PARSIPPANY — This week, the Parsippany Planning Board heard an application from the supermarket chain Lidl for a proposed new supermarket on the site currently occupied by Foodtown.
Previously, high-density housing had been suggested by the landlord as potential use of the site.
I made it known to the landlord that I do not believe the Foodtown site is an appropriate location for high-density housing, and that I believe North Beverwyck Road needs to retain a supermarket.
Let me be clear: the government does not have a role in the relationship between Foodtown and their landlord.
Foodtown, the current tenant, Holly Gardens, the landlord, and Lidl, the potential buyer of the property, are all private businesses.
The Planning Board does not have a role in approving or denying the sale of the property. Their only role is to determine whether Lidl’s proposal conforms to township regulations on items such as parking, building size, and related rules. Neither the Planning Board nor any government body has the power to block the sale of private property between private businesses.
I am not aware of and do not control, any communications or lack thereof between Holly Gardens and Foodtown.
I believe the landlord had a moral obligation, in the absence of a legal obligation, to inform their tenant that the property is in serious consideration of being sold.
I am a Lake Hiawatha resident and understand the regard that so many in our neighborhood have for Foodtown.
However, given the choice between high-density housing or a new supermarket on this site, which is the choice we may be faced with, the answer is obvious.
I do not believe the Foodtown site is an appropriate location for high-density housing, and I believe that we need to retain a supermarket on North Beverwyck Road.
PARSIPPANY — The stage is set for exceptional new beginnings. Plans for PARQ Parsippany (Phases 1 and 2), located in the former Lanidex Plaza, have been approved by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board on November 23.
PARQ Parsippany is a multi-generational, mixed-use development that will encompass townhomes, multi-family residences, retail, expansive and open green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities.
PARQ Parsippany is a multi-generational, mixed-use development
“PARQ will instill a new sense of community and placemaking in Parsippany by celebrating the balance of health, happiness, and well-being,” said Anthony Milelli of PARQ Parsippany. “Urban renewal and revitalization projects are vital to stimulate the economy, enhance property values, and instill a sense of civic pride.”
“PARQ Parsippany will usher in a new era, forging it into the 21st century with state-of-the-art facilities, vast and welcoming green spaces for the community to enjoy, a recreational complex open to Parsippany residents and sports programs to utilize, and enhanced revenue as a result of the site’s modernization,” said Haytham Haidar of PARQ Parsippany.
The approved plan will be implemented in two phases. The first phase includes Multi-Family Building 1, which features 275 multi-family residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space, and ample parking. It will also highlight 75 clustered courtyard townhomes with two-car garages. The townhomes will feature contemporary farmhouse-style architecture with access to a clubhouse and outdoor pool. Convenient, master-down home designs are also available. An athletic field, concession building, restrooms, and playground are also included in the first phase.
Multi-Family Building
The second phase includes Multi-Family Building 2, which features 250 multi-family residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space, and ample parking. The residences will allow the Township of Parsippany to fulfill part of its state-mandated affordable housing obligations.
The two luxury multi-family buildings tout green design elements, as well as smart building and home features that promote wellness. These features include Energy Star® appliances and lighting fixtures; windows with Low-E coating; low flow water fixtures; programmable thermostats, and electric car charging stations in each building’s parking garage. Each multi-family building also features an elegant welcoming lobby with motor court drop-off; an upscale club suite; a private event room; a children’s playroom; a state-of-the-art fitness center; a resort-style pool with outdoor BBQ and lounging areas, and co-working alcoves.
PARQ’s vision is for the revitalization to seamlessly integrate the design of the project into the existing fabric of Parsippany. The transformation of the 23-acre portion of the Lanidex office complex will begin in 2021 and conclude in 2025.
PARQ Parsippany will ensure physical spaces reflect community values. “The result will be a compelling neighborhood that will transform Parsippany into a place where people are conveniently connected by bike, car, or public transport. By offering easy access to various points of interest throughout Morris County, New York City, and beyond, getting where you need to go will be seamless,” said Haidar. “Multi-generational, varied lifestyles create an authentic community. The conversation is welcome. Engagement is the goal. Exclusive, yet humble. PARQ will positively impact the community by creating Parsippany’s true heart.”
About PARQ Parsippany
The PARQ Parsippany development team includes PARQ Parsippany; Garofalo O’Neill Ruggierio, LLC, Real Estate Law; Minno & Wasko, Architects, and Planners; Design 446, Marketing and Advertising; Greystar Real Estate Partners; Sue Adler, Keller Williams Premier Properties; Langan Engineering & Environmental Services; Melillo + Bauer Associates, Landscape Architects, and Mary Cook Associates, Interior Design.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming has partnered with Atlantic Health System to provide and administer flu shots to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities at no cost to the recipients.
Supplies are limited, and to qualify for a shot recipients must be Morris County residents, homebound, 60 years of age or older, or a homebound individual with a disability who is between the ages of 18 and 59. Flu shots are important to populations such as seniors and people with disabilities, who are more vulnerable to the flu, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Providing at-home services, such as this, is especially important for our seniors during these times, as it minimizes potential exposures for the most vulnerable population. The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot, and it is even more important this year as it may decrease the risk of co-infection to this high-risk population,” said Christine Hellyer, Director of the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also contends flu shots are this year are critical.
“Routine vaccination prevents illnesses that lead to unnecessary medical visits, hospitalizations, and further strain the healthcare system. For the 2020-2021 influenza season, influenza vaccination will be paramount to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses attributed to influenza in the population and resulting burdens on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the CDC warns on its website.
The flu shots are part of an ongoing effort in Morris County to connect seniors and adults with disabilities to community resources during the pandemic.
“We began to receive calls from seniors requesting options for flu shots administered in the home. When we reached out to public health nurses and community providers, we found few resources for this requested service. The Office on Aging then sought out to partner with an organization to provide this service to seniors who are homebound or were concerned with going to a clinic or their doctor’s office during the pandemic,” Hellyer explained.
Providing at-home services is especially important for seniors during the pandemic because it minimizes the potential for their exposure to the virus. Offering the option to have the flu shot administered by a trusted partner such as Atlantic Health also allows for a sense of relief for those who are unable to get to a provider.
To request an appointment for a flu shot, call Solangel Patarroyo at (973) 971-7259 or reach out through email at Solangel.Patarroyo@atlantichealth.org.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Cube Club is hosting a “Rubik’s Cube Charity Tournament.” This online puzzle-solving competition is to raise money for the Parsippany Food Pantry.
Compete in Parsippany’s 1st ever online Rubik’s Cube Competition on Sunday, December 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• 100% of proceeds will go to the Parsippany Food Pantry
• Guest appearance from Phil Yu, CEO of Cubicle, a leading USA-based online specialty cube store
• First 30 participants will receive a mystery prize from our sponsor Cubicle
• Donations above $25 will receive a Cube ornament that can be used for holiday decoration
PARSIPPANY — Last week, Morris County Office of Health Management announced the creation of the Morris County Covid 19 At-Home Testing portal. Thanks to this program, Morris County residents will have the opportunity to get tested for COVID-19 right from home. You can find a link to the portal by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Community Update December 7, 2020. This past Thursday, Parsippany became the 50th municipality to attain Highlands Council approval for planning and conformance to the water, land use, and resource management requirements of the 2004 Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act. In particular, the Highlands Council recognized, “preservation of community character, mitigation of transportation problems, enhancement of parks and open spaces, protection of environmental features, utilization of sustainable development practices, and protection of cultural and historic resources,” in its recognition of Parsippany’s efforts and new Master Plan.
PARSIPPANY — Effective Monday, December 14, Parsippany-Troy Hills Schools will transition to Fully Remote/Distance Learning. The school principals will communicate to share scheduling information specific to their schools.
“Due to increased cases of COVID-19 and the number of staff members self-isolating as a result of family or school contacts, it is becoming challenging to properly staff our schools. We will remain in Fully Remote status through the holiday break. I will monitor the regional health data and communicate additional information by the end of December,” said Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of Schools
PARSIPPANY — The holiday season can be difficult for military families. For the third year, Cerbo’s Greenhouse and Garden Center, participated in “Trees for Troops.”
Many Parsippany volunteers gathered at Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouse and Garden Center to support the third annual Trees for Troops Christmas tree donation drive.
Cerbo's Trees for Troops
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Trees For Troops
Mayor Michael Soriano loading the final tree on the FedEx truck
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano lifting the last of over 500 trees onto the Fed Ex truck as Tyler Cerbo lays the tree in the truck to be delivered to military families at Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia and Fort Bragg, in North Carolina
Tyler Cerbo and State Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce
Joe, Hogh and Matt Donkersloot with Tyler Cerbo taking a break from loading the trees on the FedEx truck
Pat Storzum and Karen Klindt talking to Mayor Michael Soriano
Joe Cerbo and his son Michael Cerbo
Parsippany resident Justin Musella and Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Vice President Nicolas Limanov
Representative Mikie Sherrill and Mayor Michael Soriano
Mayor Michael Soriano lifting a tree to load onto a FedEx truck
Mayor Michael Soriano and Tyler Cerbo
Residents in small groups unloaded trees, tagged them with holiday wishes, and carefully loaded them into FedEx shipping trucks
Cerbo’s Greenhouse and Garden Center is Parsippany’s oldest business – even older than the town itself! The original deed was completed on a piece of parchment paper and consisted of 26 acres much of which is now under Route 80
Residents in small groups unloaded trees, tagged them with holiday wishes, and carefully loaded them into FedEx shipping trucks, to be delivered to military families at Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia and Fort Bragg, in North Carolina.
“Our first year we had 115 trees donated, last year we got around 300, this year we’ve got a hard count of 500 trees we’re donating,” said Tyler Cerbo, standing along truckloads of carefully wrapped pine trees ready to be unveiled by military families. “This is something the community has been so engaged in and willing to support. People are definitely looking for a feel good at the end of this year, and helping our military and their families is something I think everybody wants to be a part of.”
“The Cerbo family is graciously supporting the “Trees for Troops” effort again this year, and I’m delighted to be joining them as they prepare freshly cut Christmas trees for delivery to a base in Texas this year,” Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce said.
The Trees for Troops program is a nationwide event that donates thousands of farm-grown Christmas trees to military bases all over the country. Donors are provided a card to offer well wishes to the recipient, which is tied to the tree and placed on the trucks to be hauled away to military bases.
“When the Cerbo family asked me to get involved with this three years ago, I was reminded of my father, who was in the military and stationed in Germany, who had brought along his Bing Crosby ‘White Christmas’ record with him, to remind him of the Christmas traditions he missed while overseas,” said Mayor Soriano. “This is personal, not just for me but for the people here volunteering. We respect the men and women who wear the uniform, and protect this country at home and abroad. What a great way to kick off our holiday season.”
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill said “It was great to be in Parsippany yesterday to help load trucks for Trees for Troops with Mayor Soriano. I know how tough it can be to serve overseas during the holidays away from friends and loved ones. Thanks to the work of Tyler Cerbo, the Cerbo family, and the Morris County Chamber, our community is helping to send some holiday cheer to our service members and their families.”
Trees for Troops began in 2005 and has delivered more than 225,000 Christmas trees to military families in the US and to troops stationed overseas. The act may seem small, but for those serving, it can mean everything. Nationwide, the Trees for Troops program delivers close to 20,000 trees to active duty military members and their families at over 75 bases in the U.S. and overseas each year.
Tree farms in about 20 states have donated trees to brighten a military family’s holidays. Many individuals have donated to Trees for Troops as well, getting the organization to its grand total of 225,319 free trees over the past 15 years. All those trees are then delivered to the bases with the help of in-kind work from FedEx, whose volunteers coordinate all deliveries.
Cerbo’s Greenhouse and Garden Center is Parsippany’s oldest business – even older than the town itself! The original deed was completed on a piece of parchment paper and consisted of 26 acres much of which is now under Route 80.
If people still want to donate, Cerbo’s notes that donations can still be made.
Cerbo’s Greenhouse and Garden Center is located at 440 Littleton Road. For more information call (973) 334-2623 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Purple Paint donated $500 to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. This donation was made in an ongoing effort by Purple Paint to help and support the community during COVID-19.
Purple Paint was able to raise these funds through online classes under the program Classes 4 A Cause. Young middle and high school students held online classes and 100% of the funds raised were donated to support this cause. They do private tutoring and the classes are still open. Purple Paint requests your help and support. Click here and enroll your children today or make a donation now to support YOUR community.
This movement to help and support our community during this very difficult time in our lives continues. We must come together as a community to really make a difference. Although everyone had thought the need for food was finally slowing down we were wrong. It seems there is another Covid spike and the endless need for food in our community has once again grown. We need YOUR help to provide meals for the young children and families in our community. Please join this movement to help your community by making a donation now by clicking here.
Purple Paint is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that works to serve children in need around the world selflessly and with compassion to create a positive impact on society. For more information, please call (551) 216-9855 or click here.
Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.
If you are interested in learning about our club you can join via Zoom by clicking here). For more information click here. Our next meeting is Thursday, December 17.
MORRIS COUNTY — Over the last decade, food trucks have become a rapidly growing industry and sought-after culinary experience. For the owners, it is also a lucrative business with minimal overhead and a potential annual revenue stream of $250,000 to $500,000, according to Food Truck Operator. Food trucks also can adjust more easily than brick-and-mortar restaurants to pandemic social distancing restrictions. They have no indoor seating and are able to travel where they are more likely to find customers.
At County College of Morris (CCM), the Department of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts recently accepted delivery of a food truck to provide hands-on training in this popular industry.
At CCM, culinary arts students train in a professional teaching kitchen and are prepared for immediate entry into a career or transfer to a bachelor degree program if that is their preference. Students enrolled in the Food Truck Entrepreneur class also will receive hands-on experience working in the traveling kitchen, as they learn the fundamentals of owning and operating a food truck and the free and low-cost ways to market via social media. The class also covers the basics of food vending, business plan development, menu planning, production design, location selection, and federal, state and local regulations.
The food truck purchased by CCM is 8.5 feet wide and 18 feet long and is equipped with a four-burner stove, 24-inch griddle and a two-basket deep fryer. The department also purchased a cotton candy machine, a crepe maker and a funnel cake deep fryer for the truck. The department’s next step is to brand the truck with CCM’s colors and logo.
The CCM Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts department is a member of the National Restaurant Educational Foundation (NRAEF), the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, and the American Culinary Federation. At CCM, students take part in the NRAEF ManageFirst Program, which equips them with the competencies needed to advance in management and earn an industry recognized credential and certificates in such areas as cost containment, management and safe food handling to provide them with a competitive edge.
To learn more about the Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts programs at CCM click here.
