MORRIS COUNTY — 24 students from the state’s 11th Congressional District have either been appointed to U.S. service academies or will attend one of the service academy preparatory schools or preparatory programs.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, honored them all in a brief ceremony in Bloomfield on Monday, May 26.

The 22 students set to attend the different service academies are:

 • Leila Galarza of Parsippany, Military Academy;

• Jessica Bao of Chatham, Naval Academy;

• Trisha Patel of Denville, Naval Academy;

• Noah Rega of Madison, Naval Academy;

• Connor Ross of Morris Plains, Naval Academy;

• Lavanya Shenoy of Morris Plains, Military Academy;

Ezekiel Ehrenberg of Randolph, Air Force Academy;

• Isabella Sun of Roseland, Air Force Academy;

• Devan Patel of Madison, Air Force Academy;

• Malia Nugent of Morristown, Air Force Academy;

• Daniel Lee of Livingston, Military Academy;

• Troy Dibble of Montclair, Naval Academy;

• Alberto Grossetti of Nutley, Naval Academy;

• Lincoln Hedberg of Montclair, Naval Academy;

• Margaret Hedberg of Montclair, Naval Academy;

• Alexandra Richard of Bloomfield, Naval Academy;

• Yael Ben-Adi of Maplewood, Military Academy;

• Max Coey of Maplewood, Military Academy;

• Enzo Gurijala of Millburn, Military Academy;

• Ian Kim of Wayne, Military Academy;

• Dhir Patel of Wayne, Military Academy; and

• Andrew Zhang of Millburn, Military Academy.

Two students will attend service academy preparatory schools or programs in the coming year. Kyle Ramos of Wayne will attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School, and John Bettenbender of Glen Ridge will attend the Air Force Falcon Foundation Scholarship program.

The Merchant Marine Academy allows congressional representatives to nominate candidates anywhere in the state. Sherrill nominated Enois Maceira Crespo of Middlesex for this honor.

PARSIPPANY — Clayton “CJ” Bernauer, a graduate of the Parsippany High School Class of 2021, graduated from the prestigious United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point.

Bernauer joins an eclectic network of alumni—colloquially known as The Long Gray Line—including former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and moon-acquainted astronaut Buzz Aldrin. As a magna cum laude graduate of the United States’ top military academy, Bernauer belongs to a class of approximately 1,000 rigorously trained cadets, selectively chosen from an applicant pool of over 10,000. This year’s graduation ceremony, like many before it, was attended by a plethora of noteworthy guests, including current President Donald Trump, who delivered the academy’s commencement speech. Bernauer was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Officer by his honorable cousin, Captain Rebecca Morel, who graduated from West Point four years earlier in 2021.

Joining the many government officials and top-ranked military executives who were at the May 24th ceremony was Parsippany-Troy Hills Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Denis Mulroony, the former principal of Parsippany High School. “When we heard CJ Bernauer would be attending West Point, we were thrilled but not necessarily surprised,” Dr. Mulroony told the Parsippany Focus. He describes Bernauer as a “high-character leader” who “challenged himself through high school, treating people with respect and doing the right thing.”

In Parsippany, Bernauer was nothing short of a superb student in and out of the classroom. A well-rounded athlete and academic, Bernauer helped found the Parsippany High School Math Club, served as treasurer for the school’s student council, and, most prominently, swam competitively for Parsippany High School’s and Lakeland Hills YMCA’s swim team. Following his successful high school career, Bernauer was recruited as a Division I swimming athlete at West Point. He eventually became captain of the team and led it to several major victories—including a historic win over the Naval Academy, their first in more than twenty-two years. And just as his swimming career at West Point came to a close, Bernauer chose to keep his athletic path open, joining the triathlon team as a versatile athlete within the school’s athletic division. Agile and earnest, Bernauer’s contributions to athletics have bolstered both Parsippany’s and West Point’s athletic reputations.

Just as he’s made impressive strides in athletics, Bernauer continues to set his sights firmly on the future. A civil engineering major, he helped plan, develop, and construct a 34-foot steel bridge as part of his year-long senior capstone project. The bridge, built over the picturesque forests of Harriman State Park, is just a thirty-minute drive from the bustling urban landscape of New York City and an integral part of the Appalachian Trail. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to honor Bernauer’s capstone accomplishments just a few days before he graduated from West Point.

Looking ahead to the next phases of his military officer training, Bernauer will join the 101st Airborne Division—otherwise known as the Screaming Eagles—a highly specialized infantry division focused on air assault operations. The infantry, befitting its name, is one of the most distinguished in American military history and has played a pivotal role in several major wartime operations, including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. After completing an intensive leadership training program in Georgia, Bernauer intends to represent his country faithfully through service in the renowned airborne division.

As his number-one cheerleader since day one, there is no one prouder of Bernauer’s accomplishments than his parents, Stacey and John. Mrs. Bernauer tells the Parsippany Focus that Clayton has grown into a “wonderful young man” with a strong “code of ethics,” and most importantly, that throughout all of his industrious and exhaustive training, he has thoroughly “enjoyed it.” As a firmly committed individual, Clayton Bernauer seeks to honor not only his community but his nation as a whole—and most would agree he’s become a source of pride for the Parsippany community.

PARSIPPANY — A wave of enthusiasm and commitment swept through Parsippany on Sunday, June 1, as BAPS Charities hosted its annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run.” With 400+ participants stepping forward to support Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, the event underscored the power of unity in making a lasting impact.

Spanning over 100 cities across North America, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run embodies a mission that goes beyond fitness. It champions causes including education, health, environmental stewardship, humanitarian relief, and support for local first responders. This year’s BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Parsippany reinforced the organization’s commitment to serving communities locally and globally.

The event was not just about taking strides for a cause—it was about building a stronger, more compassionate society. Participants of all ages, from youth to seniors, came together to show their support for Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute and its mission to “ deliver the highest standard of cardiovascular care in the region, utilizing advanced technology, expertise, and research to improve patient outcomes”.

Reflecting on the event’s significance, MS. Jigisha Kothari of Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital shared, “Events like BAPS Charities walkathon help do 100s of cancer screenings and free treatment to deserving patients.”

Dr. Dhaval Shah, a guest speaker, remarked, “Diet and exercise are equally important for cardiovascular health.”

For over 20 years, BAPS Charities has been dedicated to serving communities through health, education, humanitarian relief, environmental preservation, and community empowerment. In North America, it has organized over 1,000 Walk-Runs, 500 health fairs, and 500 blood donation drives, benefiting thousands.

Beyond the Walk-Run, BAPS Charities actively provides aid globally, supporting wildfire relief in Los Angeles, responding to hurricanes Milton and Helene, and assisting thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Through its “Spirit of Service” campaign, it leads food drives, toy drives, and health awareness initiatives. Globally, it has planted over 2 million trees and built 55 schools in disaster-hit regions. Committed to service and unity, BAPS Charities continues to make a lasting impact.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the Walk-Run, with 6th grader Vihaan Patel stating, “I raised awareness by talking to students at school lunch who convinced their parents to participate in a noble cause”. Another 11-year-old participant, Nandini Bhatt, stated, “I spread awareness and raised funds by talking to teachers and friends and explaining about how raising money helps people with cancer.”

Event lead Jalpesh Thaker extended gratitude to all involved, saying, “Thank you all for doing an amazing job to raise donations for the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute. In addition, thank you to everyone in the audience and the volunteers who have done their part for this walkathon and for your generous contributions in making the 2025 BAPS Walkathon a remarkable event yet again. This walk is driven by the belief that “In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own.”

As another successful Walk-Run concluded, the event reaffirmed the impact of collective action in fostering change. With every step taken, BAPS Charities inspires service-minded individuals, ensuring that compassion and community engagement remain at the heart of its mission.

For more information on the local activities of BAPS Charities, click here.

PARSIPPANY — The results are in for the Parsippany Republican primary for two open Township Council seats, and the unofficial vote totals highlight two clear frontrunners:

With the top two finishers advancing, Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah have secured their spots on the Republican ticket for the November General Election. All results were from the Morris County Elections website.

PARSIPPANY — Incumbent Mayor James R. Barberio has won the Republican nomination for Mayor in the June 10 Primary Election, defeating Councilman Justin Musella in a closely watched contest.

Barberio received 3,115 votes, accounting for 55.42% of the Republican turnout, while Musella garnered 2,497 votes, or 44.42%, according to unofficial results from the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

Barberio, who previously served two terms as mayor and returned to office in 2022, will now face Democrat Pulkit Desai in the General Election this November. Desai ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and received 3,172 votes, or 97.96%.

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.

PARSIPPANY — Thomas Colantoni proudly cast his vote for the first time at Central Middle School! He’s pictured with Mayor Jamie Barberio, who stopped by the polling site to greet voters.

PARSIPPANY — The 2025 Primary Election is today, Tuesday, June 10. Voters in Parsippany‑Troy Hills will select their party’s nominees for the following local offices: Mayor and two Township Council seats. Additionally, they will vote in the primary for statewide offices, including governor, county commissioner, sheriff, and General Assembly seats.

Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Republican Primary

Two candidates are competing for the Republican nomination for mayor:

• Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills James Barberio is seeking re-election to a four-year term. He served as mayor from 2010 to 2018, lost re-election in 2017 to Democrat Michael Soriano, then returned in 2021 to reclaim the office. His campaign emphasizes economic revitalization, shared services, and outreach to residents and local businesses. Mayor Barberio is running with Council Vice President Frank Neglia and Economic Development Committee member Jigar Shah.
• Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella, elected in 2021, is making his first bid for mayor. Musella, a financial technology professional, has consistently voted against tax increases and advocates for greater government transparency. His running mates are council candidates John Bielen and Casey Parikh.

Mayor James Barberio and Councilman Justin Musella have often disagreed on major issues, including the annual municipal budget, Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements, and transparency in town governance.

Democratic Primary

On the Democratic side, Pulkit Desai is running unopposed for the mayoral nomination. A Lake Parsippany resident for 25 years, Desai is a former United States Marine who works in cybersecurity. He will run in the General Election with council candidates Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel.

Where and How to Vote in Parsippany

Voters should consult their sample ballots to determine their voting district. Polling locations by district are listed below:

• Brooklawn Middle School, 250 Beachwood Road — Districts 1, 4, 11, 13, 39
• Board of Education Building, 292 Parsippany Road — Districts 15, 16, 19
• Central Middle School, 1620 Route 46 West — Districts 22, 23
• Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha — Districts 29, 32
• East Lake School, 40 Eba Road — Districts 14, 17
• Powder Mill Fire House, 60 South Powder Mill Road, Morris Plains — District 2
• Intervale Elementary School, 60 Pitt Road, Boonton — Districts 3, 8, 18
• Lake Hiawatha Library, 68 Nokomis Avenue — Districts 33, 34
• Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, 1 Lincoln Avenue — Districts 30, 31, 38
• Lake Parsippany Fire House, 255 Halsey Road — Districts 10, 12
• Littleton School, 51 Brooklawn Drive, Morris Plains — Districts 6, 7, 9, 37
• Mount Tabor Firehouse – Simpson Station, Simpson Avenue, Mount Tabor — District 5
• Northvail Elementary School, 10 Eileen Court — Districts 21, 28
• Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, 160 Edwards Road — Districts 25, 26, 35, 36
• Troy Hills Elementary School, 509 South Beverwyck Road — Districts 20, 24, 27

For assistance or more information, residents can contact the Morris County Clerk’s Office or visit the official Morris County elections website.

The General Election on November 4 will include statewide races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, County Commissioner, Sheriff, and all 80 seats in the New Jersey General Assembly.

Locally, Parsippany residents will vote for the Mayor and two Township Council members.

MORRIS COUNTY — Commuters and local businesses in Morris County are set to benefit from an early reopening of Interstate 80’s westbound lanes in Wharton, with all three lanes expected to be fully operational by Saturday, June 14, nearly 11 days ahead of schedule, according to transportation officials.

To complete the work, crews will temporarily close one westbound lane overnight on Monday, June 9, Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11 for repaving and barrier removal. At least one westbound lane will remain open each night to maintain traffic flow.

A full westbound closure is scheduled for the night of Friday, June 13, to allow for final paving and striping. Weather permitting, all lanes will reopen by Saturday morning, June 14.

Meanwhile, progress continues on the eastbound side, where all lanes are expected to reopen by Friday, June 21.

Motorists are reminded that this remains an active construction zone, and caution is strongly advised. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour westbound and 40 miles per hour eastbound.

For real-time traffic updates and lane closure alerts, drivers can visit 511NJ.org.

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you are not alone. Every day, hundreds of people in the United States find themselves injured in accidents that could have been avoided or caused by another person’s ignorance.

In these cases, the personal injury attorneys from Greenslade Cronk, LLP, can help you understand your rights and fight for fair compensation. The following are five common types of cases that personal injury lawyers handle. 

1. Car Accidents

Around 19,937 crashes happen every day in the US. This makes car accidents the most frequent reason why people hire a personal injury lawyer. Whether it is a minor collision or a serious crash, having injuries can have a lasting impact on your life. 

Common causes of car crashes include:

• Speeding
• Distraction, i.e., texting while driving
• Driving under the influence
• Aggressive driving

A personal injury lawyer can help collect evidence and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure a victim gets a fair settlement for bills and damages. 

2. Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, whether at a grocery store, in a parking lot, or even on personal property, let’s say your friend’s house. Property owners have a duty to keep their spaces safe for visitors and inform them of any conditions that could pose a risk. 

If they fail to fix hazards like wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or poor lighting, and someone gets hurt, they may be held responsible. A personal injury lawyer can assist you in proving that the property owner was negligent and secure compensation for your injuries. 

3. Medical Malpractice

When you go to see a doctor, you trust that you will get proper care. However, sometimes, medical professionals make mistakes that can seriously harm patients. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 medical malpractice cases are filed each year in the country. 

Medical malpractice cases are complex and require expert testimony to prove the mistake and the damage caused. Examples of medical malpractice include:

• Birth injuries
• Misdiagnoses
• Wrong medication
• Anesthesia errors

An experienced personal injury attorney specializing in such cases can guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice. 

4. Workplace Injuries

There are some professions that pose higher risks for injuries than others. For example, construction workers interact with different hazards day in and day out. While workers’ compensation is supposed to assist in covering medical costs and lost wages, there are some things that are left out. 

In some cases, another company may be responsible for your injuries—for instance, a subcontractor at a construction site. A personal injury lawyer helps the victim file a workers’ compensation claim and even a lawsuit against a third party when necessary. 

5. Product Liability Cases

Unsafe products can cause injuries to consumers. This may include anything from a faulty appliance to a dangerous medication. If a product has a flaw in its design, was made poorly, or didn’t come with proper warnings, the company that made or sold the item may be held responsible. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a product liability claim and hold the manufacturer accountable for your injuries. 

Other Cases a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Handle

Apart from the cases mentioned above, personal injury lawyers also handle:

• Wrongful death claims are filed by a victim’s surviving family.
• Nursing home abuse experienced by residents in nursing homes. 
• Dog bite cases that are filed against pet owners who failed to keep their dogs under control.
• Any kind of assault, including sexual assault. 
• Different types of traffic accidents include motorcycle, truck, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. 

Conclusion

Accidents, whether big or small, can turn your life upside down. If you have been injured because of another person’s negligent actions, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options and best steps forward.

In the dusty bylanes of Tokariya, a sleepy village nestled in the arid heart of Banaskantha district, India, the echoes of children reciting French phrases ring through the air. “Bonjour, monsieur!” they giggle, as a tall, slender man dressed in a modest white kurta-pajama and a Muslim prayer cap gently corrects their pronunciation. Mahat Jalan is an actor and model from New York City. But here, among the children of this predominantly Muslim hamlet, he is known as Ustaad Mahat.

Born to Hindu parents and raised in India and later in Parsippany, New Jersey, Mahat grew up straddling worlds—ethnically Indian, spiritually curious, and driven by a complex sense of identity. After years of navigating auditions and side roles in Los Angeles, and New York, Mahat returned to India for a brief respite. What was meant to be a quiet vacation in his ancestral town of Palanpur transformed into something far more profound.

“I came here to reconnect with my roots,” Mahat says, sipping masala chai under a neem tree near the local mosque. “But I found something more grounding than I expected—a purpose.”

That purpose emerged unexpectedly in the form of Ahmad Dauva, a teenager in a white skullcap with an eagerness to learn English. Ahmad, from nearby Tokariya, would often visit Palanpur to buy groceries for his family. One afternoon, a mispronounced question sparked a conversation—and eventually, a friendship.

“Ahmad would ask me things like, ‘How are you, sir?’ in the most charmingly broken English,” Mahat recalls. “There was a sparkle in his eye. I offered to help him, and he brought his friends. Then those friends brought their siblings. The next thing I knew, I had a class.”

It wasn’t long before Mahat found himself traveling daily from Palanpur to Tokariya in auto-rickshaw, not to act, but to teach. English lessons turned into French. “Why French?” he laughs. “Because if we’re going to dream big, why stop at one language?”

The children, most of whose parents are farmers or daily wage laborers, began saying oui instead of haan or yes. For a village where most adults have never heard the French language spoken aloud, the transformation is astonishing.

“He’s one of us,” says Hiffzur Rehman Chacha, an ex- member of Tokariya Panchayat a village elder, gesturing to Mahat’s kurta and prayer cap. “And yet, he’s not. He’s from America, but he sits with our children on the floor. He eats with us, prays respectfully beside us. We’ve never seen anything like this.”

What makes this story all the more remarkable is the political climate in which it unfolds. Gujarat, a state scarred by communal tensions in recent decades, is rarely associated with such interfaith acts of kindness. The broader Hindu community often maintains an uneasy distance from the Muslim minority, and vice versa. For a Hindu man from acting and modelling world of New York City to not only engage with but immerse himself in the daily life of a Muslim village is, frankly, revolutionary.

“There’s nothing political about what I’m doing,” Mahat insists. “These are kids. Innocent kids who deserve access to knowledge and imagination, like any child in the world.”

Yet the impact is undeniably political—in the most human sense. By simply showing up, by treating children with dignity, Mahat Jalan has done what many speeches and slogans have failed to do: build a bridge where once there was only suspicion.

Not everyone, however, is comfortable with his work. A few voices in Palanpur have raised eyebrows. “Why is he wearing their clothes?” one man whispered at a local tea stall. “He’s a Hindu. He should remember that.”

Mahat remains unfazed. “Clothes don’t define my compassion. If wearing a pathani kurta and topi makes them feel safer with me, why wouldn’t I do that?”

Back in Tokariya, the children continue their lessons. Mahat has printed makeshift flashcards, drawn diagrams, and even started a rudimentary library in a corner of the local madrassa. His presence has inspired other villagers to imagine possibilities they hadn’t considered.

“I want to go to London, one day,” says Ahmad, his eyes gleaming. “Then maybe to Paris!”

Mahat smiles. “They’ve got dreams now,” he says. “My job is to make them feel like those dreams are valid.”

In a region too often defined by its divides, Mahat Jalan’s classroom is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to spark change is a little patience, a few kind words—and the courage to cross the line society drew.

PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio used to sound the alarm on high-density housing. He warned it would ruin quality of life, create traffic nightmares, and overwhelm local infrastructure. He used to say he had the backbone to say no.

But in 2025, he’s saying yes—to everything he once fought against.

From six-story towers at Lanidex to Inglesino-led plans for over 2,000 apartment units, Barberio has abandoned his own words in favor of special deals, PILOT tax breaks, and political alliances with the people he once called reckless.

What changed? Nothing—except he’s back in office. And John Inglesino, once his rival, is now calling the shots.

The Mayor Once Warned Us—Loudly and Publicly

In October 2020, then-former Mayor Barberio was crystal clear in his opposition to a development proposal for just 600 units—a fraction of what he’s supporting today.

Here’s what he said, on the record:

“This project will be a traffic nightmare for our residents, particularly residents in Lake Parsippany who know all too well that so many roads cannot handle the additional traffic caused by over 600 new housing units…
I rejected proposals like this when I was Mayor because I knew then what I still know now — this project will ruin the quality of life for our Lake Parsippany community.”
— James Barberio, Planning Board public comment, October 25, 2020

He went on to call it unsafe:

“My traffic experts concluded that this extra traffic would create unsafe conditions on Parsippany Road… The bottom line is this: it’s unsafe. This will make proximity roads unsafe.”

He even empathized with board members, saying:

“I know the COAH rules and fair share housing. I know all that. And my heart goes out to you… Whatever decision you make, it’s not going to be easy.”

So, how do we go from that… to over 2,000 new units sponsored by Barberio’s administration today?

The Answer: Political Convenience and Cronyism

The only real difference between 2020 and now is power—and John Inglesino.

Back then, Barberio was out of office and spoke openly against overdevelopment. Now, he’s back as Mayor—and the attorney representing developers applying for PILOT deals in Parsippany is John Inglesino, the exact former township attorney who billed the town over a million dollars during Barberio’s first administration. With Inglesino back in the picture, these massive developments Barberio once called “traffic nightmares” and threats to our quality of life are suddenly getting his support. They’re now repackaged as “revitalization” and “smart growth.”

What was once too dangerous and disruptive for 600 units… is now perfectly fine at three times the scale.

Residents Remember—and They’re Paying the Price

Residents who attended the recent PILOT hearings saw through the spin.

“Over 700 people showed up … not one resident was in favor of any of the PILOT programs … others stated the arrogance of some town council members and the Mayor.”
— Ralph Weber, Council meeting, December 2023

“The citizens voted them in, yet they don’t listen to them. They should be ashamed of themselves.”
— Patricia Huncken, Council meeting, December 2023

PILOTs, or “Payments In Lieu of Taxes,” strip funding from our schools and shift the burden to homeowners—all while rewarding developers.

“Residential PILOTs are a huge money loser. Without PILOTs, the township would benefit more from conventional taxes … potentially totaling around $3 million.”
— Bob Venezia, Council meeting, October 2024

The Hypocrisy is Documented—and Devastating

Barberio’s own words are clear: 600 units would “ruin quality of life.” So what does that make 2,000?

His backtracking isn’t just political evolution—it’s political convenience. His allegiance has shifted from residents to developers, and from transparency to backroom deals.

This isn’t smart growth. It’s a surrender of Parsippany’s future, traded away for campaign donations, insider deals, and a misguided loyalty to Inglesino.

Unless residents act, Barberio’s legacy won’t be leadership—it will be betrayal.

PARSIPPANY — A high-profile mixed-use development project in Parsippany, spearheaded by the law firm Inglesino Taylor, is drawing increasing scrutiny from residents and local officials over its long-term effects on township finances and public services. Featured prominently as a “Project Spotlight”—also known as PARQ—the proposal includes nearly 2,000 new residential units and over 50,000 square feet of commercial space. While promoted as a key step toward meeting Parsippany’s state-mandated affordable housing obligations, critics are raising serious concerns about the project’s reliance on a long-term PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement.

Barberio’s Concerns From Phase 1

Barberio said of the first phase, “This project will be a traffic nightmare for our residents, particularly residents in Lake Parsippany who know all too well that so many roads cannot handle the additional traffic caused by over 600 new housing units—the associated height of the project. My administration was presented with very similar proposals. We studied it and determined that the impacts on our town, particularly the traffic impacts, were enormously bad. I rejected proposals like this when I was mayor because I knew then, and I know now, that this project will ruin the quality of life for our Lake Parsippany community. My traffic experts concluded that this extra traffic would create unsafe conditions on Parsippany Road for residents needing to get onto Parsippany Road from Lake Parsippany. I’ve listened to the testimony and didn’t hear any analysis to address that point, except that onsite. You can only vote regarding onsite traffic, but basically, the onsite traffic will create a hazard for the off-site traffic.” He continued to say “I know the whole thing with the affordable housing, I’ve dealt with it, but I’ve had people sit there when I was Mayor, maybe one or two on the board, tried to beat me up with the Whole Foods, but you never got an affordable housing on it. Not one ounce of affordable housing on it. The bottom line is this. It’s unsafe. This will make the proximity roads unsafe. I know the board members have a very tough decision to make, and I know your hands are tied. I know the COAH rules and fair share housing. I know all that. And my heart goes out to you because of whatever decision you make, it won’t be easy. Thank you for your time.” (Editor’s Note: Barberio was not the Mayor when the first phase was approved)

Revenue-Sharing Controversy

Negotiations between the developer and township officials remain ongoing. However, recent developments have intensified public skepticism.

A social media video posted by Mayor James Barberio claimed the township had secured a binding “revenue-sharing agreement” with the school district related to PILOT developments—but the footage was quietly deleted just hours later. In reality, no such final agreement exists.

While a draft Memorandum of Understanding was circulated in May, it contains no legally binding commitment to provide funding to the school district. Board of Education members confirmed that no agreement has been finalized or approved.

Councilman Justin Musella sharply criticized the misleading public statement, “Barberio lied again—plain and simple. Jamie Barberio will go down as the mayor who wrecked our school district.”

Musella added, “Residents deserve to know exactly what Parsippany is giving up. PILOTs benefit developers and town budgets in the short term, but can create long-term burdens on our school system and taxpayers.”

Infrastructure and Traffic Concerns

Further frustrating residents, Inglesino Taylor has described the project as “truly transformative” for Parsippany. But many disagree.

The township is already struggling with traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, and aging infrastructure. Parsippany Road—along with Alexander Avenue, Springview Drive, and all sections of Lake Parsippany—is already heavily congested. The recently approved warehouse project nearby is expected to compound these issues.

Danielle Rene Valenzano, a resident of Alexander Avenue, sharply criticized the first phase of PARQ and attended every Zoning Board meeting to voice her objections. That phase only encompassed 525 apartments, six floors, and 75 townhomes. She said, “My concerns are about bussing and overcrowding. Valenzano stated, “We are already at $3 million in bussing. All of my children went to Eastlake, Brooklawn, and Parsippany Hills. They were overcrowded then. They are overcrowded now.” The students would tentatively attend Eastlake School, Brooklawn Middle School, and Parsippany Hills High School. The complex is less than two miles from Eastlake School, approximately 2.3 miles to Brooklawn Middle School, and 2.5 miles to Parsippany Hills High School.”

Calls for Transparency

“Any project of this magnitude should undergo intense public scrutiny,” said a former Board of Education member. “We cannot afford to make decisions behind closed doors.”

With no binding revenue-sharing agreement in place—and the mayor’s credibility now in question—residents are calling on township officials to release full financial details, including the actual fiscal impact of the PILOT agreement.

While meeting affordable housing requirements is mandatory under state law, many argue it should not come at taxpayers’ expense or in favor of developers with deep pockets. Transparency, fiscal responsibility, and protecting Parsippany’s quality of life must remain top priorities.

Parsippany Focus reached out for comments from Mayor James Barberio but did not receive a response.

Click here to read the source of the facts.