300 Kimball Drive in Parsippany, where Signature Acquisitions has leased nearly 30,000 square feet of office space to a global consumer goods manufacturer.
PARSIPPANY — Signature Acquisitions has secured a new tenant at a Parsippany office building, leasing nearly 30,000 square feet to a global consumer goods manufacturer.
The deal with Groupe SEB, which has taken 29,900 square feet at 300 Kimball Drive, is part of 143,000 square feet of leasing activity across the landlord’s portfolio during the second quarter. That activity included 13 total transactions, with new leases and expansions accounting for 132,000 square feet and renewals totaling more than 11,000 square feet.
“The strength of greater New York’s local economy means companies are feeling more confident in committing to the office space that fits their needs,” said Sandy Monaghan, a senior vice president with Signature Acquisitions. “Moreover, tenants are narrowing their searches toward properties with best-in-class, hands-on management. We’re benefitting from this shift.”
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Clerk’s Office has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant that provides residents with around-the-clock access to information about services offered by the office.
Available at all hours through the Morris County Clerk’s website, the virtual assistant answers questions about passports, property records, elections, business registrations, notary public services, veterans’ records and other functions of the Clerk’s Office. The tool is designed to improve access to information, reduce wait times and help residents quickly find answers to common questions.
The Morris County Clerk’s Office worked with TechForGov and Arlington Analytics to plan, develop and implement the virtual assistant. The system is designed to provide reliable, easy-to-understand information while complementing the personalized customer service provided by Clerk’s Office staff.
The Morris County Clerk’s Office is believed to be the first county clerk’s office in New Jersey to launch a resident-facing artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, representing a significant step in the modernization of county government services.
“Our mission has always been to make government more accessible and responsive to the people we serve,” said Clerk Ann F. Grossi. “This technology allows us to provide information quickly while continuing to deliver the personal service our residents expect. Whether someone needs a passport, is searching property records, or has questions about elections, they deserve quick, reliable access to information. This new virtual assistant helps us deliver exactly that.”
Himanshu Goil, founder and chief executive officer of TechForGov, said harnessing artificial intelligence in local government is about improving the resident experience. “We are honored to partner with the Morris County Clerk’s Office on this innovative initiative,” Goil said. “By combining advanced artificial intelligence with trusted government information, we’re helping residents receive accurate answers quickly while allowing staff to focus on more complex and personalized services.”
“I appreciate Clerk Grossi’s forward-looking leadership and commitment to modernizing county government,” said Michael Stanzilis, chief executive officer of Arlington Analytics. “This initiative demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance, not replace, public service by making government more accessible, responsive and efficient. Morris County is setting an example that other local governments can follow to embrace responsible innovation.”
The virtual assistant reflects the Morris County Clerk’s Office’s ongoing commitment to using technology to improve public service while maintaining high standards of accuracy, transparency and customer service.
The Morris County Clerk’s Office provides a wide range of public services, including passport acceptance, property records management, election administration, business registrations, notary public services, veterans’ records and archival preservation. TechForGov is a government technology company specializing in secure artificial intelligence solutions for public agencies. Arlington Analytics is a government transformation consulting firm that helps public sector organizations leverage emerging technologies, data and artificial intelligence.
PARSIPPANY — Sara E. Hoffman, a graduate of Parsippany High School and a junior kinesiology major in the University of Scranton’s Leahy College of Health Sciences, has been named to the university’s Dean’s List for the spring semester.
Hoffman was among nearly 1,900 students named to the Dean’s List, which recognizes students for academic excellence. To qualify, a student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester.
The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
MONTCLAIR — Wise Animal Rescue will host Barknic, its largest fundraiser of the year, on Saturday, August 8, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Lackawanna Station.
The indoor, family-friendly event is designed for pets and their people, featuring more than 50 local vendors, food and drinks, music, and activities for both dogs and humans. Highlights include a pet psychic gallery reading, an “Ask the Expert” panel, a dog fashion show, a Barknic Beauty Bar offering complimentary nail trims, hair color, manicures and pedicures, and pup facials, and a Musical Sits competition. Prizes will be given out throughout the day, and gift bags will be provided to the first 300 attendees.
Guests will also have the chance to meet adoptable dogs and cats from local rescue organizations while learning about Wise Animal Rescue’s work. The organization is a volunteer-run, foster-based nonprofit that rescues animals from neglect, abandonment, and unsafe situations, partnering with veterinary practices to restore them to health before placing them in loving homes. The organization also works to raise awareness and advocate for neglected, surrendered, and abandoned dogs, including bully breed mixes that often face unfair stigma.
Admission is $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door, with children age 11 and under admitted free. Free parking is available in two lots near the station, courtesy of HONK and BDP, along with surrounding street parking.
All proceeds from the event benefit Wise Animal Rescue’s efforts to save and care for animals in need. Those interested in supporting the organization can also adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or contribute through the group’s wish list.
RedTails Baseball & Softball players, coaches and families celebrate on the field with the trophy after capturing the United States Amateur Baseball League 7U West Division Championship.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany RedTails 7U have etched their name into the history books, capturing the United States Amateur Baseball League 7U West Division Championship with a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Chester Mendham Patriots Red in a championship game that came down to the final out.
The title capped an extraordinary inaugural season for the RedTails, who finished with an outstanding 9-2 record while establishing themselves as one of the area’s premier youth baseball programs. Throughout the season, the team displayed exceptional teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and determination, representing Parsippany with pride every time they took the field.
The championship also marks the first major title under the new partnership between the Parsippany RedTails and the Parsippany Police Athletic League, reinforcing a shared commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for youth baseball and softball while continuing to grow the game within the Parsippany community.
The organization extended its congratulations to every player on the championship roster and recognized the leadership of Coaches Andre Ristic, Chris Vadas, Chris DiRitter, Jitendra Mistry, and Dan Scovill, whose dedication and preparation throughout the season helped develop championship-caliber players. The RedTails also thanked every parent and family member whose support and volunteer hours made the season possible, and thanked Mayor Pulkit Desai and his wife for attending the championship game.
“Congratulations to the Parsippany RedTails 7U players, coaches, and families on an incredible championship season,” Mayor Pulkit Desai said. “Winning the West Division title in the program’s inaugural season is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork displayed by everyone involved. It was an honor for my wife and me to be there to witness such a memorable moment for these young athletes. We are proud to support initiatives like the partnership between the Parsippany RedTails and the Parsippany Police Athletic League that continue to strengthen youth sports and create lasting opportunities for children and families throughout our community.”
Danny Noriega, founder of the Parsippany RedTails, said watching the team grow throughout the season was rewarding. “From our very first practice, they embraced the values of hard work, accountability, teamwork, and supporting one another,” Noriega said. “Winning a championship in our inaugural season is an unbelievable accomplishment, but what makes me the proudest is the character these players displayed every step of the way. This is just the beginning for the RedTails, and we’re excited to continue building something special for the families of Parsippany alongside the Parsippany Police Athletic League.”
Nicholas Bronzino, executive director of the Parsippany Police Athletic League, said the championship reflects the strength of the new partnership. “This championship is about much more than winning a title. It’s about building a program that gives young athletes the opportunity to grow, compete, and create lifelong memories while proudly representing their hometown,” Bronzino said. “This championship validates the vision behind the partnership between the Parsippany Police Athletic League and the RedTails, but more importantly, it’s the foundation for an even brighter future. Together, we’re committed to continuing to expand opportunities for youth baseball and softball and creating an experience that our community can be proud of for years to come.”
The RedTails finished the season with a 9-2 record as United States Amateur Baseball League 7U West Division Champions. With momentum continuing to build, the Parsippany RedTails and the Parsippany Police Athletic League look forward to expanding programming, welcoming new families, and continuing to provide baseball and softball opportunities for the youth of Parsippany.
TRENTON — Governor Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday provided an update on the state’s response to a software error at the Motor Vehicle Commission that improperly registered approximately 6,600 individuals to vote between June 2023 and June 2024, during the previous administration.
Sherrill said her administration has moved on multiple fronts over the past week, including notifying those affected directly and beginning the process of correcting the voter rolls. The Motor Vehicle Commission has mailed letters to the impacted individuals, and the state has launched a website, nj.gov/MVCsystemerror2023, with answers to frequently asked questions, information about the registration review process, and support resources.
The Division of Elections has begun removing more than 4,500 individuals who were registered solely as a result of the software error, Sherrill said. The remaining registrations will be referred to county election officials for further review to ensure no lawfully registered voters are disenfranchised.
Sherrill said the extra review is necessary because initial findings indicate some of the individuals may be citizens, a pattern she said has occurred in other states following similar clerical and administrative errors.
“Just as we have an obligation to remove everyone who is not eligible to vote, we also have a responsibility to protect the voting rights of eligible New Jersey citizens and ensure no one is improperly removed from the rolls,” Sherrill said.
Sherrill said her administration has been transparent about the issue since it was discovered, and drew a contrast with the response from former President Donald Trump and other Republicans, whom she accused of trying to use the issue to target the affected individuals and advance voter suppression efforts.
“New Jerseyans should have confidence that every eligible citizen can vote, every lawful vote will be counted, and their government will act quickly and transparently when problems arise,” Sherrill said, adding that her administration will continue providing public updates as the investigation moves forward.
PARSIPPANY — Liam J. Cavanaugh of Parsippany, a senior accounting major in the University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management, has been named to the university’s Dean’s List for the spring semester.
Cavanaugh was among nearly 1,900 students named to the Dean’s List, which recognizes students for academic excellence. To qualify, a student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester.
This past summer, Cavanaugh interned with the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Tax Assessor’s Office, where he assisted with reviewing and updating more than 400 property tax records for accuracy and compliance with municipal regulations. He also observed the property assessment appeals process and supported the tax assessor during property inspections, gaining hands-on experience in valuation methodology and municipal finance.
A graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School, where he served as Gaelic Society president and played varsity baseball, Cavanaugh is completing his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Scranton and plans to continue on to earn a master’s degree in accountancy at the university. He is also active in club volleyball, intramural sports, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, August 2026. Click here to view magazine.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) and A-Money Sports are proud to celebrate the success of their first year together while officially announcing that registration is now open for the Fall Basketball Season.
What began as a new partnership just one year ago has quickly grown into one of Parsippany’s premier youth basketball programs. Together, the Parsippany PAL and A-Money Sports have provided hundreds of local athletes with opportunities to learn, compete, and develop through recreational leagues, specialized skill clinics, position-specific training, private instruction, birthday parties, camps, and community basketball events.
“Our first year together exceeded expectations,” said Nicholas Bronzino, Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL. “From day one, our vision was to provide families with a high-quality basketball experience right here in Parsippany. Marc Adler and the entire A-Money Sports team have been outstanding partners, and together we’ve built something our community can truly be proud of.”
A-Money Sports owner Marc Adler echoed that excitement.
“Our goal has always been to develop players while creating an environment where kids genuinely love coming to the gym,” Adler said. “The support from the Parsippany community has been incredible, and we’re excited to continue growing the program alongside the PAL.”
As the partnership enters its second year, both organizations are focused on expanding opportunities for local athletes while continuing to invest in player development. The Fall Basketball League will once again feature divisions for boys and girls across multiple age groups, with additional clinics, camps, and skill-development programming scheduled throughout the year.
The partnership will also continue to strengthen the PAL’s long-term basketball vision. Beginning this year, A-Money Sports will assist with coaching and player development within the Parsippany PAL Travel Basketball Program, while the travel program itself will remain a Parsippany PAL-operated program, focused on giving local athletes the opportunity to represent their community and continue playing basketball in Parsippany.
“Our goal extends beyond one season,” Bronzino added. “We’re building a complete basketball pathway—from instructional programs and recreation to travel basketball—all designed to keep Parsippany kids playing, developing, and representing their hometown. Year One laid a tremendous foundation, and Year Two is about taking the next step.”
Registration is now open for the Parsippany PAL x A-Money Sports Fall Basketball League. Families are encouraged to register early as programs are expected to fill quickly.
PARSIPPANY — Congressional candidate Joe Hathaway joined Parsippany leader and former councilman Justin Musella for a series of visits to local small businesses, hearing firsthand about the challenges owners face from rising costs, burdensome regulations, and proposals coming out of Washington.
The tour began at Lazy Café, where the owner discussed how excessive regulations have made it increasingly difficult to expand and grow the business.
The group then visited Wash-N-Wag, where owner Erick Zimmerman spoke about the need for Washington to do more to support entrepreneurs by working to reduce costs and creating an environment where small businesses can succeed.
The final stop was Gourmet Cafe, where owner Matt Pirone expressed concern that a federally mandated $25 minimum wage would force him to close his business. Pirone also shared his concerns about the growing influence of socialist policies and what they could mean for small business owners.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and they’re telling us Washington is making it harder, not easier, to succeed,” said Hathaway. “Congress should be focused on lowering costs and cutting red tape.”
“Joe understands that local businesses need partners, not more obstacles,” said Musella. “These conversations are exactly why we need leaders who will listen and fight for our job creators.”
Wildlife biologist and lepidopterist Blaine Rothauser demonstrates how bright lights attract moths during an outdoor Moth Night program.
PARSIPPANY — Wildlife Preserves Incorporated will host Moth Night at Troy Meadows on Saturday, August 8, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The event features wildlife biologist and lepidopterist Blaine Rothauser, who will share his knowledge of New Jersey moths during an outdoor presentation. Rothauser has spent countless nights attracting, documenting, and studying the insects.
Following the presentation, Rothauser will illuminate the night with a one thousand watt metal halide lamp, drawing in moths of various colors, shapes, and sizes for attendees to observe firsthand.
The event is intended for ages ten and up out of consideration for the safety of the insects. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Applebee's is located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center
PARSIPPANY — The Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar on Route 46 East is taking part in Doherty Enterprises’ annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, collecting new school supplies and monetary donations to benefit local students ahead of the new school year.
As part of the campaign, the restaurant will place a bright yellow school bus in its parking lot as a collection point for donations. Guests can contribute new school supplies or make monetary donations to benefit local students and education partners. Some participating Doherty-owned Applebee’s locations are also hosting fundraisers such as flapjack breakfasts and bake sales; guests should check with the Parsippany restaurant directly for details on any additional fundraisers or specific donation dates.
All collected items are loaded directly onto the bus and delivered to nearby schools or community organizations, helping students start the school year with the supplies they need.
“Supporting the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do,” said Timothy Doherty, President of Doherty Enterprises. “Each year, our Stuff the Bus campaign brings neighbors, guests and local organizations together at their local Applebee’s to help students start the school year with the supplies they need. Seeing our communities rally around this effort and make a meaningful difference for local families is incredible.”
Guests and community members are encouraged to drop off donations during their next visit to the Parsippany Applebee’s, located at 1057 Route 46 East, and enjoy a meal while supporting the cause.
Doherty Enterprises, established in 1985, owns and operates 158 restaurants in New Jersey and New York, including seven restaurant concepts: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar, Panera Bread, Wendy’s, Jinya Ramen Bar, Chevys Fresh Mex, and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas.
The weather service said it also is reviewing a video posted on social media showing a funnel cloud touching down on the ground at a golf center in Parsippany, about 1 mile north of the Troy Hills area at about 2:45 p.m. Photo by Tyler Mrocka
PARSIPPANY — Emergency dispatchers at the Morris County Office of Emergency Management had a front-row view of the tornado that touched down in Parsippany-Troy Hills on Tuesday, July 21, watching the rotation from their windows as the county’s 911 center lit up with calls from residents.
“The operators were all actually looking out the window at the time and did see the rotation,” OEM Director Jeffrey Paul said.
The National Weather Service later confirmed the twister as an EF-1, with peak winds estimated between 80 and 90 miles per hour. The tornado touched down near the Topgolf driving range on Route 46 and lasted only about a minute before dissipating. Survey crews found a large uprooted tree and a snapped power pole lying across Hook Mountain Road.
Almost 1,000 customers were without power at the height of the storm, but no injuries were reported in Morris County.
“We’re certainly grateful that we didn’t have the type of volume that we had on the last storm,” Paul said.
The Parsippany tornado was one of three EF-1 twisters the National Weather Service confirmed touched down in Morris County during Tuesday’s severe weather outbreak, along with tornadoes in the Lower Berkshire Valley section of Roxbury Township and near Stanhope. The Roxbury tornado carried the strongest winds of the three, estimated between 100 and 110 miles per hour.
County officials thanked residents who shared photos, videos and real-time reports throughout the storm, saying the information provided valuable situational awareness even though emergency personnel were unable to respond to every call individually.
Raoul Wallenberg statue at the corner of Baldwin Road and Route 46 was originally dedicated in June 1998
PARSIPPANY — Township officials, civic groups and community members will gather at Smith Field on Sunday, August 2, at 1:00 p.m. to honor the memory of Raoul Wallenberg on the anniversary of his birth.
Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat, is credited with saving tens of thousands of Jews in Budapest during the Holocaust by issuing protective passports and sheltering refugees under Swedish diplomatic protection. He was later honored by an Act of Congress, which designated him an honorary citizen of the United States.
Mayor Pulkit Desai and members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council are expected to join the ceremony, along with representatives of state and national government, religious leaders, members of the Morris County Human Relations Commission, and other civic leaders.
Special guests at the event will include winners of the Raoul Wallenberg Courage and Compassion Scholarship, awarded to students from Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School.
PARSIPPANY — Brandon Yip, a student at Central Middle School, has been honored as one of the brightest students in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
Yip was honored for exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, School and College Ability Test, or a similar assessment taken as part of the Center for Talented Youth Talent Search. The center uses above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of their academic abilities.
Each year, about sixteen thousand students from more than seventy-five countries join the Center for Talented Youth. On average, less than thirty percent of students who join qualify for either high or grand honors based on their test scores.
“This is not just recognition of students’ performance on one test, but a testament to their curiosity and capacity for learning,” said Amy Lynne Shelton, PhD, the center’s executive director. “These students have demonstrated enormous potential, and now we encourage them to seek out experiences and communities that help them challenge and stretch their knowledge, connect with other young scholars, understand diverse perspectives, think critically, and pursue their goals confidently.”
Yip has also earned access to the center’s rigorous, hands-on, day, residential, and online courses, which are offered in a range of subjects including History and Social Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, Robotics and Technology, and Science and Engineering.
The Center for Talented Youth, a nonprofit academic center of Johns Hopkins University, has been a global leader in gifted education since nineteen seventy-nine. The center identifies and nurtures the academic talents of advanced learners in grades two through twelve through accredited, challenging courses, research, and advocacy. Its community includes students, educators, alumni, and supporters from across the United States and more than seventy-five countries. The center is committed to welcoming bright students from all backgrounds. More information is available at cty.jhu.edu.
PARSIPPANY — The ShopRite of Parsippany, located at 808 U.S. Route 46 West, will hold a walk-in hiring fair on Saturday, July 25, as part of a larger recruitment effort by Wakefern Food Corp. supermarket banners.
The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is open to job seekers interested in full-time, part-time, and management positions. No advance registration is required; candidates may simply stop by to speak with hiring teams and learn more about available opportunities.
Open positions include general clerks, front-end associates, stocking staff, and grocery department team members, among others. Associates receive competitive benefits and opportunities to grow within a customer-focused retail environment. Many roles offer on-the-job training, flexible scheduling, and access to a game-based learning platform designed to help team members build skills and advance their careers.
In addition to professional development, eligible team members may receive tuition and entertainment discounts, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to contribute to community initiatives, including hunger relief and sustainability efforts.
Wakefern Food Corp. is a retailer-owned supermarket cooperative made up of family-owned supermarkets that independently own and operate their stores. Its banners include ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market.
Members of the Parsippany PAL RedTails Baseball & Softball program gather for a group photo during the inaugural RedTails Signing Day.
PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany Police Athletic League proudly celebrated a major milestone with its inaugural RedTails Signing Day, officially welcoming players and families into the growing RedTails Baseball & Softball program.
The event brought together athletes, parents, coaches, and PAL leadership for an evening of player signings, team introductions, photos, and celebration, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for youth baseball and softball in Parsippany.
RedTails players sign the team pledge board during Signing Day.
The RedTails program officially became part of the Parsippany PAL earlier this year through a partnership designed to expand recreational and competitive opportunities for local youth while providing a strong nonprofit foundation for long-term growth.
“Our vision has always been to create more opportunities for the children of Parsippany,” said Nicholas Bronzino, Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL. “Signing Day was more than just an event—it represented the beginning of something special. Seeing the excitement on our players’ faces and the support from their families reinforced why we worked so hard to bring this program to the PAL.”
Nicholas Bronzino, Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL, addresses the crowd during RedTails Signing Day.
Danny Noriega, Founder and Director of the RedTails Baseball & Softball Program, reflected on what the milestone means for the future of the organization.
“When we started the RedTails, our goal was to build a program where kids could develop their skills, compete at a high level, and create lasting memories. Partnering with the Parsippany PAL gives us the support and resources to continue growing while staying focused on what matters most—our players and families. This is just the beginning of something special.”
Mayor Pulkit Desai, who has supported the initiative since its inception, also attended the event and praised the partnership.
“I had the opportunity to attend the RedTails Travel Baseball event at PAL. This marks an exciting new chapter as Parsippany now has one unified travel baseball and softball program. I’m looking forward to seeing these young athletes grow, compete, and represent our community with pride.”
Danny Noriega, Founder and Director of the RedTails Baseball & Softball Program, speaks during RedTails Signing Day.
The RedTails program will continue to emphasize player development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and community while providing athletes with a competitive environment to grow both on and off the field.
Following the success of Signing Day, the Parsippany PAL has officially opened Fall RedTails Registration.
The fall program includes:
Baseball: 8U, 9U, 10U, and 12U
Softball: 10U and 12U
Season: September through October
Cost: $250 (uniform fees not included)
Families interested in joining the RedTails are encouraged to register today by clicking here.
“This is only the beginning,” Bronzino added. “We’re committed to building a program that develops great athletes, but more importantly, great young people. We’re excited to continue growing the RedTails and welcoming even more families into the PAL.”
The Parsippany Police Athletic League continues to expand opportunities for local youth through athletics, recreation, and community programming. Fall RedTails Registration is now open. For more information or to register click here.
RedTails Baseball & Softball players celebrate together on the gym floor, throwing their hands in the air after officially signing on as members of the Parsippany PAL’s newest program during the team’s inaugural Signing Day.
Victor Peters, 46, of Parsippany-Troy Hills, was convicted of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with a February 2025 wrong-way crash on Route 80 that killed Destinn McKnight, 31, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — A Parsippany-Troy Hills man has been convicted of first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and second-degree Vehicular Homicide following a fatal wrong-way crash on Route 80 that claimed the life of a Pennsylvania man in February 2025.
A Morris County jury returned its verdicts on July 22, following a five-day trial before the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. The defendant, Victor Peters, 46, of Parsippany-Troy Hills, will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing, scheduled for September 11, 2026.
At sentencing, both convictions are subject to the No Early Release Act, making Peters ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of his sentence.
On February 2, 2025, at approximately 2:33 a.m., law enforcement responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 80 West in Rockaway Township. Investigators determined that a Mercedes SUV driven by Peters had been traveling east in the westbound lanes when it struck a 2024 Ford pickup truck traveling west.
The driver of the Ford pickup truck, Destinn McKnight, 31, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Peters, who was also alone in his SUV, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Morristown Medical Center. Peters exhibited signs of being under the influence at the scene.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa DiSturco and Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Bennett. Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanked the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the New Jersey State Police for their work in the investigation.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted Tuesday, July 21, to remove Frank Neglia and Dr. Bhagirath Maheta from the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Council President Judy Hernandez made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Matthew Kavanagh.
During the roll call vote, Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. voted no, and Councilman Matt McGrath abstained. When Councilman McGrath asked why the removal was being made, Business Administrator Khaled Madin indicated he did not have an answer to give on the record. Kavanagh, Council Vice President Diya Patel and Hernandez voted yes.
The motion passed by a vote of three to one, with one abstention.
Frank Neglia
Maheta served as Vice Chairman for the past four years. Neglia was recently appointed to the committee in January, after serving four years on the Township Council. Position for Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary is elected by the members of the committee.
Chairman Frank Cahill said, “I was unaware of any proposed changes until this evening, when the motion was presented and the Township Council made its decision. My position has always been to serve Parsippany’s business community and help every local business prosper.”
Other committee members include Cahill, Nick Sota, Robert Peluso, Nick Rafanello, Jigar Shah, Raviram Medapati, Cassara Grasso, Steven Mandel and Mahesh Prajapati.
The purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to serve in an advisory capacity. It shall, upon request of the Township Council, provide information, advice, and recommendations relating to the promotion of economic development in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The committee shall consist of 11 members, five of whom shall be appointed by the mayor and six of whom shall be appointed by the council.
Members shall have demonstrated an interest in the economic well-being of the township. Each member shall be chosen with a special view to qualifications and fitness for service on the committee. Members shall serve without compensation.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Pulkit Desai announced his final decision on the contested Forest Drive and Woodland Drive road project, saying the plan will move forward without curb installation or tree removal, following weeks of resident meetings and a deeply divided neighborhood petition.
A handmade sign reading “Keep the Woods on Woodland” is displayed on a front lawn along Woodland Drive, reflecting neighborhood opposition to the proposed road redesign. Two American flags flank the sign as residents call on township officials to preserve the area’s wooded character.
“Over the past several weeks, I’ve met with residents to walk the neighborhood, review the engineering plans, measure the roadway myself, and listen to everyone’s concerns,” Desai said. “This was not an easy decision, because there wasn’t a clear consensus. After speaking with nearly every resident, including many who shared their thoughts with me privately, and reviewing the petition, it became clear that the neighborhood was almost evenly divided. Some wanted the project to move forward as originally proposed. Others did not.”
“When that happens, the mayor just does not get to sit on a fence,” Desai continued. “My job is to listen, weigh the facts, and make the decision I believe is best for the neighborhood and the township, regardless of whether you call an assemblyman or you call the governor. They have zero input on any of this.”
Desai said the project will focus on paving the roadway, making minor straightening improvements where appropriate, installing traffic-calming measures, and upgrading the underground water infrastructure to current engineering standards.
“There will be no curbs. There will be no trees removed,” Desai said.
He added that the township will go a step further this fall by planting additional trees “to preserve and enhance the rural character that makes this neighborhood so unique,” and will install additional fire hydrants to improve fire protection in the area.
“My job is to listen, weigh the facts, be honest, and make the decision I believe is right for both the neighborhood and the township,” Desai said. “That’s exactly what I’ve done.”
