PARSIPPANY — Mayor Pulkit Desai issued a statement Monday thanking utility workers, first responders, and state officials for their response to storm damage across the township, while acknowledging that recovery work is ongoing.
In the statement, Desai recognized utility workers and first responders who have been working around the clock since Friday to respond to the storm and keep residents safe.
Desai also thanked Governor Mikie Sherrill for staying on top of the storm and visiting Morris County to see the impact firsthand, as well as New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain for staying in constant communication and providing assistance where requested.
The mayor explained that where roads are blocked by trees alone, Parks and Forestry crews are clearing them as quickly as possible, but where power lines are involved, Jersey Central Power and Light must first make the area safe before crews can move in. He said the township and the utility are coordinating every step of the process.
“I’ll be transparent with you; we’re in good shape, but not great shape,” Desai said. “There’s still work to do, but every hour we’re making progress.”
Desai said the township is in constant communication with Jersey Central Power and Light and is working to move restoration efforts along as quickly and safely as possible.
Following the completion of cleanup and restoration efforts, Desai said he plans to meet with Jersey Central Power and Light, the Police Department, Fire Districts, the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Public Works, and Parks and Forestry to evaluate the response and identify improvements for future storms.
“Every storm is an opportunity to improve our coordination, strengthen our response, and be better prepared for whatever comes next,” Desai said.
The mayor added that Parsippany fared better than many neighboring towns and thanked residents for their patience, cooperation, and for checking in on their neighbors.
“As I always say, in Parsippany, we take care of each other,” Desai said.
