PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Reorganization Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7. The Annual Organization Meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
The regular agenda meeting will commence at 7:00 p.m.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
PARSIPPANY — GTP Acquisitions, LLC, has applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills for a “Senior Living Facility” on a parcel to be subdivided from the property currently occupied by St. Christopher’s Church.
Parcel will be subdivided from the property currently occupied by St. Christopher’s Church
The property known is as 1050 Littleton Road, Block 166, Lot 96. The application is comprised of 156 dwelling units with a mix of assisted/memory care and independent living units. Amenities include a central social court, fitness center, café, open workspace, outdoor recreation areas, hardscape and softscape landscaping, and a promenade walking area.
Access to the property will be from Rita Drive and circulation and parking will be independent of the church. GTP Acquisitions, LLC will also purchase the property located at 21 Rita Drive, (Lot 84, Block 166).
The house at 21 Rita Drive, next to Parsippany Hills High School entrance, will be demolished and become the entrance/exit for the complex
This application is now on the Zoning Board’s agenda and a public hearing has been ordered for Wednesday, January 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
There are signs on most of the properties on Rita Drive except for 21 Rita Drive
According to corporate documents filed with the State of New Jersey, the registered agent of GTP Acquisitions, LLC, is David J. Weiner, 171 Fifth Avenue, Paterson. Pike Construction Company is also located at the same address. David Weiner is a managing member and principal of Pike Construction Co., LLC and has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of the general contracting and real estate development business. Upon graduating from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Economics, David began his career at Pike in the field as an assistant superintendent, then project superintendent.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board will be hearing an application for Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan Approval filed by Morris Corporate Center VI, L.L.C.
The application is seeking to construct two five-story, 56,363-square foot apartment buildings. The buildings would hold a combined total of 325 dwelling units, with 162 dwelling units in one building and 163 in the other building. Twenty percent of the total units (or 65 units) would serve as affordable housing.
The Applicant also proposes to install 608 parking spaces (with an additional 31 spaces to be banked). Of those 608 parking spaces, 268 would be indoors, on the first floor of the two buildings, and the remaining 340 spaces would be uncovered, surface parking.
The property is located at 100 and 120 Cherry Hill Road and designated as Block 136, Lots 44 and 76 on the Tax Map of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The Property is located in the Affordable Housing District 7 zone.
Additionally proposed are ancillary site improvements, including but not limited to driveways connecting to Upper Pond Road, sidewalks, signs, landscaping, fences, and a retaining wall. Construction would also require minor demolition, including the removal of existing pavement, curbs, light poles, trees, parking lot islands, sidewalks, sanitary pipes, inlets, and manholes.
The existing parking lot on Upper Pond Road would also require minor demolition, including the removal of existing pavement, curbs, light poles, trees, parking lot islands, sidewalks, sanitary pipes, inlets, and manholes
Any person interested in this application will have the opportunity to address the Planning Board at the public hearing on Monday, January 6 at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany, NJ 07054 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Trees facing Cherry Hill Road
A search of tax records indicate the land value is $8,904,000 with a 2019 property tax of $237,113.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon was sworn into office by Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz on Friday, January 3 at the Board of Freeholders’ 2020 Annual Meeting, held in Morristown. Sheriff sworn in while holding his grandson Luca as his daughter Kate, holding her newborn Ella, and her husband Matt surround him.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon was sworn into office by Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz on Friday, January 3
Sheriff Gannon was administered the oath of office during the annual reorganization of the Morris County Board of Freeholders. Also sworn in were Freeholder Doug Cabana to an eighth term, Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo to a third term, Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo to a fourth term, and former Freeholder Heather Darling to her first, five-year term as Morris County Surrogate.
Sheriff Gannon told the crowd of several hundred well-wishers gathered in the Public Meeting room of the county Administration and Records Building that he owed successes to the support of the public, the Freeholders, and his administration, including Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, Bureau of Corrections Undersheriff Alan J. Robinson, Chief Kelley Zienowicz and Chief Warrant Officer Richard Rose.
Sheriff sworn in while holding his grandson Luca as his daughter Kate, holding her newborn Ella, and her husband Matt surround him
“Morris County truly puts the unity in community,” Sheriff Gannon said.
He gave the crowd an overview of programs the Agency has honed, particularly Hope One, the mobile substance abuse resource and recovery program that achieved the milestone of making 10,000 contacts with individuals on New Year’s Eve.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One, started on April 3, 2017, has led to the launch of similar programs in Newark, Burlington, Cape May, Monmouth and Atlantic Counties, and the city of Boston now is interested, the Sheriff said.
Sheriff’s Officers have signed up to serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters to young people in need of role models. The Agency has designated liaisons to build bridges with the LGBTQ community and, the Sheriff said, protection of all 318 houses of worship in Morris County will continue to be a priority.He noted the creation of the RSVP-3 program that focuses on eliminating threats to school safety and the use of a mobile app so that students, or anyone, can anonymous report potential dangers to the school environment.
“This is all done within budget, while returning millions of dollars from our Legal Section and our shared services agreement to the county of Morris,” he said, referring to a pact the Morris County Sheriff’s Office struck to house inmates from the Sussex County jail at Morris’s Correctional Facility.
“The year 2020 will be a great year for the Sheriff’s Office as we continue our focus on counter-terrorism, addiction and mental health services, partnerships with the faith-based community, enhanced re-entry programs, even greater partnerships with our public safety and private sector communities, and other shared service opportunities,” the Sheriff said.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling was sworn into office by Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz on Friday, January 3 at the Board of Freeholders’ 2020 Annual Meeting, held in Morristown.
The incumbent, John Pecoraro retired after 25 years in office. Darling, a Roxbury resident and attorney, ran for freeholder in 2017 when Hank Lyon gave up his seat to seek the Republican nomination for State Assembly in the 26th district.
Darling says that Pecoraro’s retirement “offers an opportunity for me to bring new ideas and make significant changes for the benefit of seniors and special needs citizens in Morris County.”
A surrogate is a judicial officer, elected by the people, having jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the administration of estates, and more.
Surrogate Heather Darling was first elected to serve the residents of Morris County in 2019. Each term of office is five years. The full title of the office is “Judge of the Surrogate Court.”
The function of the Judge of the Morris County Surrogate Court includes:
administering wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts for Morris County residents
serving as clerk of the Superior Court
assisting activities ranging from adoptions to incompetency matters
managing the Minors’ Intermingled Trust Fund and holding, as custodian, approximately $25 million in that fund for Morris County minors
Morris County Surrogate Court is located at 10 Court Street, Fifth Floor, Morristown. For more information call (973) 285-6500.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Freeholders Doug Cabana of Boonton Township, Kathy DeFillippo of Roxbury, and Tom Mastrangelo of Montville, and Sheriff James M. Gannon and new County Surrogate Heather Darling were sworn into office on Friday, January 3 at the Board of Freeholders’ 2020 Annual Meeting, held in Morristown.
Freeholder Thomas J. Mastrangelo being sworn in by his daughter Brittany for his fourth term. His wife, Debbie holds the bible while his sons Michael and Christopher looks on.Roxbury Township Mayor Robert DeFillippo had the honor of administering the Oath of Office for his wife, Kathy DeFillippoSenator Anthony Bucco administering the oath of office to Freeholder Doug Cabana, while his sister Amy Bucco holds the bible. Doug is serving his 8th term as Freeholder
Also at the ceremonial event, Freeholders Deborah Smith of Denville and Stephen Shaw of Mountain Lakes were elected as director and deputy director, each for the first time.
Smith succeeds Freeholder Doug Cabana as director.
Freeholders Deborah Smith of Denville and Stephen Shaw of Mountain Lakes were elected as director and deputy director, each for the first time.
“My goals this year are to make decisions that benefit all residents of Morris County, to keep close watch on spending while delivering critical public safety and quality of life services that make Morris County the number one county in New Jersey, by far,’’ said Freeholder Smith.
“I look forward to working with and supporting my freeholder colleagues and the county administration in my role as Deputy Director. It is an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Morris County,” said Freeholder Shaw.
Showing support for those who took the oaths tonight were a host of political dignitaries, including Rep. Mikie Sherrill, state Sens. Joe Pennacchio, Anthony Bucco, and Tom Kean Jr.; Assembly Members BettyLou DeCroce, Aura Dunn, and Christopher DePhillips.
Also attending were County Clerk Ann Grossi, County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante, and recently retired County Surrogate John Pecoraro, and former freeholders Frank Druetzler, Gene Feyl, John Inglesino, and John Sette.
Freeholder Smith highlighted some of Morris County’s top rankings and high quality of life during her address to overflow audience in the County Administration and Records Building. She touted the following about Morris County:
It has the number one county park system in New Jersey;
It is a statewide leader in open space and farmland preservation;
It is the number one healthiest county in New Jersey;
It is a statewide leader in recycling;
It has the top-ranked Triple A bond rating;
It is ranked in the top 25 counties to live in the U.S.;
County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School are ranked among the best in the nation.
“The Freeholder Board is intent in 2020 to maintain those top rankings,’’ Smith told the crowd. “We know we have a lot of work ahead of us and look forward to your participation and collaboration.’’
Smith joined the Freeholder Board on January 3, 2016, and is now serving her second three-year term. She has served on the Budget Committee, chaired the Insurance Commission, and has been liaison to the Morris County Park Commission and Finance Department.
Previously, she was on the Denville Council for 20 years, including two years as council president and two years as the council’s Planning Board member. She also served on the Denville Zoning Board.
Freeholder Smith has long served her community, volunteering for many community activities. She was the Township Council liaison to the Denville Public Library, senior citizens’ organizations, the local historical society, fire department and many other groups.
She resides in Denville with her husband Steven, a small business owner in Randolph.
PARSIPPANY — Green space is important for mental health, air quality, and property values. According to the Smithsonian Institute, “tree cover is one of the most visible indicators of neighborhood income, and vegetation density is directly tied to health outcomes, especially for vulnerable group[s], such as kids, the elderly and people living below the poverty line. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that trees save 850 lives and deflect 670,000 incidences of acute respiratory symptoms each year,” and a study in Portland, OR found that over 14% of air pollutants are improved by neighborhood trees.
And yet, Parsippany is threatening to take away more of the town’s dwindling green space. The administration is moving forward on a proposal to sell the land to a developer, who plans to construct a 155 unit senior living center. This plan will line the pockets of developers while burdening our town with the negative externalities, none of which they will pay for.
This project would increase the impervious surface cover and artificial landscaping, which means more flooding and higher chances of algal blooms like the one that devastated Lake Hopatcong last summer from fertilizers and runoff. These are issues that will only become more frequent and more intense because of climate change, especially in the event of hurricanes as intense as Irma and Sandy.
In addition, clear-cutting this land would have devastating impacts on our wildlife. We have already taken away so much of their land that soon they will have nowhere to go. Further decreasing their habitat will mean more deer-auto collisions and more bears, racoons and skunks in our backyards/trash. Projects like these further threaten the 52 endangered species and 33 threatened species in NJ, including bobcats, Indiana bats, and several hawk, owl, sparrow, salamander, bat, and insect species who depend on forests like this one.
Trees and forest floors are carbon sinks, and clear-cutting them releases that carbon. All of these “little” projects around the world add up—this is one of the reasons why we are experiencing climate change. Even when forests are replanted, it can take hundreds of years for them to restore their original richness, biodiversity, and carbon absorption.
We already lost a huge area of tree cover from Waterview Marketplace—we can’t afford to take more trees away. Many countries including China, Ireland, and Ethiopia and cities like New York and Toronto have declared or already met tree-planting targets. We are in a climate crisis, and Parsippany should operate accordingly. New Jersey has already seen a higher temperature increase than other parts of the nation, and that will only continue if we stay on this path of overdevelopment.
We don’t want Parsippany to be built-out. I urge you to call on our town zoning board officials to deny permits for the senior center development project by calling, emailing, and attending the zoning board meeting on Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Not only should Parsippany deny this proposal, the town should take steps to preserve the land through a land trust, conservation easement, or other measure.
Dear Editor: Has Saint Christopher Parish Priest Betrayed Their Vows? Church Real Estate For Sale Highest Bidder!
The Church should be ashamed not paying taxes and then not offering this remaining natural (22+ acres of a remaining wooded lot) resource to Parsippany first as open space. Apparently the Church thinks little of its Parish and surroundings, except a pretension for their souls. Perhaps it’s secular managers are superseding its alleged holiness? It certainly in this situation shows obvious disregard for Parsippany and its remaining nature; or sees Parsippany as a developers haven, and easy sale? This unneeded, unwanted project, will unjustly change the character of another neighborhood forever, with no just cause.
The fathers of Saint Christopher apparently have no reverence for their superiors in particular Pope Francis, Papal Encyclical, care for our common home, Lado Si. They are in effect disregarding the Holy See’s orders of instruction for the times as written in the Lado Si. For example: “The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion; So what they all need is an ‘ecological conversion’, whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience”.
Summary of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment by Kevin Cotter
Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si is a worldwide wake up call to help humanity understand the destruction that man is rendering to the environment and his fellow man. While addressing the environment directly, the document’s scope is broader in many ways as it looks at not only man’s effect on the environment, but also the many philosophical, theological, and cultural causes that threaten the relationships of man to nature and man to each other in various circumstances.
On the effects of the market on the environment
“Once more, we need to reject a magical conception of the market, which would suggest that problems can be solved simply by an increase in the profits of companies or individuals. Is it realistic to hope that those who are obsessed with maximizing profits will stop to reflect on the environmental damage which they will leave behind for future generations? Where profits alone count, there can be no thinking about the rhythms of nature, its phases of decay and regeneration, or the complexity of ecosystems which may be gravely upset by human intervention”
Land can in no way be considered a marketable commodity, simply because it is not produced by humankind to be sold; nor will its amount increase if the price rises or diminish if the price goes down.
How can the Church say one thing and do another?..This is a real case of “is god on our side” or will god be subject to the drug of choice money? Will our master plan again be determined by developers, will Waterview repeat itself? Prayers won’t do!. No Rezone Voice your opposition Zoning Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. (1001 Parsippany Boulevard)
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and local business Micro Strategies are hosting a free public seminar! The seminar is being held on Wednesday, January 22, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to learn the basics of cyber security and how to keep your personal information protected in the internet age!
Topics to be discussed:
Current cyber issues and trends
Identifying phishing and spam – what a suspicious email looks like
Password best practices
Developing habits to remain cyber secure
Q & A
Taught by Scott Fitzgerald, Information Security Officer for Micro Strategies, 1140 Parsippany Boulevard, you will learn how to identify phishing tactics, what current trends are happening in the world of cyber security, and more! Join us and learn how to surf the internet worry free. To pre-register, click here.
If you have any questions please call the Mayor’s Action Center at (973) 262-4262.
PARSIPPANY — William ‘Bill’ J. Riley, Jr., 54, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at his home in High Point, NC.
Bill was born in Denville and grew up in Lake Parsippany.
He graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 1983. For many years he was a volunteer for the Parsippany Ambulance Squad where he was an EMT, as well as a volunteer for the District 3 Fire Department in Lake Parsippany.
Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1986 – 1990.
Upon moving to North Carolina in 2008, he worked for Caring Services as a Facilities Manager until 2017. He was a member of the Triad Softball League for the last several years where they played every Sunday, spring through fall. He also helped coordinate the bi-annual Lake Jordan Retreat with a vast group of friends. For the last two years, Bill worked for himself as an independent contractor.
Survivors include his three sisters: Kathleen Accinni, Karen Powers and her husband, Nicholas, and Colleen Riley-Fontanella; his three nieces: Allison Katz and her husband, Kevin, Katie Accinni and her fiancée, Daniel Breese and Shannon Powers; his three nephews: Andrew Powers, Brandon and Christopher Fontanella, and his two great nephews, Logan and Ethan Katz.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Veterans Affairs, 385 Tremont Ave., East Orange, New Jersey 07018.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Ordinance No. 2019:33 prohibiting retailers from providing single-use plastic carry-out bags and non-recyclable paper bags to customers for the purposes of transporting products or goods out of a business or store. (Click here for a copy of Ordinance No. 2019:33.)
The ordinance goes in full effect Thursday, February 6, although some area retailers have already started to comply. For instant, Quick Chek, 170 Parsippany Road, charges consumers 10 cents if you require a compliant bag.
Businesses must now provide recyclable paper bags. Residents and customers should be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags whenever possible. The purpose of this ban is to reduce litter, protect the environment, and remove hard-to-recycle bags from our waste stream. (Click here for Key Facts brochure)
Retailers that distribute paper retail/grocery bags must charge a fee between 10 cents and 25 cents. The fee is collected and kept by the business to help cover the cost of purchasing the compliant bags. This ordinance affects all retailers, including grocery stores, restaurants, corner stores, pharmacies, clothing shops, hardware stores, beer and liquor stores, and every other retail store that provides bags to customers at point of sale. (Click here for Retail Training Facts)
Retailers will face fines if they supply banned bags to customers after February 6. A critical element of managing the ban in any business is preparing and training their team, particularly those who have regular contact with customers, such as checkout operators and customer service staff.
Other towns with similar ordinances are Ridgewood, Paramus, Saddle Brook, Glen Rock and Garfield. Bag bans in Montclair took effect in December. Haworth, Madison and Woodland Park are set to enact bans in March.
PARSIPPANY — Three Incumbent Council Members took their oath of office during the swearing in ceremony on Wednesday, January 1 at Parsippany Municipal Building.
Republicans Paul Carifi, Jr., was given the Oath of Office by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon; Both Loretta Gragnani and Michael dePierro were given the Oath of Office by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi.
The program began sharply at 1:00 p.m. with Township Clerk Khaled Madin, calling the Inauguration Ceremony to order. Madin led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation by Monsignor Herbert K. Tillyer.
Special guests included Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, Councilwoman Emily Peterson, Former Mayor James Barberio, Former Councilman and Mayor Dr. Joseph Weisberg, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Andrew Miller, Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator Keith Kazmark, Parsippany-Troy Hills CFO Ann Cucci, Parsippany PAL Director Samuel Yodice, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Senator Joe Pennacchio, Morris County Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo, Chatham Township Mayor Tayfun Selen and Morris County Republican Vice Chair Laura Ali.
Benediction by Reverend Joseph Buffardi and closing remarks by Khaled Madin.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Jefferson Township Police Chief Sean Conrad announce that John Formisano, 49, formerly of Jefferson Township, has been indicted on charges related to a fatal shooting that occurred on July 14, 2019, in Jefferson Township.
On December 30, 2019, an indictment was returned by a Morris County grand jury charging Formisano with a number of offenses, including first degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, two counts of second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Official Misconduct, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and third degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.
The charges in the indictment are related to an incident that occurred on July 14, 2019 in Jefferson Township. At approximately 11:21 p.m., members of the Jefferson Township Police Department were dispatched to 1 Mirror Place for 911 calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responding officers located a deceased woman’s body lying on the front porch steps of 5 Mirror Place.
The deceased woman was subsequently identified as Christie Formisano, 37, Jefferson Township. A second victim, a male age 40, was located with multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence of 1 Mirror Place.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the defendant, John Formisano, was located in a parking lot in Livingston, and was taken into custody by law enforcement. The firearm believed to be used by the defendant was also recovered in Livingston. The defendant, a lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, was off-duty at the time of the incident.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Jefferson Township Police Department at (973) 697-1300.
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 — John Robert “Bob” Keller, 67, a longtime Parsippany Democratic leader, died on Saturday, December 21 at Saint Clare’s Hospital, Denville, from lung failure.
Bob grew up in the little town of Turtle Creek, Pa, just outside of Pittsburgh. He received a BA from California State University also in PA.
Bob retired from his professional job as an Executive Editor for Standard and Poors/McGraw-Hill 22 years ago, where he was heavily involved in reporting news and pricing used in the oil industry in the northern hemisphere. After his retirement he devoted his time to volunteering and giving back to the community. Keller served as a member of the Parsippany Planning Board and as treasurer of the Morris County Democratic Committee. He is also a former president of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a Lay Leader at the Parsippany United Methodist Church
“I am saddest over the death of my dear friend Bob Keller, Bob was a mentor to me. He was a kind and caring man who will be missed at the Parsippany United Methodist Church, The Lake Parsippany Fire Department, The Township of Parsippany Planning Board, The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and the Parsippany Democratic Committee. My thoughts and prayers are with Connie, Jon and Mike.” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano.
Gordon Meth, New Jersey Kiwanis District Governor said “I knew Bob for nearly 20 years, both as a Planning Board member and as a Kiwanian. He was a man of ultimate integrity and candor. Time and time again I saw him do the right thing, even when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. He was never afraid to speak his mind either. I will miss him dearly.”
“Bob will surely be missed at Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Although at times, we butt heads, we always respected each other and I always valued Bob’s opinions and knowledge. Bob was a big asset to our club, as I had the honor of working with him during my terms as Club President and Foundation President,” said Frank Cahill, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Morris County Democratic Committee Chairman Chip Robinson said “Bob was a man who led when others wouldn’t, and was always willing to stand up for what he believed in. Bob was involved in the Democratic Party throughout his life and ran for council in Parsippany multiple times. He was also a strong advocate for organ donations.”
He sought election to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2013.
Bob Keller
Bob married his best friend, Connie, on March 23, 1974 and they have two sons: Jonathan, 31 and Michael, 26. Bob and Connie were high school sweethearts that met over a pair of red mittens 50 years ago.
In 2002, Bob’s kidneys failed due to complications from diabetes. He received a new kidney that year donated by his best friend and wife, Connie on August 13. As his health failed from other complications the kidney kept working. It was a match meant to be.
The Kellers moved to New Jersey from their hometown, Turtle Creek, PA, and lived in Rockaway for three years before deciding that Parsippany would be the place to settle and buy their first home. The Kellers have lived in Lake Parsippany for 40 years
Bob served on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board since 1996 and served as Vice Chairman of the Board as well as Chairman of the minor Site Plan Committee of the Planning Board. He was appointed Chairman in January 2018.
Bob Keller
He was a member of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. for 37 years. Served as its president for 13 years and has held the offices of vice president, secretary, financial secretary and trustee.
Bob was very active member of New Jersey Sharing Network, and acted as ambassador educating people on organ donation.
Greg Elbin and Bob Keller
Bob was very active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, a past president of the Club and a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation. He joined Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany on May 18, 1998. He was named Kiwanian of the Year in 2000 and a George F. Hixson Fellowship recipient. He was also honored with a Tablet of Honor, the highest award that can be presented to an active Kiwanis member. Bob fulfilled the dream of late Alan Gordon, and was instrumental in making one of Kiwanis Club of Parsippany greatest service project, “The Touch-A-Truck.” Along with Touch-A-Truck Chairman Nicolas Limanov, “Touch-A-Truck” was named the Number One Service Project in the New Jersey District Kiwanis Club for 2018 and again at the New Jersey District Convention in 2019, as voted by other New Jersey Kiwanis Clubs.
There will be a Memorial Service for Bob on Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Parsippany United Methodist Church, 903 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany. Following the service the celebration of Bob’s life will continue at the Lake Parsippany Fire House, 255 Halsey Road, where Bob was a long time member.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund 903 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany or New Jersey Sharing Network Foundation 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974.
His obituary can be found on the Par-Troy Funeral Home website by clicking here.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Special Meeting – Monday, December 30, 2019
Click here to view a copy of the Agenda. Please note the Agenda was not available at the time of the meeting, nor was it posted on Parsippany-Troy Hills Township official website.
Please note: The order of items on the Agenda were not followed.
Also note, that Item 2, Non-Consent Agenda was removed from agenda.
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 12:34 p.m., Sunday, December 29, the Deputy Chief of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District #5 was in the Rutgers Village Apartment complex when he observed an active fire at 162 Rutgers Lane.
Deputy Chief of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District #5 was in the Rutgers Village Apartment complex when he observed an active fire at 162 Rutgers Lane.
He immediately contacted the Morris County Communications Center via radio. Multiple area fire departments were dispatched to the scene, along with Parsippany Emergency Medical Services and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance.
Sergeant Brian Conover, Public Information Officer said “We can confirm that a deceased person was located inside one of the affected apartments. Two apartments were heavily damaged during the fire and the Red Cross is on scene providing assistance.”
Firemen on the roof on the building
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Parsippany Fire Investigator Patrolman D. Cavaliere and Parsippany Detective A. Morelli are investigating the fire.
Mutual aid responders included Boonton, Montville, Morris Plains, Mount Tabor and Whippany firefighters.
The victim, Gregory Giorgio, 46, was from East Hanover. His nephew, who rents the apartment, was on vacation and returned to find the place on fire. He lost everything. He also found out his uncle was in the house at the time of the fire and lost his life. 😞There is a GoFundMe page setup to help the occupant. Click here to donate.
Window at 162 Rutgers LaneItems removed from the apartment at 162 Rutgers LaneThe entire area was roped off with crime scene tape
Rutgers Village is located off Route 46 and South Edwards Road, near New Road.
There are a total of 442 units, including one bedroom and two bedroom units.
PARSIPPANY — Santa makes a surprise visit at IHOP, 792 Route 46, Arlington Plaza, on Saturday, December 21. Children had the opportunity to take photos with Santa and tell Santa their wish list.
PARSIPPANY — Thousands of 32BJ SEIU janitors voted to ratify a four-year contract that covers 7,000 workers who clean and maintain 500 commercial office buildings, schools, malls and transit centers in the state of New Jersey.
The new four-year contract includes up to $3.80 in wage increases that will have some workers in the state starting at $18 by 2023. The contract maintains quality family health insurance, legal and career training benefits. It also improves retirement benefits for many workers, expands paid sick leave, creates notable protections against sexual harassment and creates a statewide labor management committee to discuss the physically demanding conditions of working as a janitor.
For the first time, the contract also includes comprehensive protections against sexual harassment, requiring employers to provide and post a sexual harassment policy in the workplace, protecting workers against harassment by third parties and laying out a process for complaint follow up and discipline of perpetrators.
Mary Francis Cuadrado, a member of 32BJ SEIU’s bargaining committee and cleaner at Celgene and Merck, who was present at the vote said, “we just voted to ratify this contract, which means absolutely everything to us and our families. For me, as a single mom raising kids, I can count on a raise every year, to keep up with inflation and quality health insurance that we can afford. This is more than a contract; it is an opportunity. This is the best gift for the holidays.”
“This contract will help New Jersey communities everywhere benefit from prosperity of the booming real estate market. Seven thousand New Jerseyans just took a giant step towards joining the middle class,” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ SEIU Vice President and New Jersey State Director.
The 32BJ SEIU bargaining committee and employers tentatively settled the contract late in the evening on December 18, a day after thousands of NJ cleaners held a massive march and strike authorization vote. The settlement and today’s ratification averts the strike.
The workers began contract negations with the cleaning contracting companies on October 17. Over the last three months, workers have waged an aggressive campaign that included a massive rally and march on Labor Day, a strike vote and march through Newark and countless building actions. The cleaners saw immense support from numerous elected officials and allies including Governor Murphy, Mayor Baraka, Mayor Fulop, members of Newark and Jersey City Councils, Senator Cryan, Assemblywoman Quijano, Sue Altman of the Working Families Alliance, Make the Road New Jersey, faith leaders throughout the state and the general public.
Elected officials who stood with 32BJ janitors continue to show their support. “Today is a great day for New Jersey and the 7,000 commercial cleaners at SEIU 32BJ who just settled a new four-year contract,” said New Jersey Governor Murphy. “This contract is much bigger than the office cleaners who will make the wages and benefits it ensures. This is about the strength of New Jersey’s economy. Today, 32BJ ensured that communities across our state will have what they need, not only to survive, but to thrive.”
“I am thrilled to see that custodial workers throughout our state have settled on a strong, fair contract that offers needed raises and essential healthcare protections. The ability to strike and collectively bargain is the bedrock of the American labor movement, and I would like to praise the hardworking men and women of SEIU and the participating contractors for strengthening that process with this agreement,” said the Mayor of Parsippany Michael Soriano.
PARSIPPANY — Crunch Fitness held two group fitness classes at Parsippany High School to benefit the Elvin family.
The fitness classes were held on Saturday, December 21 and were kid friendly. They charged a $5 admission at the door and all the admission was donated to the family. Some of the other little activities like Tic Tac Toe, Jenga and a few more.
Crunch Fitness will be opening in Arlington Plaza during the first quarter of 2020. Their new address is 790 Route 46. They have a temporary enrollment center set up in the former Modell’s, 780 Route 46, Arlington Plaza. For more information call (973) 794-3652.
The Elvin’s home was destroyed when a structure fire was reported at a single-family home
located at 125 Allentown Road at approximately 5:38 p.m. on Thursday, December 5.
This application is now on the Zoning Board’s agenda and a public hearing has been ordered for Wednesday, January 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
Dear Editor:
The ordinance goes in full effect Thursday, February 6, although some area retailers have already started to comply. For instant, Quick Chek, 170 Parsippany Road, charges consumers 10 cents if you require a compliant bag.
