East Hanover resident burglarized home on Powder Mill Road

PARSIPPANY — Multiple Parsippany-Troy Hills Police units responded to a residence on Powder Mill Road for a burglary in progress at 12:48 p.m. on Friday, November 9.

Detective Sergeant T. Lesiak was the first to arrive on scene and began to gather information from the victim. As Patrol Officer G. Tosh approached the scene, he was flagged down by a Verizon Wireless employee who advised him that he saw a suspicious female run down the street and jump a fence.

He was able to give a description of the female, along with a description a dark colored Jeep that she entered, which was driven by a male.

After speaking to the victim, it was revealed that a male, later identified as Frank Ditaranto, 47, East Hanover, knocked on the victim’s front door claiming to be an Uber driver and looking for a male who lived at a different address.

Approximately ten minutes later, the victim heard footsteps and a door close to a bedroom. When the victim called out to see if it was her mother who also resides there, she did not get a response. She then went to her mother’s bedroom and found the door locked and became concerned. As she went back to the door she yelled that she was calling the police, at which time an unknown female’s voice shouted for her not to.

The female, later identified as Vicki Izzo, 47, East Hanover, exited the bedroom and pushed the victim in an attempt to escape. During her attempt to escape, Mrs. Izzo and the victim became involved in a physical altercation.

During the altercation, the victim was able to get Mrs. Izzo to drop a black bag with the victim’s belongings in it. Mrs. Izzo was ultimately able to exit the residence and the victim immediately called 911.

The victim received minor cuts and bruises during the altercation, but refused medical attention. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to the scene to assist in processing the area.

Detective Sergeant T. Lesiak and Detective J. Keiling were able to identify Vicki Izzo and Frank Ditaranto as the suspects after receiving assistance from the Roseland Police Department and East Hanover Police Department. Mrs. Izzo was arrested on Wednesday, November 21 and was transported to police headquarters were she was processed.

While there she was charged with 1 count of Second Degree Robbery and 1 count of Second Degree Burglary.

She was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility until her initial court appearance.

On Friday, November 23, Mr. Ditaranto was placed under arrest and processed at police headquarters. While there, he was charged with 1 count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.

He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kitchen fire on Patriots Road

PARSIPPANY — At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 23, Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 and Boonton Rapid Intervention Crew were dispatched to 2 Patriots Road on report of a kitchen fire.

It was reported the fire was caused due to a crock pot left on the stove burning. Firemen at the scene reported heavy smoke to the townhouse. Firemen are currently ventilating the premises. There was no one at home at the time of the incident.

Mount Tabor Chief 1 on scene
Kitchen fire at 2 Patriots Road

Good samaritan saves choking victim at Cinepolis

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, November 18, Parsippany resident, Nicolas Limanov, decided to go to a movie at Parsippany Cinepolis and watch the 7:15 p.m. viewing of Instant Family.

Half way through the movie a female began to scream for help, as her husband was unconscious and not responding. Limanov immediately directed his friend to call 911 and notify staff to stop the movie and provide light.

“At first what appeared to be a possible sign of a heart issue I quickly realized from my training (being a public safety telecommunicator and first responder) that the victim was choking. The male victim in his 60’s was sweating profusely, attempting to gasp for air. I was directing people to help me get the male party out of his seat and his coat off so i can perform the Heimlich maneuver. I was able to dislodge the piece of hard candy from his throat by providing several back thrusts along with applying direct pressure below the abdomen while he was seated forward. The male then coughed up the piece of candy lodged in his throat. This could have been tragedy if his wife noticed him unconscious any later,” said Limanov.

The male refused further medical attention and was immediately responsive after. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Ryan Taylor responded to the scene.

Limanov urges others to receive certification of Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association as you never know when your loved one, a friend or the person right beside you might need their life saved. Courses are available at LifeSavers, Inc., 39 Plymouth Street, Fairfield. For more information click here, or email bob@lifesaversinc.com.

Cinepolis is located at 3165 Route 46 in the Morris Hills Shopping Center.

Park Commission to Begin Removal of Ash Trees in Response to Emerald Ash Borer

MORRIS COUNTY — The landscape in Morris County is about to change significantly, even to the unsuspecting eye. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) a non-native beetle, is rapidly and aggressively spreading since 2002, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America and New Jersey. Morris County, which has the densest population of ash trees in the state, is also seeing the effects of EAB to its ash trees. It is considered to be the most destructive insect ever to invade the United States.

Nothing has proven effective in eradicating EAB. Based on research of EAB infestations in the midwest, experts predict a 99% mortality rate for the State’s ash trees. To prepare and manage for this threat, the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC), which currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites, including 244.3 miles of trails, adopted an EAB Response Plan earlier this year. As part of this plan, the MCPC will preemptively remove ash trees from high-use areas of the park system that will eventually pose a safety hazard to the public as they die from the impacts of EAB. High-use areas are locations where users are likely to be stationary for prolonged periods of time, paved or improved trails, and park roadways. All ash trees within 50 feet of the edge of these high-use areas have been inventoried with a numbered aluminum tag to estimate the significance of the potential tree loss. Taking no action would result in high safety risks to over 3.5 annual visitors, as well as significantly higher removal costs. The Response Plan, in addition to managing ash trees for public safety, critical infrastructure protection, and preservation of select-high value trees, includes replanting trees in critical areas to offset the impact of ash tree loss.

The initial phase of a long-term effort to remove infected Ash trees from high hazard areas Morris County Parks is scheduled to take place along sections of Patriots’ Path in Morristown and Morris Township, and at both Fosterfields Living Historical Farm and The Frelinghuysen Arboretum between December 2018 and March 2019. According to Dave Helmer, Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission, “Over 12,000 ash trees to date have been inventoried in high-use areas throughout the Morris County Park System. Our first priority is the public safety and as such, the Ash trees are being prioritized for removal based upon their proximity to known EAB infestations.”  He continued, “As we launch the initial removal program, we will begin posting the locations and timeframes to keep the public aware and avoid as much inconvenience as possible.”

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a highly destructive insect from Asia, was detected in Morris County in 2017. The EAB is a small, metallic green, wood-boring beetle whose larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, ultimately disrupting the tree’s ability to transport nutrients causing the tree’s eventual decline and within 4 to 5 years, cause its death. Since its discovery in Michigan in 2002, EAB has caused the deaths of hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America. Currently, EAB has been confirmed in 71 municipalities throughout New Jersey, including Morristown, Morris Township, Chester Township, Hanover Township, Randolph Township, and Chatham Township., and eventually effect every town.

In addition to tree removal, the MCPC is working with the NJ Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service to release biocontrol agents in attempts to control EAB. Several species of stingless wasps from Asia that attack EAB larvae and/or eggs are being used for this purpose. Wasps do not pose any risks to people, pets, or native insects.

Information on the tree removal locations and dates, which will affect park and trail closures, as well as additional information can be found by clicking here.

The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!

Lake Parsippany Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary to hold 15th Annual Pancake Breakfast

PARSIPPANY — The Lake Parsippany Ladies Auxiliary will hold their 15th Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Delicious homemade pancakes, sausage and more … bagels, cream cheese, butter, coffee, tea and even orange juice. Cost: $6.00 for adults; $4.00 for seniors (60 and older) and children under five; children under two years old eat free.

The Lake Parsippany Fire Department is located at 255 Halsey Road.

Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting

PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Recreation Department invites you to welcome Santa and join in the tree lighting festivities on Saturday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m.

The festivities take place at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Santa will be arriving at 5:00 p.m. by fire truck and he will need everyone there to help him light the Trees!

Immediately following the tree lighting Santa will be meeting with the children so be sure to have your wish list with you.

Bring a camera as we encourage you to take your child’s photo with Santa.

Refreshments will be served after each child’s visit with Santa.

Special thank you to ShopRite for sponsoring this event.

Registration is now open for Par-Troy Little League East

Justin Bermudez and his dad, Joel Bermudez, a Par-Troy Little Vice President Softball

PARSIPPANY — It’s Time for the 2019 season: Registration is now open. ALL T-Ball and new to league players will get free registration. ($75.00 Volunteer Fee and $30.00 Fundraising Fee Required)

Par-Troy Little League East 2019 Spring Registration important information for new and returning families:

  • Open to all children ages 4-16
  • Baseball Age Cutoff Date is must be 4 by August 31.
  • Softball Age Cutoff Date is December 31, 2018

Registration is now open for children age four and up who attend or will be attending the following schools: Rockaway Meadow, Troy Hills, Lake Hiawatha, Knollwood, Northvail, Central, Parsippany High, and All Saints Academy. Registration will run through February 28, 2019.  After that time, your child will be placed on waitlist and placement on a team will not be guaranteed.  A late fee of $25.00 will automatically apply to any registrations received after February 28, 2019.

You can register using one of the following two ways:

  • Online Registration – For all new and returning players you must register online. You do not have to fill out a registration form. If you have a new player in your family, you can add your child/children when registering online. Just mail in a copy of their birth certificate with payment. Click here and you must first create an account to begin the registration process. Once you create your account click register, fill out Parent/Guardian info first and then fill in your child’s information
  • In Person Registration – A Date will be determined for an In-Person registration for new and returning players. Please check the website for dates. Please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate if your child is new to the league. Ages need to be verified by Birth Certificate.

Information regarding Little League Baseball Spring season runs from April till the end of June.  Most games are held at the PTLLE complex, located in the back of Northvail School. T-Ball & Farm will play one night during week and one game on Saturday.

Weekday games start at 6:00 p.m., and time varies for Saturday.  Other divisions will play approximately two nights and one Saturday game. Some divisions play inter-league which will require travel to other local towns. Parents / Guardians are expected to stay at all practices and games.  Managers and Coaches cannot be responsible for your child. PTE is run entirely by volunteers. Parental support is needed to maintain a safe and happy environment for your children.

Volunteers who have direct contact with the children (coaches, managers, etc), must attend and pass a certified safety course (RUTGERS). A background check will be completed on all these volunteers as mandated by Little League. To receive volunteer fee back, you must complete your task, fill out a refund form and submit to the concession stand by August 1, No refunds will be given after that date. Any withdrawals after April 1, 2019 are subject to a $50.00 penalty.

There will be an annual Mandatory Fundraiser fee of $30.00 per family that will be collected during registration. There is also a $75.00 Volunteer fee required for each family which is very easily earned back through volunteering for any one of the many opportunities (I.E. Concession Stand, Coaching… )

If you have any questions, please contact: informationOfficer@ParTroyEast.com   or call (973) 939-4005 option 4.

Par-Troy Little League East is a place where kids and families can go to have fun, watch, and play baseball or softball while building relationships that will last a lifetime. It’s not just about playing ball, it’s about teamwork and making friends along the way.

The complex is entirely maintained and operated by volunteers and is home to 5 fantastic fields. A top-rated and highly praised concession stand is the perfect place to grab lunch or dinner before, during, and after your games. The Stand is so good that we won’t be surprised to see you there even when you don’t have a game and just want to hang out.  We look forward to seeing you at the complex!

Sons of Italy helps feed the needy for Thanksgiving

PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 Parsippany, purchased and delivered 16 fully cooked turkey dinners from ShopRite to families in need residing in Parsippany. One of the stops on the route was Parsippany Child Day Care Center.

They also purchased over $1,000 in gift cards from ShopRite to distribute to needy families.

For more information on Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 click here.

 

Black Friday Bargains at the Parsippany Library

PARSIPPANY —  The Friends of the Parsippany Library have decided that retail stores shouldn’t have all the fun and have cut prices at their bag sale, which has been extended to run through the end of the month at the Main Library at 449 Halsey Road.

Shoppers will now be able to fill a bag (provided) with books for just $5.00.  A wide assortment of popular fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, DVDs, CDs, and more are available.  Supplies will be restocked throughout the remaining sale period so shoppers are also encouraged to check back for more great finds.

Holiday shoppers should also note that the Friends will be having a “like new” gift book sale during December, where donated items that are in new or like-new condition will be sold at unbeatable prices.  Donations are currently being accepted at the Main Library.

All proceeds from these sales will be donated back to the library for the purchase of materials and programs to benefit our community.  To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here.  New members are always welcome and needed.

Woman’s Club Recognizes November as National Adoption Month

PARSIPPANY — At the Tuesday, November 20 Town Council Meeting, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) a Proclamation for National Adoption Month.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Jersey is the latest State Special Project adopted by the New Jersey State Federations of Woman’s Clubs (NJSFWC). CASA is part of a national network of non-profit programs that advocate for children removed from their families because of abuse or neglect.

CASA recruits and trains community volunteers to be a “voice in court” for children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. Community volunteers are trained to “speak up” for these children, helping them get the services they need and ensuring that they find safe, permanent homes. CASA programs operate in all 21 counties in New Jersey.

National Adoption Month is an initiative with a goal to increase national awareness and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in the U.S. foster care system. With a CASA volunteer dedicated to their case, these vulnerable children have someone speaking up for their best interest.

For more information on CASA click here.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.   The November General Meeting is on Monday, November 26th at 7:00 pm, at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Dr. Parsippany. All area women are welcome.  For more information e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, check us out on the web by clicking here or follow us on our FaceBook page.

Here is a copy of the Proclamation presented to the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills:
[gview file=”https://parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2018/11/Proclamation_National-AdoptionMonth.pdf”]

Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting from (11/20/2018)

Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting from (11/20/2018) – Part 2

Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting from (11/20/2018) – Part 3

County College of Morris Trustee Receives Statewide Leadership Award

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, November 16, as part of the Vision 2028 Leadership Summit, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges presented the Ronald D. Winthers Trustee Leadership Award to County College of Morris Trustee Joseph Weisberg, Ed.D.

The award is named after long-time Rowan College at Burlington County Trustee Ronald D. Winthers, who served the college for over 25 years and served on the national board of the Association of Community College Trustees and as chairman of the NJCCC. It is awarded to long-time trustees who have made outstanding contributions to their community colleges.

Weisberg, of Parsippany, has served on the CCM Board of Trustees for 25 years and has made significant contributions both within the institution and throughout the region at large. The longevity of being on the Board of Trustees has allowed him to serve on practically all of the Board’s committees at one point.

The most notable special committees that he been a member of are the Personnel Committee and the Lands and Buildings Committee. Weisberg is also on the Organization, Bylaws and Nomination Committee where he helped draft and approve the CCM Statement of Trustee Responsibility and helped to develop the trustee self-evaluation tool currently in use.

The award, a glass acorn atop a metal base, was designed and created through a partnership between Salem Community College and Camden County College. Salem Community College has one of the most innovative glass programs in the country and Camden County College has been a leader in New Jersey in training and educating students to work in the metal fabrication and advanced manufacturing industries. The award embodies the commitment of New Jersey’s community colleges to creativity, knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges is the state association representing New Jersey’s 19 community colleges. As an independent, trustee-headed organization that joins the leadership of trustees and presidents, the Council is a resource that strengthens and supports the state’s 19 community colleges.

Parsippany to Host Public Workshop on Master Plan Updates

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will be holding the first public workshop on its new Master Plan on November 27, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Parsippany Hills High School (PHHS) in the cafeteria at 20 Rita Drive.

The Township invites residents, business owners, property owners and other interested parties to share their ideas about how Parsippany should change and what assets should be protected over the next 10 years. Parsippany’s Master Plan is the Township’s public policy guide in terms of housing, economic development, transportation, utilities, recreation, sustainability, open space and other important resources.

The Master Plan is not a law, but it provides guidance to elected officials and decision-makers when they make land use, zoning and capital investment decisions. The basic purpose for a Master Plan, as stated by New Jersey Statute within the “Municipal Land Use Law” (MLUL), is “to guide the use of lands within the municipality in a manner which protects public health and safety and promotes the general welfare.” This current effort will reflect changes to the Township since the Master Plan was “Reexamined” in 2014. The purpose of the first public workshop is to introduce the project and discuss the community’s vision for Parsippany. Ensuing meetings and workshops will be used to present findings and test recommendations.

The feedback will help to ensure that the Master Plan is representative of the community as a whole and that it includes realistic and publicly supported goals and objectives. The Township led project is expected to continue until the summer of 2019. Maximizing citizen participation is an essential component of the effort.

There will be a numerous opportunities for public input including two public workshops, an online survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups.

Nicole Coleman – Help her fight against Cancer

PARSIPPANY — Nicole Coleman, 42, underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor on Monday , November 19, at University Hospital in Newark.

Nicole was born on June 26, 1976. She was raised in Parsippany and attended St. Christopher’s, Central Middle School, and Parsippany High School (Class of 1994). Following graduation, Nicole started a family with childhood sweetheart Eric Gibson. Together they have three beautiful children Donte, Cole and Shaday.

Just about a month ago Nicole started experiencing headaches and sought help from her doctor. At first they gave her some pain reliever and sent her home, but the pain wasn’t subsiding. She started forgetting things and getting confused. She was unable to remember from one moment to the next. She was taken to Dover General Hospital where Nicole had an MRI where a mass was located in the center of her brain.

Nicole has a long fight ahead of her and needs emotional and financial support to relieve the burden of aftercare. Please keep Nicole in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time in her life. If you would like to contribute a go fund me account has been set up.

Click here to view Nicole’s GoFundMe page.

Murphy Signs Resolution Designating “A Day in the Life – Type 1 Diabetes Day”

TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy signed AJR152 into law, which designates the Monday before Thanksgiving Day of each year as “A Day in the Life – Type 1 Diabetes Day.” 

“It is our obligation to enhance awareness around Type 1 Diabetes and bring to light the daily challenges of thousands of New Jerseyans who live with this autoimmune disease,” said Governor Murphy. “Our Administration is committed to supporting these individuals in every way possible, taking us one step closer to a fairer New Jersey for all.”

Each year, more than 30,000 children and adults are diagnosed with T1D. Individuals with T1D suffer from the inability to produce insulin, resulting in a lifetime of health complications as there is no known cure.

This resolution will raise awareness of T1D and note the need for more research to help the 3 million Americans with T1D.

Sponsors of the legislation include Assembly members Eric Houghtaling, Joann Downey, Roy Freiman, and Senator Vin Gopal.

Meet Earl! Named after a relaxing cup of tea

PARSIPPANY — Meet Earl! Named after a relaxing cup of tea, his name says a lot about his personality!

Earl is nine years old and was recently rescued from an inner-city municipal shelter after they found him as a stray. Don’t let that make you sad though, this happy senior is now ready to find his forever family!

At only 47 lbs, he is a pint-sized cup of goodness. His tail NEVER stops wagging and he absolutely loves everyone he meets. While he is a more distinguished gentleman, he is still full of life and energy. Earl loves going for walks, eating bully sticks, and giving lots of kisses during snuggle time. He’s a great mix of fun and cuddly!

Earl would be great in a home with young children as he is tolerant and very easygoing. He’d prefer a home without cats but we think he can live with a calm, tolerant dog as Earl tends to be a bit dominant around other pups. He is potty-trained and crate-trained too!

Earl’s skin is currently in need of some TLC due to his previous, neglectful owners but he is loving his new food and improving every day. He is also deaf but doesn’t let that stop him at all! He does not get spooked or scared due to his deafness and, since he is always right by his foster’s side, it’s easy to get his attention.

If you’re looking for a sweet, relaxed guy who’d love to spend his golden years pleasing and loving you, apply to adopt Earl today!

If you are interested in adopting Earl, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

Morris County Narcotics Task Force Make First Degree Drug Arrests

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr. announce the arrest of several cocaine distributors following a long-term drug investigation that began in June 2018 into the importation and distribution of cocaine into Morris County. This investigation culminated on November 15 and November 17, when investigators executed four search warrants resulting in ten arrests and the seizure of over five hundred (500) grams of cocaine, over $10,000 in drug distribution proceeds, and five vehicles utilized in furtherance of drug distribution activity.

The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation:

Abel Mejia-Lara, 37, North Bergen, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 3 counts of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • 3 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 3 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 4 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Mejia-Lara is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.

Erlin N. Duarte-Oseguero, 27, West New York, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 2 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 5 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.

Cesar D. Acosta-Shuna, 35, Union City was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 3 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.

Walter O. Cabrera-Martinez, 36, West New York, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of third-degree Possession of Cocaine

Cabrera-Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.

Maria G. Ramos, 36, of West New York, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Ramos was released on a Summons Complaint.

Rudy Mendez-Lopez, 20, Morristown, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Mendez-Lopez is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting his First Appearance.

Gabriella Pieneda, 32, Morristown, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Pieneda is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting her First Appearance.

Yassir Martinez, 40, Morristown, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.

Edwin Garcia, 39 of Morristown, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Garcia was released on a Summons Complaint.

Alexander Rodriguez-Bejaran, 43 of Linden, was charged with the following:

  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Rodriguez-Bejaran was released on a Summons Complaint.

Prosecutor Knapp stated: “We are losing too many of our citizens to the disease of addiction. This investigation demonstrates the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts working together to infiltrate criminal organizations impacting Morris County. Fortunately, the Morris County Narcotics task force, led by the Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, dismantled a drug trafficking group and the investigation resulted in the removal of a significant quantity of cocaine from our community.”

Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Task Force: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Morristown Police Department, West New York Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Town of Dover Police Department and Morris Plains Police Department.

The investigation and prosecution is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Carousel of Learning Celebrated Giving Day

PARSIPPANY — Carousel of Learning Celebrated Giving Day was held on Friday, November 16. The children brought in food to donate to the local food pantry.

Carousel of Learning is located at 244 Kingston Road. For more information click here.
Carousel of Learning wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Letter to the editor:  No PILOT! Bob Venezia is correct and more 

parsippany focusDear Editor:

On Tuesday, November 20, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council will vote on whether to approve a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement between the township and the developer of the District at 1515 project, which consists of 441 apartment units and 112,000 sq. ft. of retail space. This PILOT DEAL is to compensate for an alleged “constitutional obligation”? Well then if that is in fact the case then 100% affordable should be the objective, along with State subsidies to enforce their own ruling. The construction of more luxury apartments or retail space is completely unneeded in order to accomplish this obligation. This is part of the Christie legacy which failed to address a viable solution to the exploitation of citizens do to market forces driven by profit motives rather than the actual organic needs of society.

The following from “Housing Opportunity Task Force Findings & Recommendations”, March 19, 2010. Which is still the core of the dilemma  created by the original case, Mount Laurel being more about discrimination and gentrification and its demise of basic rights of citizens.

In Mount Laurel I, this Court held that a zoning ordinance that contravened the general welfare was unconstitutional. We pointed out that a developing municipality violated that constitutional mandate by excluding housing for lower income people; that it would satisfy that constitutional obligation by affirmatively affording a realistic opportunity for the construction of its fair share of the present and prospective regional need for low and moderate income housing. This is the core of the Mount Laurel doctrine. Although the Court set forth important guidelines for implementing the doctrine, their application to particular cases was complex, and the resolution of many questions left uncertain. Was it a “developing” municipality? What was the “region,” and how was it to be determined? How was the “fair share” to be calculated within that region? Precisely what must that municipality to do to “affirmatively afford” an opportunity for the construction of lower income housing? Other questions were similarly troublesome.

Two basic approaches must be deciphered. 1. Immediate, or short-term. Is their really an absolute need for this additional unneeded elements of the proposed development, more market or luxury apartments,and retail? does not Parsippany already have enough housing options both rented and vacant already satisfying needs? Does not Parsippany already have enough retail malls? 2. Comprehensive, or long term impacts that will occur; for example traffic, water, trash and air pollution. The mere fact that a for-profit  corporate developer of perhaps unknown actual already existing financial resources is trying to take advance of local officials perhaps not capable of determining all factors, both local and regional and all sources including nonprofit housing available. What is the need for more new construction? It has not been determined, but thrown to the dogs due to Governor Christie’s lack of leadership. Comprehensive would also included strategic plan envisioning what long term future it holds; for example housing in close proximity to travel options, transit and work location to decrease the sprawl phenomena  rather than increase it.  We must also question, why is Parsippany not directly dealing with the Fair Share Housing Center ; why are we circumventing this agency as a primary partner?

Developers have been using affordable housing in other ways, like intimidating and threatening lawsuits; waterview still the best example. If local officials really knew the law and policies of good land use they should have known waterview could never have fallen to COAH type housing. Local officials proved they could not defend their own community from false threats because they were not versed in policies and options available to invoke.

The other ploy used in conjunction with undefined obligations is jobs; short term jobs in construction and substandard jobs of dubious employment possibilities.

The bottom line is without government subsidies to meet the obligation of necessity for ‘affordable living space’ private corporate forces will continue to dominate through their power of lawsuits and PILOT deals while the very agency of government itself, the Constitutional Source of the obligation plays little or no role in mandating low income housing to citizens that are left out in favor of capital rather than real human needs. Parsippany and all of New Jersey needs a plan and an economy that serves the people, not the people to serve the economy. An economy that already favors the advantaged. The giant traffic jam of November 15 due to the snowstorm was more due to the sprawl and its replication will and does occur over and over again all due to poor planning and developers fantasies as they walk away from the havoc they inflict on the general welfare of man and nature.

No PILOT Deal

NO PILOT AGREEMENT or mortgage and sales tax exemptions for corporations that can easily afford to pay their fair share of the tax burden.  Giving away our tax base only produces less revenue, which in turn means higher taxes for all property owners.

Nick Homyak

Letter to the editor: I support “Green New Deal”

parsippany focusDear Editor:

My name is Johan and I’m 30 years old. I am scared about the effects climate change will have on our generation and the next. Already people on the west coast are being labeled as climate change refugees due to being displaced from the wildfires.

I support Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s resolution to create a House Select Committee for a Green New Deal in Congress. United Nations climate scientists tell us we have just twelve years to move our country off fossil fuels, to avoid catastrophic climate disaster.

We need a Green New Deal to create millions of green jobs, move our country off fossil fuels, and protect working people of all backgrounds. Congress members should support this resolution. The Green New Deal already has 10 Reps supporting it. I ask for our new elect Reps. in New Jersey Tom Malinowski, Mikie Sherrill, Andy Kim and Jeff Van Drew to support the Green New Deal.

Johan Andrade