PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced today the 25 members of the NJ-11 community chosen to be honored as 2023 Heroes.
Residents were encouraged to nominate everyday heroes in their lives to show that our community is incredibly grateful for all of their work. There was an outpouring of submissions from the community and Heroes were selected based on the information provided by the individual who nominated them. All 2023 Heroes live or work in NJ-11, and they will receive a congressional certificate recognizing their contributions to the community.
“Each year, my office and I receive so many incredible submissions for our yearly Heroes program. This year is no different. I am so moved by the amazing people throughout our district making a difference in the lives of others. This year’s list of 25 amazing heroes includes teachers, community leaders, volunteers, healthcare providers, caregivers, and more. All are inspiring citizens whose stories should warm everyone’s hearts this holiday season. It is programs like this one that exemplify why I am proud to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sherrill.
PARSIPPANY — Two Parsippany Hills High School students are among the 24th annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards winners.
The students Anika Arora and Divya Arora began their environmental work with a grassroots “Meatless Mondays” campaign in 2020 to raise awareness of the adverse effects of meat consumption on our climate.
With the support of the Parsippany Green Team (PGT), they presented their research at the town library, to the environmental advisory committee (PEAC), school principals, the Board of Education, and the Town Council.
They hosted tables and presented at town green fairs in 2022 and 2023 to educate the community on reducing their carbon footprint. In the summer of 2023, Anika and Divya conducted a “Climate Sciences Workshop” in town.
They built a guide for elementary students and educated them on the causes and effects of climate change using fun science experiments, arts, and games. During these past 3 years, Anika and Divya have taken on several other environmental initiatives. They participated in drain audits, and cleanups in town and outside and hosted an art fundraiser.
They have attended the Columbia Climate School Eco-Ambassador programs and are certified in climate change leadership. Anika and Divya founded “Simply Green” (simply-green.org), dedicated to rallying youth to reverse climate change. They can be followed @_simply.green_
PARSIPPANY — During the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting held on Tuesday, December 19, an overwhelming attendance of more than 200 individuals led the Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Inspector to intervene, calling for the meeting’s immediate closure.
Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced that the room had exceeded its occupancy limit by 50 people and made a plea for 50 residents to leave voluntarily. Unfortunately, no one came forward, necessitating the termination of the meeting due to overcrowding.
Following this, Madin initially declared that the rescheduled meeting would occur at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28. This announcement was met with strong disapproval, resulting in almost 250 attendees chanting “Shame on You.” Many hardworking residents expressed concerns about their ability to attend an afternoon meeting.
In response to the public’s outcry, Madin later amended the meeting time to 7:00 p.m., ensuring that all residents would have the opportunity to participate. (Listen to video)
In contrast, Parsippany Focus found out that the meeting is still scheduled for Thursday, December 28, at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road, but at 1:00 p.m., despite the public’s objections. (Click here to view the calendar)
“250 Parsippany voters shouted “SHAME, ON YOU” over and over again at the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday! What should they shout now in the face of this new disrespect and manipulation” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.
Parsippany resident Dennis Letts expressed his frustration by stating, “Just when you think Barberio and his cronies couldn’t go any lower, they go back on their word and reschedule their next meeting for 1pm, when they know many residents will be at work and unable to attend. They have given into the special interests behind their corrupt PILOT’s while giving a huge middle finger to the residents of this town. Despite what we are being told, there is no good reason to do this except to squelch the voices of the people who put them in office. Their actions are shameful and we will not forget!.”
In an email to Council President Loretta Gragnani, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney Michael Lavery states “…There are a number of resolutions that were on the December 19th agenda that require passage by year-end, including the payment of Township bills. Accordingly, it is my opinion that a meeting must be held before year-end and enough time provided to members of the public for each item on the agenda to ensure that all of the business listed on the agenda is reached. As the agenda stands today, there are at least twelve (12) items that require public comment. Due to the number of people that are anticipated to attend the meeting and speak on various topics, I don’t believe the Township has any choice but to schedule a meeting before year-end and start the meeting earlier in the day to insure that all matters on the agenda may be reached.” (Click here to read the letter).
“250 Parsippany voters shouted “SHAME, ON YOU” over and over again at the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 19! What should they shout now in the face of this new disrespect and manipulation” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.
Councilman Justin Musella said “Mayor Barberio all along has been thumbing his nose at the public in hopes they don’t notice this disastrous PILOT program that does only one thing — line the pockets of his political cronies.”
“Adding insult to injury for the public, this mayor and Council President Loretta Gragnani reversed course on the original 7 PM time-slot. This obnoxious act is nothing short of cowardly and disgraceful. If the council truly believes these programs are in the best interest of Parsippany residents, they should have no problem making the meeting as accessible to the public as possible,” he continued.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council will hold its Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, January 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
PARSIPPANY — Eastern Connecticut State University’s men’s and women’s swim teams recently began their winter 2023/24 seasons. The men’s roster contains 18 swimmers, and the women’s roster contains 25 swimmers.
Among the student-athletes is Nicolas Iannucci who participates in the breast/fly/individual medley events for the men’s team. Iannucci is a first-year student who majors in Business Administration.
Head Coach Sarit Gluz is pleased with what she has seen from her teams so far. “They are training hard and showing tremendous progress in the early part of the season,” said Gluz. “I expect both our men and women to be competitive for the top spots in the conference.”
The men’s and women’s teams began their seasons on October 20 at the University of St. Joseph Blue Jay Pentathlon in West Hartford, CT.
On Tuesday, December 19, at the Town Council meeting Mayor Barberio and Council President Loretta Gragnani were taught a lesson by the over 200 Parsippany residents who attended the meeting. By turning out in such numbers, Parsippany residents made clear to Barberio and Gragnani, in no uncertain terms that Parsippany and its future were not up for sale to the developers who own (and through their attorney, double dipping John Inglesino) control Barberio, Gragnani and Council members dePierro, Carifi and Neglia. Gragnani’s overtly political and stunningly incompetent stunts at attempting to reorder the timing of Council votes only underscored her willingness to bow to Barberio’s and Inglesino’s dictates.
The lesson that Parsippany residents delivered to their elected officials last evening was that Parsippany’s elected officials need to demonstrate that they have made the effort and taken the time to fully consider the pros and cons of the PILOTs and that having done so they will then act in the best interests of Parsippany. That does not seem to be an unreasonable request and yet the Mayor and the Council are determined to rush and vote and pass the remaining PILOTs by year-end while Gragnani and dePierro are still in office (and before the newly elected Council members Judy Hernandez and Matt McGrath take office on January 1, 2024).
Without a doubt, that is why Council President Gragnani at Mayor Barberio’s direction has scheduled an emergency Council meeting for next Thursday, December 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the PAL at 33 Baldwin Road. Barberio and Gragnani know that if that meeting is held then the PILOTs will pass before year-end and Parsippany residents will suffer the consequences for the next 30 years.
However, if more than 500 residents attend the meeting at the PAL on December 28th at 7:00 p.m. the Fire Marshall can not allow the meeting to be held due to safety considerations and the Council will not be able to pass the PILOTs thereby blocking Barberio’s and Gragnani’s desperate attempts to ignore and over-ride the sane and sensible Parsippany residents’ requests for more information and more time.
So, the fundamental question for Parsippany residents is this:
Will you take the time to join your neighbors and friends at the meeting at the PAL and tell all the Grinches (Mayor Barberio, Council President Gragnani, Councilman Carifi, Councilman Neglia, Councilman dePierro, Attorney John Inglesino, and the multi-millionaire developers) that Parsippany not for sale? After all Tis the season for giving and not for taking
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 9th, Santa Claus and members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany paid a special visit to the Parsippany Child Day Care Center. It was a heartwarming event where children and their families gathered to enjoy a delightful breakfast with Santa himself. During the event, Santa took the time to chat with the children, asking them about their Christmas wishes and whether they believed they belonged on the naughty or nice list.
Mayor James Barberio and Councilman Frank Neglia had a heartwarming moment as they joined Santa during the visit. Their smiles and laughter filled the room as they shared in the joy and festive spirit of the occasion, embodying the true essence of community and holiday cheer.
Mayor James Barberio shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany organized this event is what makes this season so great. Seeing how happy children were to meet and eat with Santa brought me back to when I was a child meeting Santa! The excitement and joy in the air were profound!”
Joe Jannarone skillfully took charge of flipping the pancakes, ensuring that everyone enjoyed delicious and perfectly cooked breakfast treats during the special event. His culinary expertise added to the warmth and delight of the gathering.
The breakfast, which was enjoyed by more than 180 guests, was a delightful feast. Kiwanis Club volunteers generously served a scrumptious array of dishes, including scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, pancakes, bagels, yogurt, donuts, and muffins. It was a true culinary treat that added to the festive atmosphere of the event.
Additionally, the members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany went above and beyond by not only dedicating their time but also providing thoughtful gifts for each child in attendance. This extra touch made the occasion even more memorable and filled with joy for everyone who took part in the festivities.
“We were very excited to be able to share this highly anticipated, annual event with not only our families that attend Parsippany Child Day Care Center but also with our United In Care families. It was a very successful event and the families were very grateful. Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for sponsoring this event,” said Linda Mlynarski, Executive Director.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Carol Tiesi had a meaningful conversation with Santa, enthusiastically sharing all the wonderful activities and contributions that the club had been involved in throughout the year. It was a moment to showcase the club’s commitment to community service and spreading goodwill during the holiday season.Kathy Astorga, one of Santa’s trusted helpers, made it her mission to ensure that every child at the event received a special gift from Santa. Her dedication and commitment to spreading happiness and holiday magic among the children added to the heartwarming atmosphere of the occasion.The bags were brimming with delightful gifts, ready to bring joy and smiles to all the children.
Gordon Meth, Linda Mlynarsk, and Angela Largacha came together to observe the children having a great time, enjoying the festivities and creating cherished memories. Their presence added to the warm and festive atmosphere of the event.Judi Chase, Susan Slaughter, Bob Young, and Debbie Young were all invaluable kitchen helpers during the event. Their hard work and dedication ensured that the breakfast was prepared and served with care, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the gathering.
The Kiwanis Club extended its warm hospitality to both the families and children of the Parsippany Day Care Center and those affiliated with United In Care’s District 11 Child Care Alliance (UIC). The UIC network encompasses not only the Parsippany Child Day Care Center but also numerous local Home-Based Child Care Providers situated in Morris County/District 11. This initiative is part of a grant-funded pilot program administered by the United Way of Northern NJ. Its primary goal is to evaluate a novel child care delivery system aimed at enhancing access to high-quality, affordable, and flexible child care services for families throughout New Jersey. By participating in this effort, the Kiwanis Club played a crucial role in supporting this important mission.
PARSIPPANY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced her District Office will move to the Livingston Township Hall in the new year. Sherrill announced the move at a ribbon cutting for the new office with Livingston Mayor Michael Vieira, members of the Township Council, and Essex County Commissioner Pat Sebold.
“In the new year, my district office will be heading to a new space in Livingston. I want to thank Parsippany and Morris County for being our home base for the past five years and am especially grateful to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor and Police Department for the support they have provided our team,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Thank you to Mayor Vieira for welcoming us to Livingston. No matter where our office is located, we will continue to serve constituents from every town in NJ-11 and look forward to another great year of casework successes.”
The Livingston office will not open officially until mid-January. Until that time constituents needing casework services should call the District Office in Parsippany at (973) 526-5668. In 2024, Sherrill’s casework team will continue to hold mobile casework hours in locations throughout the district to ensure accessibility for all residents.
The new office location will be 357 S Livingston Avenue, Suite 201, Livingston.
As Chair of the Parsippany Troy-Hills Transparency Committee, it is my duty to inform the residents that on December 5, 2023, the Council voted 4-1 to agree to give a 42 million dollar tax break to subsidiaries of Avalon Bay Communities (AVB), a publicly traded company with a worth of 26 Billion dollars.
This and other proposed projects are a gross misuse of the PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) program.
They will deprive our schools and our children of hundreds of millions of tax dollars over the next 30 years. The PILOTs offered to the Avalon Bay Communities are not in the best interest of the community nor does it meet the intent or criteria for a PILOT plan to even be considered.
The information presented is available by going to the Parsippany home page and then clicking the transparency tab. 2 Other references are cited below.
I reviewed the financials reported for the 2 and 3 Campus Drive properties. They show that the developer will receive a $42 million tax break and the schools will lose $56 million in tax dollars over 30 years.
The current property pays School District 277, $130 per year and the municipal budget receives $122,771. This is currently warehouse space with NO students in the district. If the 410-unit apartment project is built and the current tax rate is applied, the annual school budget would increase to $1,574,029 per year. The municipal budget would increase to $697,307.
This may seem like a large increase, however, according to the Tax Payers Guide to Education, Parsippany pays $18.7 K per student. The $1.3 M increase would support the cost of 69 new students.
For comparison recent similar Parsippany projects “Modera, Watersedge, and Mountain Way are 200-unit, 30-unit, and 105-unit projects, respectively, and these three developments alone bring in at least 56 children to the district.” Using this real-world example, if 380 units bring 56 students, we can mathematically extrapolate that 410 units should bring in at least 60. The expected tax gains should cover the added students.
However, as you can see in the chart since the project is built with a PILOT, the annual school budget would have a zero increase. Not one penny to support the expected additional students.
The municipal budget, however, would increase to $1,140,006 (increasing $442,699) and the remaining $42 million would go back to the developer.
30 Year
School
Municipal
Open Space
Developer
County
No Polit
69104116
30613653
297863
0
10756148
Pilot
121666747
53091836
52443
42049032
3411722
So in a few flicks of a pen, the two signatories go from sharing 27.6% of the $110 million pie to 85.9% with no other affected parties present, consulted, or even considered. Six additional PILOTs are proposed, which would further cut the School district out of its fair share of taxes. This will devastate the school system for decades to come. Unlike the municipal budget, the school budget increases are capped at 2%. There will be no way for schools to hire more teachers, provide competitive wages, or support all of the current programs.
I was at the last School Board meeting and there have already been talks of holding classes in trailers, cutting programs, and leasing space from St. Christopher’s. Our school district has long been a draw for new residents, but the PILOT program is a poison pill that will erode what we have taken so long to build. This is without a doubt unethical, but is it right?
According to the town’s own website 4 “The redeveloper must evidence that but for the tax abatement, the project would not proceed as designed. Without the use of this tool, the project would not be economically feasible in its current form, yielding an inadequate rate of return. The redeveloper also benefits by having predictable, stable payments over a long-term period. This stability is often necessary for the redeveloper to be able to obtain bank financing for the project.”
The developers argued that inflation is up and interest and labor costs are high. Is that enough to claim that the project would not be financially feasible without the PILOT? In short, NO.
According to the SEC, Avalon Parsippany 3 Urban Renewal is one of hundreds of subsidiaries 5 across the country of AvalonBay communities.
According to the AVB 2022 financial statement 6: “At year-end 2022, these proceeds remained entirely available to us. In addition, we upsized our unsecured revolving credit facility to $2.25 billion from $1.75 billion and extended its term to 2026. At year-end, we had over $600 million in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet and had no amounts outstanding under our unsecured credit facility.”
The Mayor claimed that we have to give PILOTS or risk losing ratables 8 to surrounding towns the same time he is touting how we are one of the hottest housing markets in the nation 7. New developments fill quickly. With the rental prices of Avalon properties, there is no concern they will profit greatly with or without a PILOT.
He also claims we need to give PILOTS because it is a bad economy. With $600 M in cash and no outstanding debt, AVB can complete both 2 and 3 Campus Drive without even touching the $2.25 B of revolving credit already established and a hot housing market, there is no way they can pretend that the project could not proceed unless they received a tax abatement. The PILOT does impact the project in the least but does pad their sizable bottom line.
It perplexes me why the Mayor and 4 out of 5 council members, knowingly and willingly are sacrificing our children’s education over the next 30 years to line a developer’s pocket. Please shed light on this issue.
Share with your friends and family attend the upcoming Council meetings and have your voice heard.
Sincerely Nicholas Kumburis, MBA, CQA Transparency Committee Chair, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
1 “Parsippany In Lots of Trouble” quoted from Casey Parikh
MORRIS COUNTY — Two attempted burglaries occurred on Tuesday, December 19 at approximately 4:30 a.m. just off Route 287. The first was on Hillcrest Road, Mountain Lakes, and the second was on Hilltop Terrace, Parsippany.
It appears that three males, one carrying a crowbar, attempted to enter two separate homes, at least one of them occupied.
Both incidents were captured on Ring cameras.
Ring Camera Captured the Tense Moments of an Attempted Break-In
Editors Note: It was previously reported that the one address was Boonton Township when it was Mountain Lakes. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
PARSIPPANY — More than 200 Parsippany residents shut down Tuesday night’s council meeting which was slated to take up the final vote on three PILOT agreements, also known as municipal tax abatements.
Before the meeting even started, the crowd of attendees standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the council chambers surpassed the room’s capacity limits.
As a result, Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced the postponement of the meeting until Thursday, December 28 at the PAL building, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.
Council President Loretta Gragnani angered residents, school officials, and parents for initially setting the time of the rescheduled meeting for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 — drawing accusations that council officials tried to suppress public attendance with a mid-afternoon meeting on a weekday.
After the loud criticism and “Shame on You” chants, the time of the December 28 meeting was finally adjusted to 7:00 p.m.
The public also expressed outrage with a procedural change made by Council President Gragnani to move the general public comment period for the Tuesday night meeting to later in the agenda after the council votes on the second reading of the proposed PILOT ordinances.
The public comment period has traditionally come before the individual resolution section of the meeting.
Many suspect the move to delay public comments is a reaction to the unanimous pushback from residents and school board officials who vigorously protested the proposed PILOT programs at the December 5 council meeting.
PILOT agreements are deals that enable a developer to switch their standard tax payments for a property to a fixed, yearly payment to the municipality.
Township residents and school officials warn that PILOTs will allow large developers to avoid paying their full share of property taxes while straining municipal and school district resources.
Despite the unanimous opposition to PILOTs Council members Gragnani, Michael dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr., and Frank Neglia have voted in favor of the PILOTs being represented by former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino, who served during Mayor James Barberio’s first mayoral term from 2010 to 2017.
Dissenting Council member Justin Musella and the Township’s entire school board have repeatedly stated that the proposed PILOTs will underfund the school system as new developments undoubtedly add additional students and costs.
Municipal officials and Mayor James Barberio have stated that prolonged blight of unoccupied or demolished office buildings will greatly increase the tax burden for residents if PILOTs are not used.
MORRIS COUNTY — On a fateful day in July 2023, the life of Jim Schicke and his family took an unexpected turn. Jim, a loving father, husband, and beloved figure in his community, had been enduring excruciating headaches, leading him to check himself into the ER. Little did he know that this visit would be the start of a challenging journey.
After undergoing numerous tests and a harrowing MRI scan, the medical team revealed devastating news – Jim had five tumors in his brain, one of them as large as a lemon. The battle was about to begin.
Just two days after the shocking diagnosis, Jim faced his first brain surgery, aimed at removing the largest tumor. The skilled surgeon managed to eliminate most of the mass, providing a glimmer of hope to Jim and his family. A sample of the remaining tumors was sent to a pathology lab, revealing a heart-wrenching truth: Jim was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and formidable brain cancer.
Glioblastoma, often referred to as GBM is notorious for its poor prognosis. It is a relentless adversary, testing the strength and resilience of those who confront it. Jim’s family, however, was determined to view this diagnosis as a detour, not the end of the road. They rallied behind him, standing strong in the face of adversity.
Jim, described by those who know him as funny, outgoing, caring, passionate, and honest, possesses a radiant soul that lights up every room. He is a pillar of strength for his family and a cherished friend to all. Even in this battle, Jim’s positivity, courage, and determination remained unshaken.
After his first surgery, Jim faced a new reality – the loss of his left peripheral vision and the inability to drive. For many, this would have been a major setback, but not for Jim. His unwavering spirit continued to shine brightly. Just before commencing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, his debilitating headaches returned, and he lost his ability to walk.
A second brain surgery became imperative, and on August 9th, 2023, Jim underwent another challenging operation. This time, the surgery left him with limited sensation on the left side of his body. Determined to regain his independence, Jim embarked on a journey of recovery at Kessler Rehabilitation, where he learned to perform essential daily tasks once again.
Six weeks of grueling chemotherapy and radiation followed, but through it all, Jim’s smile persisted. He was enveloped by a sea of love, support, and positivity from family and friends, providing much-needed strength.
Despite their efforts and the clinical trial, the tumors continued to grow, leading to a decline in Jim’s condition. Mobility became a challenge, and he could no longer sit up, walk, eat, or speak. In the quest for a better outcome, the family sought alternative treatments.
Currently, Jim is undergoing new treatments, Avastin and Optune, at a CareOne Rehab facility. The family maintains optimism that these treatments will offer Jim more precious time.
Jim’s family, including his wife Nancy and children Jimmy, Jake, and Jessica, has been his primary source of care and support. They are now preparing to bring Jim home, where he can be surrounded by love as he continues his battle.
Jim, a retired Police Officer with over 20 years of service, dedicated his life to helping others without seeking recognition. Now, his family is seeking help to give him the best fighting chance. The financial burdens of Jim’s treatment and at-home care are overwhelming.
They are reaching out to the community, asking for support to cover the costs of Jim’s care, therapy, and daily needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a significant step toward helping Jim in his fight against Glioblastoma.
This is a battle that no one should face alone. Jim’s family remains steadfast in their support, ready to face the challenges ahead with love and determination. They humbly request your assistance in this fight, knowing that together, they can make a profound difference.
As Jim’s journey continues, your positive energy, thoughts, well-wishes, and prayers are cherished and appreciated. The Schicke family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.
Thank you for standing with them as they strive to bring Jim home, where they can be together as a family while he continues his courageous fight.
Recently I received a letter in the mail from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Fire Commissioners District 1 stating in the next budget year they are seeking tax-payer approval to hire a full-time fire chief and several per-diem firefighters and officers to staff the district from the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In this letter, they stated that they need to urgently implement this plan due to an ever-increasing call volume as well as low volunteer turnout which is increasing response time. While I understand that both manpower and response time is critical to the protection of life and property in the district, I do not believe the commissioners have done a thorough job of explaining why this is needed now, and in such haste. In their letter they have provided no evidence to back the claims made, nor have they done a satisfactory job of explaining why this is needed so urgently. This letter does not even break down the number of calls the department receives during the Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. window nor what the current average volunteer manpower is per call or their response time.
Also, this letter does not say anything about any of the measures that the commissioners have taken to try and avoid this outcome. The Mount Tabor Fire Department is one of six fire districts in the town of Parsippany, with each district operating independently. In the past, other districts have relied on neighboring districts to help fulfill staffing when needed. Has the district looked into having another district assist them with calls? Additionally, what has the district done to try to increase recruitment? The website tells of an incentive program but does not go into any more detail than that.
Furthermore, this letter does a terrible job of explaining how they came to the $640,000 estimate that would be required for payroll and expenses. A quick Google search shows the average pay for a firefighter in New Jersey is $30 per hour. So, for 3 firefighters at 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year would be $280,800. Nearly half of the estimated budget and you still haven’t considered the officers and chief’s salary (which would undoubtedly be higher) as well as pension, benefits, insurance, training, PPE, and any other costs associated with having a paid staff. I believe this estimate to be deceptively low. Also, the commissioners do not explain in the letter how having a paid crew in a volunteer town would work. Would a paid crew respond to an area of the town covered by volunteers? Would a neighboring volunteer chief call for District 1 more because they know of the staffing? Or what about out-of-town calls? I don’t believe that would be fair to the residents who would pay for this staffing and have them not be available because they are covering for a volunteer crew.
Another thing is I don’t believe the current residents should have to shoulder the cost of this, at least the initial implementation if it is essential. I’m sure one of the arguments for hiring a paid crew is the amount of building happening in town right now. There have been more than a few articles about how Parsippany is using the PILOT program to develop new housing projects. Have the fire commissions been in contact with the Parsippany town council about collecting some sort of payment from those developers?
However, what this letter did attempt to do in my opinion is try to scare the residents into thinking that the volunteer members of the Mount Tabor Fire Department do not adequately protect them. Per the department’s website, they have 40+ active members, yet the commissions specifically chose to bold and italic the sentence telling you how a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. While that statement is true, it only truly pertains to a fire in perfect conditions, i.e. NOT in a home or building with the doors and windows shut. Including that line was nothing but a fear tactic. If the commissions were truly worried about the lives and property of the tax-paying residents of the district they would be explaining with supporting facts and figures about how they have tried other options and this is the only feasible solution, instead of trying to scare you.
The Board of Fire Commissioners is holding a meeting on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tarn Drive Fire House located at 909 Tabor Road. I would encourage the tax-paying residents of District 1 to attend that meeting and ask these questions of your elected officials to make sure you agree with what they plan to increase your taxes for.
MORRIS COUNTY — The annual Holiday Party for the Morris County CrimeStoppers was held on Monday, December 11 at the Birchwood Manor.
The Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers is a non-profit organization operated by a board of commissioners and funded by business and private sector contributions.
Retired Dover Police Officer Harry Ruiz, Chief Warrant Officer Morris County Sheriff Officer Jack Ambrose, and Town of Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney
Board members are dedicated volunteer civilians who donate their time and effort in the fight against crime and share a common goal: they want to make Morris County as safe and secure as possible.
Designed to encourage the citizens of Morris County to assist law enforcement in solving and reducing crimes in our communities, the program provides an easy and anonymous mechanism for concerned citizens to report information relating to criminal activity…and offers cash rewards as an incentive.
Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill, Suzan Lucas Santiago, and Vice Chairman Commissioner Dr. Phillip SantiagoParsippany’s Municipal Prosecutor Monica Madin and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani
The board of the Morris County Crime Stoppers consist of Chairman John Sette, Undersheriff Alan Robinson, Vice Chairman Commissioner Dr. Phillip Santiago, Secretary Commissioner Jill Blake, and Commissioners Bob Ackerman, Douglas Bell, Anthony Bucco, Sal Campo, John Centanni, Robert Cuozzo, Barbara Dawson, George Dredden III, Pat Frederiks, Peter Gilpatric, Desmond Lloyd Sr., Michael Luciano, Khaled Madin, Marc Marowitz, Adam Perna, Ronald Regen, David Rubin, John Sette Jr., William Strauss, Bill Wilkins, Sidney Williams, Christopher Zipp, Bradley Zwigard, Marilyn Cioffi, and David Rubin.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, Parsippany Municipal Monica Madin, and John Paul Velez, Partner at Arbore Velez
A presentation about the CrimeStoppers program is available for the public, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office at (973) 285-6681 to arrange a presentation.
For more information visit copcall.org, or click here tosubmit a tip.
Retired Mountain Lakes Police Corporal Samuel Trimble and Morris County Sheriff James GannonJennifer Vuotto, Esq., Lisa C. Thompson, Esq., Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill and Parsippany Municipal Prosecutor and Managing Partner in Madin and Madin Law Monica Madin
MORRIS COUNTY — NewBridge Services unveiled its new headquarters in Pompton Plains, where the nonprofit provider of counseling, housing, and education got its start 60 years ago.
Fifty guests cheered as NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden welcomed them to NewBridge’s new home on December 5. “I’m proud that we have established a NewBridge campus in the community where we were founded,” Borden said.
NewBridge purchased two buildings on Newark Pompton Turnpike, adjacent to NewBridge’s adult psychiatric day treatment program and its affordable apartments for adults with special needs. The NewBridge campus has six buildings in all.
NewBridge Board of Trustees President Debbie King, whose father was one of the organization’s founders, said, “I think they would be very pleased to see the creation of our headquarters and campus keeping NewBridge’s roots in Pequannock Township where it all began.”
NewBridge opened its doors in December 1963 as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center in the former Pompton Plains library. Initially serving Pequannock and surrounding communities, the agency grew and evolved over the decades to meet emerging needs.
Today, NewBridge tackles some of society’s toughest issues, including mental illness, substance use, isolation, and homelessness. Each year, it helps thousands of children, adults, and seniors in Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties, and beyond. NewBridge has service centers in Haskell, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Sparta, operates five group homes, created 84 units of affordable housing, and provides support services that allow people with mental illness and older adults to live as independently as possible.
Borden read a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill hand-delivered by her staff member, Georgia Turvey, and a commendation letter from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “NewBridge has served as a pillar of hope in the community and has changed countless lives,” Governor Murphy wrote.
Guest speaker W. Jay Wancyzk of the Pequannock Township Historical Society discussed the nascent shift in attitudes toward mental illness in 1963 on the national stage and locally. Wancyzk noted that President John F. Kennedy that year signed legislation for providing mental health care in the community and drastically reducing institutionalization of people with mental illness.
In Pequannock, Pastor Donner B. Atwood of the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, Municipal Court Judge Herbert Irwin, Mary Jane Kelly, Dr. Kurt Manrodt and Jim Ryan “had the vision to make treatment accessible within our six local communities,” Wancyzk said. The township allowed the nonprofit to use the former library next to the municipal building. Later, NewBridge had its headquarters on Evans Place but relocated to rental space so affordable housing could be built on the property.
NewBridge’s new headquarters once housed Irwin’s law office, Wancyzk noted. “I think he would be mighty pleased with this new connection.” Irwin’s daughter, Debbie Burklow, and her husband attended the event.
Pequannock Mayor David Kohle congratulated NewBridge on its 60th anniversary and new headquarters. “It’s a pleasure to have you back in the center of town,” Kohle said. “We look forward to many, many more years of dedicated services to the residents of Pequannock and the surrounding areas from NewBridge.”
Kohle and Deputy Mayor Ryan Herd joined Borden and King in cutting the green ribbon in front of the new headquarters. Guests then toured the building that will house administrative offices. The second building will be home to two programs, NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living) and Community Support Services, as well as the information technology department.
“This is huge! NewBridge, during its 60th anniversary, is making another clear statement for clients, for donors, for everyone to see that we are committed to this community,” NewBridge Trustee Patricia Lee said.
Robert Parker, who retired as NewBridge CEO in 2020, said the milestone bodes well for the longevity of the organization as it enters its seventh decade. “The most important thing is that NewBridge continues to provide services for people who are hurting,” he said.
NewBridge is selling commemorative bricks that will form a walkway at the new campus. Click here to order.
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Parsippany Focus December 19, 2023 December 26, 2023 $100.00
PARSIPPANY — More than 200 Parsippany residents shut down Tuesday night’s council meeting which was slated to take up the final vote on three PILOT agreements, also known as municipal tax abatements.
Before the meeting even started, the crowd of attendees standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the council chambers surpassed the room’s capacity limits.
As a result, Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced the postponement of the meeting until Thursday, December 28 at the PAL building, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.
Council President Loretta Gragnani angered residents, school officials, and parents for initially setting the time of the rescheduled meeting for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 — drawing accusations that council officials tried to suppress public attendance with a mid-afternoon meeting on a weekday.
After the loud criticism and “Shame on You” chants, the time of the December 28 meeting was finally adjusted to 7:00 p.m.
The public also expressed outrage with a procedural change made by Council President Gragnani to move the general public comment period for the Tuesday night meeting to later in the agenda after the council votes on the second reading of the proposed PILOT ordinances.
The public comment period has traditionally come before the individual resolution section of the meeting.
Many suspect the move to delay public comments is a reaction to the unanimous pushback from residents and school board officials who vigorously protested the proposed PILOT programs at the December 5 council meeting.
PILOT agreements are deals that enable a developer to switch their standard tax payments for a property to a fixed, yearly payment to the municipality.
Township residents and school officials warn that PILOTs will allow large developers to avoid paying their full share of property taxes while straining municipal and school district resources.
Despite the unanimous opposition to PILOTs Council members Gragnani, Michael dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr., and Frank Neglia have voted in favor of the PILOTs being represented by former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino, who served during Mayor James Barberio’s first mayoral term from 2010 to 2017.
Dissenting Council member Justin Musella and the Township’s entire school board have repeatedly stated that the proposed PILOTs will underfund the school system as new developments undoubtedly add additional students and costs.
Municipal officials and Mayor James Barberio have stated that prolonged blight of unoccupied or demolished office buildings will greatly increase the tax burden for residents if PILOTs are not used.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany has been named one of the 150 “Hottest Real Estate Markets” in the nation by Realtor.com for November. Parsippany is among 23 New Jersey towns making the list. This ranking highlights Parsippany’s continued growth, compelling amenities, and increasing demand as an attractive destination for residential homebuyers and investors alike.
Parsippany is situated in Northern New Jersey, approximately 25 miles west of Manhattan, making it a popular destination for commuters. It offers convenient access to major highways and various public transportation options. With a vast array of housing available, from single-family homes to apartments along with an active Senior Center, Parsippany accommodates various lifestyles as well. The education provided by the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is well-regarded and students and residents alike can enjoy the many outdoor spaces and recreational areas. The events and festivals that Parsippany hosts throughout the year further cement its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living and fostering a strong sense of community for its diverse population.
“We are thrilled to see Parsippany gaining recognition on a national level for its real estate market,” said Mayor James R. Barberio. “Our community has worked diligently to create an environment that fosters growth and prosperity, and this acknowledgment reflects the dedication of our residents, businesses, and local government.”
MORRIS COUNTY — An extraordinary event unfolded within the confines of the Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) facility – Winter Bash 2023, on December 9 and December 10. Despite the storm outside, the weather provided the ideal setting for youngsters aged 6-14 to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of indoor cricket, a pursuit not just for physical activity but a transformative experience fostering character, camaraderie, and lifelong lessons.
Twenty-four players, spanning diverse age groups, were strategically organized into four teams, setting the stage for a two-day extravaganza of competitive cricket. The tournament, consisting of limited-overs league matches, became a showcase of talent, tenacity, and teamwork. Each game, a microcosm of excitement, unfolded with suspense and thrill, keeping participants and spectators alike on the edge of their seats until the final bowl was hurled.
As the league matches concluded, the top two teams emerged to engage in a battle of skills for the Winter Bash 2023 trophy. The most competitive team, undoubtedly, claimed the title, while teams in the 3rd and 4th positions fought spiritedly for their place in the rankings. The captains and players of each team were not merely participants; they were heroes, recognized and awarded for their stellar performances, adding an extra layer of celebration to the tournament.
Cricket, more than just a sport, demonstrated its multifaceted benefits during Winter Bash 2023. With billions of followers globally, the sport has become a powerful catalyst for promoting physical health, enhancing cognitive abilities, and instilling values crucial for character building. The recent announcement of cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 further solidifies its standing as one of the fastest-emerging sports in the USA.
At the helm of nurturing cricketing talent is ICUSA, a decades-old cricket organization founded and led by the passionate Coach Lalta Perusad. Far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, Coach Lalta and ICUSA contribute significantly to the holistic development of young individuals aged 6-16. The organization is not merely about winning championships; it’s about equipping the youth with cricket skills that seamlessly translate into life skills, aiding them in overcoming the challenges that life throws their way.
Moreover, ICUSA continues to be a beacon of cricket development, offering ongoing upskilling programs and organizing a myriad of tournaments, both indoor and outdoor. This commitment ensures that the flame ignited by Winter Bash 2023 will continue to burn bright, illuminating the path for aspiring cricketers and contributing to the growth of the sport within the community as well as in the nation.
Winter Bash 2023 became a sanctuary of joy, passion, and triumph. Cricket, the sport of resilience, echoed within the walls of the Indoor Cricket facility, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the young participants. With ICUSA and Coach Lalta leading the charge, the legacy of Winter Bash 2023 extends far beyond the tournament, promising a generation of individuals enriched with the values and skills to conquer the storms of life with the same vigor they displayed on the cricket field.
Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) is located at 9 Whippany Road, Whippany.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to view the magazine.