The Green Team and Environmental Commitee initiated the FIRST and sequential MEETINGS with the Mayor to get the Farmers Market started again.
I don’t recall ONE town council member present at any of the meetings.
The township hired a Professional Farmers Market company and they did all the work. Again, no Town Council members set any of the process up. I did see the Town Council and Mayor at the farmers market ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Green Team and PEAC were not even invited. HISTORY NEEDS TO FACTUAL, EVEN ON A LOCAL LEVEL.
At the September 5 Parsippany Town Council meeting, our community was shocked to hear Council President dePierro pledge $7,800 in developer cash to the 2023 Republican campaign for the Council. dePierro accepted this $7,800 in campaign contributions from developers and attorneys of the Lanidex housing project along Parsippany Road. These generous contributions came after dePierro’s vote in favor of the project.
Several weeks ago, dePierro falsely claimed that this developer cash would be donated to charity, not used for political purposes. But apparently, Councilman Carifi and his running mates need the cash. dePierro’s developer dollars will provide Carifi and his running mates with a large sum to promote themselves while hiding their support for Barberio’s 18% tax hike.
In the end, this is yet another incident that reflects Mayor Barberio’s failed leadership of our township. He and his ticket don’t care about your money, which is why he raised taxes 18% in two years. He and his ticket don’t care about honest government, which is why developer funds are flowing freely. He and his ticket don’t care much about anything, except spending other people’s money.
The truth has come to light and it is now clear that dePierro’s true intentions were not to donate the contributions to the residents of Parsippany. It was to help Barberio’s handpicked council candidates to get elected this November. The Republican campaign is only a reflection of how they will act in office; with a complete lack of transparency and no vested interest in the residents of the town.
We are calling on the Mayor’s council candidates to reject the exorbitant campaign donation from dePierro and invest the money back into the community as dePierro previously once promised he would do. The residents of Parsippany deserve a town council that is working to address their needs and concerns.
Judy Hernandez, Bernard Clarkin, and Matthew Kavanagh
PARSIPPANY Due to a flood warning and anticipated rain continuing until Saturday evening, township officials of Parsippany have decided to cancel today’s scheduled farmers market.
The market, usually set up on Fridays from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Route 46, is a free-to-attend event.
The National Weather Service has implemented a flood watch lasting until early Saturday, predicting over six inches of rain to impact Morris County during this period. This is expected to induce local and potential flash flooding in specific regions.
Consequently, heightened runoff may lead to the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other susceptible and low-lying areas.
The recurring market, established in town on June 9, is set to conclude its seasonal run on October 27, as stated by township authorities.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment 2023 Members and Term Dates
Robert Iracane Chairman 12/31/26
Dave Kaplan Vice-Chair 12/31/23
Bernard Berkowitz Member 12/31/24
Scott Joskowitz Member 12/31/25
Nancy Snyder Member 12/31/23
Sridath Reddy Member 12/31/26
Davey Willans Member 12/31/24
Casey Parikh Alt. No. 1 12/31/23
Chris Mazzarella Alt. No. 2 12/31/23
John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
Chas Holloway, Engineer, GPI
Peter King, Attorney, King Moench Hirniak & Collins, LLP
Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary
Agenda subject to change without notice Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Murphy’s Office has declared an elevation in New Jersey’s minimum wage by $1, bringing it to $15.13 per hour for the majority of workers, effective from January 1, 2024. This surpasses the objective stipulated in the law sanctioned by Governor Murphy in February 2019, aiming for a minimum of $15.00 per hour by 2024 for most workers. When Governor Murphy initiated his term in 2018, the minimum wage was $8.60 per hour.
Governor Murphy stated, “Raising the minimum wage was among my primary objectives when I assumed office, and we formalized the legislation a year later to realize a $15.00 per hour minimum wage by 2024 for New Jersey.” He hopes this long-anticipated milestone will enhance the living standards and financial stability of New Jersey workers and solidify the state’s commitment to worker welfare.
To accommodate smaller and seasonal employers, the legislation grants an extension until 2026 to implement the $15.00 per hour wage, allowing gradual adaptation to the new standard. Starting January 1, these employers are required to pay at least $13.73 per hour, a rise from $12.93.
For agricultural employees, who are subjected to a distinctive wage schedule, the minimum wage will be $15.00 per hour by 2027. The forthcoming year will see a minimum wage of $12.81 per hour for them. Additionally, the primary caregivers at long-term care facilities will witness their minimum wage ascend by $1.00 to $18.13 per hour.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has the responsibility of determining the annual minimum wage, following either the legally specified rate or a rate influenced by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), opting for the higher one. Post achieving the $15.00 per hour rate in January, the subsequent adjustments will be dictated by the annual alterations in the CPI as per the state constitution.
However, the cash wage for tipped workers is maintained at $5.26 per hour, but employers can now claim a $9.87 tip credit, a $1.00 increment. Employers are obligated to compensate for the discrepancy if the combined tips and cash wage do not meet the state minimum wage.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) and Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 27 for a new Career Training Center located on CCM’s campus. This joint endeavor will open doors and improve lives by enabling Morris County students to pursue in-demand educational and career pathways while earning high school and college credits simultaneously.
County College of Morris (CCM) and Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Career Training Center located on CCM’s campus.
“When this new building is complete, we will be able to serve an additional 500 students from Morris County in their junior and senior years,” said Scott Moffitt, Superintendent of MCVSD. “They will have access to a variety of career training programs while also gaining college credits and industry credentials. “
According to Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of CCM, “This is a day where students win and Morris County, the diamond of New Jersey, gets even better. The mission of CCM is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals for a brighter tomorrow and fostering regional, economic development and growth. Our partnership resulting in this cutting-edge facility further enhances our thriving initiatives and collaborations with the community.”
According to George Milonas ’98, Chair, CCM Board of Trustees, “This early college program significantly scales what we have long been doing with the Morris County Vocational School District. Our partnership will allow students to focus on high-demand careers, not only enriching the lives of students but also helping to meet the demands of the many employers here in Morris County.”
Today’s initiative called upon the robust, pre-existing partnership between CCM and MCVSD affording high school students the possibility to acquire college credits in programs such as culinary and hospitality, engineering, manufacturing, and music technology, as well as highly regarded industry certifications and the pathway to an associate degree at CCM.
The expansion will utilize a dual enrollment model, which provides an opportunity to earn high school and college credits simultaneously while at MCVSD. Its primary emphasis will be on offering students the chance to earn up to 20 college credits and industry-recognized credentials while engaging in work-based and project-based learning experiences.
“This project will be built with exactly what our students are looking for today,” said Senator Anthony Bucco, Legislative District 25, “an opportunity to get a head start, an opportunity to get a great education, an opportunity to explore fields in the STEM industry, in healthcare, where the demand is high and where they can succeed. This is what today is all about.”
“The skill set that this career center will teach and enhance involves fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, supply chain management, and healthcare. We are not just groundbreaking for a building; we are doing much more,” said Honorable John Krickus, County Commissioner Director. “We are providing skills for our residents to build a career. A career will provide a good income, building a home and family. Skilled employees allow companies to innovate, and create products right here in Morris County, USA.”
According to Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Legislative District 25, “the younger generation is looking for more specialty fields, they want to have a curriculum that focuses on going right to work with high-paying positions, post-college.”
This initiative is made possible by funds from Morris County and the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act made possible by the New Jersey Legislature.
The project has a proposed opening date of 2024.
Iacono thanked Moffitt for his vision and courage to share ideas, the team at CCM, including the Board of Trustees and Foundation, the team at MCVSD, Randolph township, the county commissioners, county administrators and county clerk, state legislators, and federal officers.
“Shovels are in the ground as we begin to transform the landscape here at CCM,” said Moffitt. “Without their belief in our vision for this program, none of this would be possible.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn is sounding the alarm on a looming financial crisis that could cripple the state’s childcare industry and push women out of the workforce as pandemic-era funding for the sector ends Sept. 30. She is working on a package of bills to make child care more affordable for families and create more stable funding for providers.
“New Jersey needs to prioritize quality child care and quickly, because providers may not be able to recover this time. A shuttered child care center not only hurts the business owners, who are more often than not women and minorities, but also the working families, children, and the economy overall,” Dunn (R-Morris) explained.
One policy think tank estimates 104,000 New Jersey children could lose care and 1,300 childcare programs could close as a result of the loss of federal funding.
“Providers are going to be forced to raise prices and parents will no longer be able to afford care because wages are not keeping up with inflation. New Jerseyans are struggling and I’m afraid that women will be the first to leave the workplace because of unavailable or unaffordable child care. It will move New Jersey backward in terms of opportunities for women,” Dunn said.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s national database of childcare prices, the cost of infant care in New Jersey averages nearly $15,000 a year. Out-of-pocket preschool costs are approximately $12,000 a year.
“Our families and small businesses deserve more stability. Investing in resources like high-quality and affordable child care is an investment in our state’s future. It’s why I am pushing for bigger child tax credits and more reliable support for child care providers,” Dunn said.
Dunn plans on introducing a bill to increase the amount of the state child tax credit while also expanding the income and age limits to $100,000 from $80,000, and to 11 years old from 5 years old. Dunn had attempted to expand the state’s child tax credit from the floor of the Assembly last year but was ultimately voted down by Democrats.
“My hope and intention is to garner wide bipartisan support for my stand-alone bill that will go a long way towards lifting children out of poverty and keeping women at work,” Dunn added.
Other bills in the package would urge the federal government to restore its child tax credit to 2021 levels to ensure that families receive sufficient financial support, and permanently codify the provisions in her bill that became law last year that temporarily based child care provider subsidies on enrollment instead of attendance.
“The benefits of child tax credits and enrollment-based child care subsidies cannot be overstated, especially for families and businesses in New Jersey, one of the most expensive states in the nation,” Dunn said. “My bill package will buoy the childcare industry during turbulent times while acknowledging the rising costs of raising a child in New Jersey.”
Dunn said the persistent issues of affordable and available child care will only worsen after Sept. 30, even if the effects are not felt immediately by families or providers.
“I am continuing to work on policies with industry and education leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to create a system of care that best suits the needs of New Jersey families today and in the future,” said Dunn.
“However, we are approaching the edge of a cliff, so New Jersey must act sooner rather than later. This package will keep us on solid footing as we develop additional solutions to more accessible and affordable child care.”
MORRIS COUNTY — This past August 12, Eli’s Eatery celebrated its Grand Opening in The Galleria 10 Plaza, on Route 10 East in Parsippany.
Among the many dignitaries and guests on hand was Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, who proclaimed, “I’m happy to welcome another distinctive restaurant to Parsippany. Parsippany has become a destination dining location.” And in fact, Eli’s Eatery, a Korean Fusion restaurant, adds another exciting dimension to Parsippany’s already diverse and growing culinary scene, and another opportunity to continue our gastronomical adventures.
Eli’s Eatery (the former site of the OoLaLa! Vietnamese Kitchen) perched on a hill in the Galleria 10 Plaza, can be easy to miss as you travel along the highway, so keep your eyes peeled for the Plaza entrance, which is located between Power Mill Road and Route 53. Another visual landmark would be the large, prominent clock that towers over the small strip mall. Although Eli notes a Morris Plains address it is in fact located in the Township of Parsippany.
Chef Eleazar Martinez, Patrick Minutillo and David Oh
In November of 2022, I had the opportunity to review a wonderful new restaurant in Morris Plains: Woodham Korean BBQ. I was extremely impressed with Woodham, so when I learned that the new owners of Eli’s Eatery, Chef Eleazar “Eli” Martinez and proprietor David Oh, were opening their newest venture here in Parsippany, I immediately put it on my calendar. I arrived at Eli’s with my usual group of fellow wannabe connoisseurs with high expectations.
On arrival, there is ample parking, and the attractive glass-fronted restaurant with the restaurant’s name emboldened in large red letters makes it easy to locate. On entry you encounter a contemporary, stylish, casual, modern-designed dining area; impeccably clean, bright, and airy. The natural ambient lighting from the full-sized front windows, along with the well-spaced seating arrangements and classy décor set the mood and ambiance for what was to be a warm, comfortable, and inviting dining experience.
On entry you encounter a contemporary, stylish, casual, modern-designed dining area; impeccably clean, bright, and airy.
Fifteen or so sparkling tables are thoughtfully spaced throughout the dining area. The textured marble appearance of the tables adds a touch of elegance and is accentuated by the soft, black leather seating. The color scheme is coordinated and cozy with soft beige walls, recessed ceiling lighting, and a faux wooden plank-designed floor. Décor is simple, but classy, with Asian-themed pictures adorning the walls, along with a few thoughtfully placed plants and accent pieces. A large screen TV takes center stage on one wall, displaying rotating photos of the restaurant’s various dishes, while relaxing music plays, almost unnoticeably, in the background. It is obvious that interior design requires a lot of thought, planning, and experience.
We were graciously greeted by a smiling David Oh, immediately as we entered the restaurant. Mr. Oh offered us our choice of seating and quickly arranged two tables together to ensure our comfort. As we uncorked our wine (did I mention that Eli’s is a BYOB) and in my case, opened my Kloud Original Gravity beer; a popular Korean beer brewed in Seoul; water had arrived, along with chopsticks, utensils, and menus. Mr. Oh was our server and he could not have been more accommodating, helpful, or knowledgeable. By this time Chef Eli had taken a moment to come out to welcome us to the restaurant, which I thought was a nice touch.
Korean Fried Chicken; double-fried chicken wings tossed in honey chili glaze and served with white daikon (squares of sour, vinegary, crunchy pickled radish that married with the fried chicken perfectly)
As always, the debate over shared appetizers began. Mr. Oh patiently answered any questions we had and offered recommendations, as we requested. Our eventual choices included the Korean Fried Chicken; double-fried chicken wings tossed in honey chili glaze and served with white daikon (squares of sour, vinegary, crunchy pickled radish that married with the fried chicken perfectly). WOW! Dukbokki; soft, chewy, rice cakes, sauteed in a sweet, savory, and spicy red chili sauce, with vegetables and beef. (A popular Korean street food), Korean Buns; hot, fluffy, soft, and moist steamed buns, loaded with coleslaw and shredded cucumber. Bursting with flavor! Not surprisingly, everything was devoured quickly, and every plate was clean. Every appetizer was outstanding, and a great kick-off to our yet-to-be-decided-upon entrees.
Kalbijim: simmered beef short ribs on the bone, in a ginger soy garlic sauce, served with daikon and carrots.
My entrée was Kalbijim: simmered beef short ribs on the bone, in a ginger soy garlic sauce, served with daikon and carrots. Kalbijim is an iconic Korean dish with a deep, savory, yet sweet flavor. The tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat, served with an umami-packed broth, was loaded with mouth-watering flavor and melted in my mouth. You could taste the freshness in every bite. An excellent and satisfying choice. The Kalbijim came with sides of brown rice, crispy Kimchi, pickled chayote, and broccoli. The broth also served as a wonderful gravy for that rice side dish. Lots of delightful flavors and textures pleasantly stimulate those taste buds.
Dol Sot Bibimbap: served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, with mixed rice, and assorted fresh and marinated vegetables, all mixed together with a spicy bibimbap sauce.
Mike F. went with the Bokkeumbap: wok-fried rice (brown or white), with egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallions, soy, and sesame. I’d like to add that all these entrees can be adjusted to add tofu, beef, or chicken, or you can make it vegetarian if you like, as well as your preferred spice level.
Bokkeumbap: wok-fried rice (brown or white), with egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallions, soy, and sesame
Mike Z. chose to go with the Bulgogi; a powerfully flavored and marinated ribeye tossed with zucchini, broccoli, and onions in a soy-sesame sauce, while Vin tried the Dol Sot Bibimbap; served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, with mixed rice, assorted fresh and marinated vegetables, all mixed together with a spicy bibimbap sauce. Each dish was beautifully prepared, plated, and presented, and the consensus among the group was that each and every dish not only met but exceeded expectations.
Following my meal, I took the opportunity to discuss the restaurant, and the menu, with both David Oh and Chef Eli, both very amiable individuals who are enthusiastic about their joint venture. Their origin story goes back over 25 years. A friendship and partnership that developed at Woo Lae Oak in Soho continued at Bann in mid-town Manhattan, then the Woodham in Morris Plains, and now Eli’s Eatery. On their website, they state, “Eli and David’s latest venture is the much-loved Eli’s Eatery in Parsippany. This restaurant has become a testament to their gastronomic prowess and their commitment to bringing joy through food,”. After dining at their beautiful new eatery and speaking with both Mr. Oh and Chef Eli, I see the validity and sincerity in those words.
Chef Eleazar Martinez, or Chef Eli, as he likes to be called, is a trained culinary chef and a true artisan of food, which explains his unique, creative, and innovative approach to modern Korean fusion cuisine. French cuisine is identified by the dining experience and is considered by many to be the most prestigious and respectable cuisine in the world. It requires careful presentation, elegance, and community. It is this knowledge, along with years of extensive training that has enabled the Chef to develop his own personal concept of Korean Fusion cuisine.
Even though the restaurant’s menu offers a large selection of traditional Korean classics, it is this French culinary influence, along with Chef Eli’s innovative concepts, that makes Eli’s Eatery stand out from the crowd. As I understand it, “traditional Korean flavors, with a French culinary influence, and a modern twist.”
And for those of you looking to go out for a nice dinner, but the kids want chicken tenders, a cheeseburger, PB&J, or the like, not a problem. Eli’s Eatery offers a Kids’ Menu offering those delicacies, along with enough other kid favorites that should please everyone
Crispy Kimchi, Broccoli and Pickled Chayote.
For those unfamiliar or intimidated by Korean cuisine, you’re honestly missing out if you don’t try it. David Oh and/or Chef Eli will be more than happy to guide you along on your new culinary adventure. I highly recommend you stop in this beautiful new venue and enjoy the experience. I’m confident once you discover this cuisine, packed with flavor, you will be back.
Eli’s Eatery (Korean Fusion Restaurant) is located at 2569 Route 10 East, Morris Plains. (In Galleria 10 Plaza). Phone: (973) 206-1717; www.eliseatery.com; Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (7 days a week); Dine In – Take Out – BYOB; Free Parking – Free Wi-Fi – Outdoor Dining. Catering.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine. October 2023. Click here to view.
PARSIPPANY — Voters who prefer to cast their vote in person but are unable to make it to the polls for the Election, can do so through mail-in voting. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 7. The local Ballot Drop office is located at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
Other Ballot Drop boxes located in Morris County:
Dover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 37 North Sussex Street, Dover
East Hanover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 411 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover
Florham Park Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 111 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park
Hanover Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1000 Route 10, Whippany
Madison Public Safety Complex Ballot Drop Box; 62 Kings Road, Madison
Morris Plains Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
Town of Boonton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 100 Washington Street, Boonton
Boonton Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 155 Powerville Road, Boonton
Pequannock Municipal Complex Senior House; 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock
Randolph Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph
Rockaway Boro Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 East Main Street, Rockaway Borough
Rockaway Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 65 Mount Hope Road, Rockaway
Roxbury Township Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood
Washington Township Ballot Drop Box; 1 East Springtown Road in Washington Township
Wharton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 10 Robert Street in Wharton
Mendham Boro Ballot Drop Box; 3 Cold Hill Rd, South in Mendham,
Montville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 195 Changebridge Road, Montville
Jefferson Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge
Kinnelon Borough Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 130 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon
Long Hill Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 915 Valley Road in Gillette
Board of Elections Ballot Drop Box; 10 Court Street, Morristown
Morris Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 50 Woodland Avenue, Morris Township
Morristown Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 200 South Street, Morristown
Mount Olive Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 204 Flanders/Drakestown Road, Budd Lake
Mt. Arlington Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 419 Howard Blvd, Mount Arlington
Butler Boro Ballot Drop Box; 10 High Street, Butler
Chatham Boro Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 54 Fairmount Avenue, Chatham
Chatham Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham
Chester Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 Parker Road, Chester
Denville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 St. Mary’s Place, Denville
You can deposit your ballot approximately 45 days prior to each election. All Ballot Drop boxes will be closed at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters can track their ballots by clicking here for the NJ Department of State Division of Elections.
For questions or concerns about voting, call the Morris County Clerk’s office at (973) 285-6066 or email them by clicking here.
