PARSIPPANY — Julianna Mauriello of Parsippany has enrolled at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, as a member of the Class of 2030.
Mauriello graduated from Parsippany High School with the Class of 2025. During high school, she was an active student-athlete for the Parsippany Red Hawks and played on the varsity girls’ lacrosse team.
Her interest in athletics began before high school. Mauriello also participated in local youth running events, including the Parsippany Express Cross Country races.
At James Madison University, Mauriello plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology, a field that closely complements her athletic background. Kinesiology examines human movement from physiological, biomechanical, developmental and psychological perspectives.
James Madison University offers kinesiology concentrations in exercise science and physical and health education teacher education. The program can prepare students for careers in strength and conditioning, personal training, corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation and physical education. Graduates may also pursue advanced education in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health-related fields.
Mauriello joins an incoming class whose members come from 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 20 countries and territories outside the United States.
Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The university offers more than 130 programs of study, along with opportunities for academic research, community service, campus involvement and NCAA Division I athletics.
Mauriello’s enrollment at James Madison University marks an important milestone following her years at Parsippany High School and begins a new chapter that combines her academic interests with her longstanding involvement in athletics.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, September 2026. Click here to read the magazine.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) is launching a new monthly Bingo Night, adding another community event to its lineup beginning Wednesday, September 9.
The addition of Bingo Night is part of the PAL’s continued effort to expand its programming beyond athletics and create more opportunities for residents to gather at its facility on Baldwin Road.
“We continue to look for new ways to make the Parsippany PAL a place for the entire community,” said Nicholas Bronzino, Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL. “Bingo gives us another opportunity to bring people through our doors, create a fun night out right here in Parsippany, and continue expanding what the PAL can offer our community. We’re excited to finally get this started.”
The inaugural Bingo Night will take place Wednesday, September 9, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. and games beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Additional Bingo Nights are scheduled for:
Tuesday, October 13
Wednesday, November 11
Wednesday, December 9
Wednesday, January 13, 2027
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
All events will be held at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
The launch represents another step in the PAL’s ongoing effort to maximize use of its facility, introduce new programming, and strengthen its role as a gathering place for the Parsippany community.
“We want people to know that there is always something happening at the PAL,” Bronzino added. “Whether it’s youth sports, educational programming, community partnerships, special events or now Bingo Night, we’re continuing to find ways to bring people together and make this facility something our entire community can enjoy.”
The Parsippany Police Athletic League is committed to serving the youth and families of Parsippany through athletics, educational opportunities, community programming and partnerships.
For additional information about Bingo Night and upcoming PAL programs and events, visit www.parsippanypal.org.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Thursday, September 10 at the Dr. Frank A. Calabria Education Center, 292 Parsippany Road.
The board will meet in closed session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss personnel and legal matters and to conduct a Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) hearing, pursuant to New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(b)(6)(d) and the Open Public Meetings Act.
The regular session will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will address a Committee of the Whole Teaching and Learning Committee report, personnel matters, award of bids, payment of bills, transfer of funds, and general business items.
MORRIS COUNTY — ArcMorris will hold its annual Walktoberfest: Step Up for The Arc on Saturday, September 26, bringing together the community for a morning of inclusion, connection, and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The event will take place at 1 Executive Drive in Morris Plains, with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Walktoberfest will feature a 5K run, 1-mile walk, kids fun run, and doggy dash, along with games, giveaways, live music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Beyond a day of celebration, Walktoberfest raises awareness and funds to support ArcMorris programs and services throughout Morris County. ArcMorris operates 34 local programs serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, working to create opportunities for greater independence, inclusion, connection, and quality of life.
Among those taking part is Billy Byrne, a self-advocate and longtime friend of ArcMorris who has spent years championing greater opportunities and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Byrne is fundraising for this year’s Walktoberfest, rallying support for a mission he says has been an important part of his life.
“Walktoberfest is a celebration of what makes our community so special—people of all abilities coming together with a shared purpose,” said Naira Aslanyan, interim CEO of ArcMorris. “Every person who walks, runs, fundraises, sponsors, or simply shows up helps strengthen our mission and create more opportunities for the people we support.”
Community members can register, create a fundraising team, or support a participant to help ArcMorris reach its fundraising goal. Businesses and organizations can also get involved through sponsorship opportunities, with recognition across ArcMorris’ website, event materials, social media, and email communications.
Registration and event details are available at ArcMorris.org/events. The site also lists ArcMorris’ Autumn Classic Golf Outing, set for Monday, October 19.
ArcMorris has provided services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Morris County for more than 72 years.
Facebook, Instagram, Threads, WhatsApp, Messenger, Meta, Meta Quest, Meta Horizon, Meta AI, Facebook Marketplace, Meta Business Suite, Oculus, Ray-Ban Meta and all owed by Meta
TRENTON — Governor Mikie Sherrill said New Jersey will receive more than $500 million as part of a historic multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, resolving claims that the company knowingly exposed children to mental health harms through addictive social media features.
Sherrill called the settlement a major victory for New Jersey families, saying Big Tech is finally being held accountable for harm to children’s mental health and safety. She said the agreement includes new safety features intended to protect kids online, but that New Jersey would keep pressing other technology companies to curb addictive algorithms.
“I’m a mom of four kids and have seen firsthand how social media platforms can harm our kids – and how parents are often left in this fight alone,” Sherrill said.
Sherrill said that last month she signed what she described as the strongest laws in the nation regulating how technology companies reach children online, and called the Meta settlement, led in part by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, another step toward ending what she described as an addiction pushed on children for profit.
“Since my campaign, I’ve vowed to take on Big Tech at every turn. I will keep working to ensure New Jersey is a place where kids and parents can feel secure knowing that we have their backs in this fight,” Sherrill said.
The settlement resolves claims brought by dozens of states alleging Meta designed Instagram and Facebook with addictive features and misled the public about the safety of its platforms for young users. It requires the company to put in place a broad set of new safety measures for children and teenagers on both platforms.
TRENTON — Drivers in New Jersey now face fines starting at $200 for using handheld phones or other mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light, according to N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3.
Hands-free devices remain legal under the law, though the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) discourages their use as well, citing driver distraction. The NJMVC reports that 25% of all car accidents involve cellphone use.
The fine for a first offense ranges from $200 to $400. A second offense carries a fine of $400 to $600, and a third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $600 to $800, along with three motor vehicle penalty points and a possible 90-day license suspension.
The purple flags symbolize the Angels we loved and lost to an overdose in Morris County
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County will hold its seventh annual Overdose Awareness Day ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 31, outside the Human Services Complex at One Medical Drive in Morris Plains.
Families who have lost loved ones to overdose or fentanyl poisoning are invited to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to view memorial name banners. The program will feature county and state officials, guest speakers, service providers and nonprofit partners. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs.
Overdose Awareness Day is recognized internationally every August 31 to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding the opioid crisis, including fentanyl-related overdoses. The Morris County event is organized by the Morris County Division of Community and Behavioral Health Services in collaboration with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and its Hope One mobile services unit, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and community partners.
State Senator Anthony Bucco sponsored legislation, signed by then-Governor Phil Murphy, designating August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey. The Morris County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing the observance.
The annual ceremony honors people who were lost to overdoses, recognizes the impact those deaths have on families and communities, and highlights the resources available to support prevention, treatment and recovery.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Pulkit Desai and the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills are inviting all Parsippany seniors to an End of Summer Senior 8 Ball Pool Tournament.
The tournament will take place Wednesday, September 9, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Parsippany Senior Community Center, located at 1130 Knoll Road in Lake Hiawatha (Boonton is used for GPS purposes).
Sign-up is required, and space is limited. There is a dual sign-up process: residents must register separately to participate in the tournament and to attend as a spectator with refreshments.
Those interested can sign up by calling (973) 263-7351 or (973) 263-7352.
Shelves of donated books await sorting ahead of the Friends of Parsippany Library's Fall Book and Media Bag Sale, running Friday, September 11, through Monday, September 28, at the Main Branch of Parsippany Library.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of Parsippany Library will hold their Fall Book and Media Bag Sale beginning at noon Friday, September 11, through Monday, September 28, at the Main Branch of Parsippany Library, located at 449 Halsey Road.
The bag sale will be open during all library hours. Bags will be provided, and customers can fill an extra-large cloth Friends of the Library bag for $12.00 or a large paper bag for $6.00. Residents can also reuse a previously purchased Friends bag and refill it for $10.00.
The sale will include adult and children’s books, as well as CDs, DVDs and audio books. All proceeds will be donated to the Parsippany Library System and used at all three locations.
Donations of books and media in good condition are always welcome and can be dropped off at the Main Library whenever it is open.
A member of the Class of 2026 celebrates during the NewBridge JobsPlus commencement ceremony, where 25 graduates received their high school diplomas and prepared for careers in health care, the trades, the arts and beyond.
MORRIS COUNTY — Future health care workers, scientists, tradespeople and artists were among 25 NewBridge JobsPlus graduates who celebrated earning their high school diplomas at a commencement ceremony.
A member of the Class of 2026 celebrates during the NewBridge JobsPlus commencement ceremony, where 25 graduates received their high school diplomas and prepared for careers in health care, the trades, the arts and beyond.
“I stand here today as a product of making it back,” said Kasiem Mollette, who spoke openly about battling depression and surviving attempts to end his life. He urged classmates to prioritize their mental health and never give up.
Sisters Mariana Matos and Virginia Leal came to NewBridge JobsPlus after being homeschooled. Matos, a pharmacy technician, plans to study environmental science at County College of Morris. Leal had struggled to pass the high school exam on her own before receiving the academic support she needed and has since joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
A member of the Class of 2026 celebrates during the NewBridge JobsPlus commencement ceremony, where 25 graduates received their high school diplomas and prepared for careers in health care, the trades, the arts and beyond.
Yasell Castillo, 16, once dreaded going to high school and began skipping classes. At NewBridge JobsPlus, he flourished with support from staff and the friendships he formed.
“The time in NewBridge was some of the best time of my life,” said Castillo, who plans to train as an electrician. “It made me love school.”
Other members of the graduating class are pursuing nursing, fashion design, music production, HVAC and careers working with animals.
For 43 years, NewBridge JobsPlus has helped Morris County young adults overcome challenges, earn their diplomas and prepare for college and careers through academic support, coaching, skills training and counseling. NewBridge JobsPlus is funded by the Workforce Development Board, Morris-Sussex-Warren Employment Training Services and NewBridge supporters.
A member of the Class of 2026 celebrates during the NewBridge JobsPlus commencement ceremony, where 25 graduates received their high school diplomas and prepared for careers in health care, the trades, the arts and beyond.
Graduating class honors went to Kasiem Mollette, Perseverance Award; Virginia Leal, Associate of the Year; Mariana Matos, Parker Endowment Scholarship; Justin Lopez, James Ryan Memorial Scholarship Award; Natali Quintuna, Isobel Wayrick Memorial Scholarship; Christian Garcia Martinez, Parker Endowment Scholarship; and Sal Hildebrand, Alumni Appreciation Scholarship Award.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus attended a formal signing ceremony this week celebrating the County College of Morris’s acquisition of The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. Classes begin this fall.
Building on The Joe Kubert School’s 50-year legacy of artistic excellence, the acquisition brings an iconic name in comics and graphic art education to CCM and creates new career pathways for aspiring artists, illustrators and visual storytellers. CCM President Anthony Iacono was joined by The Joe Kubert School Director Anthony Marques and Associate Director Jaclyn Marques for the signing ceremony.
“Investing in CCM is an investment in Morris County’s future workforce and economy. The more opportunities we create for students to gain specialized, career-ready skills, the stronger our communities and local businesses become,” said Deputy Director Krickus.
PARSIPPANY — The managing partners and board of directors of Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno PC have promoted Rudolf “Rudy” Lys to executive director.
Lys joined the firm as director of accounting in November 2020. Since then, he has taken on responsibilities well beyond the traditional scope of that role and become an integral part of the firm’s operations.
“Over the past several years, Rudy has demonstrated exceptional dedication and consistently stepped forward to take on complex operational challenges,” said Managing Partner Matheu D. Nunn. “He was instrumental in onboarding new teams, reorganizing our Hackensack office, and implementing more efficient processes throughout the firm.”
“As executive director, Rudy will oversee the firm’s daily administrative operations and supervise our administrative professionals,” said Managing Partner Gary R. Botwinick. “Mat and I have come to rely on Rudy’s judgment, commitment and ability to drive meaningful change. We are fortunate to have him on our team and congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion.”
“Rudy has earned the trust and confidence of the firm’s leadership through his collaborative approach, operational expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Melissa A. Schmieder, director of human resources. “This promotion recognizes the impact he has already made and the important leadership role he will continue to play as the firm grows.”
Lys earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Old Westbury, where he was a four-year varsity athlete in basketball and cross country.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, September 2026. Click here to read magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY — In recognition of national “Make a Will” month, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling continues to deliver in-person seminars across the county. “It is my focus to raise awareness about estate planning and to encourage Morris County residents to create a will or update the one they have,” said Surrogate Darling.
Darling recently met with the Mine Hill “Good Years Club” senior group, where she discussed the probate process and answered questions from attendees. Darling reinforced that estate planning is vital because it ensures a person’s property goes to the people they choose and, most importantly, names guardians for minor children. “Without a plan, state laws may control your assets,” Darling said.
Darling focuses her talks on the Morris County Surrogate’s office and its services, including new service methods, to help residents understand the importance of creating a will and keeping their planning in order. Attendees are provided with both “A Citizens Guide to Wills, Trusts and Estates” and a “Personal Record” created by the Morris County Surrogate’s Court for individuals to document important personal information in the event of an emergency. The Personal Record serves as a road map for family members or an executor when needed. Both booklets are available to download on the Surrogate’s website.
Darling will continue to provide seminars on estate planning and other topics. For more information, visit www.morrissurrogate.com.
Newark high school students and program mentors gather during Newmark Associates CRE's third annual summer mentorship program, which gave students hands-on exposure to the commercial real estate industry through site visits, deal simulations and mentorship from industry professionals.
MORRIS COUNTY — Newmark Associates has completed its third annual summer mentorship program for high school students in Newark Public Schools, offering hands-on exposure to the commercial real estate industry beyond the classroom.
The program was led by Newmark Associates CRE President and CEO Susanne Newmark, Vice Presidents Jeannette Melillo and Ebony Parham, and Sales Associate Jack Maier, in partnership with Ernest Pope, an English teacher at University High School. Organizers also credited Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maria Ortiz for supporting initiatives that create pathways for Newark students.
Throughout the program, the Newmark Associates team hosted weekly sessions built around this year’s theme, “Believe, Behave, Become,” challenging students to believe in their potential, behave with professional discipline, and become leaders in their communities.
The four-week program began in Newark, where students toured 915 Broad Street and had lunch at Cornbread with developer Adenah Bayoh, a Newark Public Schools graduate, who spoke about hard work, commitment, and gratitude for the mentors who guided her. The students then visited the Newmark Associates CRE office for a hands-on deal simulation, role-playing as buyers, sellers, brokers, attorneys, lenders, zoning officials and tradespeople to learn how a commercial transaction comes together.
Students also visited the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design to learn about architecture, environmental impact and college pathways connected to commercial real estate. The final session featured guest speaker Spencer Pascal, an industrial commercial real estate leader, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and spoke about how drive, discipline and mentorship build lasting success.
“Our mission is to contribute to the communities around us,” said Susanne Newmark. “This program reflects our belief that real transformation happens when we provide young people with access, education and mentorship. We were excited to welcome Newark’s future leaders into our offices and help shape their paths forward.”
Newmark Associates CRE, located in Cedar Knolls, is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and is an affiliate of the Commercial Real Estate Supplier Diversity Alliance, servicing the supplier diversity requirements of Fortune 100 companies nationwide. Celebrating more than 35 years in the commercial real estate industry as one of the top brokerage companies in the state, Newmark Associates has been recognized repeatedly with awards from both NJBIZ magazine and the CoStar Commercial Real Estate organization. The firm specializes in lease and sales transactions of office, industrial, retail, land, healthcare and mixed-use properties.
Newmark Associates is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, September 2026. Click here to read magazine.
Comedians Mike Sicoli, John Kurschner and Sue Golden, who will take the stage for Comedy Night presented by the LPPOA Ladies Club.
PARSIPPANY — The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association Ladies Club will host a Comedy Night on Friday, September 25, at the LPPOA Clubhouse, featuring Kursh Comedy.
The lineup includes comedians Mike Sicoli, John Kurschner and Sue Golden. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the show starting at 8:00 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their own snacks and beverages. Entry is $30.00 per person.
Organizers described the event as a night of laughs and good company for residents looking for a fun evening out with friends and neighbors.
Property taxes are back in the spotlight across New Jersey as officials revise programs like Stay NJ and residents scramble to figure out what relief they still qualify for. That churn has pushed many homeowners toward a separate question: can you still appeal your property tax assessment? In Parsippany, the short answer is yes. If your home appears to be overassessed, you may still be able to file a property tax appeal.
But an appeal is a different animal from state relief programs like Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze. Those programs may reduce what you pay or reimburse part of your taxes, while an appeal challenges the assessed value placed on your property. It’s easy to confuse a higher tax bill with a bad assessment, especially when the relief rules keep shifting. In New Jersey, these are related issues, but they’re not the same. Here’s what that means for you.
Can Parsippany Homeowners Still Appeal Their Tax Assessment?
Yes, But Only If the Assessment Appears Too High
A property tax appeal is generally about whether the municipality assigned an assessed value that sits too high compared with your property’s true market value under New Jersey rules. You don’t appeal just because your taxes feel high overall. A successful appeal usually rests on hard evidence that the property is overassessed. The process looks strictly at the value assigned to your home, not how much money the town needs to run its schools or fix its roads.
Recent changes to the state budget have also brought renewed attention to tax relief and tax fairness. State lawmakers recently reshaped Stay NJ, tightening income caps and adjusting benefit tiers for older residents. With those relief rules in flux heading into 2026, plenty of homeowners are wondering whether they should also challenge their underlying assessments to keep monthly costs manageable.
What’s the Difference Between Your Tax Bill, Tax Rate, Assessed Value, and Tax Relief Benefit?
Term
Plain-English Meaning
Set By
Can You Appeal It?
Tax bill
The total amount you owe
Local tax collector using the rate and assessment
No, not by itself
Tax rate
The rate used to calculate taxes
Local taxing authorities
Generally not through an assessment appeal
Assessed value
The taxable value assigned to your home
Municipal assessor
Yes, this is what an appeal challenges
Tax relief benefit
A state reimbursement, credit, or rebate
State of New Jersey
No, this is a separate application or eligibility process
Your Tax Bill Is Not the Same as Your Assessment
A rising bill can happen because the local tax rate changed, not because your property’s assessment moved at all. When a town needs more money for schools or services, it raises the tax rate, which pushes up your final bill. So you may feel overtaxed and still not have a strong appeal, unless the assessed value itself is out of step with market conditions.
State Relief Programs Lower Costs, But They Don’t Decide Value
Programs like Stay NJ are state relief initiatives for eligible seniors and are subject to state eligibility rules and legislative changes. ANCHOR provides state property tax relief for eligible homeowners and renters based on income limits. The Senior Freeze program reimburses certain eligible seniors or disabled residents for qualifying tax increases above a designated base year. None of these programs decides whether your house was assessed correctly by the local tax assessor.
The Easiest Way to Think About It
Say your home is assessed at $650,000 but would likely have sold for only $575,000 on the relevant valuation date. That gap is worth looking into. But if your home is fairly assessed at market value and your bill rose only because the local tax rate increased, an appeal won’t fix the problem. In that scenario, state relief programs matter more than an appeal ever could.
When Does a Parsippany Tax Appeal Make Sense?
Common Signs a Property May Be Overassessed
Because appealing a property assessment is a structured legal proceeding, you must establish a legitimate basis to contest the township’s valuation. Evaluating the following situations can help determine if you have grounds for a challenge:
Your assessed value looks much higher than recent sales of similar nearby homes.
The property record has mistakes about square footage, lot size, condition, or features.
The home has significant condition problems that the assessment never accounts for.
The municipality leaned on poor comparisons to determine your home’s value.
A recent reassessment seems completely out of line with current market conditions.
Your assessment rose sharply while comparable properties in your neighborhood held steady.
What Usually Doesn’t Make a Strong Appeal by Itself
General frustration with high New Jersey taxes isn’t enough to win an appeal. Changes to the Stay NJ budget or a neighbor’s lower tax bill don’t prove your home is overassessed either, especially if you don’t know their assessment history, lot size, or whether they previously won an appeal. And a mortgage payment that jumped because of escrow changes is a personal financial issue, not a legal argument against your home’s assessed value.
What “Overassessed” Really Means in Practice
The core issue isn’t whether your property taxes feel unfair in the abstract. It’s whether the assessed value exceeds what the property should be worth for tax purposes. To prove that, evidence matters far more than opinion. You have to show that the assessor’s estimate of your property’s value is flawed, using objective market data.
What Records Should You Gather Before Deciding Whether to Appeal?
The Most Useful Documents
To evaluate your assessment, start with your current assessment notice or tax assessment card and your most recent property tax bill. It also helps to collect recent, relevant closing statements or appraisals. Photos showing severe deferred maintenance or structural condition issues can support your claim. And pull surveys, floor plans, or permits to correct factual errors about square footage or missing features.
What Makes a Comparable Sale Useful
Comparable sales, or “comps,” are the foundation of most residential tax appeals. A useful comp is a home in a similar neighborhood or school area that matches your lot size, age, style, and condition. The sale date has to fall reasonably close to the municipality’s valuation period. Most important, it must be a true arm’s-length sale, meaning it wasn’t a distressed transaction, a foreclosure, or a sale between family members, unless that’s specifically relevant to the market.
Why Deadlines Matter More Than People Realize
In New Jersey, tax appeal deadlines are typically handled at the county level through the county board of taxation, and the timing is strict. For Parsippany homeowners, that usually means paying close attention to Morris County filing deadlines. Miss the annual cut-off, and you lose your right to appeal for that entire tax year. Always verify the current deadline with the Morris County Board of Taxation or the municipality, because these procedural rules leave no wiggle room.
How Are Tax Appeals Different From Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze?
Appeals Challenge Value
A tax appeal asks one very specific question: is this property’s assessed value too high? If the county board of taxation or the tax court agrees with you, a successful appeal can reduce the taxable assessment on your property. Lowering the assessment ultimately lowers your tax burden, assuming the tax rate stays the same.
Relief Programs Provide State Benefits
Relief programs run on a completely different track. They may reduce your out-of-pocket cost through a credit applied to your bill, a direct reimbursement check, or a rebate. These programs hinge on your age, income, and residency status. They don’t rewrite your municipal assessment or change the official value of your real estate.
You May Need to Look at Both
Some homeowners qualify for state relief and also want to review whether the assessment itself is accurate. Those are separate decisions requiring separate analysis and, often, separate forms and deadlines. New Jersey’s combined PAS-1 application may centralize relief applications for seniors, but filling out a state relief form doesn’t replace filing a formal tax appeal with Morris County.
Where Can You Get Practical Help Reviewing an Assessment?
Use Reliable Sources Before You Decide
Start your research with municipal assessment information, public property records, and county filing instructions. The Morris County Board of Taxation website lays out how the process works. If the numbers still look off after you’ve reviewed comparable sales, professional guidance can help you navigate evidence gathering and formal hearing procedures.
Seeking Experienced Guidance
Homeowners who want more background on New Jersey assessment appeals can also review resources from Jersey Property Tax, a property tax appeal resource. The site states that it has handled matters in all 21 counties for both residential and commercial property owners.
So, Can Parsippany Homeowners Still Appeal Their Tax Assessment?
Yes. You may still be able to file an appeal if your property is overassessed. An appeal focuses strictly on your home’s assessed value, weighed against real market data. That’s a completely separate track from applying for state relief programs like Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze, which provide financial benefits based on income and age without touching your property’s value.
If you think your assessment is too high, gather your records early, research comparable sales, and confirm the Morris County deadline before deciding what to do. Knowing the difference between an assessment appeal and a state relief program can save you time, clear up the confusion, and point you toward the most effective move for your finances.
Parsippany Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill, Mayor Pulkit Desai and Council Vice President Diya Patel joined other local dignitaries, friends and family of the owner to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Hidden Village Ink, Parsippany’s first tattoo parlor.
PARSIPPANY — Hidden Village Ink LLC celebrated its official ribbon cutting on Saturday, August 22, marking the opening of Parsippany’s first tattoo parlor.
The new business is located inside Phenix Salon Suites at 1101 Route 46 East in Parsippany. Local officials, community members, friends and supporters gathered Saturday afternoon to welcome Hidden Village Ink and commemorate the milestone opening.
The ribbon cutting was especially significant because Hidden Village Ink is the first tattoo parlor to operate in Parsippany. The opening adds a new type of personal-service business to the township and represents another locally operated business choosing to establish itself along the Route 46 corridor.
Hidden Village Ink operates from Suite 134 inside Phenix Salon Suites and specializes in tattoo services. The studio can be reached at 862-262-7319.
Saturday’s ceremony officially welcomed Hidden Village Ink to the Parsippany business community and recognized the opening of a business that is breaking new ground in the township.
Phenix Salon Suites provides private, customizable suites for independent beauty, wellness and personal-care professionals. Its Parsippany location includes businesses offering hair care, massage, lashes, nails, aesthetics, barbering and other specialty services, with Hidden Village Ink adding tattoo services to that mix.
Phenix also offers its independent professionals amenities including 24/7 suite access, complimentary Wi-Fi, basic equipment, utilities and other business resources. The salon-suite model allows entrepreneurs to operate independently while working from a professional shared location.
Hidden Village Ink LLC is located at 1101 Route 46 East in Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of Lake Hiawatha, a local organization dedicated to supporting the beautification of the North Beverwyck Road corridor, will host a Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, October 3, at the Parsippany Police Athletic League, 33 Baldwin Road, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The goal of the fundraiser is to bring holiday spirit back to downtown Lake Hiawatha. For years, the Friends of Lake Hiawatha provided festive decorations along North Beverwyck Road. However, as the ongoing revitalization project began, the old decorations became incompatible with the new light posts, leaving the corridor undecorated during construction. With construction now nearing completion, organizers are eager to restore holiday cheer with the fundraiser.
Event highlights include a meal provided by the Sons of Italy, $100 in play money to test attendees’ luck and skill at various casino games, opportunities to win prize baskets, and an evening with neighbors and community members.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Landmark Florist, located on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha, or by calling Antoinette at (862) 432-2174. Advance purchases are strongly recommended, as tickets will only be sold at the door if the event does not sell out.
The Friends of Lake Hiawatha is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All proceeds from the event will go directly toward purchasing new decorations designed for the updated light posts. In addition to decorating the corridor, the organization hosts the annual Winterfest celebration, a community favorite featuring the arrival of Santa.
MORRISTOWN — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has promoted Andrew Ledet to the rank of sergeant, continuing a law enforcement career that began with the Morris County Park Police in 2017.
Ledet grew up in Rockaway Township and attended Morris Hills High School, where he competed in football and lacrosse. He earned All-Conference honors in lacrosse and received All-Conference, All-County and All-State recognition in football.
Ledet went on to play Division I football at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York. He graduated magna cum laude in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a minor in physics.
After college, Ledet worked in several fields before beginning a career in technology. In 2015, he became a computer programmer with UnitedHealth Group.
He transitioned to law enforcement in 2017 when he joined the Morris County Park Police. Ledet graduated from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in November 2017 as a member of the 89th Basic Police Course.
Ledet served as a patrolman with the Park Police until the agency merged with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in January 2022. He continued serving in the Patrol Division following the merger and was promoted to corporal in January 2025.
During his law enforcement career, Ledet has completed several forms of specialized training. He is certified to operate all-terrain vehicles, is a licensed drone pilot and serves as a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and as a field training officer.
The Sheriff’s Office said Ledet’s background in athletics, mathematics, technology and law enforcement reflects his commitment to leadership, public service and continued professional development.
MORRIS COUNTY — State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco plans to introduce legislation aimed at improving paddle board safety following two recent deaths involving paddle boarders in Morris County.
The proposed legislation, called “Carlo’s Law,” would require paddle board rental businesses to provide renters with a safety tether and guidance from the New Jersey State Police on how to properly use the equipment in different water conditions. Rental businesses would also be required to regularly inspect and maintain the safety tethers they provide.
Bucco said Carlo’s Law grew out of another family’s heartbreak, and that the family wanted to turn their loss into something that could help protect others. He said he hopes the legislation can honor that memory by giving paddle boarders the information and safety equipment they need to come home safely.
The announcement follows two separate paddle boarding-related deaths in Morris County. Jonathan Gresseau, 23, of Netcong, was found dead in Tilcon Lake in Mount Olive Township after authorities said he fell into the water while paddle boarding with a group of adults. Gresseau had been reported missing around 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, and was found around 11:00 a.m. the following day. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office said paddle boarding is not permitted on Tilcon Lake.
Hours later, Kaushik Sharma, 41, of Edison, was found dead in Lake Hopatcong at Hopatcong State Park in Roxbury Township. Authorities were alerted around 2:30 p.m. after bystanders spotted an unattended paddle board and notified a beach lifeguard. Sharma was found in the water around 7:00 p.m. following a multiagency search. Authorities believe Sharma had been paddle boarding in an area of the beach not supervised by lifeguards.
Under Bucco’s proposed legislation, State Police guidance would explain the proper use of a tether, the types of tethers appropriate for different water conditions, and potential risks associated with improper use. The legislation would also specify that a safety tether does not replace any required personal flotation device.
Bucco, a Republican representing portions of Morris and Passaic counties, plans to formally introduce the legislation during the Senate’s next quorum call, likely in September.
