PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools recently renewed its membership in the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC).
Dr. Patrick Selimo, Committee Chairman, presented Barbara Sargent, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, with their updated membership plaque.
The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce serves the business, residents, and volunteers in the Parsippany,New Jersey area. Members benefit from our business-oriented programs and special meetings. Many of our member firms offer discounts to Chamber member firms, as well as their employees.
PACC also works with children in the high school on special projects so the students can earn community service hours.
Did the state Department of Transportation forget to pave Route 10 west after a piece of the eastbound highway was recently paved? A reader asked why the westbound lanes remain unpaved after the eastbound lanes of Route 10 were repaved earlier this year. “The highway going west, especially around the Dover, Randolph area, is in a…
MORRIS COUNTY — Employment Horizons is excited to announce the acquisition of its new MV-1 vehicle that will help transport individuals working with the sixty-year-old organization. Purchase of the vehicle was made possible by a generous grant from the Stephen and Beverly Rubenstein Foundation.
It is critically important to Employment Horizons’ programs to transport individuals by vehicle. The program participants are brought to job interviews and job samples daily. Employment Horizons also transports their clients for their “Discover Your Community Opportunities.” This is a highly regarded program which allows participants from the fulfillment center to take guided tours of local businesses, and to learn more about job opportunities available in the community.
Employment Horizons selected the MV-1 because it is a vehicle designed and built specifically to transport individuals with mobility barriers (rather than a modified van), and is the safest vehicle on the market for such transport. In addition, it can be driven by any licensed driver as it does not require a commercial license. “We don’t just give funding to projects from the bottom of our hearts, but to projects that will better life and society as a whole,” said Andrew Rubenstein.
“As an organization that has prided itself on removing barriers for individuals with disabilities, we believe removing this transportation barrier for individuals with mobility impairments is of paramount importance to our mission,” said Matthew Putts, Executive Director of Employment Horizons. This gift will enhance opportunities and provide greater access for everyone at Employment Horizons and we are deeply indebted to the Rubenstein Foundation for this extremely generous gift.
Employment Horizons is a local not-for-profit organization which serves individuals with disabilities, empowering them to earn a paycheck and live as productive citizens in the greater Morris County area. For more information, contact Maria Florio, Director of Community Relations at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or at mariaflorio@ehorizons.org.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Board of Directors of the Spring Street Community Development Center announces the appointment of Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon as the newest member of the board.
Sheriff Gannon’s appointment expands the Board to nine directors. He will be a member of the Development and Governance Committees. The board is led by Chair, Rev. Sidney S. Williams, Jr., Pastor, Bethel Church of Morristown.
“Jim Gannon embodies the spirit of community and brings talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have him by our side as we continue to help strengthen the community in Morris County,” said Teresa E. Williams, Executive Director of the Spring Street Community Development Center.
Since 2011, the Spring Street Community Development Corporation has been helping diverse communities of people with limited resources strengthen their families and find shelter during times of crisis.
Services include academic enrichment and outreach programs for youth ages 10-14, mentoring and tutoring, parenting classes (SOAR), emergency referral services, substance abuse services, food pantry and community kitchen (Table of Hope). Annually, Spring Street CDC serves over 5,000 individuals.
Of those, 60 percent are refugees and/or immigrants. To learn more about the Spring Street CDC and its programs, visit www.springstreetcdc.org or like us on Facebook.
Sheriff Gannon grew up in Boonton and graduated from Our Lady of Mount Carmel elementary school and Boonton High School. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from the County College of Morris, Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from William Paterson University, and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Sheriff Gannon was a Patrolman in his hometown of Boonton, and Boonton Township, followed by more than two decades of service at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, where he attained the rank of Deputy Chief of Investigations. Sheriff Gannon also was assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Upon retirement, he joined the private sector at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where he retired as the Global Head of Security Risk.
In addition to his professional career in law enforcement and security, Gannon has given back to the surrounding communities in other ways, including as current President of the 200 Club of Morris County, Adjunct Professor at Centenary College, Life Member of the New Jersey State PBA 327, Cofounder of the Morris County Chapter of the Emerald Society of the State of New Jersey, and as a Drum Major in the Police Pipes & Drums of Morris County, to name a few.
PARSIPPANY — A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Foli Family, whose home was damaged in a fire on Saturday morning, October 14. Glen Foli, a member of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, his wife Lauren Kratt Foli, a lifelong resident of Parsippany and their children Joey and Kaylee lost everything in the fire.
The Eastlake School PTA is also seeking donations. They are looking for gift cards for household supplies (toothpaste, shampoo) and restaurants. The family will be residing in hotels until the house is livable again. All parents of students in Eastlake School can send the items with their children to school marked the attention of Karen Kinsey. Karen is coordinating the fundraiser. You can also bring the donations to IHOP and make sure you tell them the donation is for The Foli family.
In addition on Sunday, October 29, IHOP, 792 Route 46 is hosting a fundraiser benefiting the Foli Family. Print out the below coupon and present it to your server and IHOP will donate 15% of proceeds directly to the Foli’s.
FORT LEE — Two cars collided on the George Washington Bridge after a passenger grabbed the steering wheel of one of them during an argument with a female driver, according to an article published on Fort Lee Daily Voice.
Both Johengny Tavares, 28, of Lake Hiawatha and the driver, also 28, were taken with facial injuries to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center after the 11:00 p.m. crash Sunday on the bridge’s upper level near New Jersey, the Port Authority’s Joseph Pentangelo said.
A judge later granted the woman a restraining order against Tavares, Pentangelo told the publication.
The driver of the other car, a 2008 Toyota sedan, was treated at the scene for an ankle injury, he said.
Tavares was arguing with the Chrysler driver — described by police as an aquaintance — when he “seized the steering wheel and turned it, sending the Chrysler into the Toyota,” Pentangelo said.
Tavares was later released pending a November 3 first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on charges of assault by auto, harassment and criminal mischief.
Both the Chrysler and the Toyota were towed from the scene.
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.
PARSIPPANY — Jonathan Santiago, 27, was fatally struck after exiting his 2014 Honda Accord on Interstate 80 near mile marker 46.8. On Sunday morning, around 3:24 am, the pedestrian accident occurred, which involved Santiago from West Lawn, Pennsylvania who slammed into a guardrail and exited his vehicle to examine the damage.
Once he came out of his vehicle a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder driven by a 59-year-old Mayer Dudinsky from Hackettstown fatally struck the victim. The SUV driver and his 14-year-old passenger sustained no injuries although the 15-year-old boy sitting in the back of the SUV incurred personal injuries and was treated at the Morristown Medical Center.
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, October 23, the 3rd seeded Parsippany Christian Patriots boys’ varsity soccer team defeated 6th seeded Madison Avenue Baptist of Paterson 5-0 in the first round of the Metro Christian Athletic Association conference tournament. Freshman Will Dieppa scored three goals and contributed one assist and senior striker and leading goal scorer, Michael Jetton added two goals and three assists for the Patriots.
Parsippany Christian boys’ soccer team is looking for their first conference tournament championship since 2002. The Patriots will play the winner of the No. 2 seed Veritas Christian and No. 7 seed Abundant Life Academy of Nutley game on Thursday, October 26 in the semifinals.
PARSIPPANY — Michael L. Strumolo, 65, longtime resident of Lake Hiawatha passed away on Saturday, October 21 at St. Clares Hospital in Denville.
Mike was born in Orange and moved to Lake Hiawatha in 1956 where he has lived all of his life.
He owned and operated Hiawatha Towing in Lake Hiawatha for many years.
Mike was a councilman in Parsippany for many years as well as past chairman of the Parsippany Republican County Committee and a former member of the Parsippany Board of Education.
He was a member of Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church in Parsippany.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, John Sr. and Anna Marie (nee-DeJohn) Strumolo.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy (nee-Passalaqua ); his son, Matthew; his brothers: John Jr., Louis P. and his wife, Debbie; his sister, Anna Marie Ocascio and her husband, Julio; his nephews: Joey and Louie; Michael is also survived by his 3 sister-in-laws, brother-in-law and their families.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26 from the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road. With the Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 179 Baldwin Road. Entombment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
PARSIPPANY — GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) property located at 1500 Littleton Road was sold on October 6, for $8,500,000.00. The deed was recorded at the Morris County Recording Office on October 18.
The sign leading onto the property has the name taped over in white tapeThe main entrance of the building. The sign has white tape covering the letteringThe orange barricades were at the entrance to block off visitors last week, then removed and put in the back of the building not to draw attention to the sale of the property
The buyer is listed as Parsippany Littleton, LLC. The office address is listed as 820 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills. (click here to view corporate formation)
The property consists of all the land together with the appurtenances thereto, being known as Block 181, Lot 19 on the Tax Map of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
According to property tax information (as of January 10, 2016) listed with the State of New Jersey Transparency Center, the land is listed as 25.950 acres, with a property class of Commercial. The land value was listed at $10,435,000 and the building value was listed at $12,713,200 for a total of $23,148,200. The annual property tax $665,000.00 is listed on the Parsippany-Troy Hills website.
Zygi Wilf
Also listed at the address of 820 Morris Avenue is Garden Homes. Garden Homes is owned in part or wholly by Zygi Wilf. Zygi Wilf is the Owner/Chairman of the Minnesota Vikings (click here for additional details).
Wilf joined the family business and became head of one of the company’s affiliates, Garden Commercial Properties. Wilf has grown the company from four shopping centers in Northern New Jersey to over a hundred properties, including several large malls. In addition to the commercial properties, the Garden companies also own and manages 90,000 apartment units around the country. In Parsippany, Garden Communities consists of Powdermill Heights, Knoll Gardens, Mill Run at Parsippany, Redstone Gardens, Ridgeview Gardens, Redstone Apartments, Vail Gardens and Westgate Apartments.
Garden Homes is also involved with Forge Pond, a new townhouse development with a price tag ranging from $435,000 to $535,000; Puddingstone Ridge, single family homes with a price tag of approximately $825,000; In Budd Lake, Lakeview Homes, single family homes with a price tag of approximately $600,000; In Fairfield, The Reserve at Fairfield, with homes ranging from $829,000 to $1,014,000. Mazdabrook Commons is listed as one of their past projects.
Other projects of Garden Homes is located in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Warren Counties and Hartford Connecticut.
Garden Communities offers apartment rentals throughout New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. They offer 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units, studios, townhouses/duplexes, luxury apartment rentals, affordable housing or 55+ active adult communities. Their properties offer residents access to extensive shopping, entertainment, the best schools in the area and recreational activities for all ages.
Garden Commercial Properties also is listed at 820 Morris Avenue. Some of the properties in that portfolio include Parsippany’s Arlington Plaza, among over a dozen other shopping centers in New Jersey. Rutgers Village, Powder Mill East Shopping Center, and Powder Mill West Shopping Centers are part of Pineview Homes, which is a subsidiary of the Wilf empire.
The Carriage House’s structure was saved by former Mayor Michael Luther and Mimi Letts
This former GSK site, located at 1500 Littleton Road in Parsippany-Troy Hills, was originally the site of a country estate called Spring Side built in 1877 by Peter H. Ballantine. Ballantine descended from the owners of a successful brewery in Newark, which was known for its famous Ballantine beer.
During the latter half of the nineteenth century, this area housed country homes for many of the wealthiest families in New York and New Jersey.
At this time, it was common practice amongst the wealthy to have a summer residence in the country to escape the heat and dirt of the big cities. According to reports, Isabelle Ballantine, Peter’s widow, was the last member of her family to use the mansion as a residence.
When she died in 1946, the estate passed to her nephew, Congressman Peter Frelinghuysen, who then sold it to a developer and used a portion of the property to build the Sedgefield neighborhood. These are the residential properties that now border the GSK site.
The Texas-US Chemical Company purchased 26 acres of the property in the late 50s, and used the mansion as office space while they built a new research and development building. The mansion was demolished in 1962. The original office building, now called Building A, housed GSK’s main reception lobby.
In 2010, the Carriage House’s structure was in disrepair and in danger of collapsing. GSK conducted a study to determine the feasibility of repairing and restoring the structure. Following the study, approval to convert the building into a training center was granted, and Phase 1— the structural stabilization of the building— began in 2011. The interior renovation was completed in 2013, and the Carriage House Training Center officially opened on July 15, 2013.
The Carriage House, gazebo and stone wall running along Littleton Road are all that remain from the Ballantine estate. The original carriage house door location was converted into the new main entrance, which includes a steel and glass vestibule enclosed behind reproduction barn doors. A timber found in the first floor framing had the scribed date of “1803”. As a tribute to the original historical elements of the building, the “1803” barn beam was re-used above the entry to the main training space. The original wood from the Carriage House was removed, refinished and re-installed where possible throughout the building. The Carriage House’s old stables serve as accessible toilet facilities. The toilet stalls are in the location of the original horse stalls. The exposed trusses of the main training space are the original structure of the Carriage House. They remain exposed to capture the historical essence of the space.
The future of the property remains in the developer’s hands.
In 2016, Parsippany Focus reported Mack-Cali is repurposing office buildings in the Mack-Cali Office Complex, which is located diagonally across the street. Focus was told by a representative of Mack-Cali, “Apparently, 1633 Littleton is being repurposed. Nothing on the other property.” (Editors note: The other property in question is Two Campus Drive, which is vacant and directly behind 1633 Littleton Road.) Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary, acquired Two Campus Drive in Mack-Cali’s Business Campus for approximately $5.5 million. The strategic acquisition will pave the way for the execution of the mixed-use master plan for the Campus in Parsippany. Click here to read full story.
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills announced the annual “Trunk or Treat” will be held on Tuesday, October 31 at Veteran’s Memorial Park from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
They are providing a safe and fun place for Parsippany children to “Trick or Treat.” The children will go trunk to trunk instead of door to door!
Decorate your vehicle and join in the fun!
For admission and registration information:
• Admission is NOT FREE. No registration needed: You MUST bring at least 1 bag of candy per child with at least 50 individually factory sealed treats to the event. Candy donations will be used to resupply vehicle registrants with candy so all children participating will receive candy.
• Due to the high demand of participants in 2016, any participants that arrive without the candy admission fee will be asked to leave and come back once they have the candy.
• Parking: Behind Houlihan’s ONLY. There will be no “Trick or Treater’s” parking within Veterans Park. Please follow “Event Parking” Signs.
• Handicap Parking: Handicap Parking will be provided at Veterans Park. Please proceed to the entrance of the Park and have your State Issued Handicap Parking Placard visible and staff will direct you to the correct lot.
• Trick or Treater’s will walk down the path from the event parking lot, cross the bridge into the park and hand in candy to receive their wristband and walk to the lot to participate. Follow Signs.
If you are participating with your vehicle:
• No Fee.
• MUST register online at pthreconline.com or at the Recreation Department Office by Thursday, October 26 by 4:30 p.m..
• Event Check in – 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. only.
• Vehicles will NOT be allowed in after 3:45 p.m.
• Vehicles MUST remain until the end of the event. Once the Police notify us of the all clear, vehicles will be allowed to leave.
• Be sure to decorate your vehicle as much as possible!
• Reminder: If your child is participating, you must have at least ONE bag of at least 50 individually factory sealed treats per child.
• During the event, staff will be distributing treats to replenish your supply of candy with the donations from the trick or treaters.
To my former neighbors and commercial property owners, the biggest scam perpetrated by Mayor Barbiero has been the transfer of monies from the sewer surplus ($7,000,000 to $8,000,000) to the Township General Operating Fund.
As you know for seven years I have expressed my consternation about this theft. I held a petition signing at town hall in April 2011 and I contacted state officials, because clearly Mayor Barbiero is circumventing the 2% tax cap.
Remember 11 years ago, there was a 52% increase in sewer charges and a $25,000,000 bond issuance? When Barbiero ran for mayor three years after that increase went into effect his campaign flyer “Light At the End of the Tunnel” referenced that 52% sewer rate increase by the previous administration and implied he would offer relief. Since then the Mayor saw the pot of gold and could not stop from helping himself to it.
Well, two months ago I had an epiphany, “What about starting a class action lawsuit?” The case would hinge on the fact that the invoices sent to sewer ratepayers does not state that the payments would be used for sewer charges AND the general operating fund! I believe there is a real case there.
We, the users, have been scammed for seven years and no matter how Mayor Barbiero spins it this transfer is wrong.
What happens 5-10 years from now when the sewer treatment plant needs an upgrade or major repairs, where will the money be? It is the equivalent of someone saving over time to pay for house repairs but instead taking all the money to Atlantic City and gambling it away, then having to get a bank loan to pay for the repairs. You’re too smart for that right? Well apparently Barberio isn’t. Or maybe he’s doing what he needs to do to feed the bloated government he’s created while still conning residents into believing he hasn’t increased their taxes.
Oh by the way, the problems Barberio has created are already starting to cost residents money. In the 2017 Budget, the mayor bonded (took out a long-term loan) for $10,000,000 money you’ll be paying back.
Wake-up Parsippany! You’ve been fleeced. Montville, which uses Parsippany sewer treatment services is threatening OR has filed a lawsuit to be reimbursed for the money diverted from the sewer fund. Don’t let this administration continue to rob you. Get out on November 7 and vote.
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Roberto Peon, 86, Parsippany, was traveling on Route 46 and entered the intersection of Baldwin Road (on either a green/amber signal) when it struck a vehicle driven by Mr. Fabian Martinez, 36, Parsippany, who was traveling on Baldwin Road and crossing over Route 46.
Witnesses at the scene state that Mr. Martinez failed to observe the traffic light and the collision occurred due to driver inattention.
Both drivers were transported to area hospitals, and both vehicles were towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
Mr. Peon was driving a 2003 Hyundai Elantra, and Mr. Martinez was driving a 1997 Mercedes E32.
No summons were issued at the time of the report.
The 2003 Hyundai Elantra was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.The 1997 Mercedes E32 was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
In September, Money Magazine came out with its “Best Places to Live in America” list. Shockingly, Parsippany has lost significant ground, going from #5 to #33 in just one short year. Having been on the Money Magazine list at least five times going back to 2008, this is the worst rating the township ever has been given.
Some of the factors used to judge the best places to live are fixed and do not change from year to year. Parsippany is fortunate to be located at the crossroads of three major interstate highways, giving residents easy access to jobs, and as the largest municipality in Morris County, Parsippany contains an abundance of parks, golf courses, local theaters, restaurants, shopping options and recreation.
Other factors, however, vary from year to year. So where has Parsippany lost ground? It’s hard to pinpoint given the data provided.
According to Money Magazine, this year the greatest weight was put on economic health, cost of living factors, and public school performance. In order to understand Parsippany from a resident’s point of view, the magazine sent reporters out to neighborhoods to interview people about quality of life issues that can’t be determined by statistics. Perhaps the burden of ongoing lawsuits, which could effect not only the cost of living but an overall feeling of unrest in the township contributed to its crashing numbers.
“All I ever see in the paper and online is lawsuits and fighting within our local government, employees suing the town, development, like Waterview that nobody seems to want. I don’t feel that anyone is steering the town in a direction that residents want.”
PARSIPPANY — Rockaway Meadow School hosted a “Fall Festival” on Saturday, October 21.
The event started at 11:00 a.m. and ended at 3:00 p.m. at Rockaway Meadow School. There was a few dozen vendors, food, face painting and glitter tattoos, games crafts and inflatables.
Rockaway Meadow Fall Festival
1 of 10
Parsippany Phoenix Lacrosse team
Robert Peluso having fun on the slide
Laney Newell, 2, was having fun in the pumpkin patch
Landon Weiss making homemade folded book art
Jack Lips and Gianluca Fernicola, serving pizza from Parsippany's Best Pizza
Allie, 9, enjoying the beautiful day
Laura Lakshmi, LuLa Roe Fashions
Cathryn Smith, 8 and Bella Suppa, 7, informing the public on Bullying and selling items for Mallorys Army
PARSIPPANY — With only 16 days away to the General Election, you will have many visitors ringing your doorbell. On this warm Indian Summer day, The Petersons, were seen roaming around Lake Parsippany ringing the doorbells of area residents. Emily Peterson is a candidate for Township Council.
Peterson is on the Democratic ticket along with Janice McCarthy for Council and Michael Soriano for Mayor.
Get out and vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, October 11 at approximately 8:45 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was dispatched to M & T Bank, 240 Baldwin Road on a burglar alarm. Upon arrival they discovered the big glass window was shattered.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was dispatched to the scene to board up the window. The premises were all secure.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was dispatched to M&T, 240 Baldwin Road to board up the window
PARSIPPANY — Northvail Elementary Girl Scout Troop 96713 has been very busy learning about politics and our local government in preparation for their work in earning their Bronze awards.
On Sunday, October 14, a number of the girls participated in Camp United Nations for Girls, a program sponsored by Girls in Politics in NYC. At this camp, the girls spent the day immersed in the work of the United Nations. There they learned about the history of the United Nations; its purpose, structure, leadership and rules of procedure. As part of the program, each girl was assigned a country, conducted research and wrote a position paper regarding issues relevant to their assigned country. They wrapped up the day with the General Assembly convening delegates presenting speeches, negotiating with the other delegates, caucus and proposing resolutions along with amendments.
Then, on Wednesday, October 18, Mayor James Barberio met with the entire troop to share his own experiences regarding what it is like to be Mayor. The girls were excited to hear about his interest in helping the community in which he grew up, the challenges the position entails; as well as, issues for which the troop might consider providing aid. At the end of the evening, the girls left feeling inspired to get to work on their project.
Mayor James Barberio met with the Girl Scout Troop
PARSIPPANY — A fire at 474 Vail Road occurred on Saturday, October 21 at approximately 5:45 p.m. Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department District 6 were on the scene. Boonton Rapid Intervention Crew also responded, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 was on standby for District 4. Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was dispatched to board up the home.
According to sources a young couple with a baby recently purchased the home, and the new family was planning on staying at the home this evening. No one was home when the fire started. The fire was believed to start in the air conditioning unit at the front of the house.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Firemen on the scene of a house fire at 474 Vail RoadPhoto by Andrew Mohammed
Dear Editor:
