PARSIPPANY — Mayor Pulkit Desai addressed the recent removal of two members, Frank Neglia and Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, from the Economic Development Advisory Committee during the Township Council meeting of August 4, saying residents deserve to understand the standards he expects of anyone serving in township government.

“My job as mayor is to make sure that any allegations that could harm the reputation of Parsippany or its people are taken seriously,” Desai said. “Many people have asked why the removal of two members from one of our council committees. At the time, I chose not to publicly discuss the reasons because I didn’t believe it was appropriate to embarrass those individuals. I still don’t. However, I do believe residents deserve to understand the standards I expect of anyone serving on a township committee.”

Desai said he learned that serious allegations were being circulated accusing township officials of corruption, with claims that audio and video evidence existed to support the accusations.

“If someone serving on a township committee truly believes there is corruption, they have an obligation to report it immediately,” Desai said. “That’s how we protect the public and the integrity of our government, because with unverified accusations, you undermine public trust without giving anyone the opportunity to determine the truth.”

According to Desai, one of the removed individuals never brought the allegations to him or reported them through appropriate channels, and no evidence was ever presented for review. A second individual spoke to Desai about the allegations and told him there had been a misunderstanding and that the matter should be dropped. Desai said he accepted that explanation at the time but later learned the allegations continued to circulate within the community.

“That is not how responsible public service works,” Desai said. “We can disagree on policy, we can disagree on decisions. Whether someone agrees with me politically is irrelevant. But if you are going to serve the people of Parsippany, I expect honesty, good faith, and the willingness to bring serious concerns forward so they can be addressed, not spread as rumors or repeated throughout the community on social media.”

Desai said committee members have a duty to act in the best interest of the township and to uphold standards of honesty, responsibility and professionalism, regardless of who appointed them.

“That standard applies equally to everyone, whether I appoint them, the council appointed them, or they were appointed by a previous administration,” he said. “Credit goes to the council that when I brought this information to them, they took action on their removal.”

Desai said he hopes the situation serves as a reminder that public service comes with a responsibility to act with integrity, speak in good faith and use proper channels when serious concerns arise.

Desai also addressed the removal of committee member Jigar Shah specifically, saying township committees are working committees meant to provide advice, generate ideas and help move initiatives forward.

“They are not honorary positions or placeholders on a resume,” he said. “I never believed in filling chairs. I believe in filling them with people who are willing to work. Public appointments are not rewards, they are responsibilities. Every appointment should advance the work of the township. Attendance matters, participation matters, engagement matters. When those expectations are no longer being met, it is appropriate to make a change to give someone else the opportunity to serve.”

Desai said the decision was not made out of animosity.

“They are made out of duty to the people of Parsippany,” he said. “This isn’t about politics, it’s about performance. The residents of Parsippany deserve committees made up of people who actively contribute, not simply occupy a seat. Out of respect for the individual involved, I won’t be discussing the specific reasons behind removing someone. I don’t believe it’s professional, productive, or fair to litigate those matters in public. My responsibility is to ensure our committees are effective, and my decisions will always be guided by what’s in the best interest of Parsippany, not by public debate over individual appointments.”

Council President Judy Hernandez also spoke on the matter at the meeting.

“I agreed with the mayor that the actions of those committee members were inconsistent with the standards of professionalism and judgment we expect from township advisory committees,” Hernandez said. “For that reason, I made the motion to remove them. Committee appointments are positions of public trust, and I believe those serving on them should always act in a manner that reflects positively on the township and the residents we serve.”

Neglia denied Desai’s characterization in a letter to the editor published by Parsippany Focus.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Neglia wrote. “While I am friendly with the individuals mentioned, I had no part whatsoever in spreading any propaganda.”

He added, “Guilty by association is not a crime, and speaking to fellow residents is not an offense.” Neglia also called for the opportunity to respond to the allegations and seek reinstatement to the committee.

“All I am asking for is that exact same due process — the opportunity to sit down with those making these accusations and decisions so the powers that be can hear the truth from my side and, after the truth comes out, reinstatement,” he wrote.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee consists of 11 members, five appointed by the mayor and six appointed by the Township Council. Members must be township residents with knowledge of or an interest in the economic well-being of the township, and they serve without compensation. A member of the Township Council is designated annually to serve as a nonvoting liaison between the council and the committee.

The committee’s remaining members are:

• Frank L. Cahill, Chairman
• Anikait (Nick) Sota, Secretary
• Robert Peluso
• Raviram Medapati
• Nick Rafanello
• Cassara Grosso
• Mahesh Prajapati
• Diya Patel, Council Liaison

As of the date of this article, no new members have been appointed to the committee.

MORRIS PLAINS — Veterans and their families from across northern New Jersey are invited to the third annual Morris County Veteran Appreciation Day on Monday, August 10, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Watnong VFW Post 3401, 45 Tabor Road, Morris Plains.

Hosted by local veteran organizations, the event will feature food, refreshments and guest speakers during an afternoon dedicated to honoring and thanking local veterans.

PARSIPPANY — As summer temperatures rise, residents are reminded that permanent lawn watering restrictions are in place through September 30 to help conserve water during peak demand months.

Under Township ordinance, residential watering is permitted on alternating days based on address number, with additional limits on Fridays and the 31st day of any month, and restricted watering hours in the morning and evening. Non-residential properties are limited to Mondays and Thursdays during the same permitted hours. The rules apply to all water sources in the Township, including private wells, and are designed to ensure adequate water supply throughout the summer season.

Property owners with newly installed sod or seed may qualify for a temporary exemption by contacting the Water Department at (973) 263-7099.

PARSIPPANY — Residents are invited to attend the September 1 Parsippany Town Council meeting to learn about and show support for solutions to light pollution.

The presentation, titled “Bring Back the Stars,” will cover how light pollution disrupts ecosystems, obscures views of the night sky and is associated with numerous human health conditions. Attendees will learn about the basics of light pollution, responsible lighting practices, and policies that could help reduce light pollution in Parsippany and beyond.

The event will feature Steve Mariconda, a co-chair of the DarkSky New Jersey chapter who holds a Master of Public Health degree from Rutgers School of Public Health and has been active in raising public awareness about light pollution across the state.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, September 1, at 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.

For further information, contact the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee at [email protected].

PARSIPPANY — The 2026 high school football schedules are set for both Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School, giving residents several opportunities to support the township’s student-athletes throughout the fall.

Parsippany High will begin its schedule on Saturday, August 29, with a road game against Sussex Tech at 1:00 p.m. The RedHawks’ schedule also includes games against North Warren, Whippany Park, Palisades Park/Leonia, Kinnelon, Hopatcong, Boonton, and Indian Hills.

Parsippany Hills will open on Friday, August 28, traveling to Paramus for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff. The Vikings will also take on Mendham, Montville, Sparta, West Milford, Morris Hills, Orange, and Passaic Valley.

The two township schools will meet on Thursday, September 10, when Parsippany Hills travels to Parsippany High for a 7:00 p.m. crosstown matchup. The game is expected to bring together students, families, alumni, and supporters from both sides of Parsippany for one of the community’s most anticipated local sporting events.

Parsippany Focus wishes both teams, their coaches, and their student-athletes the best of luck throughout the 2026 season.

And when the RedHawks and Vikings meet on September 10, may the best team in Parsippany win.

MORRIS COUNTY — Lane closures are scheduled on I-287 northbound tonight as a bridge replacement project continues in Hanover and Morris Township. The work was originally scheduled for Saturday, June 27, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

Beginning at 8:00 p.m. tonight, Friday, August 7, until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, August 8, two lanes on I-287 northbound are scheduled to close to restripe the roadway and place construction barriers to shift traffic and implement a long-term closure of the right shoulder underneath the Hanover Avenue Bridge, between mile post 37.2 and 37.6. At least two lanes will remain open overnight.

By 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, all lanes on I-287 northbound are expected to reopen with traffic shifted to the left toward the median. The right shoulder will remain closed. This pattern is expected to remain in place through November 2027 and is necessary to complete bridge abutment repairs and other improvements to the right shoulder.

Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution and expect delays when traveling through the work zones.

The work is part of a $17.5 million federally funded bridge replacement project that will replace the concrete bridge deck on the Hanover Avenue/County Road 650 Bridge over I-287 in Hanover and Morris Township. The project will also improve drainage, lighting, signage and fencing on the bridge, replace sidewalks and upgrade curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2028.

The timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s traffic information website, 511nj.org, for construction updates and real-time travel information, and to follow the department on X, Facebook or Instagram for additional updates.

PARSIPPANY — Cavan Michael Londergan, a beloved educator and counselor, passed away Tuesday, August 4, at 49 years old.

Born in Paterson, he was a longtime resident of Parsippany, raised in the Lake Hiawatha section before moving to the Troy Hills section 20 years ago.

Londergan was a 1995 graduate of Parsippany High School, where he excelled in football and wrestling. He later earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Montclair State University.

He met his love, the former Angela Polito, in sixth grade at Central Middle School. They attended their senior prom together and remained best friends and inseparable ever since. They married on July 12, 2003, and made their home in Parsippany.

Cavan’s entire heart and soul belonged to his two cherished sons, Liam and Colin. He was their “day one,” always the devoted coach, counselor and best friend to his boys. Nothing brought him greater pride than watching them grow into the young men they are today.

Londergan was a beloved teacher and guidance counselor with the Parsippany-Troy Hills School system. During his tenure, he taught at Troy Hills Elementary School and later served as a counselor at Lake Parsippany Elementary School and Parsippany High School. For the past two years, he worked as a supervisor at Catholic Charities, where he gave his heart to helping clients struggling with mental health issues and addiction.

Cavan is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Angela (nee Polito) Londergan; his two cherished sons, Liam M. Londergan and Colin J. Londergan; his parents, Dennis M. and Katherine A. (nee Burgess) Londergan; and his sister, Megan Marchaterre. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, a host of caring in-laws and friends, and his beloved pets, Winona, Winslow and Mira.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Liturgy of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 90 Whippany Road, Whippany. Because a large crowd is expected, guests are asked to begin gathering at the church at 9:30 a.m. so the Mass can begin in a timely manner. Parking is located to the left and rear of the church. Private interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in honor of Cavan be made to Partnership to End Addiction.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) proudly accepted a $20,000 donation from the Morris County Card Show, reinforcing a growing partnership dedicated to investing in local youth programs and bringing the community together through unique events.

The generous contribution will directly support PAL’s expanding youth programming, community initiatives, and recreational opportunities that continue to benefit children and families throughout Parsippany.

What began as a partnership centered around the highly successful Morris County Card Show has grown into a shared commitment to giving back. With multiple future card shows already being planned, the collaboration will continue to create opportunities for collectors, vendors, families, and local businesses to come together while supporting PAL’s mission.

“The Morris County Card Show has become much more than a premier event for collectors—it’s become a community partner that truly believes in investing in the next generation,” said Nicholas Bronzino, Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL. “This incredible $20,000 donation will allow us to continue expanding our programs and creating more opportunities for the children and families we serve. We are incredibly grateful to Deborah Nexon and everyone involved with the Morris County Card Show for believing in our mission.”

The donation presentation was attended by Mayor Pulkit Desai, PAL President James Garrick, Executive Director Nicholas Bronzino, Morris County Card Show owner Deborah Nexon, members of the PAL Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters.

“This partnership represents exactly what community collaboration should look like,” Bronzino added. “When local organizations work together with a shared purpose, everyone benefits—especially our youth. We’re excited to continue building on this relationship and bringing even more successful events to Parsippany.”

The Parsippany PAL extends its sincere appreciation to the Morris County Card Show, its vendors, sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and everyone whose continued support made this donation possible.

Additional Morris County Card Show events will be announced in the coming months as the partnership continues to grow and create lasting opportunities for the Parsippany community.

MORRIS COUNTY — Artificial intelligence is transforming the economy, but the massive data centers powering that technology can create serious consequences for the communities where they are built.

With its corporate campuses, major highways and proximity to New York City, Morris County could become an attractive location for future data-center development. Before approving such projects, municipal officials must determine whether the promised economic benefits justify the demands placed on electricity, water, land and surrounding neighborhoods.

Supporters argue that data centers can generate construction jobs, increase property-tax revenue and strengthen digital infrastructure. However, those benefits must be weighed against the substantial resources these facilities require.

The U.S. Department of Energy reported that data centers accounted for approximately 4.4 percent of the nation’s electricity use in 2023. That share could reach between 6.7 and 12 percent by 2028 as artificial intelligence and cloud-computing services continue expanding.

Large facilities operate around the clock and may require new substations, transmission equipment and other electrical upgrades. Because the regional power grid extends across municipal boundaries, a data center approved in one Morris County town could affect residents and businesses throughout the area.

Developers should be required to cover infrastructure costs created by their projects rather than shifting those expenses onto utility customers.

Water use is another concern. Servers generate significant heat and require extensive cooling systems. While some facilities use air cooling or closed-loop systems, others can consume substantial amounts of water. Any application should include independently reviewed estimates of expected water use during normal operations, periods of extreme heat and future expansion.

Noise and neighborhood impacts must also be considered. Cooling equipment, ventilation systems, transformers and backup generators can operate continuously. Even if a data center produces less traffic than a warehouse or office complex, nearby residents may still experience persistent industrial noise, exterior lighting and generator testing.

Land use is particularly important in Morris County, where commercial areas exist alongside neighborhoods, forests, reservoirs and preserved open space. A large data center could occupy property that might otherwise support offices, advanced manufacturing, housing or mixed-use development offering more permanent jobs and greater public benefit.

The employment argument also deserves scrutiny. Construction jobs are temporary, while completed data centers often require fewer on-site workers than similarly sized commercial developments. Officials should require developers to disclose how many permanent jobs would be created, what those positions would pay and whether local hiring commitments would be included.

Artificial intelligence will continue expanding whether or not additional data centers are built in Morris County. Opposing poorly planned facilities is not the same as opposing technology. It is a question of responsible development.

County and municipal officials should require studies examining electrical demand, water consumption, noise, pollution, emergency-response needs and long-term financial effects. Communities without specific data-center regulations should consider temporary moratoriums while appropriate zoning standards are developed.

Unless a developer can demonstrate substantial and enforceable public benefits without placing environmental, financial or quality-of-life burdens on residents, large-scale AI data centers would be a poor trade for Morris County.