PARSIPPANY — Seven tenants have leased a combined 90,000 square feet at a Parsippany office campus, in a series of newly announced transactions by Cushman & Wakefield.
The brokerage team, which represents P3 Properties at 300 Interpace Parkway and One Upper Pond Road, said the deals include commitments by RF Industries, a manufacturer of electronic hardware used in wired and wireless communications networks, and Extremity Medical, a medical device manufacturer. They will occupy a combined 60,000 square feet at what’s known as The Grand, a two-building, 550,000-square-foot complex less than a mile from Interstate 80, Route 46, and Route 202 and a mile and a half from Interstate 287.
C&W’s Charles Parmelli, William O’Keefe, and Bill Brown completed the transactions, plus an additional 30,000 square feet of new deals and renewals by five other tenants.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new tenants to The Grand, which recently completed major capital improvements resulting in the addition of new state-of-the-art amenities both inside and outside the property,” Parmelli said. “The Grand’s extensive renovations have cemented the property as not only a best-in-class headquarters office location but also a space for emerging technology companies with lab and R&D operations like RF Industries. The building’s flexible zoning, freight elevators, and loading docks combined with top-tier amenities create a high-quality and functional environment that exists in very few office locations.”
Recent updates include a new tenant lounge dubbed GRAND Central, which contains gaming areas, a café, shared conferencing and training rooms, and collaborative meeting spaces, C&W said. The property also has a large fitness center, an outdoor dining terrace, a new waterside deck known as The Grove, and a two-tiered pond with a pergola and seating.
“We recently concluded a multimillion-dollar modernization program to provide our tenants with a best-in-class office experience,” said Harvey Rosenblatt, CEO of P3 Properties. “With the addition of our new tenants and our commitment to emerging technology and lab companies, The Grand remains at the forefront of innovation.”
PARSIPPANY — The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Firefighters District 3 held its 19th annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 27.
The breakfast featured pancakes, sausages, bagels, orange juice, and coffee. The all-you-can breakfast was a bargain at $10.00 per person, Seniors (60 and over) $7.00, children 2 to 8 years old $5.00, and children under two years old is free.
Delicious homemade pancakes, sausage, and more … bagels, cream cheese, butter, coffee, tea, and even orange juice
Ladies Auxiliary of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 2019, and donations are tax-deductible.
Evie Kane, Emma Sikora, Hailey Higgins
In 1935, a group of public-spirited citizens recognizing the need for fire protection in Fire District #3, began the steps that lead to the formation of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company. This was not an easy task, as Lake Parsippany was a new community experiencing an era of growth and expansion.
Sponsors of the event included Bagel City Grille, Ferraro’s Italian Specialities, Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouse, Chopt, Habit Burger Grill, The Great Wasu, Anthony Franco’s Pizzeria, Uncle Giuseppe’s, Birchwood Manor, Eagle Auto Body, Castle Printing and Fire and Safety Services.
For more information about Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department click here.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro, Delores dePierro, Ex-Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Former Board of Education Member Gary MartinFormer Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce with Former Board of Education member Gary MartinCouncilman Paul Carifi, Jr., sons Jonathan and Tyler with his dad, Paul Carifi, Sr.Joe Jannarone, Jr. hanging with the firemenCouncilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Council President Michael dePierro, Mayor James Barberio, and Councilman Justin MusellaInvisible Councilman Frank Neglia with his wife Sandy NegliaEveryone enjoyed the delicious breakfast prepared by the volunteers.Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella and Courtney Musella
PARSIPPANY — Beginning on or about January 3, 2023, JCP&L contractors will be performing line clearance tree trimming in Parsippany. This work will include the routine trimming of limbs to provide four years of clearance from electric wires and the removal of limbs overhanging the three-phase electric lines.
All tree removals are performed in accordance with JCP&L’s easement rights or otherwise with the written consent of the property owner.
JCP&L contractors are qualified line clearance tree workers trained in OSHA safety standards, as well as, in proper pruning techniques developed by the National Arborists Association. Contracted tree crews will be following a pruning technique that is often referred to as directional or lateral pruning.
JCP&L has provided the Township with a list of streets affected:
• Greenback Rd • Knoll Ln • Vreeland Ave • 1st St • Arate La • Arlington Ave • Arundel Rd • Asbury Pl • Averell Dr • Bahama Rd • Banghart Rd • Battle Ridge Road • Bedford Pl • Boehm Ave • Boehm Pl • Brook Dr • Brooklawn Dr • Brookstone Dr • Cambell Rd • Cambridge Rd • Carriage House Rd • Casdaby Ct • Circle Dr • Clinton Court • Clinton Road • Cold Hill Rd • Concord Way • Continental Rd • Cottage Pl • Country Club Rd • Daumlin Dr • Dickerson Rd • Dogwood La • Dunnerdale Rd • Durbin Ave • East Hedding Pl • East Park Pl • Edgefield Dr • Eldridge Rd • Emerson Road • Evans Dr • Executive Dr • Fairview Pl • Fairview Place • Fernview Rd • Fletcher Pl • Flintlock Rd • Foote Lane • Force Pl • Forum Ct • Fox Crest Ct • Foxhollow Ct • Front St • Gibraltar Ave • Glacier Dr • Granada Dr • Grannis Ave • Groundpine Rd • Guilford Court • Gunston Ct • Hector Rd • Hedding Pl • Heritage Ct • High Ridge Rd • Hilsinger Rd • Hope Rd • Hunters Hill Ct • Inwood Rd • Ironwood Dr • J Raps Ct • Jamaica Rd • James Street • John St • Junard Dr • Ketch Rd • Ledgerock Ct • Long Ridge Rd • Lookout Pl • Lowrey St • Lynne Dr • Manor La • Marianna Pl • Mcclintock Pl • Meadow Bluff Rd • Millstone Rd • Moraine Rd • Morris Ave • Mountain Way Rd • North Pl • North Star Dr • Old Dover Rd • Park Pl • Patriots Rd • Penn Dr • Penwood Dr • Pigeon Mill Rd • Winterset Dr • Wood Dr • Woodland Rd • Woods End Rd • Woodstone Rd • Yacenda Dr • Zeek Road • Pinfold Ct • Pinnacle Rd • Pondview Rd • Powder Mill Rd • Prospect Ave • Puddingstone Rd • Raynor Rd • Ridgewood Ave • Robin Hood Rd • Rockridge Ct • Rockwood Rd • Rose Ct • Seasons Glen Dr • Seaton Ct • Shelter Cover Pl • Shongum Rd • Simpson Ave • Skyview Ter • South Powder Mill Rd. • Southwood Dr • Spencer Ct • Springhill Dr • St Johns Ave • State Hwy 10 • State Hwy 53 • Stockton Ct • Stoney Hill Ct • Stratford Way • Strowbridge Ave • Summerhill Dr • Sylvan Wy • Tabor Rd • Tall Wood Ct • Tarn Dr • Timberlane Ct • Tracy La • Union Hill Rd • Violet St • W Hanover Ave • W Morris Ave • Waterloo Dr • Wesley • West Hanover Ave • West Pl • White Birch Rd • Whitewood Rd • Whitfield Pl • William St
The Planning Board members are:
Mayor Barberio 12/31/2025 I Mayor
Anil Dadheech* 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Michael dePierro 12/31/2022 III Council Rep.
Tom Dinsmore 12/31/2021 IV Regular
Priya Jain 12/31/2022 Alternate No. 2
Dominic Mele* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Gordon Meth* 12/31/2025 IV Regular
Nick Napolitano 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Ted Stanziale 12/31/2023 Alternate No. 1
Jennifer Vealey* 12/31/2022 II Muni, Rep.
John Von Achen* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Stuart Wiser Board Planner, ARH
Andrew Cangiano Board Engineer, Keller & Kirkpatrick
Joseph Garcia Board Attorney, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs
Nora O. Jolie Board Secretary
PARSIPPANY — Ron Meischker, an out-of-town Edison resident, and a representative from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters addressed the Mayor and Council at the Tuesday, November 22 meeting, and made it very clear he will sue the town over the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests.
Ron Meischker, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Meischker said “I’ve submitted some OPRA requests for some emails, texts, and social media postings and we’re well beyond the date they’re due. I wanted to get a status update from the solicitor on that.”
Township Attorney Michael Lavery replied “Information was requested and we can’t provide what we don’t have. They don’t exist, so we can’t provide them. I understand exactly what the statute says, but what I’m telling you is the information that you requested, was requested of the councilman and we’re told that it does not exist, so we can’t produce it.”
Mr. Meischker, responded, “So you understand that we’re going to seek to compel those documents?” You’ll lose on that. And I don’t wanna cost, you’ve got plenty of taxpayers in here that are very concerned about their local library and their sense of community and their tax dollars. We don’t want to cause tax ramifications due to litigation because you’re getting resistance from the individual (referring to Councilman Justin Musella) who doesn’t want to give up the documents. It is very clear there’s precedent here that says that those documents should be turned over.”
John McGovern
According to an OPRA request filed by Parsippany Focus, Mr. Paul Prenergast filed an OPRA request with the Municipal Clerk on October 13 for “Email attachments.” On October 18, Mr. Paul Prenergast requested “J Musella e-mails.” On October 19, Mr. John McGovern filed an OPRA request “Police overtime for J Musella.” Both individuals are employed with Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills introduced an ordinance “2022:24, Entitled Project Labor Agreement (PLA)” at the agenda meeting of Tuesday, October 11 for the first reading and for public discussion with the second reading and final vote to take place on Tuesday, October 18.
The audience during the Council meeting of October 11 was filled with Union workers supporting the passing of the ordinance. Parsippany residents complained they could not get into the meeting and were harassed by union workers.
During the meeting, Councilman Justin Musella voted against the ordinance. He stated “As it stands, a thorough and competitive bidding process at the lowest responsible cost is what is best for the taxpayer. We should reject costly measures like PLAs that ultimately reduce competition, harm small businesses, and provide no real benefit to the end user — you.” The ordinance was introduced 4-1. (Click here to read the complete article)
With the anticipation of a larger crowd, Council President Michael dePierro changed the location of Tuesday, October 18 Township Council meeting to Parsippany Hills High School.
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters started a campaign to harass Councilman Musella. They parked a truck at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102, 50 Parsippany Road, a location where the abandonment of union workers was meeting before the October 18 Council meeting, then drove in caravans to the high school. There they met in the parking lot and marched into the building.
The truck displayed rotating messages of clips from speakers during the October 11 meeting as well as two messages that said “PLA All the Way” and “Tell Justin Musella: Support Jobs for Parsippany Workers.” Then the truck moved to Parsippany Hills High School where the October 18 meeting was being held.
At that meeting, the ordinance was passed 4-1, with Musella voting against the ordinance.
Pictured is a truck with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed the image “Tell Justin Musells: Support Jobs for Parsippany Workers”Union workers met at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102, 50 Parsippany Road, on Tuesday, October 18, and drove in caravans to Parsippany Hills High School, where the Township Council meeting was being held. Pictured is a truck with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed the image “PLA ALL THE WAY.”Pictured is a truck with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed the image “Tell Justin Musells: Support Jobs for Parsippany Workers and Keep Parsippany Tax Money in Parsippany.”
Councilman Musella started a petition against PLAs. When the article was released on Parsippany Focus there were over 300 signatures in 24 hours from local Parsippany residents. (Click here to read the article). Musella wants to obtain over 1,000 signatures before making a case to the council and Mayor James Barberio to reverse course on the project labor agreement ordinance.
The petition flyer was mailed to all Parsippany residents
The PLA means that municipal public-works projects costing at least $5 million must have a pre-established collective bargaining agreement. This gives certain unionized workforces advantages in obtaining contracts for these projects.
Supporters have said the agreement helps guarantee skilled labor and eliminates delays that can arise from labor conflicts or worker shortages. But critics, including Musella and many residents, say such arrangements will drive up costs for the township trying to work its way out of budgetary woes.
The petition’s goal is to convey a message to the Councilpersons who supported the PLA that this culture of overburdening taxpayers with pricey mandates is causing community members financial harm while driving other residents out of town to less expensive areas.
PARSIPPANY — It was forty-five degrees outside, but a dozen individuals from ages 12½ to 50 weathered the outside and slept on the concrete at Parsippany United Methodist Church to learn firsthand what homeless youths experience every night. The group identified themselves as “Covenant House Sleep Out 2022 – Team G.R.A.C.E.” The group was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Team G.R.A.C.E. raised over $1,000 which is directly donated to the Covenant House.
There’s more to Sleep Out than a night without a bed. Sleep Out raises critical funds to help Covenant House provide 24/7 shelter, sanctuary, and support to youth overcoming homelessness.
And the experience includes opportunities to learn from experts, hear inspiring stories, and advocate for a future where everyone has a safe place to sleep.
The NJ Kiwanis District will advocate raising awareness of youth homeless as an issue throughout New Jersey in the 2022-2023 Kiwanis Service year.
When Diana McElroy contacted NJ Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9, Frank Cahill, Cahill immediately got involved with the project since it was a Kiwanis initiative for 2022-2023. It became a project of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. “I was happy to get involved and bring this wonderful program to Parsippany. Although this year was small, Kiwanis Club plans to expand this in the near future,” said Cahill.
“Imagine sleeping outside on a cold blistery night like tonight – it’s almost imaginable to many of us. However, many youth and adults across the state are facing the chilling effects of homeless,” said Martin Slezak.
“After two years of research and feedback on a District Project, members of the organization voted to raise awareness for Youth Homelessness as a District-wide service project this year. Our organization, made the right choice to assist in raising awareness and funds for Youth Homelessness organizations throughout the state of NJ,” Slezak states, “Kiwanis has partnered with many organizations throughout the state (Visions and Pathways, Oceans Harbor House, Family First, Covenant House, among others) to help raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause.” “We look forward to making an impact in the communities we serve.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, who attended the Sleep Out to give his support, said “I was honored to come out and support Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany in participating in Covenant House’s “Sleep Out” to help those in need.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov said “The Sleep Out helps ensure that youth facing homelessness can sleep safely and dream big at Covenant House. Covenant House is more than just a shelter. Young people are welcomed with unconditional love and provided warm meals, education opportunities, job training, medical care, mental health and substance use counseling, and legal aid — essential services designed to help them build independent futures. Just recently I had the honor of visiting Covenant House in Atlantic City with Former Kiwanis District Governor Gordon Meth and Lt. Governor Frank Cahill as we donated winter jackets.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Sargent Dan Conte kept a watch on the group throughout the evening.
November is Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. Covenant House invites you to join the fight to achieve a world where every young person has access to safe housing, support, healing, and opportunity.
Throughout the month of November, communities come together to Sleep Out and amplify a shared message: it’s time to end youth homelessness.
Every night, about 2,000 young people will go to sleep in a Covenant House bed.
You can still donate to Team G.R.A.C.E. by clicking here.
Also attending were Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member, Susan Slaughter, President Nicolas Limanov, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Parsippany-Troy Hills Sargent Dan Conte, NJ District Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill, NJ Division Kiwanis International Treasurer Martin Slezak, Parsippany United Methodist Church Rev. Marissa van der Valk, and Kirsten Corley, Senior Development Associate at Covenant House New Jersey.
TEAM G.R.A.C.E. during “Sleep out 2022 for Covenant House”TEAM G.R.A.C.E. during “Sleep out 2022 for Covenant House”TEAM G.R.A.C.E. during “Sleep out 2022 for Covenant House”Making of the sign to be displayed on the locationParsippany United Methodist Church was the site chosen by Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill to hold the Sleep OutThe morning after. Everyone returned home to a warm home and had a hearty breakfast prepared by Parent Leader Diana McElroy
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners authorized moving forward Monday, November 21, on the schematic design phase for a new courthouse slated for a county-owned parcel on Schuyler Place in Morristown after reviewing a revised, preliminary concept during a public meeting.
The vote followed a PowerPoint presentation to the full board and the public by Roger Lichtman and Lisa Tsang of the Clifton-based infrastructure firm, AECOM, which was originally contracted for the project in November 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic paused action on what had evolved after 2018 into a 140,000-square-foot design proposal in 2020. After some review and a restart on the courthouse plan this past July, a 116,998-square-foot, less costly proposal emerged and was shared by the Board of Commissioner’s Courthouse Committee.
Commissioner Stephen Shaw
“It’s important to point out that we are not approving the courthouse or building the courthouse at this time. The objective this afternoon is to answer questions and get a consensus from the Board to permit AECOM to move from concept design to a schematic design phase,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Chairman of the Courthouse Committee.
“This is the first time the full balance of the Commissioner board and the public is seeing this recommendation. As we move through design, we will engage representatives of the Judiciary, Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s Office, and representatives from Morristown.”
Sheriff James Gannon
Sheriff James Gannon, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz attended the meeting to speak on the need for the new courthouse as well as thank the Courthouse Committee and AECOM for working closely with them in developing different conceptual designs over the past couple of years.
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Commissioner Deborah Smith, another Courthouse Committee member, noted that a county-owned pocket park on the corner of Schuyler Place and Washington Street, which would have been completely covered by some prior conceptual designs, is now mostly preserved in the new conceptual design.
“I’m very pleased with the results of the redesign. It preserves a good portion of the park, which is very important. The county created that park by removing an old building many years ago, and it is heavily used by people. I think it adds to the appeal of the entire proposal,” Commissioner Smith said.
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty also attended the meeting, expressing an interest in preserving the park.
The overall scope of the project has narrowed, as has the overall cost when calculating inflation – a point noted by Commissioner Douglas Cabana, who also is on the Committee.
“We needed to develop and evaluate alternatives to the 2020 plan, something that addressed post-pandemic realities, reduced costs, balanced the need for staff with the public well-being, and, ultimately, still provide adequately expanded court facilities that meet the needs of the state judiciary in Morristown, which is the county’s responsibility,” said Commissioner Cabana.
The new conceptual design unveiled last night includes eight courtrooms, but a reduction of 23,000 square feet from the 2020 proposal. The new design also adds a 200-person jury assembly room and eliminates prior proposals for relocating some county and court departments into the new facility.
Background Providing adequate court facilities and securing those facilities are the sole responsibility of each respective county in New Jersey. To assess those needs, the county commissioned a Space Needs and Facilities Assessment in 2017.
That assessment, completed in 2018, identified a significant shortfall in criminal, family and civil court facilities, and detailed the outdated conditions in the existing courthouse complex, which includes the historic courthouse along Washington Street that was originally constructed in 1827.
The complex, situated along Washington Street between Court Street and Western Avenue, will be preserved but is not suitable to continue most court operations.
That building was augmented three times before 1900, according to Judge Minkowitz, noting other portions were added in the 1950s and 1970s. The complex, situated along Washington Street between Court Street and Western Avenue, will be preserved but is not suitable to continue most court operations.
The County Commissioners, then known as Freeholders, held public hearings prior to their unanimous vote to adopt two capital ordinances in late 2018 to fund the design phases of a new courthouse along Schuyler Place. Balancing the needs of the court system with the financial concerns of county taxpayers has continued throughout the process and involved the county government administration, Commissions, members of the judiciary, and the Sheriff’s Office.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Key Club Members from Parsippany High School served Thanksgiving Dinner to Senior Citizens and people in need at IHOP, 792 Route 46, Parsippany. This year, Table of Hope, coordinated the guest list.
Mayor James Barberio with IHOP owner Mo Abdelhadi
Every year, IHOP Parsippany hosts the senior citizens and residents in need on Monday evening for a complimentary “Thanksgiving Dinner.” The dinner included delicious turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Lt. Governor Frank Cahill serves dinner to 100-year-old Parsippany Resident Joe Bulgarini, as Mayor James Barberio and IHOP owner Mo Abdelhadi look onParsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella with 100-year-old Parsippany Resident Joe Bulgarini
The key club members first started seating the guests, then took their beverage orders and delivered them a home-cooked meal. After the seniors were done with their dinner, the Key Club members cleaned the dining room and set the tables.
Key Club is a student-led, high school organization. The members make the world a better place through service. In doing so, they grow as individuals and as leaders by answering the call to lead, summoning the courage to engage, and developing the heart to serve. The Parsippany Hills High School Key Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Lt. Governor Frank Cahill is the liaison of the club.
The dining room at the IHOP was crowded with guests enjoying the Turkey dinner provided by IHOPIHOP worker Luis Matos with Mayor James BarberioStan and Rhonda Kron. Rhonda has been a Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member for over thirty yearsTable of Hope’s Dawn KingMayor James Barberio, IHOP’s General Manager Edgar Ortega, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov, and member Susan Slaughter
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is participating in “Extra Mile Day” celebrating the work of two township residents.
Chris Mazzarella was praised for his work as one of the creators of the Facebook page, “Parsippany Supporting Our Town” and Chef Matt Pierone, the owner of Gourmet Café for supporting the community with his unwavering support and donations to the community of Parsippany
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presented Gourmet Cafe’s Chef Matthew Pierone and Parsippany Supporting Our Town creator Chris Mazzarella with a proclamation for “Go The Extra Mile” at Tuesday, November 22 Township Council meeting.
Both honorees were recognized for their personal, community-minded contributions through the pandemic crisis.
Chef Matt Pierone, the owner of Gourmet Café, was honored as an Extra Mile Hero, for his efforts in supporting the community with his unwavering support and donations to the community of Parsippany. Matt has continuously donated both meals and money to Parsippany residents in need, even during Covid when his own business was dealing with uncertainty and loss of income.
Chris Mazzarella was praised for his work as one of the creators of the Facebook page, “Parsippany Supporting Our Town”. His personal time and commitment to the site opened an important source of local information that assisted a large portion of our community.
Mayor Barberio described both men as local heroes.
Extra Mile America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers individuals, organizations, and cities to “go the extra mile.” According to their website, their work is inspired by the belief that “going the extra mile” opens doors to new possibilities.
Extra Mile Proclamation Chris MazzarellaExtra Mile Proclamation Matthew Pierone
PARSIPPANY — Another $15,000 Morris County Small Business Grant was delivered today by the Morris County Commissioners, who were joined by Parsippany Township’s Mayor and Council President and the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in highlighting the importance of shopping locally when the nation recognizes Small Business Saturday.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Morris County. They are the backbone of the entire economy in New Jersey, which is why my fellow Commissioners developed the Morris County Small Business Grant Program earlier this year. We need to support our local entrepreneurs, and this weekend everyone can join in by shopping locally during for the annual Small Business Saturday,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.
He joined Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus and Commissioner Stephen Shaw today in delivering a $15,000 grant to Rajeev Chopra at Chopra Auto Care in Parsippany. Joining them were Parsippany Mayor Jamie Barberio, Council President Michael dePierro, Ed Ramirez, Director of Business Resources and Professional Development for the EDC, and businessman Mickey Chopra, the shop owner’s brother.
“During the pandemic, I had no business at all. People were not driving, so they did not bring in their cars. This is going to help me a lot. I have some machines that are going to be updated. My tire machine is very old, and my balance machine is going to cost a lot. So, I am very thankful,” said Rajeev Chopra, who was surrounded by his family when he received the grant.
Director Selen with Rajeev Chopra. Both men immigrated into the United States, starting out pumping gas as their first job. Both men became successful businessmen
Morris County launched its Small Business Grant Program on Valentine’s Day with $10 million in American Rescue Act Plan funds, and the Commissioners have approved 782 applications to date.
“I know the Parsippany mayor, the council president, myself and other Commissioners, we were passing out application forms for this grant program all over the place, and we hosted events here in Parsippany and Dover and Morristown and elsewhere to get the word out – and we were successful, so much so that we not only put $10 million into the program but had to add another $1.3 million,” said Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus.
The added funds were approved last month because of a surge of applications filed just before the program closed on September 30. The Commissioners wanted to insure those businesses that applied late, and who may ultimately qualify, would be covered. Morris County is still processing about 85 additional applications.
“Parsippany is filled with small businesses. They make up a big portion of our economy, and we are very thankful to the Commissioner for this grant program. It has helped many of our local businesses, and I hope everyone will get out there this weekend to shop locally for Small Business Saturday,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James arberio.
The Morris County Commissioners adopted a resolution Monday night declaring this Saturday, November 26, to be Small Business Saturday in Morris County. Since 2010, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been recognized nationwide as “Small Business Saturday” after it was launched by American Express. The national campaign encourages holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses.
The Morris County Chamber of Commerce and EDC helped Morris County this year promote the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.
Frank Cahill, Chairman Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee and the creator of the Morris Now APP, designed the app to help the economy of small businesses in Morris County. Many small businesses had. a rough time during COVID-19, and the APP helps the residents of Morris County find local businesses within their community. The APP currently has over 15,000 small mom-and-pop businesses listed absolutely free. If your business is not listed, submit it by clicking here. Morris Now received a similar grant in August from Morris County Small Business Grant Program.
The APP is totally FREE for any consumer to download and is available on Google Play and the Apple Store by searching for “MORRIS NOW.”
From now until December 31, every newly registered user will automatically receive a $10.00 Gift Card to IHOP locations in Parsippany, Kenvil, or Cedar Knolls. In addition, you have an opportunity to win a $50.00 gift card from a Morris. County rertailer.
Director Selen, surrounded by the Chopra family, spoke about the United States providing opportunities for people to become successful in business.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our downtowns and an essential part of our economy,” stated Craig Schlosser, Managing Director of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation. “We are proud that New Jersey ranks 11th in the United States, with over 861,000 small businesses.”Meghan Hunscher, President of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce in Florham Park, added, “We are glad to promote all of the ‘Shop Local’ initiatives that will benefit Morris County business owners.”
According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses in the United States, which account for 99.9 percent of all businesses in the United States and they are responsible for creating 1.5 million jobs annually and account for 64 percent of new jobs created in the U.S.
Despite lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. consumers reported spending a record-high total of $23.3 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on “Small Business Saturday 2021.”
