the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Agenda Council meeting.
The former Business Administrator, Frederick C. Carr, left office during the Christmas vacation. He was initially appointed as Business Administrator in 2020.
Jamie Cryan was recently Cranford’s Township Administrator.
At the December 13, 2022, Cranford Township Committee meeting, Police Chief Ryan J. Greco was named Interim Township Administrator with a 4-0 vote. Commissioners made no comments regarding the change in leadership, nor is there any record on the township’s website of Cranford’s current Township Administrator Jamie Cryan going on leave or resigning his position.
Cryan is a graduate of Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration with a degree in Certified Public Manager; He also has a Bachelor’s Degree with Dual Major in Political Science and Marketing Communications.
Cryan was a Trustee at Habitat for Humanity of Hudson County from October 2009 to January 2017.
He resides in Florham Park with his wife and two children.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrolmen Farms, Seeger, and Van Orden responded to the parking lot of 1055 Parsippany Boulevard on a report of a vehicle fire, on December 29 at approximately 2:40 p.m.
Upon arrival, Officer Van Orden observed a man, Richard Ziccarello, 64, Whippany, walking around near his vehicle, a 1990 Blue Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck, and the cab of the vehicle was visibly on fire.
The officer demanded the victim away from his vehicle which quickly became fully engulfed in flames.
Ptl. Van Orden asked the victim what happened and he stated he activated the heat to his vehicle and, in doing so, he believed he heard leaves being sucked into the vehicle’s heater core.
Soon after the vehicle began to smoke when he pulled over in the parking lot of 1055 Parsippany Boulevard.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer District No. 6 Fire Company was dispatched, responded, and quickly extinguished the flames in and around the vehicle’s fire.
District No. 6 Fire Co. deemed the scene safe and cleared the scene.
As the vehicle was off of the roadway and in a private parking lot, the victim stated he would make his own arrangements to have the vehicle removed.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Senior Brandon Hiltz was awarded the Super Football Conference Steven DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award.
Hiltz received two complimentary tickets from the New York Jets to attend Super Bowl LVII in Arizona next month. He also received a $5,000 scholarship.
Parsippany’s Brandon Hiltz was awarded the Super Football Conference Steve DiGregorio Man of the Year award on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Brandon’s Father, John Hiltz, Sister, Brandon, and his mom Tiffany Pizza-Hiltz.
This award highlights those individuals who exhibit selflessness, and leadership on and off the field, creating and contributing to positive school/team environments, setting a positive example, and serving the community.
New York Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas presented Hiltz with the award, which is the second annual presentation. Each of the 113 teams in the conference nominated a player to be the recipient. Hiltz was honored largely for his work with an autistic friend. That friend JM Jachym also got two tickets to the Super Bowl next month. JM Jachym served as a manager for the Red Hawks’ football manager.
Parsippany head coach Jason Hurta nominated Hiltz. Hurta has long known about the relationship between Jachym and Hiltz and believes it exemplifies what the program stands for.
The award is meant to honor the spirit of community service and the legacy of Steven DiGregorio, the former Nutley football coach who died in October of 2021.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners today awarded grants to construct eight new trail projects, adding more than five miles of walkways and paths recommended by the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program.
The grants amount to $528,265, meaning the Commissioners have cleared a total of 47 grant awards totaling 28.37 miles under the seven-year-old project, with 21 of the trail projects already completed. The newly approved grants cover projects ranging from .12 miles in length to 1.32 miles. Grants for five of the projects will cover design and permitting work, while three involve construction.
Pequannock Township – Foothills Park Trail, Phase 1 – .30 miles – $36,000
Funding for trail projects is derived from Morris County’s voter-approved Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, which was established in 1992 and subsequently modified with voter approval in 2002 to establish a Historic Preservation Fund. In 2014, voters approved a ballot question by a margin of 3 to 1 to modify the fund again, this time allowing trail development as an allowable use for a portion of the trust fund money.
Morris County has now dedicated nearly $5 million towards establishing 28.37 miles of trails since grants were first awarded under the Trail Construction Grant program in 2016.
Purpose of Funding: The grant program’s purpose is to provide recreational trail use opportunities, which benefit the communities and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Morris County.
Who is Eligible: Any of the thirty-nine municipalities in Morris, New Jersey County. Municipalities are limited to one application per funding cycle.
Permissible Uses and Projects: Construction of new trails for both motorized and non-motorized uses and trail enhancements, including improved trails to accommodate increased volume and/or compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Funding is considered only if the land on which a trail is to be constructed is:
Located in Morris County
Owned by the municipality in full and or via permanent easements
Permanently preserved public parkland or private land with dedicated easements for public recreation use
On land with a permanent easement for public trail/recreational provided to the municipality
In full municipal control of all land and/or easements on which trail(s) are to be funded
PARSIPPANY — Today, Councilman Justin Musella announced that his petition to repeal the
broken Project Labor Agreement ordinance signed into law earlier this year had reached the goal of over 1,000 signatures. With bipartisan support from residents all over town, it is clearer more than ever that the ordinance should be repealed. Blanket PLA’s like the one introduced in October stifle competition for government construction contracts, increase costs to the taxpayer, and put small and minority-owned businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
“Parsippany is already in the midst of an over-taxation crisis, combined with serious structural problems in our finances.” said Councilman Musella, adding, “I made an oath from day one to fight to keep Parsippany affordable and enable residents to stay here and not flee our town. It is encouraging to see the groundswell of support for this effort, and I look forward to presenting these petition signatures to the Township Council.”
“Project Labor Agreements eliminate the competitive bidding process for contractors that choose not to belong to a union, many of whom are members of our New Jersey Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.” said Sam DeAlmeida, President of the New Jersey Associated Builders and Contractors, adding “As the leading voice for these contractors, we are extremely opposed to the recently passed PLA ordinance in Parsippany-Troy Hills as it disproportionately takes business opportunities away from qualified contractors. We thank Councilman Musella for advocating for these contractors and supporting his efforts to repeal the PLA.”
PARSIPPANY — The Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University has named the Eastern Janitorial Company its Family Business of the Year for 2022. The award was presented at Rothman’s 30th annual awards program held recently at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton. Based in Parsippany, the Eastern Janitorial Company is a family business specializing in commercial facility services for businesses in New Jersey and surrounding states.
Eastern Janitorial Company is located at 1915 Route 46, Suite 201.
Founded in 1977, Eastern is a second-generation family-run business currently employing hundreds of workers in the tri-state area. Eastern operates in three main divisions; Commercial Facility Cleaning and Supplies, Specialty Flooring and Surface Restoration, and Engineering/Handyman Services.
FDU, NJ Family Business of The Year Awards
The New Jersey Family Business Awards recognized 11 companies for their innovative strategies and business practices that have positively impacted the state, local economy, and society in general. Eastern was chosen as “Family Business of the Year” based on its work to support its employees, the community, and their commitment to sustainable growth. “Throughout the years, our customers have appreciated us for always putting their needs first.” said Nick Rafanello, Eastern’s CEO, “We are relentless in saying ‘yes’ to customer requests and finding creative solutions to their unique challenges. This ability to provide unmatched and prompt solutions for our customers didn’t happen by chance, but through the loyalty of our dedicated family and family-like staff who are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.”
Part of Silberman College of Business since 1989, the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports, promotes, and researches entrepreneurship with a special focus on family- and veteran-owned businesses. The awards program recognizes the significant contributions to the economy and community made by extraordinary family businesses. Rothman has honored outstanding family businesses since 1992.
Eastern Janitorial Company is a facility services company based in Parsippany. Eastern is a second-generation NJ-based family business with a legacy that began as R&R Maintenance in 1977. Eastern has grown substantially over the past decade, organically and through acquiring various strategically positioned peers. Eastern Janitorial’s success results from our unwavering focus on a single, simple guiding principle – find the best people, train and support them with the latest industry tools and practices and treat them like family. As a result, their motivated team remains highly focused on providing every customer with a consistently superior service experience.
PARSIPPANY — 1280 Route 46, a 15,000 sq. ft. office building, and 1300 Route 46, an Outback Restaurant, were sold in a transaction that closed on December 21.
The buildings are located on the properties sold.
The sellers were two family investment groups with overlapping ownership, and the buyer was Shree Troy Hills, LLC, a major investor in Parsippany Commercial & Residential properties. The properties, situated on almost three acres, sold for a combined price of 4.2 million dollars.
Outback is has a triple-net lease and is not closing.
Kenneth Kaplan of KenKap Realty Corp. represented buyers and sellers.
Outback Restaurant is located at 1300 Route 46The office building at 1280 Route 46
