PARSIPPANY — Garden Savings Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Parsippany, with branches in Dover, Newark and South Orange, raised $20,000 for two local charitable groups at its Ninth Annual Golf Outing on July 22. The outing was attended by nearly one hundred credit union professionals and industry business. The proceeds will be split between the Children’s Specialized Hospital of New Brunswick and the Rutgers Youth Education and Employment Success Center (YE2S Center) of Newark.
“This outing has continued to grow in popularity each and every year and I couldn’t be happier about that,” said Garden Savings President and Chief Executive Officer, Lou Vetere. “We’ve now raised well over $100,000 since we started this event and we know the proceeds are going to be put to a great use by two fantastic and yet distinctly different groups. What they do have in common is that the YE2S Center and Children’s Specialized Hospital both do great things in the community to help people that need it most and that’s in line with the overall mission of our credit union and really all credit unions. We look forward to our greatest event yet next year when we celebrate ten years of putting People Helping People into action once again.”
Garden Savings is a $375 million dollar full service financial institution that serves the financial needs of over 27,000 members throughout New Jersey and neighboring states.
PARSIPPANY — NAI James E. Hanson, a leading New Jersey-based full-service independent commercial real estate firm, announces it has completed three office leases totaling 8,601 square feet at 111 Littleton Road. NAI James E. Hanson’s Josh Levering, SIOR and Nicholas DePaolera represented the landlord, Commercial Realty Group, in the transactions with the tenants, Strategic Micro Systems, Inc. and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
111 Littleton is a completely renovated 36,289-square-foot class A three-story office building located at the intersection of I-80 and I-287. Offering unsurpassed location, access and visibility from all major Morris County highways, 111 Littleton provides a unique combination of image, visibility and accessibility not found in other buildings in the marketplace. The building’s smaller floor plates make it ideal for smaller users searching for image space. Recent renovations to the building include a stunning new façade, a new two-story atrium, increased parking, new landscaping, new restrooms, and full common area upgrades.
Josh Levering stated, “111 Littleton was developed specifically for small to medium-sized companies as it is often difficult for smaller tenants to find affordable, modern, Class-A office space in this market. The building’s ownership, Commercial Realty Group (CRG) understood these challenges and executed their vision for 111 Littleton to specifically serve the growing number of innovative and growing businesses looking to call Morris County home. CRG’s relationship within the northern New Jersey business community and Morris County allowed an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and the creation of a space tailor made to fit the needs of smaller tenants.”
Strategic Micro Systems, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is an award-winning IT firm that delivers next generation technology solutions. Catering to some of the most successful businesses and nonprofits in the world, Strategic Micro Systems, Inc. employs a combination of deep expertise, personalized approach and unparalleled collaboration capabilities, which allow the firm to help meet the technology needs for organizations of all sizes.
In searching for a space to serve as their new headquarters, Strategic Micro Systems, Inc. valued 111 Littleton’s ideal high-tech amenities location and modern renovations. Of interest were the new design, high speed connectivity, back–up generator and a presence that exemplifies the needs of today’s high-tech tenants.
Levering added, “In order to accommodate two autonomous entities of the organization, Strategic Micro Systems, Inc. signed a two-part lease in adjacent units on the building’s second floor. Commercial Realty Group worked directly with Strategic Micro Systems, Inc. to design and build the space to align with their unique needs.”
As a majority tenant on the second floor, Strategic Micro Systems can easily accommodate the myriad of support technologies and accompanying space needs of today’s collaborative IT firms.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955 as an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization leading the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The New Jersey Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation sponsors several fundraising events throughout the year that directly support the organization’s mission of finding a cure for all people with progressive genetic disorders.
Looking for a small-scale office to house their operations, the New Jersey chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was drawn to the location and quality of the property as well as the on-site ownership and management offered at 111 Littleton Road. With the property’s smaller floor plates, 111 Littleton easily accommodated the foundation’s needs.
NAI Hanson is also one of the original members of NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 400 offices spanning the globe. For more information on NAI James E. Hanson, contact William C. Hanson, SIOR, at the company’s Teterboro office at (201) 488-5800 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex Passaic) demanded the Legislature take action on her bill to abolish the School Development Authority (SDA) and place school construction responsibilities under the Department of Treasury, after the state was forced this week to fire 30 SDA employees whose hiring violated state ethics guidelines
DeCroce’s legislation (A-5330,) introduced by the Assemblywoman after the SDA staffing scandal broke in April, will transfer all school construction responsibilities now handled by the troubled agency to the Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of Treasury. Assemblywoman DeCroce noted that her legislation will provide the Governor and Legislature more direct authority to control school construction activities, while allowing the state Economic Development Authority (EDA) to retain its responsibility for the financing of school construction projects.
“The SDA has had a long and troubled history, largely because it has been able to operate with little oversight as a legally-establish state authority. The staffing scandal is just the latest problem demonstrating that we need to abolish the agency and bring its operations within the state administration, where the Governor and Legislature can have more direct control of matters,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce, whose district spans Morris, Essex and Passaic counties.
The firing of 30 people earlier this week followed the release of three investigative reports on a staffing scandal that forced the resignation of SDA CEO Lizette Delgado-Polanco, who stepped down in April after only eight months in office.
Whistle-blowers reported that long-time employees had been fired during her tenure as friends and family to Delgado-Polanco were given highly paid positions for which they were unqualified. Three state probes were launched, with one concluding: “Nearly every new hire was directly or indirectly connected personally or professionally to Ms. Delgado Polanco when hired.” That same investigation report went on to add: “Connected new hires benefitted from favorable treatment regarding their titles and/or salaries.”
Of the 30 people fired from the agency earlier this week, 27 had been hired by the former CEO. The investigations also concluded that 14 of those hired under the former CEO were brought on at salaries toppling six figures, with some reaching as high as $170,000. At least 10 of those top earners either worked with Delgado-Polanco in the past or had close ties to her.
The SDA, which manages the construction and improvement of schools in 31 of the state’s poorest communities, has billions of dollars at its disposal. But it was reported in April to be nearly out of money.
“We still haven’t a satisfactory explanation on how this agency burned through billions of dollars of taxpayer money. We need accountability and oversight,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.
Newark Cost Overruns
In a recent report by an online news organization, school construction costs in Newark were found to be outrageously high. The TapInto Newark report said, “The SDA spent an average $424 per square foot to build the five schools in Newark, nearly three times the limit set by the Legislature at $142 per square foot, which is supposed to include construction and professional fees.”
The Newark report also noted, “The last three schools to open in Newark since 2016 cost an average of $515 per square foot. The South Street School, which was completed in 2018, cost $69 million or $669 per square foot, nearly five times the limits set by the Legislature. The SDA spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to build schools for only 3,733 Newark children — an average of more than $70,000 per student.”
In May DeCroce sent letters requesting support from Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblyman John Burzichelli to bring SDA under direct state control.
“Moving the SDA to the Division of Property Management & Construction is the right step because it is critical that we ensure the services provided by the SDA are offered in a professional, cost effective and transparent manner,” wrote DeCroce.
The Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of Treasury oversees the procurement of construction contracts for public works buildings for state agencies, leases for office and warehouse space, and the operation and maintenance of state-owned facilities.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the start of a pavement preservation project to resurface approximately 13 miles of I-287 northbound in Somerset and Morris Counties.
The $18 million federally-funded project will preserve approximately 13 miles of I-287 northbound from Route 202/206 just north of Exit 22 in Bedminster, Somerset County through South Street/CR 601 in Morristown, Morris County It will extend the functional life of the roadway and improve ride quality. In addition, guiderail will be upgraded to meet current requirements.
Beginning at 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 29 until 6 :00a.m. Tuesday, July 30, NJDOT’s contractor, Della Pello Paving, Inc., will close the right lane on I-287 northbound beginning at approximately Exit 22/Route 202/206 to install construction barrier to create a work zone along the shoulder. This will allow crews to make guiderail and barrier improvements, as well as upgrade drainage. Once the guiderail work is complete, the shoulder will be milled and paved. This stage of the work is expected to be completed in the fall.
Once the shoulder work is complete, work will begin on the northbound travel lanes, which will be overlaid with a High Performance Thin Overlay (HPTO). Later in the project the following I-287 northbound ramps will be milled and paved, overlaid with HPTO or resurfaced with slurry seal:
North Maple Avenue
Exit ramp at Tiger Lily Lane
Entrance ramp from Southgate Parkway
Entrance and exit ramps from the Rest Area,
Entrance ramp at James Street
Exit ramp from South Street
Ramps at Mt. Airy Road
Variable Message Signs will provide advance notification to motorists of the traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info and on the NJDOT Facebook page.
PARSIPPANY — Jersey Rhythms is a Indian popular music, (cine music) performing orchestra based out of New Jersey featuring top-class singers accompanied by High-quality Instrumentalists. Featuring songs sung in English, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu. The group will perform on Thursday, August 1 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 1839 Route 46.
During inclement weather concerts are held at Liquid Church, 299 Webro Road.
Decision on whether to change the venue due to rain will occur before 2:00 p.m. on August 1 and will be posted on parsippany.net or here on the Facebook page.
“Our democracy is vulnerable to foreign interference, and we need to act,” said Representative Sherrill. “As chairwoman of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee on House Science, Space, and Technology and a founding member of Task Force Sentry, I have worked to bring this issue to the forefront of our national discussion. My colleagues and I in the House have fought to pass legislation to arm our states with the resources they need to safeguard our democracy and the 2020 elections. The Senate’s inaction — especially in light of this report — is a failure of leadership.”
Representative Sherrill and freshmen members announced they had formed Task Force Sentry, a bipartisan working group operating together behind closed doors over the last several months to protect the U.S. political system from attack by foreign adversaries.
Representative Sherrill continued: “We set up Task Force Sentry because there is a clear need for leadership on this issue. We are readying additional legislation to protect the 2020 elections and to provide national security leadership to protect our democracy from foreign influence.”
Through briefings and meetings with issue experts, members of Task Force Sentry have identified vulnerabilities in our political system, and are working to finalize legislation to address them by:
Deterring the originator — making it more difficult for foreign entities to influence Americans;
Requiring enhanced disclosure — mandating that individuals or entities receiving foreign funds disclose where those funds come from;
Preventing foreign financing from supporting campaigns;
Defining the roles and responsibilities of social media companies to prevent foreign government entities from using their platforms to interfere in U.S. political processes;
Establishing ongoing monitoring, analysis and enforcement mechanisms to identify threats and tools to prevent foreign interference through information operations.
PARSIPPANY On Wednesday, July 24, former Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps was due to be processed at Morristown’s Criminal Intake at 11:30 a.m. However, his attorney waived Philipps’ appearance for the Official Misconduct complaint.
According to various lawyers, “Waiver of Appearance” means that the defendant’s attorney waives the appearance of his client, due to the criminal defendant having an attorney. The defendant need not appear in court for this proceeding because the attorney speaks on behalf of his client.
Philipps is scheduled to be back in Morristown Superior Court on Monday, August 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Montville Township Municipal Court Judge Joseph Deming held a probable cause hearing on May 7, 2019 for a complaint of Official Misconduct, a 3rd degree crime against Parsippany’s retired Police Chief Paul Philipps.
After researching the matter, reviewing all of the documents submitted to the Court and hearing oral arguments, Judge Deming determined on July 5 there was probable cause to charge former Police Chief Paul Philipps with Official Misconduct. (Click here for complaint).
The complaint was signed by retired Police Captain James Carifi. According to Parsippany’s Municipal Court Clerk, the matter was transferred to Montville Municipal Court due to conflict of interest of Paul Philipps being previously employed by the Township of Parsippany as Police Chief.
Judge Deming found probable cause that Philipps deliberately withheld police department records that are mandated to be released to the public in order to obtain a benefit for himself and to injure another person.
Apparently, the documents in question show that the Barberio administration misled judicial officials in various proceedings.
The attached document (click here) is from the Parsippany Police Department stating the “PTHPD violated its Policy and Procedures, and did not comply with the New Jersey Attorney General Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures (Guidelines), when it failed to release the reports you requested.” It further states “The PTHPD was required to make the reports available to the public, and erred when it failed to release them at your request.”
Philipps is being represented by Denis F. Driscoll, Esq., a partner of Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC. John Inglesino was the previous Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library is holding a bag sale now through Saturday, July 27. The sale is open during library hours at the Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Road.
Shoppers will be able to fill a bag (provided) with books for just $5.00. There will be a wide assortment of popular fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, DVDs, CDs, and more available. Supplies will be restocked throughout the sale period so shoppers are also encouraged to check back for more great finds.
Book lovers can also find additional bargains in the Little Book Nook used book area, located near the circulation desk. These items are just fifty cents to a dollar each.
All proceeds from the sale and used book area will be donated back to the library for the purchase of materials and programs to benefit our community. To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY —Assemblyman Anthony Bucco’s legislation bolstering the state fire safety commission with new members was signed by Governor Phil Murphy.
The bill (S1799/A2987) increases the commission to 27 members from 23. The four new appointments will be public members who are knowledgeable and experienced in fire safety matters.
“New faces on the commission will bring a fresh perspective to discussions about fire safety,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “These appointees will be welcome additions to those from organizations already well-represented at the table.”
The governor will designate two members, and two will be joint appointments of the Senate president and speaker of the Assembly.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp presented Ellie Long with a Distinguished Service Award celebrating her 50 years of service with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, on Friday, July 19.
Numerous members of the office were present at this tribute to her. Ellie has been a part of nine different administrations throughout her career, and has played an important role in the success of each one. She began her career at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under Prosecutor Charles M. Egan, Jr. in 1969 and remains an invaluable member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Support Staff.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “Ellie has been and continues to be a key member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile/Missing Persons Unit. We wish Ellie warm congratulations for reaching this impressive milestone and we hope to continue working with her in years to come”.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is conducting a Back-to-School collection for the children residing at Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) facilities. Items needed are $10.00 or $20.00 Walmart, Target or Kohl’s gift cards, which their mothers can use to buy school clothes and shoes for the children.
They also need school and after-school snacks, such as granola bars, pretzels or goldfish crackers, and beverages such as small, non-breakable bottles of water or juice, or juice boxes. Collection ends August 10. To donate, please contact Bernadette at bccicchino@netscape.net or call (973) 970-5773. We can pick up any donations.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Karen DeChristopher installed new member Craig Eagleson. He was sponsored by Club Member Laura Wohland.
Sponsoring member Laura Wohland “pinning” Craig
Karen DeChristopher said “We welcome Craig to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”
“Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome a new members into our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Craig to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany,” said President Karen DeChristopher.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Lake Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club. In addition, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports a Circle K Club at Seton Hall University.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany raises funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
PARSIPPANY — Visit Gourmet Café on Monday, July 29 to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills. A percentage of the day’s proceeds will be donated to our club as part pf the restaurant’s Make a Difference charitable program. No flyer is needed.
The restaurant is located at 136 Baldwin Road in Parsippany. The restaurant hours are:
Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Gifts cards and take out count orders count also! The restaurant is BYOB. To make a reservation call (973) 316-0088.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For club information call Marilyn Z. at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Jefferson Township Police Chief Sean Conrad state that John Formisano a City of Newark Police Officer, 49, Jefferson Township, has been charged with first degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, and other related crimes, in connection with a shooting that occurred on Mirror Place in Jefferson Township.
On Sunday, July 14, 2019, 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 laying on the front porch steps of Five Mirror Place. The deceased woman was subsequently identified as Christine Formisano, 37, of Jefferson Township. A second victim, male, age 40, was located with multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence of 1 Mirror Place.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Defendant, who was identified as the deceased victim’s estranged husband, was located in a parking lot in Livingston. The Defendant was taken into the custody of law enforcement in Livingston. The firearm believed to be used by the Defendant to inflict the injuries was collected from the Defendant’s motor vehicle, also located in Livingston.
Investigators determined that the Defendant had driven to the Mirror Place home shortly before the first 911 call was received.
As a result of the investigation into this incident, the Defendant was charged with Murder, a crime of the first degree; Attempted Murder, a crime of the first degree; two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, crimes of the second degree; and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, crimes of the second degree
EDITOR’S NOTE: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has advised the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills that the road work on Intervale Road is anticipated to be completed in 7-10 days.
Any inquiries can be directed to the Morris County Engineer at (973) 285-6750.
PARSIPPANY — Prism Capital Partners has secured a new mortgage loan for 399 Jefferson Road. The initiative marks yet another chapter in the property’s success story; Prism in 2003 initially acquired the Class A asset as its first investment.
“The time was right to refinance, and we saw aggressive interest from the financial markets for this high-quality property,” said Prism’s Eugene Diaz, principal partner.
399 Jefferson serves as the headquarters of EBI, LLC, a subsidiary of medical device and implant manufacturer Biomet Spine & Bone Healing Technologies, which occupies 102,000 square feet.
Long-term tenant Pinnacle Foods was recently acquired by Conagra Brands and has relocated out of state. The building now offers the opportunity for a highly improved, state-of-the-art tech office space of approximately 104,000 square feet.
From the outset, Prism recognized the inherent value of this well-located, single-story granite and glass office building. When its single tenant announced plans to leave the property at the end of its lease, Prism sold the property, achieving a significant profit. That user never took occupancy, and in 2010, Prism re-acquired it as a vacant asset – at a highly opportunistic price. After adding tremendous value at 399 Jefferson through the lease-up and expansion, Prism in 2014 orchestrated a recapitalization, bringing in an investment partner and remaining operating partner for this flagship property.
Headquartered in Bloomfield, Prism is an experienced real estate owner, operator and developer with a proven track record of creating value through select real estate investments and developments. Geographically focused in the New Jersey/New York/Connecticut market, Prism specializes in identifying, acquiring and creating distinctive, value-added opportunities in the office, retail, industrial and residential sectors. The company invests with institutional and private capital sources that rely on Prism’s ability to identify and realize the highest value potential in real estate endeavors of all sizes.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Deputy Police Chief Richard Pantina held a promotion ceremony for Officer Peter Kolln to the rank of Sergeant at Town Hall Council Chambers on Thursday, July 18.
Deputy Police Chief Richard Pantina with Sergeant Peter Kolln
Sergeant Kolln holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Warren County Community College and graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey. He also served in the United States Navy. He was a New Jersey State Park Police Officer for seven years and has been a Parsippany Police Officer for 13 years.
Sergeant Kolln is a department Alcotest Operator, the Coordinator for Bear Response and is also a member of our Tactical Rifle Unit. Sergeant Kolln will assume his duties in the Patrol Division this upcoming weekend.
MORRIS COUNTY — Employment levels in the Garden State increased in June while the state’s unemployment rate fell to an historic monthly low, according to estimates produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 3.5 percent — the lowest monthly rate since state-level records began in 1976 — and below the national unemployment rate of 3.7 percent.
Total nonfarm wage and salary employment in the state increased by 10,200 in June to reach a seasonally adjusted level of 4,204,600. Gains were realized in both the private (+9,600) and public (+600) sectors of the state’s economy.
Looking at the longer term, from June 2018 – June 2019, employment in New Jersey was higher by 47,600 jobs, with gains recorded in both the private (+45,400) and public (+2,200) sectors of the New Jersey economy. Since February 2010 (the low point of the last recession), New Jersey’s private sector employers have added 410,900 jobs.
Based on more complete reporting from employers, the previously released total nonfarm employment estimate for May was revised higher by 600 to show an over-the-month (April – May) decrease of 7,000 jobs. Preliminary estimates indicated an over-the-month decrease of 7,600 jobs. The state’s revised May unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent.
In June, employment increases were recorded in eight out of nine major private industry sectors. Industry sectors that added jobs were professional and business services (+3,000), trade, transportation, and utilities (+2,600), manufacturing (+1,000), information (+800), education and health services (+800), construction (+700), leisure and hospitality (+600), and other services (+100). The financial services industry sector was unchanged over the month. Over the month, public sector employment was higher by 600 jobs.
Preliminary BLS data for July 2019 will be released on August 15, 2019.
PARSIPPANY — The Township Council of Parsippany-Troy Hills passed ordinance No. 2019:33 unanimously to ban single use plastic bags on Tuesday, July 16. No retail establishment within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills shall provide any single-use plastic carryout bags.
Mayor Michael Soriano signed the ordinance into law on Wednesday, July 17 with Parsippany Environmental Committee Vice Chair Judy Hernandez watching. The ordinance will be effective in six months.
“This morning, I was proud to sign Parsippany’s retail plastic bag ban into law.This is an important step in protecting our environment and keeping Parsippany a beautiful and healthy place to live.It is my hope that local ordinances like ours and dozens more across New Jersey will lead to state and federal action on plastics. I particularly want to thank Judy Hernandez, Vice Chair of the Parsippany Environmental Committee and candidate for Township Council, for helping to make this a reality,” stated Mayor Michael Soriano.
“Since the introduction of the ordinance for a ban on single-use plastic bags, we have discussed the insidiousness of degraded plastics in our water and environment which pose public health and environmental risks. The ban is a step in helping to mitigate the plastic pollution problem. Ideally it will help to create awareness of how our actions impact the environment. Parsippany will be in good company. Many municipalities in NJ, cities, states and many nations have taken this step. I thank Councilwoman McCarthy, the members of the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee and ANJEC for spearheading the effort to develop and introduce the ordinance. This began a year ago with educational discussions and a documentary at the Parsippany Library. Education will be important as we transition to adopting the ordinance,” said Judy Hernandez,Parsippany Environmental Committee Vice Chair.
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., said “I have been in favor of this from the beginning and I am very happy that we were able to pass this ordinance in a timely manner. This is a very important issue in helping to save our environment.”
“I am so proud of the hard work done by this council, led by the visionary ambition of Councilmember Janice McCarthy. As the steps of implementation are crafted, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will stand as a model for leadership on a subject requiring global accountability. I’m looking forward to watching this ordinance resolve into a new way of life, and to the building critical mass of action we are helping to grow in the state of New Jersey,” said Councilwoman Emily Peterson.
Council Vice President Janice McCarthy
Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, who spearheaded the ordinance with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Environmental Committee said “I am thankful for great support this effort received from the Environmental Advisory Committee, ANJEC, SEWA International, their volunteers and hundreds of residents that recognize the importance of this issue and understand that the ever increasing use of plastic is out of control as well as how it impacts our environment and health. As I have said in the past, this is a great first step in protecting the environment. I’m proud that Parsippany is the first town in Morris County to implement the ban. Hopefully this will encourage other surrounding municipalities to take action.”
“I’m proud that PARSIPPANY recognized the need to care for our environment.Congratulations to Councilwoman Janice McCarthy for introducing this legislation, the committee that helpedher and the council for approving it. Well done,” said former Mayor Mimi Letts.
Once the ban becomes in effect, all retail establishments must provide at the point of sale, free of charge, compliant bags, to any customer who participates in, or is a beneficiary of, any United States government (Federal) welfare program, or any local or Morris County welfare assistance program, or any New Jersey State welfare program, including but not limited to the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the New Jersey State Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI). Such customers must provide documentation proving that they participate in, or are beneficiaries of such programs.
Mayor Michael Soriano gives the pen he used to sign the plastic bag ban ordinance to Parsippany-Troy Hills Environmental Committee Vice Chair Judy Hernandez
The ordinance reads:
TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY ORDINANCE NO. 2019:33 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY CREATING CHAPTER 181, SINGLE USE BAGS AT RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE CODE OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS
WHEREAS, the Township finds that 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide and less than 5% of that plastic is recycled; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that the United States alone uses over 380 billion plastic bags and wraps yearly, and that over 4 billion single use bags are used by New Jersey residents annually; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that up to 80% of ocean plastic pollution enters from land, injuring or killing 267 species and 100,000 marine animals worldwide annually; and WHEREAS, the Township finds that numerous studies by government and environmental groups have found that use of single-use plastic carryout bags poses serious public health and environmental risks, causing damage to and contamination of public waterways and ecosystems that pollute drinking water, threaten wildlife, block storm drains and negatively impact the ecosystem and food chain as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that single-use plastic waste degrades Parsippany-Troy Hills neighborhoods and constitutes litter in parks and sewer systems and the Passaic, Whippany and Rockaway Rivers and their tributaries; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that single-use plastic bags are now regulated in sixty countries, four major cities in the United States, as well as hundreds of towns throughout the United States and twenty-five in New Jersey as of this date; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that it is time for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills to make a stand and do its part to protect our oceans and other waterways and natural resources from the problems associated with non-degradable plastic bag pollution; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that it is in the best interest of the Township to regulate the use of single-use plastic bags and paper bags by retail establishments and promote the use of reusable bags within the Township;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 181, SINGLE USE BAGS AT RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, is hereby created and added in its entirety to the Code of Parsippany-Troy Hills as follows: § 181-1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
COMPLIANT BAGS Recyclable paper carry-out bags and reusable bags as follows:
A. A recyclable paper carry-out bag is a paper bag that meets all of the following minimum requirements:
It is one hundred percent (100%) recyclable overall and contains a minimum of forty percent (40%) post-consumer recycled material and can be composted.
It displays the words “recyclable” and/or “reusable” in a visible manner on the outside of the bag.
B. A reusable bag means a bag with handles made of cloth or other washable fabric or is otherwise durable that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple use and meets the following additional requirements:
It is machine washable or is made from a material that can be cleaned or disinfected; or
It is a durable bag that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple use.
CUSTOMER Any person purchasing goods or services from a retail establishment.
OPERATOR Any person in control of, or having the responsibility for, the operation of a retail establishment, which may include, but is not limited to, the owner of the retail establishment.
POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL A bag constructed of a material that would otherwise be destined for solid waste disposal, having completed its intended end use and product life cycle. “Post-consumer recycled material” does not include materials and by-products generated from, and commonly reused within, an original manufacturing and fabrication process.
PRODUCE BAG OR PRODUCT BAG A very thin bag without handles used exclusively to carry produce, meats, or other food items to the point of sale inside a retail establishment or, for reasons of public health and safety, to prevent such food items from coming into direct contact with other purchased items.
RECYCLABLE Material that can be sorted, cleansed and reconstituted using available recycling collection programs for the purpose of reusing the altered, incinerated, converted or otherwise thermally destroyed solid waste generated therefrom. The material must be recycled in a manner that is environmentally effective, economically feasible and safe for employees as deemed feasible by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT Any store or commercial establishment that sells perishable or nonperishable goods, including, but not limited to, clothing, food and personal items, directly to the customer and is located within or doing business within the geographical limits of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Retail establishments include: business establishments that generate sales or use-tax; drug stores; pharmacies; supermarkets; grocery stores; convenience food stores; food marts; or other commercial establishments (i.e. restaurants and take-out food establishments or any other business that prepares and sells prepared food to be eaten on or off its premises). This definition also includes commercial establishments that sell clothing, hardware, or any other non-perishable goods. It does not include nonprofit charitable re-users as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or a distinct operating unit or a division of the charitable organization that reuses and recycles donated goods or materials and receives more than 50% of its revenue from the handling and sale of those donated goods and materials.
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CARRY-OUT BAG Any bag made predominantly of plastic derived from either petroleum or a biologically based source, such as corn or other plant sources, that is provided by an operator of a retail establishment to a customer at the point of sale. The term includes compostable and biodegradable bags but does not include reusable bags, produce bags, or product bags. This definition specifically exempts the following from the category of “single use plastic carry-out bags”:
A. Bags provided by operators and used by consumers inside retail establishments to:
Package bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candies or small hardware items;
Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish, whether packaged or not;
Contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where dampness may be an issue; or
Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods; or
Pharmacy prescription bags.
B. Newspaper bags, door-hanger bags, laundry and/or dry cleaning bags, or bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as food storage bags, garbage bags, yard waste bags or pet waste bags. § 181-2. Single-use plastic carry-out bags prohibited. No retail establishment within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills shall provide any single-use plastic carryout bags, as defined in §181-1, above, to any customer at the checkout point or cash register, point of sale or other point of departure or point of distribution for the purpose of transporting products or goods out of the business or store.
§ 181-3. Availability and Use of Compliant Bags to Customers. A. All Retail Establishments shall make available to customers, for a fee, compliant bags, as defined in §181-1, above, for the purpose of carrying goods or other materials away from the point of sale, subject to the provisions of this Chapter. The fee charged shall be reflected in the sales receipt.
B. No provision in this Chapter prohibits customers from using bags of any type that they choose to bring to a retail establishment themselves, in lieu of using bags available for a fee from the retail establishment, or from carrying away goods that are not placed in a bag. § 181-4. Fees for provision of compliant bags.
A. All retail establishments shall make recyclable paper carry-out bags available to customers upon request for a fee of at least $0.10 but not more than $0.25 per bag if customers choose not to bring their own reusable bag.
B. A retail establishment may provide customers with a reusable bag, as defined herein, for a fee of at least $0.10. C. All monies collected by retail establishments for the fees established herein shall be retained by the retail establishment. § 181-5. Use of reusable bags encouraged. All retail establishments must provide customers with compliant bags, upon request, if a customer fails to bring his or her own bags, in accordance with the fee structure set forth in §181-4, above. A retail establishment may choose, in its discretion, to provide a credit to customers who choose to bring their own bags. § 181-6. Exempt customers. All retail establishments must provide at the point of sale, free of charge, compliant bags, to any customer who participates in, or is a beneficiary of, any United States government (Federal) welfare program, or any local or Morris County welfare assistance program, or any New Jersey State welfare program, including but not limited to the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the New Jersey State Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI). Such customers must provide documentation proving that they participate in, or are beneficiaries of such programs. § 181-7.
Outreach and education.
A. The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills shall assist operators of retail establishments by referring them to appropriate municipal websites with information and to retail associations, unions or other organizations that have educational materials concerning the benefits of reusable bags rather than recyclable paper carry-out bags.
B. All retail establishments shall be strongly encouraged to educate their staff in ways to promote the use of reusable bags and to post signs encouraging customers to use reusable bags rather than recyclable paper carry-out bags.
C. All retail establishments shall be strongly encouraged to educate the public on plastic bag and plastic film recycling and to offer a take-back program. § 181-8. Enforcement. The Director of Public Works or his or her designee, which may include the Office of Health in the Department of Human Services, has the responsibility of enforcement of this ordinance and may promulgate reasonable rules and regulations in order to enforce its provisions, including but not limited to investigating violations and issuing fines. § 181-9.
Violations and penalties.
A. Any retail establishment that violates or fails to comply with this ordinance or the rules and regulations promulgated therefrom, after an initial written warning notice has been issued, shall be liable for a violation of this ordinance.
B. If a retail establishment commits subsequent violation(s) after the issuance of an initial written warning notice, the following penalties shall be imposed and shall be payable by the operator of the retail establishment upon conviction thereof:
1. A fine not exceeding $100 for the first violation after the written warning notice is given; 2. A fine not exceeding $200 for the second violation after the written warning notice is given; and
3. A fine not exceeding $500 for the third and any subsequent violations after the written warning notice is given.
C. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs. § 181-10. Reporting. No later than one year after the effective date of this ordinance, and annually thereafter, the Director of Health and Human Services shall report to the Township Council regarding the progress of the reduction of the use of carry-out bags, which may include the following:
A. The amount of carry-out bags in the residential waste and recycling streams;
B. The amount of carry-out bags identified as litter on the streets, sidewalks and in parks within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills;
C. The amount of carry-out bags found in Township storm drains;
D. The number of warning notices or notices of violation issued pursuant to this ordinance; and E. Any estimated cost savings for the Township attributable to carry-out bag reduction; this may include but is not limited to reduced contamination of the residential recycling stream and reduction in flooding or combined sewer overflows.
SECTION 2. If any section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof.
SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills heretofore adopted that are inconsistent with any of the terms and provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect six (6) months from the date of its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
