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Sentencing Set for Matt O’Donnell

By
Frank L. Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Matt O’Donnell, the attorney who cooperated in a corruption sting operation where prominent political figures were accused of taking bribes in exchange for legal work. Facing three years in prison, O’Donnell could see postponement since cases where he is a potential witness, have not yet been heard, as reported in NJGLOBE.

Former Jersey City Board of Education President Sudhan Thomas, former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro, and former Mount Arlington Councilman John Windish are scheduled to appear before a Superior Court judge on June 14 for a hearing.

The five defendants are charged with taking thousands of dollars in bribes from Matt O’Donnell in the form of campaign contributions. In return, the defendants allegedly promised the cooperating witness, a tax attorney, that they would vote or use their official authority or influence to hire or continue to hire his law firm for lucrative government legal work. Envelopes and paper bags filled with cash – and even a coffee cup stuffed with cash – were delivered to the defendants by the cooperating witness at restaurants, parking lots, a political fundraiser, and a campaign headquarters. Other times the cooperating witness offered checks from illegal “straw donors” – individuals reimbursed to write checks to the defendant’s campaign in amounts that complied with the legal limit on individual donations.

The following five defendants were charged separately in criminal complaints with second-degree bribery in official and political matters:

  • John Cesaro – Former Morris County Freeholder  (Click here to download indictment)
  • Sudhan Thomas – Jersey City School Board President (Click here to download indictment)
  • Jason O’Donnell – Former State Assemblyman and Former Bayonne Mayoral Candidate (Click here to download indictment)
  • John Windish – Former Mount Arlington Council Member (Click here to download indictment)
  • Mary Dougherty – Former Morris County Freeholder Candidate

The defendants who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct – Thomas, Cesaro, and Windish – also are charged with second-degree acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by a public servant for official behavior.

“We allege that these political candidates were all too willing to sell the authority of their public office or the office they sought in exchange for an envelope filled with cash or illegal checks from straw donors,” said Attorney General Grewal. “This is old-school political corruption at its worst— the kind that undermines the political process and erodes public faith in government. We are working through the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability to create a culture of accountability in New Jersey, where public officials know they must act with integrity or face the consequences.”

“These cases reflect one of OPIA’s core missions, which is to root out corruption and misconduct in state and local government and related elections,” said OPIA Director Thomas Eicher. “We are determined to hold public officials and candidates responsible for their actions, no matter their political positions or alliances. New Jersey has some of the nation’s strongest anti-corruption laws. We will use them to ensure that government officials single-mindedly serve the public interest, not their own selfish interests.”

The defendants were charged in an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability which began in early 2018 and focused on political figures in Hudson and Morris counties who allegedly solicited illegal campaign contributions from the cooperating witness in return for promised official action to provide him with government work.

The alleged criminal conduct occurred between August and October 2018.
Attorney General Grewal commended all of the prosecutors and detectives who conducted and supervised the investigations for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the leadership of OPIA Director Thomas Eicher. Deputy Attorneys General Pearl Minato, John A. Nicodemo, and Anthony Robinson are prosecuting the cases under the supervision of Counsel to the Director Anthony Picione. Former OPIA Deputy Chief Jeffrey Manis also supervised the cases.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The second-degree charges against those who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct – Thomas, Cesaro, and Windish – carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison without eligibility for parole under New Jersey’s enhanced penalties for official corruption.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Attorney General Grewal created the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability in September 2018 to combat corruption and strengthen public confidence in government institutions. Earlier this month, the Attorney General issued a directive codifying OPIA and making it a permanent part of the Attorney General’s Office. That directive established the OPIA Corruption Bureau as the lead office within the Department of Law & Public Safety to investigate and prosecute state criminal violations involving corruption and abuse of public trust.

O’Donnell McCord PC was located at 5 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown.

Bed Bath & Beyond Files for Bankruptcy Protection

By
Frank L. Cahill
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The Morris County store of Bed Bath and Beyond is located in East Hanover, 180 Route 10 West.

MORRIS COUNTY — Bed Bath & Beyond filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday, April 23, after the home goods retailer failed to secure funds to stay afloat and has begun a liquidation sale. The message posted on their website reads, “Thank you to all our loyal customers. We have made the difficult decision to begin winding down our operations. Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy Baby stores remain open to serve you.”

Sue Gove, President & CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., said, “Millions of customers have trusted us through the most important milestones in their lives – from going to college to getting married, settling into a new home to having a baby. Our teams have worked to support and strengthen our beloved banners, Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY. We deeply appreciate our associates, customers, partners, and the communities we serve, and we remain steadfastly determined to serve them throughout this process. We will continue working diligently to maximize value for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Area locations include East Hanover at 180 Route 10 West and 545 Route 46, Totowa.  The Parsippany store closed in the summer of 2019. (Crunch Fitness moved into the former location). Other New Jersey stores are Springfield, Union, Iselin, Bridgewater (already temporarily closed), and Clifton. 

The buybuyBABY store in Rockaway Townsquare closed in January.

The Rockaway Mall buybuyBaby closed in January along with Princeton. At the same time Bed Bath & Beyond closed Paramus, Flanders, Manalapan, and Princeton with all the Harmon locations, including Parsippany.

The home goods retailer, which grew in popularity in the 1990s as a go-to shopping destination for couples making wedding registries and planning for new babies, has seen demand drop off in recent years as its merchandising strategy to sell more store-branded products flopped.

The corporate office is located in Union. According to a court filing, the retailer filed for bankruptcy in a District of New Jersey court, listing its estimated assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion and $10 billion.

While the retailer has begun a liquidation sale, it intends to use the Chapter 11 proceedings to conduct a limited sale and marketing process for some or all of its assets.

The company stated that its 360 Bed Bath & Beyond and 120 buybuy BABY stores and websites will remain operating and continue serving customers as it starts efforts to effect the closure of its retail locations.

Bed Bath & Beyond shelves are still loaded with merchandise in East Hanover.

Warren Eisenberg and Leonard Feinstein worked in management positions at Arlan’s discount store chain. As that company suffered financial difficulties, and the two believed that the market would shift toward specialty stores, they decided to leave and form their own company. In 1971, they opened a store in Springfield called Bed ‘n Bath. By 1985, Eisenberg and Feinstein operated 17 New York and California stores. Also, in 1985, the first superstore was opened to remain competitive with Linens ‘n Things, Pacific Linen, and Luxury Linens. To properly represent the size increase in its retail stores, the company changed its name to Bed Bath & Beyond in 1987. The company adopted integrated computer-based inventory management systems in 1993 to better compete with Linens ‘n Things, which had utilized computer inventory management since the late 1980s.

By 1991, Bed Bath & Beyond had opened seven new superstores in New Jersey, California, Virginia, Illinois, Maryland, and Florida. By 2011, Bed Bath & Beyond had 1,142 stores.

The company went public in June 1992, making its IPO on the NASDAQ stock exchange, where its stock continues to trade under the ticker symbol BBBY. Bed Bath & Beyond first reached $1 billion in annual sales in 1999.

As of 2019, Bed Bath & Beyond operated approximately 1,530 stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada. In addition to 1,020 Bed Bath & Beyond stores, the company operated approximately 280 Cost Plus World Markets, 100 Buy Buy Baby stores, roughly 80 Christmas Tree Shops (and related brands), and more than 50 Harmon stores.

In August 2022, the company announced the closure of 150 underperforming stores and reduced its corporate and supply chain staff by about 20%.

On September 2, 2022, Bed Bath & Beyond chief financial officer Gustavo Arnal committed suicide by jumping from his balcony on the 18th floor of 56 Leonard Street. Arnal was one of the targets of a class action concerning Bed Bath & Beyond’s stock becoming a pump-and-dump scheme.

The company opened in 2023, warning investors that it may not survive the year. On January 5, shares of the company plunged almost 30% on the stock market, and the company announced it had “substantial doubt” in being able to continue to operate as a business.

 

Mail-In Ballot Boxes Now Open

By
Frank L. Cahill
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The boxes are all outside and under surveillance 24/7. They resemble a USPS Blue Mailbox, but are Red, White & Blue, and display "Morris County – Official Ballot DropBox."

MORRIS COUNTY — Mail-In Ballot Drop Boxes are now open! Your voted Mail-In Ballot can be deposited in any of the 31 drop box locations from now until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6.

Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has its own mail-in ballot drop box at Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

The Ballot Drop boxes are all outside and under surveillance 24/7. They resemble a USPS Blue Mailbox, but are Red, White & Blue and display “Morris County – Official Ballot DropBox.” The ballots will be picked up by county representatives. All security measures will be followed when collecting and transporting the ballots back to the Board of Elections.

To find the drop box closest to you, click here. 

Students Tour Police Department

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Students from the Gifted & Talented GRO Program had the opportunity to Tour the Police Headquarters with Community Relations Officer Remo D’Alessandro.

During the tour, they learned the different functions of each division within the Police Department and got to see the Prisoner Processing Area.

They also met the Public Service Telecommunicators while visiting the Communications Desk to see where 9-1-1 calls and other calls for service are answered.

New Chapter Opens in Parsippany

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of this new business.

PARSIPPANY — New Chapter, a faith-based recovery, opened in Parsippany at 1915 Route 46.

New Chapter treatment programs rely on Christian principles and the power of surrendering to God to receive the serenity and strength to overcome the disease of addiction. It is a life-changing program that can help individuals find hope through developing or growing into their relationship with God. Their program offers faith-based approaches integrated with evidence-based clinical approaches that help the individual receive freedom from addiction and maintain long-lasting recovery.

New Chapter Faith Recovery is headed by Clinical Director Ann Gharib, MA, LPC, LCCADC, NCC.

Joseph Basta with Clinical Director Ann Gharib, MA, LPC, LCCADC, NCC.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of this new business, along with Council Vice President Michael dePierro, Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, and Economic Development members Jigar Shah and

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Joseph Basta, and Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi.

Nick Rafanello. Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi also attended the ceremony. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board members Nicolas Limanov and Ildiko Peluso were also in attendance.

Mayor Barberio stated, “I wish New Chapter much success. Addiction is a serious problem for so many; faith is such an important part of my own life, and bringing that aspect into the recovery process certainly seems like something that will provide strength to overcome.”

New Chapter is located at 1915 Route 46 East. They can be reached by calling (551) 353-2484 or clicking here for more information.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presents Clinical Director Ann Gharib with a plaque welcoming “New Chapter” to Parsippany. Mayor James Barberio and Economic Development members Robert Peluso, Jigar Shah, and Nick Rafanello look on.
New Chapter is located at 1915 Route 46 East. They can be reached by calling (551) 353-2484.

 

 

Daisy Troop 98183 Sells Girl Scout Cookies

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany's Daisy Troop 98183

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Daisy Troop 98183 was selling the famous Girl Scout Cookies at ShopRite.

You can visit ShopRite on Sunday, April 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 808 Route 46 West to purchase Girl Scout cookies.

 

 

Parsippany Residents Hold Earth Day Clean Up: “Invest in our Planet”

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany High School Key Club members Matteo Cacciapaglia, Kaitlyn Marocci, and Isabella Morales participated in the "Earth Day Clean Up 2023" in Parsippany organized by Noah Lustig

PARSIPPANY — The theme for this year’s Earth Day Clean Up nationwide is “Invest in our Planet.” Every year, April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day, an annual event where people demonstrate their support for protecting the planet and its environment. Many Parsippany residents of all ages gathered at Smith Field and were transported to clean up around the Boonton Reservoir, downtown Lake Hiawatha and other areas of town. Parsippany’s Earth Day Clean up with organized by Parsippany High School graduate Noah Lustig.

Earth Day Clean-Up Organizer Noah Lustig with Mayor James Barberio.

Noah said, “I am excited to announce that I am once again hosting the Boonton Reservoir Cleanup on #earthday Saturday, April 22. This project is an ongoing effort to give back to the local ecosystem and establish a walking trail around the reservoir. He thanked all the volunteers who participated.”

“Respecting Mother Earth should be our first priority,” said Mayor Barberio. “Keeping Parsippany clean ensures we are doing our part in that regard. I see a lot of Pride in Parsippany today! I thank you all for coming out!”

The electronic sign at the entrance of Smith Field.
Parsippany resident Esther Rucci with Councilman Justin Musella cleaning up around Boonton Reservoir.
Members of Sewa gathered up with Joe Plescia to help clean up.
Parsippany High School student Devran Beg enters the bus to be transported to a location to help clean up during Earth Day. Kaitlyn Martocci joins Devran on the bus.
Parsippany High School students volunteered during Parsippany’s Earth Day Clean up. Samantha Egger, Madeleine Otinsky, Jonathon Spirock, Matteo Cacciapaglia, Isabella Morales, Kaitlyn Martocci, Dervan Beg, Kimberly Lam, Chloe Young, and Katelin Chen were eager to join all the volunteers.
Matteo Cacciapaglia waiting to participate in the Clean-Up.
All the volunteers gathered at Smith Field to participate in Parsippany’s Earth Day Clean-Up, organized by Noah Lustig.
Volunteers were cleaning up around Boonton Reservoir. Parsippany’s Earth Day Clean-Up, organized by Noah Lustig.

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. 

Build A Healthy Economy:  Sustainability is the path to prosperity for humanity and businesses. Companies that developed strong Environment Social Governance (ESG) standards are seeing better profitability, stronger financial performance, and happier employees. There is no longer a choice between going green and growing long-term profits. Businesses of all sizes must act now. If they don’t, climate change will cause even more catastrophic damage to our economies and NEGATIVELY IMPACT US ALL!

Esther Rucci and Jeff Golderer
Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo with Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia.
Volunteers cleaned up around Boonton Reservoir—Parsippany’s Earth Day Clean-Up, organized by Noah Lustig.


Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food Opens

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Lo Sfizio’s owner Josephina Spinosa, her husband Sergio Capdevielle and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani. The Economic Development presented Josephina with a plaque welcoming Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food to Parsippany and thanking them for choosing Parsippany.

PARSIPPANY — A new family-run Italian restaurant opened in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on Wednesday, April 12.

Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food, managed by Josephina Spinosa and Sergio Capdevielle, is located at 77 New Road.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cutting the ribbon at Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani, and Vice President Michael dePierro were on hand to cut the ribbon and join in the celebration.

Also present was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov; Property owner Carmen Rodriquez; Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Secretary Raj Dichpally, and member Jigar Shah. Also attending was Patrick Minutillo, Parsippany Focus Food Critic.

Spinosa said, “I was eight years old when my parents decided to embark on a new journey and move to the United States of America.  My mother’s family immigrated to Pennsylvania years before and opened a chain of Italian restaurants and pizzerias outside of Philadelphia.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill samples delicious cappuccino.

“I guess you could say that working in the restaurant business is in my DNA! Cooking has always been a big part of my family. It is one of the ways we come together at the dinner table and enjoys each other’s company and, of course, a great meal. My love for cooking was passed on to me by my grandmother. I can still remember the smell of freshly baked bread in the kitchen coming home from school. I used to love to be in the kitchen with her and help her prepare meals.  I was inspired by how she turned simple ingredients into amazing dishes.  I was only nine years old when I decided to write down her recipes in a little red notebook, which today has become the staple to many of the Neapolitan specialties I enjoy preparing,” she continued.

Josephina said, “My mother also played a significant role in my kitchen upbringing. Seeing her cooking for the holidays and Sunday dinners for the entire family has made me realize that food can bring people together. She has inspired me to learn and use my creativity in the kitchen. Her pizzetta montenara holds a special place in my heart. Pizzetta montenara is a delicious Neapolitan Street food that consists of fried pizza dough topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It’s a popular dish in Naples, Italy, and has gained popularity worldwide. It was one of the first dishes on the menu, and it is my mother’s recipe.”

Leonardo, Sergio, and Josephina

She moved to New Jersey after marrying her husband, Sergio Capdevielle. The couple lives in Montclair with their one-year-old son, Leonardo.

“Parsippany is a thriving community with a strong economy, a mix of cultures, and many attractions for residents and tourists. Being surrounded by a vibrant food scene and a supportive community gave me the confidence to turn my passion into a business.  Opening Lo Sfizio in Parsippany felt like the right next step for me.  I want to bring my love and passion for Italian food and my family’s traditions to this warm and welcoming community.  The goal is always to provide quality food made with fresh ingredients and bring our customers a taste of Italian street food. Lo Sifizo and its staff are committed to providing a cozy atmosphere, a smiling face, and delicious food while considering my nonna’s words: “I veri ingredienti nella cucina sono amore e passione!” or “The real ingredients in your cooking are love and passion!” These words have led me on this adventure and have become the core values of Lo Sfizio’s philosophy. Our doors are open, come and become a part of our family,” said Josephina.

The seating area of Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food

Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food is located at 77 New Road. They can be reached by calling (973) 323-1505 or clicking here to view their website. You can also download their menu by clicking here. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Closed Monday.

Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food is located at 77 New Road

VSA Future to Celebrate Grand Opening

By
Frank L. Cahill
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VSA Future to celebrate the grand opening at the Galleria 10 Mall, Route 10 East, Parsippany

PARSIPPANY —  VSA Future, the one-of-a-kind enrichment learning center that has served students in New Jersey since 2015, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new location on Saturday, April 29.

The ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. at 2561 Route 10 East, Parsippany (Morris Plains mailing address).

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio and township council members, along with Frank Cahill, Chairman Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee, will be present to commemorate this new chapter for VSA Future and the many students and families who have supported VSA’s educational mission. The general public and families interested in learning more about how their child can benefit from VSA’s active learning models are invited to attend.

Refreshments and door prizes will be available. Open House attendees will be eligible to enter an exclusive raffle with $600 in VSA savings and receive one-day-only special discounts.

Since its inception eight years ago, VSA Future has expanded its footprint virtually, teaching students in 30 states and internationally. The academic center has year-round offerings to challenge students beyond their classroom experiences and prepare them to become confident world citizens. Upcoming courses for this summer include Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary and Scholastic Writing Award Preparation.

“We’re beyond thrilled to invite the public to our grand opening and begin a new chapter in VSA Future’s mission to engage and motivate students with a growth mindset,” said Director Dr. Julia Guo. “Opening our Parsippany location means we can offer in-person educational opportunities that have the necessary socialization benefits to prevent learning loss in young students. Our in-person courses will bear the trademarks of the VSA classroom: small class sizes and individualized feedback, interactive learning, and a rigorous, custom-designed curriculum.”

Following the ribbon-cutting celebration, VSA Future’s grand opening will also include an open house, featuring VSA directors and teachers who will discuss VSA’s ongoing and upcoming classes, including its 2023 Fun & Learning Summer Camp program.

The summer camp program will fully utilize VSA Future’s new location.

Students participating in the active and engaging day camp program, which runs from June 26 to September 1, will participate in everything from intensive academics and Public Speaking to Outdoor Oasis, Mad Science, Global Speaker Series, Arts and Crafts, and so much more.

VSA Future is now conveniently located in the same building as the new children’s amusement center Huckleberry, its 2023 Fun & Learning Summer Camp program partner. With cutting-edge gaming technology and years-long expertise in family entertainment, Huckleberry offers a safe and stimulating environment for campers of all ages to learn and have fun. With over 15,000 square feet, Huckleberry boasts indoor and outdoor play areas, VR games, and more. Regularly sanitized equipment and state-of-the-art video surveillance ensure campers have a safe and exciting place to play.

“Here at Huckleberry, we’re excited to work with VSA to offer our summer campers a space for play and exploration,” said Steve Song, the founder of Huckleberry.

VSA Future is at 2561 Route 10 East in Parsippany (Morris Plains). You can reach VSA at (973) 951-9600 or at vsafuture.com.

Earth Day Clean Up

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Earth Day Clean Up will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Let’s Clean Up Parsippany! Join us in this Township wide event.

Registration is required by clicking here.   An email with additional details will be sent.
 
Several locations throughout Parsippany will be targeted to be cleaned up of debris and garbage, including the Jersey City/Boonton Reservoir.
 
Check-in will be at the Smith Field C Parking Lot at 9:00 a.m.
 
Volunteers will be shuttled to various locations by Township Buses.  Heavy-duty gloves are recommended.

Additional questions or need more info? Please get in touch with Parsippany Recreation at [email protected].

Bucco Introduces Bill to Delay 4th Round of Affordable Housing Obligations Until 2028

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Senator Anthony Bucco

MORRIS COUNTY —  Senator Anthony M. Bucco has introduced legislation that would delay the fourth round of fair share affordable housing obligations for municipalities from 2025 to 2028.

“The pandemic and related shutdowns and restrictions imposed by Governor Murphy had a major impact on the ability of municipalities to resolve their third-round affordable housing obligations,” said Bucco (R-25). “While towns are still trying to get back on track, the next round is quickly approaching. If we don’t implement a reasonable delay to the fourth round, we’re sure to end up with more confusion, litigation, and unnecessary costs for property taxpayers. This bill offers relief to our towns and much-needed time to keep working.”

Bucco’s bill, S-3739, would delay the start of the fourth round of affordable housing obligations, including present and prospective needs and related litigation, until July 1, 2028.

The legislation recognizes that municipalities have incurred significant expenses in complying with fair share affordable housing obligations, which ultimately are borne by New Jersey taxpayers.

It also notes the severe hardship towns have faced in trying to comply with their affordable housing obligations as a result of the pandemic, along with the recognition of the New Jersey Supreme Court that affordable housing policies are best left to the Legislature.

“The short delay we’re proposing is no different than the numerous other deadlines and timeframes the Legislature has already updated to account for the disruptions of the pandemic,” Bucco added. “By delaying the fourth round of affordable housing obligations, we can provide much-needed relief to taxpayers and municipalities while also ensuring that we have the data and resources necessary to make informed decisions about future affordable housing policies.”

Councilman Musella Successful in Public Hearing Demand

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Councilman Justin Musella

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Council voted unanimously to introduce the 2023 Municipal Budget at Tuesday, April 18 council meeting. The second reading and final adoption are set for Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter.

Parsippany residents are facing another tax increase due to the introduction of a $242,243,625.75 budget.

The municipal portion of the budget is $60,497,056.75, up from 2022 which was $58,280,084.00; Municipal Library Tax is $3,168,912.00, up from  $2,995,088.00; Municipal Open Space is $1,461,601.00 up from $1,458,635.00; Local School District (Estimated) $152,541,056.00 up from $149,484,427.00; County (Estimated) $24,000,000.00 up from $23,439,094.00; County Open Space (Estimated) $575,000.00 up from $565,003.00.

The 2022 Municipal Tax rate was 0.798 and in 2023 will increase to 0.828 or a 3.76% property tax levy.

The proposed budget shows an increase in the property tax levy of 3.76% and an overall tax increase of 2.57%, or $99.23 more per year per homeowner, based on an average home valuation in Parsippany of $313,063.

Mayor James Barberio said, “We are putting forward a responsible, balanced budget that provides the services our community deserves. The overall increase in the tax rate is 2.57%, and the local tax rate is 3.76%. That’s a $99.23 annual impact on the average homeowner. That comes to $8.33 a month. Nobody likes the budget with a tax increase, but we have minimized the amount of the increase while dealing with significant nationwide economic impacts and external influences. The balanced budget overcomes significant fixed cost increases created by rising inflation and contractual increases, and, prepares the townships for the future through critical infrastructure improvements and public safety investments. On top of the ongoing inflationary and supply chain issues, we are dealing with increases in health benefits costs, increased pension costs, increased utility costs, increased liability insurance premiums, and increased debt interest pressure among other items through investments in our public safety.”

“Our health benefits went up approximately 9%. Our debt interest went up 33%.  Our pension costs are about 14%, 15%, and utility costs are up 14%,” continued Barberio.

According to a message included with the budget, “The budget process allows any interested resident to be better informed. After the introduction, the Township will be available to answer questions by phone or email and the public will have the opportunity to communicate their ideas/concerns with the Administration at any time during the period before the final hearing. This is about maximizing opportunities to be transparent with public funds and providing members of the public to be involved in the process.”

Click here to download a “User-Friendly Budget.”

Councilman Justin Musella was firm on having the Township Council hold public hearings with the department heads to understand the increases in the budget and to allow taxpayers an opportunity to ask questions to the Administration, Department Heads, and Councilmembers.

It was after the Council approved the introduction of the budget, Musella, then made a motion to hold public hearings. The motion was seconded by Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and then voted in favor by all the other council members.

Mayor Barberio, Council President Loretta Gragnani, and Council Vice President Michael dePierro initially resisted the request, saying they were confident there was no fat left to cut in the budget.

“I think the important thing that we owe to the taxpayers is having a process where there is public input and we have the opportunity to interview the department heads, the CFO, and the business administrator,” Musella said. “So that way, I can have a full understanding as to the meaning behind the full increase.”

Councilman Paul Carifi agreed with Musella, then others fell in line and eventually the vote was unanimous to schedule a budget hearing. “I’m all for it,” Carifi said.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio

Mayor Barberio insisted to the Council that there is nothing to cut from his budget and holding any public budget session “is ridiculous, and if you guys want to do it, you can do it……set up your meetings.”

Throughout the State of New Jersey, special budget hearings are routinely held during which department heads publicly outline their budgetary needs and provide insight into increased funding requests. For example, Boonton and Denville hold public budget workshops that involve public and council participation. Wayne Township held its special budget meeting during which all department heads and Mayor Christopher Vergano fielded questions and provided their opinions on various topics before the introduction of Wayne’s budget.

To download the complete introduced budget click here.

Council President Loretta Gragnani scheduled the Public Hearing for Tuesday, May 2 at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. The hearing will start from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – April 18, 2023

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting was held on April 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Click here to view the agenda.

The Planning Board members are:

Mayor Barberio                      12/31/2025                                         I Mayor

Michael dePierro                   12/31/2023                                         III Council Rep.

Tom Dinsmore                        12/31/2025                                         IV Regular

Dominic Mele*                        12/31/2023                                         IV Regular

Gordon Meth*                        12/31/2025                                         IV Regular

Nick Napolitano                      12/31/2024                                         IV Regular

Ted Stanziale                         12/31/2023                                         Alternate No. 1

Jennifer Vealey*                     12/31/2023                                        II Muni, Rep.

John Von Achen*                    12/31/2023                                         IV Regular

Vincent Aperawic                    12/31/2024

Stuart Wiser                           Board Planner, ARH

Andrew Cangiano                   Board Engineer, Keller & Kirkpatrick

Joseph Garcia                         Board Attorney, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs

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.

Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – April 18, 2023

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting was held on April 18, 2023.

Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

Overdevelopment of Parsippany – Puddingstone Ridge #Save the Ridge

By
Press Release
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0
Puddingstone ten years ago

PARSIPPANY — Tired of the over-development in Parsippany?  Come out and support
the Puddingstone Heights Community on Wednesday, April 19 at the Parsippany Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.  

Where is the Ridge?  The Puddingstone Ridge is on Watnong Mountain which is the highest
peak located in the southwestern corner of Parsippany.

The ridge is the one remaining forested habits in a historic neighborhood located off of Hanover Avenue and directly behind Greystone Hospital and the Police and Fire Academy.  

At this zoning board meeting, the Puddingstone Developers are seeking to continue to demolish the natural barrier on the ridge, so that they can continue to extend their creeping major subdivision.

Puddingstone today!


 
The Puddingstone Community has witnessed over the past two years the clear-cutting of acres of forest land, steep slope building with retaining walls 14.5 feet. Taller than the Berlin Wall. Major soil movement of tons of fill dirt by the truckload in order to regrade the
hillside and level off the mountainside, causing erosion, contamination of streams, and possible future flooding. Where is the dirt coming from? Habitats of dozens of native animals have been destroyed including protected and endangered species.

Overdevelopment is at your backdoor.  Please support the Puddingstone Community by attending the meeting on Wednesday, April 19.

Express to the town that enough is enough! We are a township, not a city!

For more information join our Facebook group “Stop the Overdevelopment of Puddingstone Ridge/Central Park of Morris.”

Sign our change.org petition and find out more. To join click here:
https://m.facebook.com/groups/savetheridge.

Recent Home Sales in Parsippany

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Six Penwood Drive sold for $820,000

PARSIPPANY —  This Spectacular and Beautifully Appointed Center Hall Colonial is nestled in the desirable Powder Mill Section. Picture Perfect Neighborhood and Tree-Lined Streets with Curbs and Sidewalks. The flowing, classic layout is great for entertaining. The oversized foyer is bookended by a formal living room and dining. Six Penwood Drive sold for $820,000. This four-bedroom, four-bath home was built in 1978. It was listed on November 4 for $900,000 then reduced on December 23 to $850,000. Property taxes in 2022 were $16,932.00.

Other Parsippany home sales included:

   
House Number Street Selling Price
54 Fox Run $900,000
8 Homer Street 648,000
174 Harrison Road 600,000
6 Penwood Drive 820,000
8 Navajo Avenue 369,000
53 Springhill Drive 485,000
231 Lancaster Drive 785,000
600 Lake Shore Drive 590,000
3 Wood Drive 573,880
311 Summerhill Drive 576,501
410 Mountain Way 925,000
48 White Oak Court 510,000
2467 Route 10 207,000
185 Raymond Boulevard 631,000
87 Ball Avenue 385,000
36 Delanco Drive 510,000
74 Albert Court 575,000
12 Brookstone Circle 512,000
341 Raymond Boulevard 620,000
42 Aldine Road 812,500
2467 Route10 East-Bldg 33 4A 223,000
2467 Route 10 170,000
25 Nantes Road 602,000
4 Wildwood Trail 462,000
2350 Route 10 216,000
3 Spartan Avenue 520,000
130 Flemington Drive 230,000
211 River Drive 230,000
9 Lincoln Gardens 205,000
180 Littleton Road, Unit 122 200,000
39 Dickerson Road 268,000
126 Hiawatha Boulevard 305,000

Gary Martin and Danny Desai Announce Candidacy for Council

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Gary Martin and Danny Desai

PARSIPPANY — Gary Martin, of Rainbow Lakes section of Parsippany, and Danny Desai, from Lake Parsippany, announce they are teaming up and running as Republican Candidates for Township Council in the June 2023 Primary.  There are two vacant positions available with the retirements of longtime council members Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani.

“We are running for the vacant positions because property taxes are simply out of control in Parsippany,” said Martin.  “13% tax increase in one year is not fiscally conservative, prudent, or sustainable. The actions of this Council are forcing long-time residents to move out of town.  This is unacceptable and must change.”

“Water and sewer bills are choking the financial pocketbooks of our seniors and residents,” said Desai.  “As a successful small business owner, I understand the importance of fiscal discipline and prudent spending.  I will bring this much-needed perspective to local government as a Township Councilman.”

Martin, a retired Police Captain with 25 years of service, has lived in Parsippany for 48 years.  He is a former Board Member of Education, 32 Degree Master Mason, past Shriner, Republican Club Member, and Republican Municipal Committee in District #8. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Police Medal of Honor and 200 Club Recipient.

Desai is a successful small business owner who has lived in Lake Parsippany for almost two decades.  He is married to his wife Rita and has two children, Beejal and Neil, both of who are successful physicians.  He is a Republican Club Member and member of the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee in District #13.  He has also volunteered with Township on the Traffic Committee and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Desai also served as the Vice-President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA) where he worked to keep mandatory fees very low while offering new recreation and community-building options for the neighbors who desired them

The team Desai and Martin will bring back the fiscal responsibility to Local Government and the Parsippany Township Council. This is the time to break away from the Old Republican Organization and vote for the New Republic Party.  This new party will be the future of your CHILDREN. They are the future Citizens that will make our community better.  Citizens of Parsippany, please register to vote!

The Republican Primary will be held on Tuesday, June 6.

Healthcare Facilities Mask Mandate Lifted

By
Frank L. Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey no longer has a statewide universal directive requiring people in all healthcare facilities such as hospitals and doctor’s offices to wear masks to fight COVID-19, Governor Phil Murphy confirmed Monday as he defended the decision.

“We have lifted these mandates,” Murphy noted during his call-in TV show when a caller said he was “deeply concerned” about the move. “It was a very important decision. We did not take it lightly.”

Three years after the start of the pandemic, masks are optional in most locations in New Jersey — unless individual businesses or facilities choose to require them.

In September, the CDC ended its recommendation that masking be universal in healthcare settings and instead shifted to a risk-based approach, with facilities recommended to require face coverings if there is a high level of community spread.

 

Operation Take Back is Scheduled for Saturday, April 22

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Public Invited to Safely Dispose of Unused Medications at Drug Take Back Event

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Hanover Township Chief Michael Loock, Morris Plains Borough Chief of Police Mike Koroski, Morris Township Chief of Police Robert Shearer, and Randolph Township Chief of Police Will Harzula announce that on Saturday, April 22, they will be participating in the annual Operation Take Back program.

Operation Take Back is a semi-annual event coordinated nationally by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in which law enforcement agencies at the state, county, and municipal level work collectively to host Operation Take Back across the nation.

The goal of Operation Take Back is to encourage the public to anonymously turn over unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications for proper disposal.  The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris Plains Borough Police Department, the Morris Township Police Department, and the Randolph Township Police Department in this effort to reduce abuse and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.  At its conclusion, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office will collect the discarded prescription drugs and properly destroy them in a safe and non-hazardous manner.

During this event, satellite collection sites will be established at the following locations from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:

Shoprite of Greater Morristown, 178 East Hanover Avenue,  Cedar Knolls.
Stop and Shop Supermarket, 245 Littleton Road, Morris Plains.
Wegmans, 34 Sylvan Way, Hanover Township.
ACME Supermarket, 690 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph.

If you are unable to drop off your medication at one of these locations, you can utilize other permanent drop box locations nearest you, which are listed by clicking here.

Prosecutor Carroll and Sheriff Gannon jointly stated, “This program has proven to be an effective method for the appropriate discarding of unused and unwanted medications. We applaud our citizens for their proactive steps in helping to curb the abuse of prescription medications.”

Rose House Hosts Autism Acceptance Month Fundraiser

By
Frank L. Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — For Autism Acceptance Month, the Morris County community can help Rose House residents without costing a cent!

Answer multiple-choice questions about your shopping experiences, and Rose House will receive automatic donations from HundredX of up to $150 per participant from now until May 2, 2023. ($2 per survey, up to 75 surveys)

Sign up today by texting “contribute” to 90412, or click here on any device. Please share this info with friends and family members aged 18 and up.

Your personal information is safe and secure, as HundredX Causes will not give it to any third-party company.

If you have any questions about this campaign, please email [email protected].

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 37 years.

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