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.

Dear Editor:

I’m supporting Casey Parikh for Town Council. Casey leads by example and shows his civic pride through volunteerism. After retiring from a very successful career, Casey has spent his time giving back to Parsippany instead of taking it easy. He inspires me to do better and become more involved and charitable.

I’m casting my vote for John Bielen. We need young leaders who actively support and work with Parsippany’s youth. The perspective a young parent can bring to our Town Council is invaluable. We want our youth to be successful and proud of their beginnings. We need to get back Pride in Parsippany.

As a registered Republican and lifelong Parsippany resident, I vote for Councilman Justin Musella for Mayor.

We must end the cronyism and “paybacks” we never signed off on. The Parsippany Inglesino partnership ends with Team Barberio’s defeat. We can’t control developers’ representation, but we don’t have to continue being a “sure thing”. Let’s bring back competition. Pariahs will always be looking to profit off the Mt Laurel doctrine, but we don’t have to make it so easy. Madison recently scored a victory over John Inglesino and saved Drew’s Forest.

Parsippany, we have an excellent opportunity to elect a young Republican Mayor and help change the political climate of New Jersey. A Mayor who does not have a long list of “paybacks” because his campaign was supported by the people, not out-of-town politicians and shady lawyers.

This primary is about Parsippany’s future, so I’m voting for the candidate who chose Parsippany as his son’s hometown.

Bridget Cazzetto

MORRIS COUNTY — Morristown, known as the “Military Capital of the American Revolution,” will host a grand celebration on July 12, 13, and 14, 2025, commemorating General Lafayette’s 1825 visit as part of the American Friends of Lafayette’s (AFL) nationwide reenactment of his Bicentennial Farewell Tour. The celebration includes a parade, public programs, musical premiere, historical exhibits, and family activities — all honoring the legacy of Lafayette as a patriot, supporter of democratic ideals, and enduring symbol of Franco-American friendship.

The festivities on the Morristown Green begin at noon on Sunday, July 13, where exhibitors, historians, and lineage groups will be available to engage with the public. At 1:00 PM, a parade will depart in honor of Lafayette and escort him to the stage for proclamations, toasts, and speeches. The event will also include bells, cannon fire, musical salutes, and a family-friendly atmosphere featuring a historical flag display, children’s activities, and free ice cream.

A unique feature of the program will be the world premiere of the “Lafayette Suite,” composed by Maestro Robert W. Butts especially for the occasion. Members of the BONJ (Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey) will debut the new composition. This free public event concludes at 3:30 PM.

“We’re thrilled to welcome General Lafayette back to Morristown,” said Carol Barkin, co-chair of the event, which promises to be the most extensive heritage program of the summer, and a kick-off to the America250 festivities. “This is more than a reenactment. It is a moment to celebrate our Revolutionary history, our community spirit, and the timeless values Lafayette stood for.”

On Monday, July 14, 2025, Bastille Day and the exact 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Morristown, a symposium will be held at the Morris County Library from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Community members, reenactors, and Lafayette scholars will explore his lasting contributions to human rights, democracy, and the abolition of slavery. Registration is available through the AFL website.

Wendy York, another co-chair, has planned to reenact the 1825 male-only banquet held at the Sansay House in Lafayette’s honor. York says, “that volunteers from Macculloch Hall will once again provide the floral décor, but women will be invited to attend it this time!” The Sansay House (c.1807) still stands today on DeHart Street.

Lafayette first visited Morristown on May 10, 1780, when he delivered news to George Washington at the Ford Mansion that France would send vital support – money, armaments, soldiers, and ships – turning the tide of the war. His return on July 14, 1825, drew great public fanfare and marked a celebration of America’s independence, with Lafayette hailed as the “Hero of Two Worlds.”

Two hundred years later, volunteers in the same 24 states Lafayette visited are reenacting the tour day-by-day, according to Lafayette’s original tour diary. The journey began in Sandy Hook, NJ, in August 2024, and will continue through September 2025.

Currently, a Lafayette exhibit is on display at the Morristown National Historical Park Museum (30 Washington Place). On Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, a special “pop-up” museum will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Morristown (51 South Street), featuring art and objects from the collections of three serious Lafayette collectors.

The third co-chair, Ryan Dawson, said, “I’m pleased the community and local businesses are supporting the event so we can provide all the events free to the public. We hope to see a large, enthusiastic crowd along the parade route cheering Lafayette as they did in 1825.”

Learn more about Lafayette’s bicentennial Farewell Tour at lafayette200.org. The American Friends of Lafayette, founded in 1932, is a historical society dedicated to honoring Lafayette’s life and promoting friendship between America and France.

For updates, follow @Morristownloveslafayette on Facebook and Instagram.

Article courtesy of Carol Barkin, Co-Chair of the Lafayette Farewell Tour.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department is excited to present its annual Summer Music & Movie Nights series at Veterans Memorial Park.

This family-friendly program starts on Thursday, June 26, with the animated favorite “Despicable Me.” Events will be held every Thursday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering a lively mix of outdoor concerts and movies under the stars.

Full Schedule:

• June 26 – Movie: Despicable Me
• July 10 – Music: Audio Riot
• July 17 – Music: Austin City Nights
• July 24 – Music: 3 Day Weekend
• Saturday, July 26 – Movie: Moana 2
• July 31 – Music: The Benjamins
• August 7 – Music: Twilight Disciples
• August 14 – Movie: The Lego Movie
• August 21 – Music: Garden State Radio
• August 28 – Music: Super Trans Am
• September 4 – Music: Time Machine

In inclement weather, announcements will be made by 2:00 p.m. and posted on parsippany.net and the Township’s Facebook page.

Provident Bank and Gilead proudly sponsor this event series.

While enjoying the summer, visit the Parsippany Farmers Market every Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., from June 6 through September 12.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of great entertainment, community spirit, and family fun in the heart of Parsippany.

PARSIPPANY — A recent social media post by Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio has raised eyebrows after it was quietly deleted just hours after going live. In the video, the mayor announces a supposed “revenue-sharing agreement” between the township and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education tied to PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) developments — a sensitive issue that’s drawn increasing scrutiny from residents concerned about school funding and local growth.

You can watch the now-deleted video here

However, no such agreement currently exists according to multiple sources familiar with the township and the school board.

While the mayor’s office circulated a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May, the school board has not approved or finalized any version of it. Notably, the current draft does not include a binding commitment to share revenue from PILOT programs with the school district—something Board of Education members say is essential before any agreement can move forward.

“Barberio lied again — plain and simple. That’s why I still stand by what Board of Education Member Andy Choffo said: Jamie Barberio will go down as the mayor who wrecked our school district,” said Councilman Justin Musella.

Board President Alison Cogan clarified that while the board is open to working collaboratively with the township, they are still evaluating how to ensure any future deal includes meaningful protections for the schools. With residential PILOTs often exempting developers from contributing to school budgets, concerns remain about how growing student populations will be supported if traditional funding streams are bypassed.

The now-deleted post and video have sparked fresh concerns about transparency and communication from town leadership. Some residents view it as part of a broader pattern — announcements made before details are finalized, leaving the public with more questions than answers.

As it stands, no agreement is in place, and schools have not yet received any additional funding as a result of the proposed deal. Parents, educators, and taxpayers alike hope that future discussions will lead to a clear, enforceable path forward—not just promises that vanish overnight.

PARSIPPANY—The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has officially approved an ordinance allowing retail cannabis operations within designated zones throughout the township, marking a significant milestone in the local implementation of New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis legislation.

Ordinance 2025:08, adopted by the Township Council, amends Chapter 430 of the municipal zoning code and permits various cannabis-related businesses—including Class 5 retail dispensaries—to operate under strict regulations. The move aligns Parsippany with municipalities across the state embracing the legal cannabis industry following New Jersey voters’ 2020 approval of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older.

Retail cannabis establishments (Class 5 licenses) will be permitted in select commercial corridors along arterial roadways such as Route 10 and Route 46. These dispensaries must comply with detailed conditions, including minimum lot size, signage restrictions, and aesthetic guidelines prohibiting cannabis imagery from being visible.

In addition to retail dispensaries, the ordinance permits cannabis cultivators (Class 1), manufacturers (Class 2), wholesalers (Class 3), testing laboratories, and distributors in designated industrial zones. Cannabis establishments must be licensed both by the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission and the Township of Parsippany.

To protect nearby residential communities, the ordinance includes setbacks prohibiting retail cannabis operations within 100 feet of residential zoning districts or adjacent municipalities’ residential areas. Drive-throughs are also banned.

The ordinance results from an extensive study and reflects what township officials describe as a “mature and regulated” cannabis marketplace in New Jersey. By embracing retail cannabis under controlled conditions, Parsippany aims to balance economic opportunity with community safety.

The ordinance will take effect upon publication and filing with the Morris County Planning Board.