PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – December 7, 2020
Click here to review the agenda.
Township of Parsippany Council Meeting to be held
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.
Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.
Step-by-Step Guides
- Click this link for a step-by-step guide on registering to attend the council meeting.
- Click on this link for a step-by-step guide on joining the council meeting through WebEx.
For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net.
Resolutions and Ordinances can be found below:
- R2020-219 Knoll Recreation Area Pump Station and Sewer Improvements
- R2020-220 Mayor Authority NJDOT TWA Agreements
- R2020-222 NJDOT TAP Program
- R2020-223 2021 Delta Dental (1) Resolution
- R2020-224 Awarding A Contract for Medial Stop Loss and Medical Claims Costs 2021
- R2020-225 Schedule 2021 Council Meetings
- R2020-226 Authorizing COVID Budget Measures
- R2020-227 JCMUA Bulk Water Agreement
- R2020-228 Sustainable Grant Authorization
- R2020-229 Temp Outdoor Dining Structures
- R2020-230 Wildlife Tax Sale Certificate
- R2020-231 Shared Health Services
- R2020-232 Rejoin the Garden State Municipal Joint Insurance Fund
- 2020-32 Township Parks and Forestry
- 2020-33 Amaducci Quit Claim Deed
- 2020-34 Stanbery Ordinance Authorizing Redevelopment Plan
- 2020-35 Amended Financial Agreement
- 2020-36 ABC Proximity
Committee Advances Bill Allowing Certain Small Businesses to Forgo Workers’ Compensation
PARSIPPANY — Small businesses and start-ups saddled with a mandate to purchase workers’ compensation coverage despite a lack of employees could see some relief under legislation advanced by the Assembly Labor Committee today.
The bill (A508), sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Jay Webber, revises the definition of employer in the workers’ compensation law. Partnerships that consist of two partners or S corporations with only one employee who is also the sole shareholder could save on unnecessary coverage.
“Our small businesses have struggled to stay afloat in the face of coronavirus shutdowns and it’s time we remove this undue mandate that is hindering their ability to survive,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Revising the workers’ compensation law so that businesses without employees can save on unnecessary coverage is one way our state can support their success.”
About three out of every 10 small businesses in the state have closed during the course of the coronavirus crisis.
“In order to foster an economic recovery, New Jersey needs to step up its support of small businesses,” continued DeCroce. “It’s critical to find ways to help owners in every stage – the start-ups trying to get off the ground, small businesses who need help getting through this crisis, and those who want to grow. This bill will allow small businesses to save on excessive insurance and spend that money on efforts to better help them achieve their goals.”
Failing to carry the proper insurance can currently result in fines up to $5,000 for the first 10 days and up to $5,000 every 10-day period thereafter. It is classified as a disorderly person offense and, if determined to be willful, a crime of the fourth degree.
The Senate passed the bill (S967) unanimously on February 10.
Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant: Authentic Mexican Food
PARSIPPANY — Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, 52 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 794-6700.
I have always been a fan of authentic Mexican food. I am not talking about those fast-food chain Tex-Mex joints that dot our strip malls and highways. I am talking about real food that one would find South of the Border. I did not have to go far to find Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, a small independent, family-owned neighborhood eatery on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha, directly across from the Fire Station. If you are not familiar, No. Beverwyck Road is a vibrant, lively business section of Parsippany with a surprisingly large selection of excellent multi-cultural restaurants and shops.
Maddy’s is the type of place you might just walk by without noticing it despite its attractive and welcoming Mexican themed storefront. Maddy’s web page describes their business as a family restaurant serving authentic Mexican food in addition to their own unique twist on classic meals. Sounded good to me.
Immediately upon entering I was struck by the casual, colorful, festive, appealing Mexican décor and ambiance that quite literally jumps right out at you. Impressive murals cover the walls, colorful Mexican artifacts are carefully placed throughout, and the properly spaced tables are covered with multi-color checkered tablecloths. The lighting is comfortable and the brick accents along the walls really add a sense of class.
I was warmly greeted and seated by Nancy, who is the daughter of owners/Chefs Andres Galvez Santiago and Isabel Gonzalez Salazar. Mrs. Salazar came out to chat for a moment and welcome me to the restaurant, which was a nice touch. Very personable, hospitable people, and as I was about to find out, great Mexican chefs. I did learn that Andres and Isabel arrived from their homeland in Mexico and acquired Maddy’s five years ago. I was looking for authentic Mexican food using traditional homemade recipes and I could tell that this clearly was the place.
I then was confronted with the tough chore of deciding between the Carne a La Mexicana Dinner Plate (grilled steak mixed with sauteed jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes, which came with three corn tortillas, rice, and beans) and the Wet Burrito (rice, beans, cheese, with choice of chicken, steak, or pulled pork. Covered with red sauce, melted cheese & Mexican sour cream). After some thought, I finally decided on the Carne a La Mexicana Dinner Plate as that seemed to be one of Maddy’s signature dishes and it sounded delicious. But first, a complimentary bowl of tasty, crunchy, and crispy home-made tortilla chips, accompanied with both tangy red (not too hot) and sweet salsa verde was brought to the table.
Followed next by the appetizer I went with, the Chorizquezo (melted cheese mixed with Mexican sausage served with a choice of corn or flour). The Chorizquezo was right up my alley and it was a meal in itself. Maddy’s is a BYOB so I brought along some Tecate Cerveza to compliment the meal.
My entrée, the Carne a La Mexicana Dinner Plate was delicious. The grilled steak was cooked exactly right. This generously portioned dish was hot, juicy, and mouthwatering. The quality toppings were flavorful, fresh, and seasoned to perfection and really enhanced the steak. The sides of tortillas, rice, and beans were a treat. I did it but I cannot imagine how I finished this feast.
Of course, Maddy’s does have a full menu with all the traditional Mexican dishes you would expect and more. One thing that stood out, beyond the great flavor, was the size of the portions. I sat and observed as servings of the Wet Burrito, Steak Fajitas and Chicken Flautas came out. Each serving was huge and looked fantastic.
I was probably a nuisance, but the other friendly diners were courteous enough to allow me to photograph their dishes for this review. I think the pictures speak for themselves.
Overall, this was a great dining experience. Delicious, fresh, flavorful food. Generous portions. Reasonable prices. Excellent and professional service. Fun, friendly, and attractive décor. What more could you want? I would highly recommend giving Maddy’s a try.
And please come out and support all our small, independent local businesses in any way you can.
Inside Dining, Take Out, BYOB, Curbside Pick Up, Street Parking, Catering Services Available.
Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant, 52 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 794-6700. Click here to view their website.
Publishers Note: As a service to help our restaurants during these hard times, Parsippany Focus will be publishing reviews.
James Carifi Wins New Trial in “Carifi I” Lawsuit Against Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Superior Court Appellate Division (Docket No. A-2356-17T1) granted James Carifi a new trial in Carifi vs. Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Governing Body of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. (also known as Carifi I).
In the decision dated on Tuesday, December 14, the Appellate Division stated “On appeal, Plaintiff argues that the trial judge effectively declined to answer the jury’s question inquiring “who or what does [the Township] include,” resulting in a harmful error that warrants a new trial.” We agree.
“Based upon our review of the trial record, if properly instructed, a reasonable jury could have found that upper-level supervisory personnel within the PD retaliated against [Carifi] for engaging in protected whistleblower activities. …[Plaintiff] presented substantial evidence that would support a determination that other supervisory employees in the PD – the deputy chief and one or more captains – engaged in retaliatory action against plaintiff…”
The Judge stated “Plaintiff presented compelling evidence that Capt. Paul Philipps response was clearly incorrect and constituted either a careless misstatement or a deliberate lie.” In announcing the ruling, the Judge stated: “that the trial court committed error in any of its other pretrial or trial rulings, we discern no basis to find that any such errors constituted harmful error.”
This case relates to October 24, 2011, when plaintiff James Carifi, then a captain in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department (the PD), filed a complaint in the Law Division asserting various causes of action related to his employment. By the time of trial, only the plaintiff’s whistleblower claim remained, alleging defendants violated the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA).
This action (Carifi I) was the first of three lawsuits involving the plaintiff and the Township. In Carifi II, filed in October 2013, the Township sued the plaintiff for breach of contract, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills v. Carifi, No. MRS-L-2604-13; in that suit, the Township alleged plaintiff wrongfully refused to repay the tuition for his graduate degree, after he did not remain employed as an officer for two years after receiving his degree. Carifi II settled before trial. On December 26, 2014, the plaintiff filed suit in Carifi v. Barberio, Inglesino, et al., MRS-L-3140-14 (Carifi III); in that action, the plaintiff alleged tortious conduct against the Township and four other defendants. On August 28, 2017, the Law Division granted dismissal motions filed by each defendant, after determining the plaintiff’s complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted.
Plaintiff then appealed the dismissal of Carifi III (A-0597-17); in a separate opinion issued simultaneously with this opinion, and the Courts affirm the dismissal of Carifi III. Attorney Christopher Deininger, representing James Carifi said an appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court is being considered.
Parsippany Elks Lodge Donates to New Jersey Firemen’s Home
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 recently donated $2,750 to the New Jersey Firemen’s Home using Beacon Grants from Elks National Foundation.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 donated the money to help the Firemen’s Home with COVID-19 relief.
The New Jersey Firemen’s Home is the only licensed health care facility in the State of New Jersey whose primary mission is dedicated to the men and women of the New Jersey Fire Service. Located on the historic Lathrop Estates in Boonton – the Firemen’s Home provides both long-term care and residential health care services.
Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 is located at 230 Parsippany Road.
Purple Paint Donates to Parsippany Food Pantry
PARSIPPANY — Purple Paint delivered around 1,000 pounds of food to the Parsippany Food Pantry as well as donated $1,000. This was the result of a two-week-long food drive hosted by Purple Paint. This was in honor of the Hindu celebration Diwali which was on November 14.
Purple Paint was able to raise these funds through online classes under the program Classes 4 A Cause. Young middle and high school students held online classes and 100% of the funds raised were donated to support this cause. They do private tutoring and the classes are still open. Purple Paint requests your help and support. Click here and enroll your children today or make a donation now to support our community.
Riya Dadheech says “I am very grateful to all of the support we received from the numerous grocery stores and people within our community. Without their help, we would have never been able to accomplish this.” Below is a list of several of the local businesses which supported the Purple Paint Diwali Food Drive.
Indian Bazaar – East Hanover, Route 10
Delight Big Bazaar – Parsippany
Shoprite – Parsippany
Whole Foods – Parsippany
Foodtown – North Beverwyck Road
Tirupati Farmers Market – Parsippany
This movement to help and support our community during this very difficult time in our lives continues. We must come together as a community to really make a difference. Although everyone had thought the need for food was finally slowing down we were wrong. It seems there is another Covid spike and the endless need for food in our community has once again grown. We need YOUR help to provide meals for young children and families in our community. Please join this movement to help your community by making a donation now at donate.purplepaint.org!
Purple Paint is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to serve children in need around the world selflessly and with compassion to create a positive impact on society. For more information, please call (551) 216-9855 or click here or click here.
NewBridge Services Leader Named Behavioral Healthcare Hero
PARSIPPANY — The Mental Health Association in New Jersey honored NewBridge Services’ Victoria Ferlauto as a Behavioral Healthcare Hero for innovative leadership that has ensured the safe, steady treatment of adults with severe mental illness throughout the pandemic.
Ferlauto, director of NewBridge Services adult day treatment program, was featured in MHANJ’s 20th Annual Evening of Excellence, a 30-minute program to air on News12+ Optimum 61, Verizon FiOS 530, and MHANJ Facebook Live on Saturday, December 12. The show, honoring six mental health professionals, will be rebroadcast Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
“We are tremendously proud of Viki, whose efforts exemplify the entire staff’s commitment to our clients,” NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden said. Borden noted that Ferlauto “demonstrated deep care and concern for her staff as well as clients.”
Ferlauto was unaware she had been nominated for the award until MHANJ contacted her late last month. “I was touched and honored, and it came as a surprise!” she said.
“It must be said that the staff is all heroes as well, reminding society that mental health matters, now more than ever!” Ferlauto said. She joined NewBridge in 1998 and a year later was promoted to oversee both the adult day treatment programs in both Morris and Passaic counties.
When Gov. Murphy ordered the statewide shut down in March, Ferlauto worked feverishly over a weekend on a plan to keep essential treatment going. Video conferencing wasn’t an option, so Ferlauto went old-school: on Monday morning, staff phoned clients and used conference calling to connect them with group sessions.
“The clients were so happy we were calling them for the group,” supervising clinician Cheryl Schmidt said. Clients participated in daily skills-training groups on coping, emotional management, addiction recovery, and other topics.
Ferlauto planned how to safely have clients return to NewBridge for individual counseling sessions as soon as restrictions were lifted. As a volunteer on NewBridge’s COVID-19 safety committee, Ferlauto also ensured that staff receives and use personal protective equipment and that strict cleaning protocols are adhered to.
“She runs a tight ship, and is very supportive of her staff and compassionate about her clients,” said Derk Replogle, director of Addiction Services.
Ferlauto grew up in a tight-knit Hungarian neighborhood in Passaic, and as a young adult belonged to a semi-professional Hungarian folk dancing troupe that once performed at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall.
She planned on becoming an archeologist or anthropologist until she realized how much math was involved. “I decided instead to dig up people’s history, one by one,’’ Ferlauto said in a 2013 interview. As a student at Fordham University, “I fell in love with clinical psychology.’’
Ferlauto lives in Jefferson Township with her husband and, despite the pandemic, maintains close ties to relatives scattered throughout the U.S., she said. NewBridge, she added, “is like a second family to me.”
i2i Indian Italian Fusion Restaurant: Only Indian Italian Fusion Restaurant in the World
BOONTON — Looking for a dining experience that is a little different, innovative, and unique? How about a short jaunt to quaint and historic Main Street in Boonton, a thriving little downtown area were among a diverse and eclectic array of small stores shops, and restaurants you will find i2i Indian Italian Fusion Restaurant. Reportedly the only Indian Italian fusion restaurant in the world.
i2i is the brainstorm of award-winning Master Chef Mickey Chopra. Immediately upon entering I was greeted by the highly personable, accommodating, and cordial Chef Mickey Chopra, and his daughter Tamanna, who could not have made us feel more welcomed or at home. The ambiance of i2i’s interior immediately presents an exceptionally clean, comfortable, warm, and casual vibe with a very classy décor while at the same time being very cozy and spacious.
I guess I would be remiss if I did not note that Chef Chopra is very vigilant about maintaining all the mandated pandemic protocols and the seating is well-spaced throughout the restaurant.
Just talking to and seeing how enthusiastic and passionate Chef Mickey is about his cuisine was a great sign that I was in for a treat. This was my first time at i2i, so I was looking forward to trying something quite different from my usual dishes and I was not disappointed.
Not surprisingly, I had to try the dish famously reviewed by Dave Portnoy of Barstool Pizza who rated the dish a 9.3. If you follow Dave Portnoy you know this is an amazingly high score. The dish in question, the Chicken Makhani Penne Alla Vodka (Marsala marinated grilled chicken, slowly cooked in Indian spices with a creamy sauce and served over Penna pasta), but first on my radar was i2i’s unique appetizer, their Naanchos (A bowl of crispy naan chips with melted spicy cheese, mango chutney, and toppings).
These Naanchos were a nice twist from the traditional Nacho appetizer we are all used to. The sweet Mango Chutney and other toppings provided a savory kick to the flavorful Naan bread. There is no doubt Naanchos will be a must order every time I visit i2i. On Tamanna‘s recommendation, we also tried the Royal Butter Chicken (boneless fresh chicken pieces broiled in Indian spices and cooked in a buttery creamy tomato sauce). We were glad we followed her recommendation. What a great dinner. For dessert, we went with the Pearl Jamun (cheese and milk dumplings in a honey syrup) and the Rabri Cannoli (traditional Indian sweet made from milk solids and Pistachios filled in a Cannoli).
Now back to the Chicken Makhani Penne Alla Vodka. I must agree with Portnoy, it was delicious. Chef Mickey’s merging of the two cultural dishes was an absolute genius, as the Indian spices added both flavors and fragrances to the chicken and pasta that really brought this dish all together. Excellent, and it went well with my BYOB Pinot Noir.
If you are or have been, hesitant or skeptical about trying out some of these new fusion dishes, I think you are missing out, but no fear, i2i also offers a full menu of traditional Indian and Italian dishes and pizzas, from Chef Chopra’s attached restaurant, Vinnie’s Pizzeria, for those so inclined.
As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed this totally satisfying dining experience and would certainly recommend you stopping in and giving it a try.
And please come out and support all our small, independent local businesses in any way you can.
i2i Indian Italian Fusion is located at 408 Main Street, For more information call (973) 334-3403.
Gluten and vegetarian dishes available, BYOB, Street Parking, Take Out, Open 7 Days a Week.
MVC Shifts All Vehicle Centers to Appointment-Only
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has announced that starting Monday, December 14, all MVC Vehicle Centers will be open by appointment only. No walk-ins will be allowed at any Vehicle Centers.
“We’ve made tremendous progress in clearing the backlog of registrations for newly purchased used vehicles, which enables us to move fully to an appointment system in Vehicle Centers, reducing our capacity but increasing customer convenience,” said Sue Fulton, Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Appointments at Vehicle Centers for new titles/registrations and registration renewals for customers ineligible for online renewal are scheduled at NJMVC.gov. Recently, appointments were added at Vehicle Centers for duplicate or replacement titles.
Appointments during the hours 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays continue to be reserved for seniors. Eligible customers 65 years and older should look for the dedicated appointment option at NJMVC.gov.
At Trenton Regional/Vehicle Center, Regional services will continue to be available on a walk-in basis, but not regular vehicle transactions. Regional services include certain suspension and restoration services.
In early November, the MVC shifted ten Vehicle Centers to appointment-only. The remaining six Vehicle Centers will join them, starting Monday.
MVC Licensing Centers offer service by appointment for Out-of-State transfers, in-person renewals, and driver knowledge tests. Licensing Centers offer walk-in service for a new license, non-driver ID, or permit.
The MVC has added more appointments at all locations for improved customer service.
“While the new surge of COVID-19 cases continues to impact our staffing, we will be adding more appointments every day to accommodate those whose appointments were canceled due to COVID quarantines,” Fulton noted.
To make an appointment for any service, customers should log on to NJMVC.gov and scroll down to the “Schedule an Appointment” box or use the “Make Appointment” menu header. Appointments are scheduled on a rolling 30-day basis.
Most basic license and registration renewals or replacements can be completed online at NJMVC.gov. There are nearly thirty different online services and transactions available on the MVC website.
The MVC has implemented many changes in recent months. To help identify whether a transaction is available online, by appointment, or by walk-in, customers should check the new “How do I…?” Cheat Sheet in the Quick Links on the MVC home page.
Parsippany’s Virtual Christmas Tree Lighting This Weekend
PARSIPPANY — Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Parsippany Town Hall made the difficult choice to convert this year’s Christmas Tree lighting to a virtual celebration. This year’s celebration features Santa Claus riding to Town Hall on a Township Fire Truck just in time to light up the Christmas trees and our Township’s Holiday sprits!
Please follow Video-On-The-Go Channel 21, as well as the Township social Media Pages so see the tree lighting on-demand this weekend!
Parsippany Community Blood Drive
PARSIPPANY — Urgent Need! Please make an appointment to give blood at Parsippany PAL Building, 33 Baldwin Road, on Tuesday, December 15 between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
To make an appointment, you can click here or text (732) 616-8736. Appointments encouraged, Walk-ins welcome if social distancing can be maintained.
Soriano’s Statement on the Proposed New Supermarket
PARSIPPANY — This week, the Parsippany Planning Board heard an application from the supermarket chain Lidl for a proposed new supermarket on the site currently occupied by Foodtown.
Previously, high-density housing had been suggested by the landlord as potential use of the site.
I made it known to the landlord that I do not believe the Foodtown site is an appropriate location for high-density housing, and that I believe North Beverwyck Road needs to retain a supermarket.
Let me be clear: the government does not have a role in the relationship between Foodtown and their landlord.
Foodtown, the current tenant, Holly Gardens, the landlord, and Lidl, the potential buyer of the property, are all private businesses.
The Planning Board does not have a role in approving or denying the sale of the property. Their only role is to determine whether Lidl’s proposal conforms to township regulations on items such as parking, building size, and related rules. Neither the Planning Board nor any government body has the power to block the sale of private property between private businesses.
I am not aware of and do not control, any communications or lack thereof between Holly Gardens and Foodtown.
I believe the landlord had a moral obligation, in the absence of a legal obligation, to inform their tenant that the property is in serious consideration of being sold.
I am a Lake Hiawatha resident and understand the regard that so many in our neighborhood have for Foodtown.
However, given the choice between high-density housing or a new supermarket on this site, which is the choice we may be faced with, the answer is obvious.
I do not believe the Foodtown site is an appropriate location for high-density housing, and I believe that we need to retain a supermarket on North Beverwyck Road.
Mayor Michael Soriano
Parsippany-Troy Hills
Life reimagined at PARQ Parsippany; Transforming Lanidex Plaza
PARSIPPANY — The stage is set for exceptional new beginnings. Plans for PARQ Parsippany (Phases 1 and 2), located in the former Lanidex Plaza, have been approved by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board on November 23.
PARQ Parsippany is a multi-generational, mixed-use development that will encompass townhomes, multi-family residences, retail, expansive and open green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities.
“PARQ will instill a new sense of community and placemaking in Parsippany by celebrating the balance of health, happiness, and well-being,” said Anthony Milelli of PARQ Parsippany. “Urban renewal and revitalization projects are vital to stimulate the economy, enhance property values, and instill a sense of civic pride.”
“PARQ Parsippany will usher in a new era, forging it into the 21st century with state-of-the-art facilities, vast and welcoming green spaces for the community to enjoy, a recreational complex open to Parsippany residents and sports programs to utilize, and enhanced revenue as a result of the site’s modernization,” said Haytham Haidar of PARQ Parsippany.
The approved plan will be implemented in two phases. The first phase includes Multi-Family Building 1, which features 275 multi-family residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space, and ample parking. It will also highlight 75 clustered courtyard townhomes with two-car garages. The townhomes will feature contemporary farmhouse-style architecture with access to a clubhouse and outdoor pool. Convenient, master-down home designs are also available. An athletic field, concession building, restrooms, and playground are also included in the first phase.
The second phase includes Multi-Family Building 2, which features 250 multi-family residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space, and ample parking. The residences will allow the Township of Parsippany to fulfill part of its state-mandated affordable housing obligations.
The two luxury multi-family buildings tout green design elements, as well as smart building and home features that promote wellness. These features include Energy Star® appliances and lighting fixtures; windows with Low-E coating; low flow water fixtures; programmable thermostats, and electric car charging stations in each building’s parking garage. Each multi-family building also features an elegant welcoming lobby with motor court drop-off; an upscale club suite; a private event room; a children’s playroom; a state-of-the-art fitness center; a resort-style pool with outdoor BBQ and lounging areas, and co-working alcoves.
PARQ’s vision is for the revitalization to seamlessly integrate the design of the project into the existing fabric of Parsippany. The transformation of the 23-acre portion of the Lanidex office complex will begin in 2021 and conclude in 2025.
PARQ Parsippany will ensure physical spaces reflect community values. “The result will be a compelling neighborhood that will transform Parsippany into a place where people are conveniently connected by bike, car, or public transport. By offering easy access to various points of interest throughout Morris County, New York City, and beyond, getting where you need to go will be seamless,” said Haidar. “Multi-generational, varied lifestyles create an authentic community. The conversation is welcome. Engagement is the goal. Exclusive, yet humble. PARQ will positively impact the community by creating Parsippany’s true heart.”
About PARQ Parsippany
The PARQ Parsippany development team includes PARQ Parsippany; Garofalo O’Neill Ruggierio, LLC, Real Estate Law; Minno & Wasko, Architects, and Planners; Design 446, Marketing and Advertising; Greystar Real Estate Partners; Sue Adler, Keller Williams Premier Properties; Langan Engineering & Environmental Services; Melillo + Bauer Associates, Landscape Architects, and Mary Cook Associates, Interior Design.
Morris County & Atlantic Health Providing Flu Shots to Homebound
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming has partnered with Atlantic Health System to provide and administer flu shots to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities at no cost to the recipients.
Supplies are limited, and to qualify for a shot recipients must be Morris County residents, homebound, 60 years of age or older, or a homebound individual with a disability who is between the ages of 18 and 59. Flu shots are important to populations such as seniors and people with disabilities, who are more vulnerable to the flu, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Providing at-home services, such as this, is especially important for our seniors during these times, as it minimizes potential exposures for the most vulnerable population. The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot, and it is even more important this year as it may decrease the risk of co-infection to this high-risk population,” said Christine Hellyer, Director of the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also contends flu shots are this year are critical.
“Routine vaccination prevents illnesses that lead to unnecessary medical visits, hospitalizations, and further strain the healthcare system. For the 2020-2021 influenza season, influenza vaccination will be paramount to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses attributed to influenza in the population and resulting burdens on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the CDC warns on its website.
The flu shots are part of an ongoing effort in Morris County to connect seniors and adults with disabilities to community resources during the pandemic.
“We began to receive calls from seniors requesting options for flu shots administered in the home. When we reached out to public health nurses and community providers, we found few resources for this requested service. The Office on Aging then sought out to partner with an organization to provide this service to seniors who are homebound or were concerned with going to a clinic or their doctor’s office during the pandemic,” Hellyer explained.
Providing at-home services is especially important for seniors during the pandemic because it minimizes the potential for their exposure to the virus. Offering the option to have the flu shot administered by a trusted partner such as Atlantic Health also allows for a sense of relief for those who are unable to get to a provider.
To request an appointment for a flu shot, call Solangel Patarroyo at (973) 971-7259 or reach out through email at Solangel.Patarroyo@atlantichealth.org.
Rubik’s Cube Charity Tournament
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Cube Club is hosting a “Rubik’s Cube Charity Tournament.” This online puzzle-solving competition is to raise money for the Parsippany Food Pantry.
Compete in Parsippany’s 1st ever online Rubik’s Cube Competition on Sunday, December 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• 100% of proceeds will go to the Parsippany Food Pantry
• Guest appearance from Phil Yu, CEO of Cubicle, a leading USA-based online specialty cube store
• First 30 participants will receive a mystery prize from our sponsor Cubicle
• Donations above $25 will receive a Cube ornament that can be used for holiday decoration
Click here for the Donation/Registration link.
To visit Parsippany Cube Club’s website click here.
Parsippany Community Update December 8, 2020
PARSIPPANY — Last week, Morris County Office of Health Management announced the creation of the Morris County Covid 19 At-Home Testing portal. Thanks to this program, Morris County residents will have the opportunity to get tested for COVID-19 right from home. You can find a link to the portal by clicking here.
Parsippany Community Update December 7, 2020
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Community Update December 7, 2020. This past Thursday, Parsippany became the 50th municipality to attain Highlands Council approval for planning and conformance to the water, land use, and resource management requirements of the 2004 Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act. In particular, the Highlands Council recognized, “preservation of community character, mitigation of transportation problems, enhancement of parks and open spaces, protection of environmental features, utilization of sustainable development practices, and protection of cultural and historic resources,” in its recognition of Parsippany’s efforts and new Master Plan.
See related article by clicking here.