NewBridge Services Inaugurates New HQ at Pompton Plains Campus

Frank L. Cahill
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NewBridge Services Inaugurates New HQ at Pompton Plains Campus

MORRIS COUNTY — NewBridge Services unveiled its new headquarters in Pompton Plains, where the nonprofit provider of counseling, housing, and education got its start 60 years ago.

Fifty guests cheered as NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden welcomed them to NewBridge’s new home on December 5. “I’m proud that we have established a NewBridge campus in the community where we were founded,” Borden said.

NewBridge purchased two buildings on Newark Pompton Turnpike, adjacent to NewBridge’s adult psychiatric day treatment program and its affordable apartments for adults with special needs. The NewBridge campus has six buildings in all.

NewBridge Board of Trustees President Debbie King, whose father was one of the organization’s founders, said, “I think they would be very pleased to see the creation of our headquarters and campus keeping NewBridge’s roots in Pequannock Township where it all began.”

NewBridge opened its doors in December 1963 as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center in the former Pompton Plains library. Initially serving Pequannock and surrounding communities, the agency grew and evolved over the decades to meet emerging needs.

Today, NewBridge tackles some of society’s toughest issues, including mental illness, substance use, isolation, and homelessness. Each year, it helps thousands of children, adults, and seniors in Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties, and beyond. NewBridge has service centers in Haskell, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Sparta, operates five group homes, created 84 units of affordable housing, and provides support services that allow people with mental illness and older adults to live as independently as possible.

Borden read a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill hand-delivered by her staff member, Georgia Turvey, and a commendation letter from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “NewBridge has served as a pillar of hope in the community and has changed countless lives,” Governor Murphy wrote.

Guest speaker W. Jay Wancyzk of the Pequannock Township Historical Society discussed the nascent shift in attitudes toward mental illness in 1963 on the national stage and locally. Wancyzk noted that President John F. Kennedy that year signed legislation for providing mental health care in the community and drastically reducing institutionalization of people with mental illness.

In Pequannock, Pastor Donner B. Atwood of the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, Municipal Court Judge Herbert Irwin, Mary Jane Kelly, Dr. Kurt Manrodt and Jim Ryan “had the vision to make treatment accessible within our six local communities,” Wancyzk said. The township allowed the nonprofit to use the former library next to the municipal building. Later, NewBridge had its headquarters on Evans Place but relocated to rental space so affordable housing could be built on the property.

NewBridge’s new headquarters once housed Irwin’s law office, Wancyzk noted. “I think he would be mighty pleased with this new connection.” Irwin’s daughter, Debbie Burklow, and her husband attended the event.

Pequannock Mayor David Kohle congratulated NewBridge on its 60th anniversary and new headquarters. “It’s a pleasure to have you back in the center of town,” Kohle said. “We look forward to many, many more years of dedicated services to the residents of Pequannock and the surrounding areas from NewBridge.”

Kohle and Deputy Mayor Ryan Herd joined Borden and King in cutting the green ribbon in front of the new headquarters. Guests then toured the building that will house administrative offices. The second building will be home to two programs, NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living) and Community Support Services, as well as the information technology department.

“This is huge! NewBridge, during its 60th anniversary, is making another clear statement for clients, for donors, for everyone to see that we are committed to this community,” NewBridge Trustee Patricia Lee said.

Robert Parker, who retired as NewBridge CEO in 2020, said the milestone bodes well for the longevity of the organization as it enters its seventh decade. “The most important thing is that NewBridge continues to provide services for people who are hurting,” he said.

NewBridge is selling commemorative bricks that will form a walkway at the new campus. Click here to order.

Public Notice

Frank L. Cahill
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Take notice that Luxury Spirits International, LLC. has applied to the Director of the
Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a Plenary Wholesale License with an office
located at 777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 592, Office 92, Miami, FL 33131.
Objections, if any, should be made immediately in writing to the Director of the Division
of Alcoholic Beverage Control, P.O. Box 087, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0087.

Luxury Spirits International, LLC
777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 592, #92
Miami, Florida 33131
Officer/Stockholder:
Marc Hirten, Manager
449 Avenida Del Norte, Sarasota, FL 34242
Samuel Fitch, Manager
4334 Stonebrook Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459
Galaxia, LLC (Sole Member)
Ctro Pellas, Piso 10, KM 4.5 carr, a Masaya

Parsippany Focus
December 19, 2023
December 26, 2023
$100.00

Parsippany’s PILOT Protesters Shut Down Council Meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s PILOT Protesters Shut Down Council Meeting

PARSIPPANY — More than 200 Parsippany residents shut down Tuesday night’s council meeting which was slated to take up the final vote on three PILOT agreements, also known as municipal tax abatements.

Before the meeting even started, the crowd of attendees standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the council chambers surpassed the room’s capacity limits. 

As a result, Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced the postponement of the meeting until Thursday, December 28 at the PAL building, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.  

Council President Loretta Gragnani angered residents, school officials, and parents for initially setting the time of the rescheduled meeting for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 —  drawing accusations that council officials tried to suppress public attendance with a mid-afternoon meeting on a weekday.

After the loud criticism and “Shame on You” chants, the time of the December 28 meeting was finally adjusted to 7:00 p.m.  

The public also expressed outrage with a procedural change made by Council President Gragnani to move the general public comment period for the Tuesday night meeting to later in the agenda after the council votes on the second reading of the proposed PILOT ordinances.

The public comment period has traditionally come before the individual resolution section of the meeting. 

Many suspect the move to delay public comments is a reaction to the unanimous pushback from residents and school board officials who vigorously protested the proposed PILOT programs at the December 5 council meeting. 

PILOT agreements are deals that enable a developer to switch their standard tax payments for a property to a fixed, yearly payment to the municipality.

Township residents and school officials warn that PILOTs will allow large developers to avoid paying their full share of property taxes while straining municipal and school district resources. 

Despite the unanimous opposition to PILOTs Council members Gragnani, Michael dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr., and Frank Neglia have voted in favor of the PILOTs being represented by former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino, who served during Mayor James Barberio’s first mayoral term from 2010 to 2017.

Dissenting Council member Justin Musella and the Township’s entire school board have repeatedly stated that the proposed PILOTs will underfund the school system as new developments undoubtedly add additional students and costs.

Municipal officials and Mayor James Barberio have stated that prolonged blight of unoccupied or demolished office buildings will greatly increase the tax burden for residents if PILOTs are not used.

Parsippany Ranked as One of the Hottest Real Estate Markets in the Nation

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Ranked as One of the Hottest Real Estate Markets in the Nation

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany has been named one of the 150 “Hottest Real Estate Markets” in the nation by Realtor.com for November. Parsippany is among 23 New Jersey towns making the list. This ranking highlights Parsippany’s continued growth, compelling amenities, and increasing demand as an attractive destination for residential homebuyers and investors alike.

Parsippany is situated in Northern New Jersey, approximately 25 miles west of Manhattan, making it a popular destination for commuters. It offers convenient access to major highways and various public transportation options. With a vast array of housing available, from single-family homes to apartments along with an active Senior Center, Parsippany accommodates various lifestyles as well. The education provided by the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is well-regarded and students and residents alike can enjoy the many outdoor spaces and recreational areas. The events and festivals that Parsippany hosts throughout the year further cement its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living and fostering a strong sense of community for its diverse population.

“We are thrilled to see Parsippany gaining recognition on a national level for its real estate market,” said Mayor James R. Barberio. “Our community has worked diligently to create an environment that fosters growth and prosperity, and this acknowledgment reflects the dedication of our residents, businesses, and local government.”

Indoor Cricket Winter Bash 2023: Whipping Up Cricketing Magic Amidst the Storm

Frank L. Cahill
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Indoor Cricket Winter Bash 2023: Whipping Up Cricketing Magic Amidst the Storm

MORRIS COUNTY — An extraordinary event unfolded within the confines of the Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) facility – Winter Bash 2023, on December 9 and December 10. Despite the storm outside, the weather provided the ideal setting for youngsters aged 6-14 to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of indoor cricket, a pursuit not just for physical activity but a transformative experience fostering character, camaraderie, and lifelong lessons.

Twenty-four players, spanning diverse age groups, were strategically organized into four teams, setting the stage for a two-day extravaganza of competitive cricket. The tournament, consisting of limited-overs league matches, became a showcase of talent, tenacity, and teamwork. Each game, a microcosm of excitement, unfolded with suspense and thrill, keeping participants and spectators alike on the edge of their seats until the final bowl was hurled.

As the league matches concluded, the top two teams emerged to engage in a battle of skills for the Winter Bash 2023 trophy. The most competitive team, undoubtedly, claimed the title, while teams in the 3rd and 4th positions fought spiritedly for their place in the rankings. The captains and players of each team were not merely participants; they were heroes, recognized and awarded for their stellar performances, adding an extra layer of celebration to the tournament.

Cricket, more than just a sport, demonstrated its multifaceted benefits during Winter Bash 2023. With billions of followers globally, the sport has become a powerful catalyst for promoting physical health, enhancing cognitive abilities, and instilling values crucial for character building. The recent announcement of cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 further solidifies its standing as one of the fastest-emerging sports in the USA.

At the helm of nurturing cricketing talent is ICUSA, a decades-old cricket organization founded and led by the passionate Coach Lalta Perusad. Far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, Coach Lalta and ICUSA contribute significantly to the holistic development of young individuals aged 6-16. The organization is not merely about winning championships; it’s about equipping the youth with cricket skills that seamlessly translate into life skills, aiding them in overcoming the challenges that life throws their way.

Moreover, ICUSA continues to be a beacon of cricket development, offering ongoing upskilling programs and organizing a myriad of tournaments, both indoor and outdoor. This commitment ensures that the flame ignited by Winter Bash 2023 will continue to burn bright, illuminating the path for aspiring cricketers and contributing to the growth of the sport within the community as well as in the nation.

Winter Bash 2023 became a sanctuary of joy, passion, and triumph. Cricket, the sport of resilience, echoed within the walls of the Indoor Cricket facility, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the young participants. With ICUSA and Coach Lalta leading the charge, the legacy of Winter Bash 2023 extends far beyond the tournament, promising a generation of individuals enriched with the values and skills to conquer the storms of life with the same vigor they displayed on the cricket field.

Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) is located at 9 Whippany Road, Whippany.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to view the magazine.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Declares December 5th ‘Bedding Shoppe Day

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Declares December 5th ‘Bedding Shoppe Day

PARSIPPANY – Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5 as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.

“I commend Mike for his achievement of 35 years of success and of being a community partner with the Township of Parsippany,” said Barberio.

“His yearly food drives exemplify what giving back to the community means. The Bedding Shoppe is a fixture of this town, and I wish him another 35 years or more,” continued Barberio.

Frank Cahill Presents Mike Hatler with a Commemorative Plaque

Frank Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, presented Michael with a plaque and conveyed, “Bedding Shoppe, a family-operated store specializing in mattresses and bedroom furniture situated on Route 46, joyfully marks its 35th anniversary. Established by owner Mike Hatler on October 22, 1988, Bedding Shoppe has become a cornerstone of Parsippany, dedicated to serving both the local community and nearby areas. This achievement holds particular significance, considering that a mere 5% of small businesses endure beyond the 30-year milestone. Throughout the years, Bedding Shoppe has catered to over 35,000 customers, spanning three generations of families. The store’s enduring success can be attributed to its steadfast commitment to delivering top-quality products and exceptional customer service.”

The Bedding Shoppe is located at 811 Route 46 East. Click here for more information.

Frank Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development presented Michael with a plaque and conveyed, “Bedding Shoppe, a family-operated store specializing in mattresses and bedroom furniture.

Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5th as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.

Vehicle Break-In Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Stolen BMW Case

Frank L. Cahill
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Vehicle Break-In Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Stolen BMW Case

PARSIPPANY – On the morning of Sunday, November 26 at approximately 6:23 a.m. a resident on Rita Drive reported that they observed a dark sedan drop off a person dressed in black and the individual was pulling on vehicle door handles attempting to gain entry.

As patrol officers began to check the surrounding area for the vehicle and person, Ptl. Hughes observed a 2022 BMW x7 exiting a driveway on Sedgefield Drive and leaving the area.

He also observed a dark-colored Kia with its headlights off slowly moving away from the residence the BMW x7 left.

Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Nacosh Crawford, 21, West Orange.

A check of the temporary license plate affixed to the vehicle showed that it was reported stolen by the Newark Police Department.

While on the scene, officers contacted the residents where the BMW x7 exited. They advised that their house was burglarized moments earlier and the keys to the vehicle were stolen, as well as the vehicle.

Mr. Crawford was placed under arrest and transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters. He was charged on a Complaint Warrant with the following criminal offenses:
• 2nd Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• 3rd Degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary
• 3rd Degree Exhibiting a False Government Document
• Receiving Stolen Property, a Disorderly Person Offense

He was further charged with the following traffic offenses:
• Unsealed Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Inspect a Motor Vehicle
• Improper Display/Unclear Plates
• Obstruction of Windshield

He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. After the defendant’s initial appearance, he was released from the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to email socialmedia@parpolice.com or call (973) 263-4300.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Tax-Free Pilot for New Residential Development: Impact on Schools and Home Values

Press Release
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Tax-Free Pilot for New Residential Development: Impact on Schools and Home Values

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Board of Education kindly invites residents to join the forthcoming Town Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m., taking place at Parsippany Town Hall, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. The meeting will provide additional information regarding the financial aspects of the latest PILOT arrangement for your awareness.

Top Ranked Schools Keep Home Values High

  • Parsippany-Troy Hills School District high schools rank in the top 19% of all New Jersey high schools and in the top 12% of all high schools nationally.
  • These high rankings are possible through the 63.5% share of the township taxes collected through the Township of Parsippany.
  • On average, each student costs approximately $21,800 annually and to sustain the high rankings of all our schools.  Any additional students we welcome through new residential development will require funding as well. Without those taxes, our existing and new students will suffer, and Parsippany-Troy Hill will become a less desirable place to live which will cause a decrease in home values.

PILOT Brings More Students Which Need More School Funding

  • The PILOT agreements the Township of Parsippany has recently approved include 410 new residential units.
  • Historically, there has been an average of 0.4 students enrolled through each such unit, so this new development is expected to bring 164 additional students to the schools resulting in the need for an additional $3,575,200 in funding just for basic educational services.
  • PILOT agreements that do not include clear revenue-sharing agreements with the Board of Education create a situation where the school district is obligated to educate these new students with no additional revenue to offset those expenses. Absent this revenue-sharing, the Board of Education will need to ask the taxpayers to increase their own taxes.

With PILOT on Residential Developments, Developer and Township Win While Schools Lose

Based upon financial details provided by the Township of Parsippany, 

  • Over the agreed upon 30-year period, the latest PILOT agreements will bring $47 million in PILOT payments to the Township instead of the original $25 million in taxes expected without the PILOT agreement. 
  • Why would the developer agree to pay this extra $22 million? Because in exchange, the developer will not have to pay $89 million in taxes on their improvements (buildings) on their site. 
  • Without the taxes from the improvements, our schools will not receive $57 million in funding, the municipality will not receive $25 million, and the County and Open Spaces will miss out on a combined total of over $7 Million.

The Board of Education is NOT in favor of any PILOT agreements for residential development, especially without written, signed agreements that clearly define the fiscal compensation to the school district. The Board of Education will meet with the Mayor to start the process of ensuring that the schools have adequate funding for new students arriving as a result of residential development.  

Be informed and speak up so our students and your home values don’t suffer. 

In advance of the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. located at Town Hall, please review the PILOT program and financial information click here.

Marotta Controls Earns Top Honors from Lockheed Martin

Frank L. Cahill
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Marotta Controls Earns Top Honors from Lockheed Martin

PARSIPPANY – Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing aerospace and defense supplier, today announced that its Power & Actuation Systems business unit recently received several accolades from Lockheed Martin at the aerospace leader’s 2023 Supplier Summit. Marotta Controls earned Lockheed’s Program Management Excellence and President’s Awards for its performance as a key supplier to Lockheed’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program. Marotta provides a complex control system for this critical Lockheed program, which is the company’s next-generation, long-range precision-strike missile designed for the U.S. Army. In addition to the two summit awards, Marotta Program Manager, Antony Haines, was recognized with the Quality of Leadership Award for the same program.

“Lockheed Martin works with top suppliers in the industry to ensure our customers always stay ahead of ready. Marotta Controls has been eager to collaborate and deliver,” said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin. “With these awards, we acknowledge their outstanding commitment, products, and services that contribute to the success of our PrSM program and future endeavors.”

 With 15 suppliers under consideration, two of the five summit awards went to the team at Marotta. The summit’s Program Management Excellence Award focuses on the Program Management Team’s adherence to best practices (tools and techniques), encouraging development, and documenting and tracking performance such as budget, schedule, resources, and quality. The summit’s President’s Award is a special recognition of Marotta Controls’ superior performance and dedication to the PrSM Program. The separate Quality of Leadership Award recognizes the team lead who embodies what good leadership looks like and drives performance excellence amongst their team to align with mission goals.

 “We worked hard to demonstrate our talent and tenacity with Lockheed, designing and qualifying our hardware in record time,” said Antony Haines, Program Manager, Marotta Controls, and recipient of Lockheed’s Quality of Leadership Award. “Working side-by-side with its Missiles & Fire Control division, we’ve taken our long-established team approach that puts transparency front and center. This level of communication has served us well. With six successful PrSM test flights and counting under our collective belt, these awards further demonstrate Marotta’s ability to connect and deliver on our promises.”

Edward Wall, a Former Councilman of Parsippany, Has Passed Away

Frank L. Cahill
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Edward Wall, a Former Councilman of Parsippany, Has Passed Away

PARSIPPANY – Edward J. Wall passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023. Ed was born in Richmond Hill, New York on July 17, 1933, and moved to Elmwood Park, as a young boy.

He was the son of Edward and Bella Wall, predeceased. He attended St. Leo’s Grammar School in Elmwood Park and graduated from Pope Pius High School in Passaic.

He married his High School Sweetheart, Jane Elwood on September 17, 1955, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Jane predeceased him in 2021. They lived in Parsippany and attended St. Christopher Catholic Church. Ed was a teacher in Garfield School System 1962-1965. He taught at Wayne Hills High School from 1968-1997.

He was Chairman of the Business Education and Home Economics Departments. He was also Head Track Coach at Wayne Hills from 1968 to 1977. When he retired, he was asked to teach at St. Christopher’s School for two years. He formed the Parsippany Recreation Track Team in 1987 for students grades 4 to 8. The team won the League’s “B” Division championships in 1987 and 1988.

Wall served as a Parsippany Councilman from 1993 to 1997.

He was on the Morris County Park Commission for seventeen years and was acting president for three years. He was chairman of the Republican Club in Parsippany and a member of the Lake Parsippany Board of Directors.

He is the proud father of Ellen Jane Gasco (Joseph), Edward (Kathy), William (Tammy), Richard (Denise), Michael (Karen) and Thomas (Stacey). He was totally devoted to his grandchildren: Melissa (Kris), Jill, Amanda Rianne (Brooks), Joseph, Kelly (Kyle) Klaire, Justin, Kyle (Leslie), Sydney Jane, Brendan, Hayden, Michael Steven (Cooper), Rachel, Adrienne (Mike), Olivia, Ileana and Eagan. He had a special love for his great-grandchildren, twins, Dale Joseph & Kade Ryan, Everett, Merritt, Hadley, Lincoln, and Mack with many more expected.

He was predeceased by his sister Teresa, leaving behind a brother Peter, and many nieces and nephews.

Ed and Jane were snowbirds for nine years in Vero Beach. In 2011, they became owners of a home in The Villages, Central Florida. He became a member of the Community of Buttonwood Heights, taking up golf actively and joining St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. He became a 4th-degree Knight and a member of the Color Guard. He also was a member of the YesterYear Club and enjoyed with much pleasure his golf cart.

To sum up his life: he was a true believer in his Catholic religion, a great teacher, a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He formed many friendships in New Jersey and Florida. He will be sadly and greatly missed.

A memorial mass will be held in the Villages, Florida on December 5 at 2:00 p.m. at St.
Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. 5323 E CR 462, Wildwood, Fl 34785.

In lew of flowers a donation to charities: Morris County Park Commission, Morris County.
St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Council 13300 Wildwood Florida, 32162.

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