Letter to the Editor: Resident Questions Residential PILOT Agreements’ Impact

Dear Editor:

Editors Note: This letter was presented at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting on November 23.

First, I want to make it clear that my comments refer only to the PILOTs at 2 and 3 Campus Drive, because they will add students to Parsippany’s school system.  

Prior to the last meeting’s public session, the mayor and the developer’s attorney, Mr. Inglesino, delivered what can only be described as an all-out PILOT sales pitch. The sales pitch contained the expected embellishment of a PILOT’s positive points while omitting any points that could be interpreted as negative. It also included a generous amount of scare tactics.

Leading off was the mayor, who brought up two points that I would categorize as unsubstantiated. First, the mayor stated emphatically that these PILOTs were necessary because of the rise in construction costs and interest rates. The big problem here is that 2 and 3 Campus Drive were purchased only a month ago. During that short period of time, construction costs have remained about the same and interest rates have actually gone down. So, the mayor’s rationale for why these PILOTs are necessary is not valid, and for that reason alone, the PILOT ordinances should be withdrawn tonight.

Next, the mayor claimed that if the PILOTs are not granted, the projects will not get done, Parsippany will lose tax revenue, and property taxes will go through the roof. That statement is a speculation, a mislead, and a scare tactic all rolled into one. The possibility that Avalon Bay, one of the largest REITs in the country, bought the property on the gamble of obtaining a PILOT, and would walk away from their investments at 2 and 3 Campus Drive after owning them for only one month is very small. And the mayor knows full well that your taxes will not skyrocket even if Avalon Bay pulls out. Because of the 2% cap law, you can count on property taxes going up between 2 and 3 ½% with or without a PILOT.

Mr. Inglesino’s presentation was professional, factual, and informative, but it was also incomplete. Here are just some of the more important details that were left out.

  • Mr. Inglesino stressed that the school district will still receive a share of the land taxes if a PILOT is granted. What he left out is that the school district currently receives a share of the land tax, and will continue to receive that same amount whether a PILOT is granted or not. The school district gets no additional money from the PILOT, but it will have to pay for additional students.
  • Mr. Inglesino made absolutely no mention that the developer would be receiving a Land Tax Credit (LTC) under the PILOT. According to the financial charts, Parsippany will rebate approximately 75% of the Land Tax. Avalon Bay is already getting a sweetheart deal on the Building Improvements at Campus Drive, so why does the company also need a rebate on the land taxes, and how does that rebate affect what the school district receives?
  • Mr. Inglesino also failed to disclose that under the proposed PILOT, Parsippany will forfeit $47 million in property tax dollars over 30 years, a number easily derived from totals that appear on the financial sheets. What is Parsippany getting for that $47 million, and is the mayor, the council, and the public comfortable with that price tag?
  • Next, Mr. Inglesino’s statement that the school district receives all of the budgeted money that it is entitled to, is entirely true. But there were no details about what happens after a PILOT kicks in. Let’s say that the 410 apartment units at Campus Drive add 50 students to the schools. We already know that the PILOT is not contributing anything extra for the approximately $1 million cost of educating these additional students. But somebody has to pay for them since their costs will be included in the school district’s next budget. As Mr. Inglesino stated, the town must pay for everything that the school district asks for, but that money only comes from properties in the tax-ratable base, which includes every homeowner, but not the PILOTed properties on Campus Drive. In short, the Parsippany taxpayer must absorb all of the additional educational costs that the PILOTed properties are exempted from.
  • Mr. Inglesino also neglected to tell the audience that Parsippany will most likely have to pay out more money to provide municipal and educational services than it will receive in PILOT payments. For example, according to the financial sheet handouts, in year 1, Parsippany will receive a $1 million PILOT payment but will have to spend $1.7 million to provide municipal services and to educate 50 additional students. No savvy businessman or council member enters an agreement knowing that it will lose money. Rather than operating at a deficit under the PILOT, the township would be better off financially if nothing were built on the property.

In certain cases, commercial PILOTs may be warranted, but the more you learn about residential PILOTs, the worse they get. Thank you.

Bob Venezia

Knoll West Country Club’s Generous Thanksgiving Meal Donation Brightens Community’s Holiday

PARSIPPANY  — It was a beautiful Thanksgiving morning, the sun was shining and the temperature mild, as Knoll West Country Club Manager, Kypros “Kip” Andreou, and his staff arrived very early at Parsippany’s gorgeous Knoll West County Club and Catering to begin preparations for over 200 individual Thanksgiving dinners that were to be generously donated to those in need throughout the community.

Volunteers Paul Patracuolla and Jim Ford picking up deliveries from Knoll Catering General Manager, Kypros “Kip” Andreou.

As Chef Peter Kypriamou and Jonathan Vicari began the demanding kitchen preparations for such an event, other necessary duties, such as setting up, boxing each individual meal, and making sure the delivery lists were in order fell upon volunteers, Jorge Manzo and Steve Aimutis, while General Manager Andreou coordinated the operations.

Knoll Catering General Manager, Kypros “Kip” Andreou organized the event.

Each meal consisted of a nice-sized portion of Turkey (naturally), stuffing, mashed potatoes, cauliflower & broccoli, salad, gravy, and cranberries. A meal is sure to make the recipient’s holiday a little brighter.

Each meal consisted of Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, gravy, & cranberries.

The event was coordinated between Knoll West C.C. Catering, Saint Peter the Apostle Church, and the Parsippany United Methodist Church, who helped create the list of recipients.  A steady stream of volunteers, those who were delivering meals throughout the community, as well as individuals picking up their own dinners, kept the Knoll staff busy. The distribution lasted between 10:00 a.m. and noon and ran like a well-oiled machine.  

Mr. Andreou noted that it was with the assistance of such companies as Baldor Specialty Foods, out of the Bronx, N.Y., and M&J Frank Restaurant Supplies, located in East Hanover, for their generous donations leading to the success of this much-appreciated community event.  

Volunteers Stacy Fernandez, Cristina Fernandez, and Angelina Fernandez picking up meals to deliver them to local families.

 All involved, the Knoll Catering staff, the volunteers, and anyone who contributed in any way clearly enjoyed and took great satisfaction in being a part of a giving-back community event such as this.  After all, isn’t assisting those, our neighbors and friends, who are in need of some assistance, part of what this holiday, and what our community is all about?

Long-Time Morris County Employee Retires After 35 years

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has honored Denise Leffler, an employee who is retiring after a 35-year career with the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

The long-time employee was presented with a framed resolution outlining her public service during a luncheon hosted by County Clerk Ann Grossi earlier this week.

“Denise is a legend in the Morris County Clerk’s Office. For 35 years she has graced our office with her effervescent smile, joyful demeanor, contagious giggle, and dedication. She is loved by all and will be greatly missed,” said Grossi.

Denise’s career began in 1988 under then-County Clerk Alfonse Scerbo, where she oversaw the sorting and cataloging of documents, as well as mail distribution. She continued to provide her dedicated service under two subsequent County Clerks, Joan Bramhall (1999 – 2013) and Ann F. Grossi, Esq (2014 – present), working in the Registry Department and providing other services.

Denise will be fondly remembered by her coworkers for her outgoing and bubbly personality, and especially her willingness to do whatever task she was assigned, going forth every time with a sense of mission and a smile.

A Morris County native, Denise was born and raised in Parsippany Troy-Hills Township. She has a daughter, Jaclyn, who is now grown and works as a dental assistant. In retirement, Denise looks forward to spending more time with Jaclyn, along with her siblings and her mother, Joan. She also plans to indulge in her favorite pastimes – watching old-time TV reruns and shopping.

Morris County congratulates Denise for 35 years of dedicated public service, not only to the Morris County Clerk’s Office but also to the residents she served over many years.

Founder and CEO Tom Coyne Honored with PRSA-NY’s Prestigious John W. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award 

PARSIPPANY — Coyne PR celebrated as Tom Coyne was honored by PRSA-NY with the prestigious John W. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Big Apple Awards held on November 15 at TAO Downtown in New York City. This accolade underscored Tom’s remarkable contributions to the industry over the years, embodying the spirit of excellence that the award represents.

As PRSA-NY’s top honor, the John W. Hill Award recognizes lifetime professional achievement in the practice of public relations. It is named for the founder of one of the world’s prominent PR firms and is given annually to professionals who excel in leadership, integrity, service, communications, and understanding through the exchange of ideas.

Rich Lukis, President of Coyne PR, expressed his elation, “This was a monumental occasion for our agency as we celebrated the storied career of Tom Coyne. The honor bestowed upon him by PRSA-NY with the John W. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award reflects not only his tremendous contributions to Coyne PR but to the broader public relations industry as well. It was truly a night of pride and reflection on the indelible mark Tom has left on all of us.”

The annual PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards continued to be a hallmark event that celebrated the exemplary achievements of PR agencies, companies, governmental bodies, and not-for-profit organizations in the New York Metro area across over 100 disciplines. With a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a distinguished panel of over 75 senior-level communications leaders, the awards epitomized the pinnacle of creativity, integrity, and excellence in the public relations field.

In addition to celebrating Tom Coyne’s illustrious career, Coyne PR was also delighted to share its success with five client wins this year. These victories echoed the agency’s enduring commitment to delivering outstanding service and innovative solutions to its clients.

Coyne PR won in the following Big Apple Award categories:

  • Events & Observances (1-7 days) – Campaigns with Budgets of $200,000 or Less: Pacira BioSciences, Inc. – Smashing Records with iovera° at the National Senior Games
  • Events & Observances (More than 7 days) – Business: Ollie’s 40th Anniversary celebration including the America’s Biggest Cheapskate Contest and World’s Largest Bobblehead event
  • Marketing Consumer Products – Healthcare: Pacira BioSciences, Inc. – Freezing Out the Competition with iovera°
  • Marketing Consumer Products – Beauty: CeraVe Enlists Dermfluencers and TikTok Titans to Show Consumers How to #CleanseLikeaDerm
  • Best Use of Spokesperson/Influencer – Other: CeraVe Enlists Dermfluencers and TikTok Titans to Show Consumers How to #CleanseLikeaDerm

Coyne PR received honorable mentions in the following Big Apple Award categories:

  • Integrated Communications – Consumer Products: Alka-Seltzer and T-Pain Help Hangover Symptoms Fizzle
  • Marketing Consumer Products – Healthcare: Humana – Honoring Senior Athletes at the 2022 National Senior Games: The Humana Game Changers

For a full list of honorable mentions and winners, please visit the PRSA-NY website.

Morris County Honors Dr. Joseph S. Weisberg for Over 40 Years of Public Service

MORRIS COUNTY — On Monday, November 20, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners paid tribute to Dr. Joseph S. Weisberg, celebrating over forty years of his unwavering commitment to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, the County College of Morris (CCM), and the broader Morris County community.

In a Collaborative Event, Kiwanis Clubs Serve Over 325 Senior Citizens at Local IHOPs

PARSIPPANY — Members from Kiwanis Clubs of Greater Dover, Rockaway, Tri-Town, Greater Parsippany, and Morristown joined forces in a heartwarming event, serving over 325 dinners to senior citizens at IHOP locations in Parsippany, Kenvil, and Cedar Knolls. The seniors savored a choice of turkey or chicken dinners, complete with all the traditional trimmings.

The event was coordinated by Frank Cahill, Past Lt. Governor of NJ District Kiwanis, Division 9, and current President of the Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town.

Michelle Espada, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, showcased her commitment to community engagement during the recent senior meal event at IHOP Kevil. Her presence at the event was marked by meaningful interactions with the seniors. Taking the time to converse and connect with the elderly guests, Espanda’s efforts went beyond mere meal service. Her actions exemplify the personal touch that Kiwanis Club members strive to bring to their community service initiatives, highlighting their dedication to not only serve but also to build relationships and enrich the lives of the seniors they support.

After enjoying their meals, seniors at the Cedar Knolls IHOP were presented with a variety of pies – Apple, Pumpkin, Blueberry, or Coconut Custard – as a complimentary gift from Arden Courts – ProMedica Memory Care Community (Whippany). Similarly, those at the Kenvil and Parsippany IHOPs received Apple, Pumpkin, and Blueberry pies, courtesy of ShopRite Parsippany.

Maria Rosario’s participation underscores the club’s dedication to hands-on community service and the personal connection members like Rosario establish with those they serve. Maria Rosario, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, contributed her time and efforts in the recent senior meal event by personally distributing pies to the seniors. Her involvement added a special touch to the occasion, as she ensured each senior received a delightful dessert.

Adding to the community spirit, Key Club students from Morristown High School, Parsippany Hills High School, Parsippany High School, and Morris Knolls High Schools actively participated alongside Kiwanis members. These enthusiastic volunteers engaged with the seniors, taking orders, serving food, and ensuring a tidy dining experience, thereby creating a memorable and joyous occasion for all involved.

At the Kiwanis Thanksgiving Dinner event held at IHOP, Dover Mayor-Elect James Dodd played an active and engaging role. His participation involved interacting with the patrons, adding a sense of community and leadership to the occasion. Mayor-Elect Dodd’s presence and involvement with the guests underscored his commitment to community engagement and support for local initiatives. His interactions with the attendees not only added a special touch to the event but also reflected his dedication to being an accessible and involved leader in the community, especially in events that bring people together and celebrate community spirit. Dodd is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover
During the Thanksgiving meal event at IHOP, significant contributions were made by Sergio Rodriguez, President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, and Valerie Kuglin from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway. Their collaborative efforts were pivotal in the event’s success, showcasing a strong partnership between the two clubs. Notably, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, chartered on August 31, 2023, was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway. This collaboration highlights the synergy and mutual support within the Kiwanis community, demonstrating their commitment to service and community engagement, especially in organizing events that benefit and bring joy to seniors during festive occasions.
Frank Cahill, Frank Sblendorio Jr., and Nicolas Limanov, in collaboration with the ShopRite Bakery Manager, played a crucial role in enriching the Thanksgiving Dinner events organized by the Kiwanis Club. They facilitated the donation of 150 assorted pies from ShopRite, which were distributed during the events. This generous contribution not only added a sweet touch to the meals but also exemplified the spirit of community partnership and giving. The involvement of these individuals, along with the support from ShopRite, highlights the collaborative efforts that go into making community events successful and memorable, especially in bringing added joy to the attendees through such thoughtful gestures.
Frank Cahill with members of the Morristown High School Key Club. The delicious pies donated by Arden Courts in the background
At the recent Thanksgiving meal event, Mary Dougherty, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Morristown, was seen sharing smiles and joyful moments with members of the Morristown Key Club. This interaction highlights the positive atmosphere and the spirit of community service shared by Kiwanis Club members and the youth of the Key Club. Their collaboration in serving the community, especially during such significant events, not only fosters a sense of unity but also inspires the younger generation to continue the legacy of service and community involvement. Dougherty’s engagement with the Key Club members exemplifies the mentorship and encouragement that the Kiwanis Club provides to young volunteers.

Parsippany to hold Menorah Lighting

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills warmly invites you to join us for a Menorah Lighting event at the Parsippany Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, on December 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Menorah lighting is a cherished tradition during Hanukkah, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the ancient Jewish Temple. This symbolic event fosters community spirit and unity, bringing people together to celebrate the Festival of Lights and embrace the values of hope and perseverance.

Multiple Smash-and-Grab Incidents Occur at Parsippany Hotels

PARSIPPANY — During the bustling Thanksgiving weekend, Parsippany hotels, conveniently located near major routes like Route 46, Route 10, Route 280, Route 287, Route 53, and Route 80, become hotspots for family gatherings. However, this increased activity also attracts criminal activity.

Reports indicate a series of vehicle break-ins at local hotels. Specifically, the Parsippany Sheraton experienced 27 vehicle break-ins between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Thursday. Additionally, the Parsippany Hilton and other hotels, including the Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, Travel Lodge, Hyatt, and Sonesta Suites, were similarly victimized.

A spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous, at the Parsippany Hilton confirmed there were 15 vehicle break-ins early Thursday morning.

Unconfirmed reports suggest as many as 100 vehicles were vandalized early Thursday morning.

Sign at Sheraton Hotel

One of the signs displayed at the Sheraton reads “If you are staying in the hotel and parking a vehicle, please register it at the reception desk, and you will receive a pass to display inside your vehicle, The nightly parking rate is $15. The hotel parking lot is monitored and non-registered vehicles are subject to towing immediately. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Yet another states “Park at your own risk. The hotel assumes no liability for loss or damage to vehicles or property.”

Sign at the Sheraton Hotel

According to Brian Conover, Parsippany Police Department, “Numerous attempted and completed vehicle burglaries took place at the following locations during the night of November 22 into the early morning hours of November 23:

  • Sheraton Hotel (Smith Road)
  • Hyatt House (Smith Road)
  • Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites (Route 46)

The unknown suspect(s) gained entry to the vehicles by breaking a window. These incidents are currently under investigation by our Detective Bureau.  Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact 973-263-4300 or email socialmedia@parpolice.com

Parsippany Interfaith Council Organizes Thanksgiving Community Event

PARSIPPANY — On Monday, November 20, members of the Parsippany Interfaith Council came together at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church to express gratitude and assemble care packages for the local food pantry in celebration of Thanksgiving.

The event featured a series of songs, readings, and blessings, emphasizing themes of thankfulness.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella also attended and addressed those gathered

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella also attended and addressed those gathered, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community and the importance of truth. He highlighted the significance of interfaith gatherings as guiding lights towards a world of peace, respect, and love.

Parsippany Interfaith Council includes:

Rev. Don Bragg Parsippany Presbyterian Church
Rev. Psomi Psomas-Jackloski St. Andrews Lutheran Church
Tnzeel Khokha- Parsippany Islamic Cultural Community Center
Mesut Sahin- Parsippany Islamic Cultural Community Center
Rev. Marissa van der Valk- Parsippany United Methodist Church
Rabbi Moshe Rudin- Adath Shalom Congregation
Rev. Dr. Stacie Turk- First Baptist Community Church
Rev. Aaron Oliver- St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church of Parsippany

Parsippany School District Implements Color-Coded ID Lanyards for Students

by Lithra Sankari, a student at Parsippany High School

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Troy-Hills school district recently implemented a new high school mandatory policy- wearing ID lanyards. Specifically, at Parsippany High School, all students and faculty are required to wear colored ID lanyards that correspond with their class- the class of 2027 wears blue, the class of 2026 wears black, the class of 2025 wears white, and the class of 2024 wears grey. According to Principal Melissa Carucci of Parsippany High School, “As a district, student, and staff safety is the top priority.  This year the secondary schools (CMS, BMS, PHS, and PHHS) implemented a new student and staff ID policy. All students and staff are required to wear their ID when in the school buildings. The ID policy provides an additional level of safety and orderly operation to our buildings. With time, our PHS staff and students have adjusted to the new policy. We are appreciative of their cooperation and support.”

However, to implement this security measure, Parsippany High School students are receiving lunch detentions for the first two offenses of not wearing an ID lanyard and a Saturday detention for the third offense. If an ID lanyard is lost or stolen, the student will not only receive detention but is required to purchase a new ID lanyard for $5.00. The lanyard itself is $3 and the ID is $3.00 if bought separately.  Some students report worrying about these detentions appearing on their records or on their college applications. Some worry about the cost implications of losing an ID lanyard. Indeed, many students fear losing their ID, but there are some teachers who believe it is a student’s responsibility to remember to wear the lanyard. 

While this policy may be effective for signing in and out of bathrooms, buying lunch, and scanning attendance, it is important to note that students do not use their IDs for actually scanning into the building. PHS faculty simply check if a student wears the lanyard around their neck. In addition, during the previous school year, students had the ability to type in their student ID to scan into the bathroom, buy lunch, and other functions that require identification. Therefore, IDs are not entirely necessary to sign in and out of places around the school. 

It is also equally important to understand how Parsippany High School students and faculty feel about this new policy. Here are some anonymous responses:

Question 1: Do you see the benefit of wearing ID lanyards to school/work?

Anonymous Student 1: “No I don’t because they have little to no use.”

Anonymous Student 2: “No because although there is some identification benefit to it, in reality, the teachers don’t use it, we aren’t checking into school with it, and it simply adds extra stress to busy high school students.”

Anonymous Teacher 1: “Yes, it is much easier to call a student by their name and it prepares one for having a uniform at a job.”

Anonymous Teacher 2: “Absolutely, the most important thing is always safety/security. In our PHS community, most teachers don’t personally recognize every student in the building. If a teacher is on hall monitoring duty, our purpose is to monitor behavior and to check if someone doesn’t belong in the building. With the lanyards, we instantly see that the person belongs here and we know how to identify them if there is a behavioral issue.”

Question 2: Do you see the intended security measure established by the lanyards?

Anonymous Student 1: “No, we can use our Chromebooks or our student ID numbers to sign in.”

Anonymous Student 2: “I see what they are trying to do but it is not necessarily working because if there were actual security measures, students would have to check in to enter the building like teachers. Someone, or an intruder, could walk in with a random ID lanyard and nobody would notice. The only security there is to check whether one wears the ID lanyard around their neck.”

Anonymous Teacher 1: “A little, students are not required to scan in with the IDs to enter the building.”

Anonymous Teacher 2: “Absolutely again. For that same reason, everyone is easily identifiable as belonging to the PHS community. Parents entering are automatically given a visitor pass to wear.”

Question 3: Do you agree with students receiving lunch detentions and Saturday detentions for forgetting their ID lanyards?

Anonymous Student 1: “No, the punishment is extreme. I got a lunch detention and I am worried about it appearing on my permanent record. My parents are also just as worried.”

Anonymous Student 2: “No and no. Why would I get detention for forgetting an ID? I shouldn’t be punished for forgetting something when high school students forget things every day. If you are going to punish me for forgetting my ID, be more strict about forgetting homework and be more strict about what goes on in the school bathrooms.”

Anonymous Teacher 1: “No, from my own child forgetting his ID, sometimes it is not their fault.” Note: This teacher’s child once wore his/her ID to school but the lanyard accidentally fell off during drop-off.

Anonymous Teacher 2: “Yes, it is an important lesson to learn actions have consequences. Students need to realize that rules are put in place to protect them and to help them develop behaviors that are acceptable in society. If you look at current events and see what is happening around the world, it gives one perspective. Wearing a lanyard for your own safety and the safety of your community is extremely important, and frankly inconsequential as opposed to what people around the world are currently experiencing.”

These responses offer great insight into how the PHS community feels. While the PHS community may debate this issue, we know one thing for sure- Parsippany students and faculty must wear their IDs. As long as this policy exists, consequences will subsequently exist as well. Therefore, here are some suggested tips to use to remember your ID lanyard:

  • Do not take off your lanyard during the school day- you are more prone to losing it.
  • Before you leave your house, remember to wear your ID lanyard.
  • After school ends, keep your ID safe in your backpack.
  • Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to wear the lanyard.

With these suggested tips and as students begin adjusting to the school year, my hope is that more students will remember to wear their ID lanyards and receive fewer detentions.