Planning Board Meeting to Hear Lidl Supermarket Application

Frank L. Cahill
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Planning Board Meeting to Hear Lidl Supermarket Application

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its Planning Board meeting on Monday, February 8, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

The board will hear testimony on the following applications:

Agenda: Application No. 20:528
Target Corporation
1123 Route 46,
Block: 729 Lot: 7
Minor Site Plan w/‘C’ Variance
The Minor Site Plan requests approval to re-stripe eight (8) individual parking spaces to create six (6) new drive-up stalls with the installation of two (2) free-standing solar-powered, internally-illuminated drive-up directional signage beacons, together with “c” variance relief from Ordinance Sections 430-284.E related to signage area; and 430-276.A related to parking.
Amee S. Farrell, Esquire Attorney for Applicant, Target Corp. Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, PC 910 Harvest Drive Blue Bell, PA 19422 (610) 260-6000

Application No.: 20:524
Lidl U.S. Operations
435 North Beverwyck Road
Block: 483 Lots: 1
Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan w/‘C’ Variance Major Soiling Moving Permit
Carried from December 7, 2020
The law firm of INGLESINO, WEBSTER, WYCISKALA & TAYLOR, LLC, 600 Parsippany Road, Suite 204, Parsippany. Attorneys for Lidl U.S. Operations, LLC

For more information, please call (973) 263-4286 or email njolie@parsippany.net.

Current site of Foodtown

Letter to the Editor: A full-service supermarket is a necessity in town

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: A full-service supermarket is a necessity in town

parsippany focusDear Editor:

Despite the questionable legalities of pushing out a tenant with three years remaining on his lease, replacing our neighborhood Foodtown with the no-frills Germany-based Lidl market is not right for our town and residents. While Holly Gardens has the right to sell its property, subject to its existing leases, the town has a responsibility to ensure that any change in the use of the property is well-aligned with the interests of the community. The alternative threat by the property owner to put in less desirable multi-unit housing should not bully our town council and planning board into submission here.

As life-long residents and business owners in town, we know that bringing in a pre-packaged off-brand market is all wrong for the community. Residents, including ourselves, rely on the Foodtown and Hiawatha Pharmacy for so many of our daily needs and personal services that Lidl will not provide. Minimal staffing is part of their business model. Replacing a fresh meat market and deli with pre-packaged meats of questionable origins will force many residents to drive to stores outside of town at a great inconvenience. Many residents, including our seniors, can’t or choose not to shop for their groceries or get their medications on the highway.

A full-service supermarket is a necessity in town, and our community does have a say in how a large retail parcel in the center of town is utilized.

I would also like to remind the community that it was Victor and Roberto Larocca of Foodtown who very generously donated to our local relief effort following Hurricane Irene. They continue to help many through the pandemic with personalized deliveries to residents unable to leave their homes. Additionally, Atta Rehman of Hiawatha Pharmacy provides the best-personalized service that any customer could hope for. These businesses are essential and we should do everything possible to support them in our town!

If you share our concerns about replacing our Foodtown with Lidl, please communicate them to our council members and mayor.

Their contact info is below:
Michael DePierro – Council President – mdepierro@parsippany.net / 973-263-3333
Loretta Gragnani – Council Vice President – lgragnani@parsippany.net / 973-263-4350
Paul Carifi Jr – Council Member – pcarifijr@parsippany.net / 973-993-9117
Janice McCarthy – Council Member – jmccarthy@parsippany.net / 973-263-4351
Emily Peterson – Council Member – epeterson@parsippany.net / 973-263-4351
Michael Soriano – Mayor – action@parsippany.net / 973-263-4262

Adam and Terry Checke
Lake Hiawatha Residents and Owners of Landmark Floral

Editors Note: Click here to access the meeting to be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.

NJAIAW National Girls & Women in Sports Day Celebration

Frank L. Cahill
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NJAIAW National Girls & Women in Sports Day Celebration

PARSIPPANY — Sydney Petzinger of Parsippany High School and Aneri Path of Parsippany Hills High School are 2021 High School Award Winners representatives for the National Girls and Women in Sports Day through the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).

Cristina Fernandez was named NJAIAW Woman of the Year. (Click here for the article).

Since 1972, and the creation of Title IX there has been a 445% increase in women playing college sports and 990% increase in girls playing in high school sports.

It is evident that with the creation of Title IX, its impact is long term and far-reaching. Congratulate all of the outstanding accomplishments of the girls and women who represent Parsippany today. Let’s Lead Her Forward.

Cristina Fernandez named NJAIAW Woman of the Year

Frank L. Cahill
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Cristina Fernandez named NJAIAW Woman of the Year

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Cristina Fernandez, a senior at Seton Hall University, has been named New Jersey Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW) Woman of the Year.

The NJAIAW celebrates the women and girls of NJ and their contributions to the sport.

The group awards Woman of the Year accolades to outstanding female student-athletes throughout NJ for their significant contributions to their institution and community through athletic accomplishments, academic success, and community involvement. Not only is Cristina an excellent student and a fantastic cross-country athlete, but she is also a long-time volunteer at Saint Peter the Apostle’s food pantry, serving the community of Parsippany.

Cristina is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School.

Let Parents Watch Their Kids Play, says Dunn

Frank L. Cahill
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Let Parents Watch Their Kids Play, says Dunn
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn is urging Governor Phil Murphy to reconsider restrictions on spectators at indoor sports venues following Wednesday’s announcement of increased capacity and dining hours for restaurants and certain businesses.
“If casinos and entertainment venues can increase capacity, then parents should be permitted to watch their children play indoor sports under those same limits. Arbitrarily applying different rules for spectators at a sports game doesn’t make any sense,” said Dunn (R-Morris).
Currently, indoor practices and competitions are limited to ten people. However, if the number of individuals who are necessary for practice or competition, such as players, coaches, and referees, exceeds 10, the practice or competition may proceed provided no spectators are present.
“As long as there are safety protocols like social distancing and masks, I don’t understand why parents need to be subjected to different rules than if they were to go to the gym or theater,” said Dunn. “These student-athletes and parents are playing by the rules, but yet they are subjected to restrictions that defy logic. Parents deserve to supervise their children when they are participating in an activity. I would like the governor to reexamine the facts and help restore some sense of normalcy for these student-athletes and moms and dads.”
Earlier this week, Murphy announced restaurants, entertainment venues, and gyms could operate past 10:00 p.m. and increase capacity limits to 35 percent from 25, with a maximum of 150 people.

Letter to the Editor: Thank Township Workers For Job Well Done

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Following one of the biggest recent snowfalls, I would first like to recognize the members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Department of Public Works for a job well done. And our neighbors who helped local seniors and those with disabilities. As well those who cleared around their nearest fire hydrants.

It was great seeing Parsippany, the Empire Diner, and Mayor Soriano on WCBS TV2 and also on Channel 12 thanking the township workers and the members of the volunteer fire departments, many of who staffed the firehouses to ensure a quick response during the heavy snowfall.

Grateful to live in Parsippany and in the Rainbow Lakes Section of our township.

Mark Rabson

 

Letter to the Editor: Utility Budget Transfers to the General Account

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Every year, during discussions about the new budget, the subject of transferring money from the utility surpluses to the general budget inevitably comes up. The massive utility rate increases that were recently approved have strengthened the balance sheet on the utility side, but they have also made it easier to continue using transfers to subsidize the general budget. In my opinion, the administration and the council should take action this year to eliminate these transfers once and for all.

Two years ago, council members Peterson and McCarthy first proposed the simplest way to eliminate the transfers – that is, raise taxes by whatever amount is necessary. I now agree with them, but with one modification.

I estimate that an increase in taxes of 5½% above the 2% cap, or 7½% in total, would be sufficient to eliminate the entire utility transfer amount of $2.5 million. But I believe that the extra 5½% needed to eliminate the transfers can be assessed in a way that is actually revenue neutral to the taxpayer.

Once the utilities are freed from having to make these transfers, the revenue in the utility budgets will increase by $2.5 million. These are excess funds that the utilities really don’t need now, because of the recently approved utility rate increases of 39%. So, increasing general budget tax rates by a sufficient amount to eliminate the utility transfers can be made revenue neutral to the taxpayer by simultaneously decreasing part of the 39% utility rate increase by an amount equal to the transfers they no longer have to make.

As a bonus, by shifting some taxation from the utilities to the general budget, participants in the Senior Freeze Program will actually see their total tax bill reduced. Under the Senior Freeze, participants are shielded from any increases in the general budget because any tax increase over the freeze number is reimbursed by the state. In contrast, utility rate increases come directly out of pocket and are not reimbursed. For the record, I am not eligible for the Senior Freeze Program.

I believe that the council has a fiduciary obligation to the taxpayers, especially the ones who participate in the Senior Freeze Program, to adopt some form of this proposal.

Bob Venezia
Parsippany

Board of Adjustment Meeting Scheduled for February 10

Frank L. Cahill
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Board of Adjustment Meeting Scheduled for February 10

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment has a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here for access to the WebEx event.

The agenda includes the following applications:

Application No. 19:67, Francisco Mateo, 21 Farrand Drive, Block: 712 Lot: 25 Zone: R-3 ‘C’ Variance to legalize an existing pool, pool equipment and patio contrary to Sec. 430-35 Cols. 9 & 13.

Application No. 20:36, Vamsi Kolli, 35 Lake Drive, Block: 438 Lot: 1 Zone: R-3, “C’ Variance to legalize a shed on a concrete pad contrary to Sec. 430-10.C. (Side and Rear Yards).

Application 20:46, Michael Di Giuseppe, 19 Ogden Place, Block: 708 Lot: 4 Zone: R-3  ‘C’ Variance to construct an irregular inground swimming pool & patio and 6 ft. high fence contrary to Sec. 430-11.A. and Section 430-35 Col. 13.

Application 19:63 NY Renaissance, 1209 Littleton Road, Block: 199 Lot: 48.1 Zone: R-3 Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan/“C/D” Variance/Major Soil Move to construct a building for residential and commercial use. Carried from October 21, 2020

Application 20:41, Bobst North America, Inc., 10 Waterview Boulevard, Block: 421 Lot: 29.2. Zone: COD, ‘C’ Variance for signage.

Application 20:18, Jonnalagadda, 138 North Beverwyck Road, Block: 511 Lot: 2 Zone: B-5. Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan w/‘C’/‘D’ Variance for construction of a mixed-use building. Carried from December 2, 2020

 

Murphy Signs Executive Order Ending 10:00 p.m. Curfew on Restaurants

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Signs Executive Order Ending 10:00 p.m. Curfew on Restaurants

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 219, which increases indoor capacity limits from 25 percent to 35 percent for several businesses, including food and beverage establishments and entertainment and recreational businesses, effective Friday, February 5 at 8:00 a.m.

The Executive Order also lifts the 10:00 p.m. curfew for in-person indoor restaurant service, however, local officials may continue to regulate the hours of operation of indoor restaurant service and indoor operations of other non-essential businesses after 8:00 p.m., as they have been able to since November 12. The prohibition on seating at indoor bar areas remains in effect.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, my Administration has used science, data, and facts to guide our decision-making process,” said Governor Murphy. “The downward trend of COVID-19 cases in our hospitals, coupled with the state’s decreasing rate of transmission, allows us to confidently expand our indoor capacity limits without leading to undue further stress on our health care systems. I am incredibly grateful to the millions of New Jerseyans who have been vigilant in practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings, and I urge everyone to continue their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The Executive Order increases the following indoor capacity limits from 25 percent to 35 percent:

  • Food or beverage establishments, including restaurants, cafeterias, private non-profit clubs, and food courts, with or without a liquor license, and bars;
  • Entertainment and recreational businesses, including casinos and gyms; and
  • Personal care services, including barbershops and nail salons.

The Order will also rescind the previous statewide requirement that food and beverage establishments close their indoor areas to in-person service between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. each day.  Casinos and any other retail, recreational, or entertainment business open to the public may also resume indoor food and beverage service during those hours.

Municipalities and counties will still be permitted to impose hours of operation restrictions on non-essential businesses between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. each day. This includes restrictions on dining in restaurants, although they cannot restrict takeout or delivery services. Municipalities and counties have been able to impose these hours restrictions since November 12 of last year, when Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 195.

Religious ceremonies or services, political activities, wedding ceremonies, funerals, and memorial services that are currently limited to 25 percent of the room’s capacity up to 150 people will now be limited to 35 percent of the room’s capacity up to 150 people. Performances at entertainment centers, including movie theaters and performing arts centers, and concert venues, will similarly be capped at 35 percent up to a maximum of 150 people.  Indoor meetings of addiction groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, will also be limited to 35 percent up to 150 individuals.

The Order will take effect on Friday, February 5 at 8:00 a.m.

A copy of Executive Order No. 219 can be downloaded by clicking here.

$12,000 in Scholarship Money Available to Morris County June Graduates

Frank L. Cahill
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$12,000 in Scholarship Money Available to Morris County June Graduates

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Retirees Education Association Philanthropic Fund, Inc. (MCREAPF) is offering six scholarships to Morris County residents who are attending and will be graduated from a public high school. This scholarship is for students who plan to pursue a career in education and who will be attending an approved four-year accredited college or university offering a Bachelor’s Degree with an education major.

The scholarships are for $2,000. The recipients will be sent $2,000. after the chairperson receives a copy of the first-semester transcript which indicates enrollment in the field of education and a successful academic record.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is Friday, April 30, 2021. Scholarship applications are available at your high school guidance office or click here.

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