MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 215. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020, through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended in 2020 on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, November 21, and December 21. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.
“As we continue to work expeditiously to distribute vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic is still in full swing,” said Governor Murphy. “Continued access to necessary resources is important and critical as cases have continued to climb in New Jersey and across our nation.”
Executive Order No. 215 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 215, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted to transfer the liquor license of the former TGI Friday’s to Route 46 Park Plaza Associates, LLC.
Resolution Number 2021:30: stated, “Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Council does hereby approve, effective January 19, 2021, the Person-to-Person Transfer of the Plenary Retail Consumption License #1429-33-017-008.”
On November 23, 2020, Route 46 Park Plaza Associates, LLC. was approved by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board for a Minor Subdivision/Site Plan with ‘C’ Variance for the property known as 3799 Route 46, Block: 136 Lot: 66.01. Applicant’s proposal called for subdividing the property, which is presently improved with a restaurant building and an office building, into two separate lots, so that each existing building will have its own tax lot.
During testimony, it was revealed that the owners of Barka Restaurant are interested in purchasing the property for a “higher-end Mexican/Spanish restaurant.”
According to the State of New Jersey Business Records, Route 46 Park Plaza Associates, LLC. is a partnership owned 50% by James Zorlas and 50% by Laurence J. Rappaport.
PARSIPPANY — Woman’s Club of Parsippany is Hosting a Fundraiser at Annabella’s on Wednesday, January 20, and Thursday, January 21 from 3:00 p.m. to closing. Dine-in or take out.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Woman’s Club of Parsippany. Please present the below flyer (or download by clicking here.)
Annabelle’s is located at 329 Smith Road, Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — Located in yet another small strip mall off North Beverwyck Road at the far end of the Lake Hiawatha business district you will discover a touch of Iran at the Rayhoon Persian Kabob House. Since this venue is celebrating its one-year anniversary since joining Parsippany’s diverse culinary scene last January 31, it seemed a perfect time to visit and try some authentic Persian (Iranian) cuisine and focus on this week’s restaurant review, and since this was my first visit to a Persian restaurant, one that I have heard some great things about, I was really looking forward to trying some of the house specialties.
Co-owner Reza Kazerani with Patrick Minutillo
First, a little backstory about this cool, little, family-owned and operated restaurant and its co-owners, brothers Mehdi and Reza Kazerani. According to their website, both brothers possess a long, passionate, and impressive resume in the food and service industry. Mehdi developed his culinary talents with over 20 years’ experience at the luxurious and Michelin nominated Café Matisse in Rutherford, while Reza hails from the prestigious Hotel Espinas in Iran. Their promise to their customers is that Rayhoon Persian Kabob House will only serve fresh ingredients and that every dish will be cooked and prepared by their hands and hearts to only serve the best authentic Persian food.
The exterior of Rayhoon (which means Basil) is very appealing, with a stylish brick façade and a well-lighted, attention-grabbing, restaurant sign which welcomes you to check out what’s inside. The interior is somewhat small, sparkling clean, with its seven tables carefully arranged throughout the dining area in full conformance with all the required COVID 19 health guidelines. Warm, comfortable, and cozy, with paintings, relaxed lighting, and some indoor plants and artifacts throughout. Simple décor but a nice vibe and relaxing atmosphere.
Dining area in full conformance with all the required COVID 19 health guidelines
Reza Kazerani, who was working the counter graciously welcomed me to the restaurant and offered me my choice of tables. Following a brief conversation, you could instantly see that Reza is a friendly, personable, hospitable, and accommodating host. I was made to feel very much at home as he prepared my table and was more than willing to explain the menu, which features everything from soups, salads, and sandwiches to full platters while providing some suggestions at my request. He revealed that he has been back and forth to his home in Iran through the years until a couple of years ago when he and his brother, Mehdi, who was unavailable this night, decided together to open Rayhoon. Frankly, it is a home run for the Parsippany dining scene. Reza said their love and passion for cooking began by watching and learning from their grandparents in their homeland when they were children and it blossomed from there. Their combined culinary talent clearly presents itself in their fine food and excellent service.
Kashk-O-Bademjan
For an appetizer, I ordered the Kashk-O-Bademjan (Smashed fried eggplant and garlic topped with fermented yogurt, walnuts, caramelized garlic, and onions). Not being familiar with the dish I did not know what to expect. I ordered it as an appetizer, but it could have easily been an entrée. It was an ample serving of delicious eggplant, basically, a dip that was full of amazing, different layers of flavor and spices that went perfectly with the basket of soft, pillowy, and crusty Barbari bread and butter, and two very flavorful on-the-side sauces that accompanied the meal.
Barbari bread
The sauces, garlic (variation of Tzatziki) and habanero are both house-made with Rayhoon’s own special recipe and they both really complimented and enhanced the meal. A note of caution, the habanero sauce is extremely hot so be careful if you are not used to hot, spicy food. I personally enjoyed the habanero sauce on my Kashk-O-Bademjan, but I am used to hot, spicy food, while the white garlic sauce seemed to raise my Basmati Rice to a new taste level, and which I did liberally mix in with my rice.
Koobideh Kabob and Beef Soltani
For my entrée, Reza was considerate enough to put together a combo dish of Koobideh Kabob (a skewer of mixed ground beef and lamb) and Beef Soltani (a skewer of barg, which is grilled marinated, tenderized beef tenderloin). The assorted meats that comprised my entrée were marinated and prepared perfectly, cooked too medium and expertly spiced. Juicy, savory, and mouth-wateringly delicious. I could cut the meat with my fork. The portions are generous, plus all the platters are served with an equally generous mound of saffron basmati rice and a grilled tomato. I would suggest you try sprinkling some sumac on your rice as well. Sumac is a dark red, slightly tangy, light-flavored, fragrant spice that just kicks the dish up another notch. I understand that if you ask, they will gladly give you a little sample packet to take home.
Persian Rollet
By now I was too full for dessert which was disappointing as I was anxious to try the Persian Rollet (Vanilla-soaked cake filled and rolled with fluffy homemade whipped cream). I guess I will just have to save that for next time.
Rayhoon Persian Kabob House is a BYOB, so bring along your favorite, but tonight I chose to go with a traditional Persian Doogh, Abali Yogurt Soda. Had to try it! Like everything else this evening, I totally enjoyed it.
If you have not tried Persian cuisine you are missing out. But, if you are interested in experiencing authentic Persian cuisine there is no need to hop on a plane for Iran when you can simply stop by Rayhoon Persian Kabob House and experience a variety of authentic dishes at reasonable prices while in a clean, friendly, hospitable, and comfortable environment.
Please support all our small, independent local businesses in any way you can.
PARSIPPANY — The Tom Cook Memorial Scholarship application deadline is April 1.
All requests submitted by the deadline will be reviewed, and the selected applicant(s) will be notified of the award before the end of the school year.
Eligibility is open to any Parsippany Hills High School senior and current Varsity Baseball or Softball player.
The Scholarship up to $1,000 each is available to be awarded to one baseball and one softball player (one-time scholarship).
Mail the application to Par-Troy West Little League, P.O. Box 206, Parsippany, NJ 07054; Attn: Scholarship Committee.
Applications received after the application deadline will not be considered.
PARSIPPANY — Spring is around the corner and Par-Troy Little League West is starting the registration process for PTWLL Baseball/Softball program. Click here to download the registration form.
If they owe you a credit from last year, please select that you will pay by check on the website. If you played last year, then please register and pay by credit card.
2021 Registration Fees:
$95.00 per child (includes non-refundable administration fee)
If you are registering more than one child, and all children are registered at the same time online, you will receive a family discount. No refunds will be issued for additional fees charged for children registered separately.
$155.00 for two children
$195.00 for three children
An additional $20.00 each for each child (4 or more)
Candy Fundraiser:
All children are required to participate in the candy fundraiser. You have the option to sell a $60.00 box of candy per child or pay the buyout of $30.00 per child (collected at registration)
Family Work Bond:
$100.00 per family (regardless of the number of children registered) via a separate check dated May 1.
Paying Your Fees:
Payment is due for the registration and candy fundraiser fees when you mail in or register online for your child(ren).
Work bonds must be submitted via a separate check only and dated May 1, with registration.
Please mail all medical forms and work bond check dated May 1, 2021, for $100.00 in addition to the candy buyout of $30.00 to:
PTWLL
c/o Sandra Neglia
PO BOX 206
Parsippany, NJ 07054
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask and email Sandra Neglia at sandra4a@aol.com.
If you are interested in managing/coaching or sponsoring a team please indicate.
To register online using a credit card please visit the PTWLL Website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — January is “Radon Action Month,” in New Jersey, and with a grant from the NJDEP, Parsippany Township was able to purchase a limited number of radon test kits to be offered free to our residents.
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium and radium break down in the soil and in rock formations. Radon gas moves up through the soil and finds its way into homes through cracks in the foundation and openings around pumps, pipes, and drains. But because radon is invisible and odorless it is easy to ignore this potential hazard in our homes.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is measured in picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. The average U.S. indoor level is 1.3 pCi/L. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the DEP recommend that action be taken to reduce radon levels if the level in the home is greater than or equal to 4 pCi/L.
These free radon test kits will make testing for radon simple and inexpensive. To obtain a free kit, come to the Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Must show proof of residency.
For more information contact the Health Department at (973) 263-7160 or the DEP Radon Program at (800) 648-0394 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education will hold a “Virtual Hybrid meeting” on Thursday, January 21. Closed Session starts at 6:00 p.m. and Regular Session begins at 6:30 p.m.
Superintendent’s Bulletin can be found by clicking here.
Members of the Public can click here to join the meeting; Passcode: 6YqfDG.
Members of the public will be given the opportunity for public comment during those times allocated on the agenda, and all comments must be in accordance with the procedures and time limits set forth in Board Policy 0167, which can be found on the District website by clicking here. To request a chance to speak during the public portion, please raise your virtual hand.
The purpose of this meeting include:
Progress Report on District Goals 2020-2021
Personnel
Award of Bids
Payment of Bills
Transfer of Funds
General Business Items
Action may be taken on these and such other matters that become known following the publication of this notice and included on the agenda.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Ali said the obstructionists opposed to the creation of a party line for candidates are acting out of their own self-interest and not for the good of the party.
Ali said the small group of people who filed legal action to stop the Morris GOP County Committee from voting on Saturday, January 16 to adopt a party line are misusing the courts and misleading people to desperately grab power and influence within the party.
“It’s very unfortunate that some people who are used to getting their way are more concerned with obtaining power than in investing in changes that will make our party stronger,” said Ali.
“Creation of a party line will allow our valued county committee members to play a significant role in determining the candidates that will represent our party – bring more democracy to our party than we have now,” said Ali. “For selfish reasons, the opponents of the party line system want to continue to marginalize the county committee – and in the process — disenfranchise them and devalue their work.”
Ali said the party line system will make the Morris GOP stronger and better prepared to face off against liberal Democrats who have been making inroads in the county the last few years. In fact, she stated, “The dissenters wanted this for years until they didn’t want it when it was initiated under our Administration”.
“The Democratic Party has gotten stronger in Morris County and the Republicans are losing ground because of obstructionists like this who spend their time trying to derail positive forward momentum, instead of spending time getting candidates elected. If objectors such as David Scapicchio and John Sette and their group worked half this hard during the election, Rosemary Becchi and Tom Kean would be in Washington DC as members of the United States Congress” observed Ali.
“So, I have to ask the dissenters if they want to continue on this path until the Democrats take control of Morris County, or are they willing to put their egos and interest aside and become team players and help us build a stronger Morris GOP? As always, we have a big tent open to all.”
Ali said she has been working with a team of lawyers to bring the party line system to a vote by the county committee and is certain that everything is in order.
“Our legal team has assured me that everything we are doing is within the law and bylaws of our party,” said Ali.
MORRIS COUNTY — To continue supporting our small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy signed A-4853/S-3011 to reduce businesses’ UI contribution rate for a period of time.
“COVID-19 continues to pose economic challenges to businesses across the state,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s bill signing will alleviate the financial burdens many businesses are facing and help them get back on their feet during this difficult time.”
This legislation will reduce the amount of an employer’s unemployment taxes through the Fiscal Year 2023. Additionally, the bill will permit nonprofit and governmental employers that elect to make UI payments equal to the full amount of benefits paid to individuals attributable to service in the employ of the nonprofit or governmental employer to reduce their UI benefit payments by fifty percent for the duration of the public health emergency. The bill will result in cost savings to State entities, public institutions of higher education, local governments, and school districts during the pandemic. The short-term savings will be made possible by federal unemployment insurance advances. The recently enacted federal stimulus package extended interest-free borrowing of these loans through March 14, 2021. As of December 17, 2020, 20 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands have availed themselves of these loans.
“The contributions New Jersey employers have made to our Unemployment Trust Fund have helped keep a record number of workers afloat during this pandemic,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This new law will help reduce further hardship on employers while protecting the vital lifeline of unemployment for the future.”
“Many New Jersey businesses are struggling right now, and we cannot allow them to be further penalized by a rise in Unemployment Insurance costs when layoffs were the only option for them to save their business,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “This law will be influential in preventing further economic damage to our businesses and communities.”
“Due to a loss of revenue, COVID-19 has forced many small businesses to lay off or furlough dedicated employees in an effort to stay in business,” said Senator Fred Madden, chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “These layoffs were not wanted by any employer and, as a result, they should not be punished with paying the cost for Unemployment Insurance claims.”
“The coronavirus has left businesses reeling from months of closures, mass layoffs, and declining revenue,” said Assemblyman Louis Greenwald. “By next year, the unemployment tax rate is expected to rise to the highest bracket, requiring employers to pay more at a time when many will likely still be getting back on their feet. We need to take action to ease the tax burden on employers during this economic crisis.”
“Many businesses were required to close quickly at the start of the pandemic. New Jersey’s economic recovery will not come as swiftly,” said Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo. “Anything we can do to reduce rising tax obligations resulting from COVID-19 is a step we need to take.”
“Not since the Great Depression has our country faced an economic crisis like the one we are seeing today,” said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli. “After all they’ve endured, businesses need relief so that they can keep employees on the payroll and rise to meet any future challenges brought on by the coronavirus. This new law will provide critical tax relief to employers as they continue on the long road to recovery.”
“A similar phase-in payroll tax measure was utilized after the financial crisis of 2007-2009,” said Michael Egenton, Executive Vice President of Government Relations for the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce. “This legislation will provide predictability and certainty to employers, especially during these challenging economic times due to the pandemic. Rather than move businesses into the most expensive of six columns to replenish the unemployment insurance fund, the bill will shift them one column over instead of five this July. Additionally, this bill prevents a rate increase for employers who had to carry out layoffs through no fault of their own. We commend the Governor, Senate President Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, and the sponsors – Senator Madden and Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald – for their support in making sure our employers do not experience “sticker shock” as we all work towards replenishing the UI fund.”
“NJBIA thanks Governor Murphy and the bipartisan supporters of this important legislation,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “Without it, New Jersey business owners would be looking at a massive payroll tax increase this summer, effectively penalizing struggling employers who were forced into workforce reductions beyond their control. Spreading out this increase over three years makes this increase more palatable and helps give our businesses a fighting chance.
“The CCSNJ commends Governor Murphy for signing this vital piece of legislation,” said Christina Renna, President, and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. “With most businesses having to temporarily close their doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19, employers were forced to make tough choices in order to survive. An additional increase to the employer contribution of the UI Fund would have been a tax increase businesses did not deserve and could not afford as the pandemic continues. Thank you to the Governor and Legislature for recognizing and taking swift action to assure employers were not faced with this difficult burden.”
“The NJ YMCA State Alliance would like to commend the Governor for providing much-needed relief to the non-profit community,” said Dr. Darrin Anderson, CEO, New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. “The signing of this bill allows us to concentrate our resources on supporting the unprecedented needs in the community.”
PARSIPPANY – Mayor Michael Soriano has selected Nick Napolitano, a teacher and community leader, to serve a four-year term on the township Planning Board.
Napolitano has led the community-based opposition to the potential development of St. Christopher’s property along Route 202. In that capacity, he has organized the surrounding neighborhood and helped to amplify the voices of area residents. Nick has also served the community as a Little League coach, PTA member, and was selected to receive the 2009-10 New Jersey Governor’s Teacher of the Year Award.
“Nick has been fearless in his advocacy for the neighborhoods along the Route 202 corridor,” said Mayor Soriano. “It’s important that we have voices like his reviewing and voting on applications before the Planning Board.”
Napolitano will be appointed to the seat once held by Bob Keller, a longtime Planning Board member and chairman who oversaw the creation of Parsippany’s new Master Plan, passed in 2020.
“I have made it a point to serve my community as long as I’ve lived in Parsippany, and want to thank Mayor Soriano for recognizing that a diversity of voices is needed on our land use boards,” Napolitano stated. “There is a tremendous amount of work to do as a Planning Board member, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Napolitano’s term will begin at the Planning Board’s January 25 meeting and run through the end of 2023.
PARSIPPANY — An aging workforce could benefit from a bill passed by a legislative panel expanding discrimination protections for those aged 70 years and older.
“There is no reason our laws should stop preventing age discrimination in the workplace once someone has reached 70 years old,” said Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, a prime sponsor of the legislation heard in the Assembly’s Aging and Senior Services Committee today. “Some seniors have to keep working because of New Jersey’s high cost of living, while others just find their careers very rewarding. Either way, their age shouldn’t hold them back.”
Under DeCroce’s bill (A681), public employers would no longer be permitted to force public employees to retire at a certain age under a law that allows them to do so if they can show retirement age relates to the employment in question. Additionally, higher education institutions would not be allowed to require tenured employees to retire at 70 years old. Employers would also be prohibited from refusing to hire or promote a person solely because a person is over 70 years old.
“The exceptions to the age discrimination protections on the books are discriminatory,” explained DeCroce (R-Morris). “Current and potential employees should be evaluated on their skill sets, performance history, and credentials – not the date on their birth certificates.”
According to AARP-NJ, workers 65 and older are the fastest-growing labor pool. Workers who are 50 and older will make up 35 percent of the workforce by 2022. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 American Community Survey revealed more than one in three New Jerseyans between ages 65 and 74 were employed or looking for work. The latest data shows more than 21 percent of adults over 65 are currently working.
The bill does not make changes to the New Jersey Constitution, which includes mandatory retirement for Supreme Court justices and some other judges upon reaching age 70, and Police and Firemen’s Retirement System members.
MORRIS COUNTY — In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, Post Offices will be closed and only Priority Mail Express will be delivered on Monday, January 18. Full mail delivery, postal retail operations, and mail collections will resume on Tuesday, January 19.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced two additional categories of New Jersey residents eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Beginning Thursday, January 14, all New Jersey residents ages 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus, are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. Those conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, obesity and severe obesity, sickle cell disease, smoking, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Individuals who are pregnant and those in an immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant are also eligible but should follow CDC guidance and first discuss vaccination with their medical provider before receiving the vaccine. In addition to paid and unpaid healthcare workers in Phase 1A, these two groups mark the expansion of eligible residents in Phase 1B, which recently opened to include sworn law enforcement and fire professionals.
“Over the last several months, our Administration has built the infrastructure and laid the groundwork to support New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination demand,” said Governor Murphy. “Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are ready to begin ramping up our vaccination efforts exponentially and are confident in our ability to provide every willing New Jersey resident with a vaccine when it is available and they are eligible.”
“Expanding access to a vaccine to individuals in these categories is critical as we know they are at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness and death,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Eighty percent of COVID-19 deaths in New Jersey have been among those 65 and older and overall 67 percent of deaths had one or more underlying conditions reported.”
For more information about statewide vaccination site locations and to preregister for a vaccination click here.
For more information on CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here.
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Wharton Police Department Chief David Young announce the arrest of Luis Rodriguez-Ponce, 29, of Rockaway Township.
The defendant has been charged with Invasion of Privacy, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9a, a crime of the fourth degree; Peering into Dwelling Places, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3c, a crime of the fourth degree; and Stalking, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10b, a crime of the fourth degree.
It is alleged that between December 1, 2020, and January 9, 2021, the defendant stalked a female acquaintance, sent her harassing communications, and followed her back to her home on several occasions. It is further alleged that the defendant peered into her bedroom window as she was changing her clothes.
The defendant has been charged by warrant-complaint and is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform. Acting Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Wharton Police Department, whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter.
Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to call the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Wharton Police Department at (973) 366-0557.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — On January 4, 2021, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills filed their notice to appeal the December 14, 2020 decision made by the New Jersey Appellate Court.
The Township’s notice of appeal was sent to the Clerk of the NJ Supreme Court, Heather Baker. The two-Judge panel of the Appellate Court who heard the matter and issued their opinion on December 14, 2020, were Judges Hoffman and Currier. (Click here to view the Township’s notice of appeal to the NJ Supreme Court.)
In their ruling Judge’s Hoffman and Currier stated in part “We are convinced the Judge’s (trial Judge) response had the capacity to mislead the jury and was clearly capable of leading the jury to an unjust result. Based upon our review of the trial record, if properly instructed, a reasonable jury could have found that upper-level supervisory personnel within the Police Department retaliated against Plaintiff for engaging in protected whistleblower activities. Plaintiff presented substantial evidence that would support a determination that other supervisory employees in the Police Department – the deputy chief and one or more captains – engaged in retaliatory action against the plaintiff.”
When referring to former Chief Paul Philipps’ testimony at trial, the Appellate Court stated “Plaintiff presented compelling evidence that this response was clearly incorrect and constituted either a careless misstatement or a deliberate lie.”
Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps
At the September 17, 2019, Council meeting, Mayor Soriano stated on the record when speaking about Captain Carifi the following: “Look I maintain it, that last year once I became fully aware of the facts and got behind the wheel and saw what had happened and saw the documents that he was targeted as retaliation.” This portion of Mayor Soriano’s statement can be found at the 53:02 mark of this recorded Council meeting. (Click here to listen to Mayor Soriano at the September 17, 2019 meeting.)
“Regardless of the position one holds in this matter, this is an issue of Soriano unable to keep his campaign promise as to when he was a candidate, all he could talk about was how he was going to settle this case once and for all. Yet another Soriano stumble in upholding the pledges he makes to get elected,” said Mayoral Candidate Louis Valori.
“The situation needs to be brought to resolution, it’s gone on through two administrations now and should be brought to a conclusion one way or the other among the involved parties. A lot of time and monies are being wasted we have many more important issues that needed to be addressed in town,” said Chris Mazzarella. According to sources, Mazzarella will be filing a nomination for Mayor.
Each year, the Supreme Court receives approximately 7,000 to 8,000 petitions for certiorari, of which about 1% (approximately 80–100), are granted plenary review with oral arguments, and an additional 50 to 60 are disposed of without plenary review.
PARSIPPANY — Plans by a developer to demolish the 33,736 square foot office building at 169 Johnson Road and replacing the structure with an 87-unit-three-story over a one-story parking garage. The existing two-story office building is known as Brevent Plaza. The application was approved 5-2, with Mr. Mele and Mr. Aperawic voting against the project.
The 33,736 square fot office building has a full-height landscaped atrium. The building features a reception/security desk in the lobby, an open foyer, and skylights.
The applicant, 169 Johnson Road, LLC. received approval for preliminary and final major site plan approval to construct the proposed four-story building at the Planning Board Meeting of December 21, 2020. The project was approved in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Fair Share Housing Center.
Outline of the property of 169 Johnson Road
The complex will include 69 market-priced units and 18 affordable housing units.
The existing office building was constructed in 1982. The property is located on Block: 200 Lot: 8.
In April 2019, the Township executed a settlement agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center, to resolve litigation regarding Parsippany’s Prior and Third Round fair share affordable housing obligations. The agreement, which was accepted by the Court at a fairness hearing on June 21, 2019, sets forth the extent of the Township’s obligations and describes the compliance plan components by which Parsippany proposes to address those obligations. Part of this obligation has already been achieved in prior rounds, while other housing plan components will be undertaken through July 1, 2025, the end of the Third Round.
The Settlement Agreement identifies the following fair share obligations for the Township for the period from 1987 through July 1, 2025:
● Present Need (Rehabilitation Share): 190 units
● Prior Round (1987-1999) Obligation: 664 units
● Third Round (1999-2025) Obligation: 1,314 units
