Over the past six months, the Parsippany Council and Administration have put on a master class on how to alienate voters, minimize transparency, and ram through unpopular ordinances. As most readers know, the issue at hand is the use of PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements that give large tax abatements to commercial developers, allowing them to forgo paying the school system portion of the total tax bill. This culminated in a seven-and-a-half hour-long meeting on December 28 with about 700 to 800 residents in attendance at which three PILOT-based ordinances were passed with many residents speaking in opposition and none speaking in favor. Even the Parsippany Board of Education is opposed to the use of PILOTS and was not swayed by any data presented. This was a very messy, opaque, unsatisfactory, and often inflammatory process that enabled the use of many cherry-picked data points and misleading assertions and never produced a clear analysis of the impacts of the PILOTs on taxes. Parsippany needs a better process for dealing with such contentious issues going forward.
Unfortunately, the post-COVID business environment has created a glut of office space nationwide as businesses have found that workers can be effective from home offices. Now that Parsippany has provided four PILOTs (including the 1515 Route 10 building), we can expect many other office-building owners to ask for similar tax reductions as their tenants’ leases expire and every developer will certainly ask for this treatment for new buildings. Retail space owners will also look for relief as their businesses are affected by online competition. Parsippany needs a better process for evaluating PILOTS and more importantly, informing, educating, and dialoguing with residents on the pros and cons of PILOTS or any other tax abatement program. Even though the three PILOT ordinances were passed, there is no better place to start developing such an approach than by conducting a post-mortem analysis of these three agreements and the associated resident communications/education process because there is so much history and so much detailed information available. Who knows, perhaps after such an effort some or most residents might agree with these PILOTs or the effort might convince the mayor and some on the council to stop, significantly modify, or change the criteria for such agreements. In any case, the objective should be to have an agreed-upon process and decision criteria for such assessments in the future.
The town council and mayor must commit to full transparency and good-faith communications. The current information process is not transparent. PILOT agreements are complex with multiple subjective assumptions such as discount rates, children added to the school system, the need for long-term contracts, alternative uses of the properties, etc. The current three PILOT agreements started to take shape over the summer of 2023. However, it was not until only two hours before the meeting on December 28, that the mayor sent out an email with a few cherry-picked, unverifiable data points in a last-minute attempt to sway public perception. During the meeting, residents were shown financial analyses they had never seen before. The data was hard to see, hard to hear, and very hard to evaluate and many asked why this had not been provided previously. Partially true statements from the council, such as the assertion that the schools would be funded because they submit their budget to the town and the town collects the money, could not be discussed.
The current communication process is not conducted in good faith. The council and mayor used tactics such as pushing to get these PILOT ordinances passed before the end of the year, without providing full information to residents. Poor transparency is invariably perceived as acting in bad faith. They changed the normal council agenda to first vote on the ordinances before allowing the general public speaking portion. They scheduled a meeting at 1:00 p.m., making it more difficult for working residents to attend. They used an excuse created by the town lawyer who said there were critical non-PILOT items that needed to be passed before year-end and meeting at 1:00 p.m. was the only way to address all items on the agenda. (If the non-PILOT issues were so critical, why did they not take the PILOT ordinances off the agenda to get the non-PILOT issues passed and move the PILOT ordinances to 2024?) They allowed only 1.5 minutes for comments from each resident. While all these actions may have been aboveboard, they appeared to be in bad faith and created the perception of an ulterior motive involving the council, mayor, developers, and the developers’ attorney. If the Mayor and council thought these PILOTs were such a good deal for taxpayers, they should have communicated better and shown the residents and the School Board the numbers and assumptions to prove it.
Below is a description of a highly transparent, good-faith process for dealing with this issue. It is recommended that the council and mayor adopt these principles. At the end of this process, there should be much more agreement than disagreement among the parties. This should be applied to the recent PILOT agreements to both test the process and explore its benefits.
Provide complete information for stakeholders (residents and school board) at the start of the project and continue to update it as the project progresses.
Start by developing a template that provides detailed, comprehensive information on these programs and includes costs, revenues for each project, and a comprehensive bottom-line analysis of the total impacts on taxes (town and schools) both with and without the PILOT agreements. Show all the pros and cons of the agreement.
Provide this template to the stakeholders, obtain feedback and stakeholder buy-in, and finalize.
Fill in the template for the projects including statements and support for all assumptions such as the number of additional children that would attend Parsippany schools, alternative uses of the properties, etc.
Publicize this information and hold a Q&A session for the stakeholders to address all questions and refine the information based on the answers. This should be done with a flexible time limit on each question to explore it completely and a commitment to provide answers to all reasonable questions. Such a session need not be part of a formal council meeting, as has been done with budget developments.
Demonstrate that the timeframes for decisions are reasonable and address stakeholder concerns.
As new data is developed on any project, the public template must be updated and additional Q&A sessions held, if needed.
The mayor and council must work to address the needs of the school board such that they either support the programs or are neutral. The council cannot expect the public to be in favor of programs the school board finds objectionable.
Finally, the mayor and council must show the same respect for the stakeholders that the council requests in meetings. The mayor and council must recognize that they have complete power and the public’s only recourses are their arguments, letters, and their physical voices and actions. When the council minimizes transparency and takes actions that are perceived as being in bad faith the public feels disrespected and reacts, often with rowdy behavior because they feel that is the only way they can have an effect. When the council tells them to be respectful, the public perceives the council as being, at best, oblivious to the disrespect they have demonstrated towards the public.
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, January 16th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
Formal action may or may not be taken.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
PARSIPPANY — The Par-Troy West Little League (“PTWLL”)Spring Baseball/Softball season registration is now available.
Little League International specifies the age cutoffs for Baseball and Softball annually.
Softball ages are determined as of December 31 of the year before the Spring season in which they will be playing. For example, in 2024, the age is as of December 31, 2023. Baseball ages are determined as of August 31 of the year in which they are playing. For example, in 2024, the age is as of August 31, 2023.
Children in the league are not placed in divisions based on grade level.
Click here for the registration link, and to download the updated 2024 flyer click here.
Par-Troy West Little League is a non-profit IRS 501.C.3 organization, established in 1952. The league is run by a Board of Directors, all of whom are volunteers. PTWLL receives no outside local, state, or federal financial aid to operate our program. All funds are received through donations, fundraisers, sponsors, and registration fees. All funds are used to maintain our fields and to pay for all services, insurance, utilities, equipment, and uniforms.
PTWLL is in full compliance with all Little League Rules and Regulations. They have an approved charter that is approved regularly for every season by Little League Headquarters. Their approved By-Laws, which are quite similar to approved By-Laws of the past and those of other Little League organizations, have been approved by Little League International Headquarters in Williamsport, PA.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall is located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has implemented additional government management software solutions into their municipal offices throughout 2023 to automate processes, digitally manage data, and engage citizens via the cloud with GovPilot – the Operating System for Local Governments.
In collaboration with GovPilot, a government management software provider based in New Jersey, this municipality of Morris County, expanded a partnership that will allow the local government to access new, modern, software solutions across the municipality.
This partnership aims to provide both citizens and government officials with simplified access to data and information that will save valuable time and resources across the board. GovPilot’s customer success rates and stellar reviews set this government management software provider apart from all others, streamlining the implementation of new software solution deployments efficiently and successfully for Parsippany Township.
Parsippany added the following solutions to expand their GovPilot partnership: •Retail Food License Module •Retail Food Inspection Module •Public Recreational Bathing Module •Summer Camp Permit Module •Health Licensing Module •Temporary Food License Module •Septic Permit Module •Miscellaneous Health Records Module
All additional software solutions deployed by Parsippany will continue to simplify and digitize once manual, paper-based government processes, allowing for government workers to dedicate their valuable time to more pressing municipal tasks, and saving constituents the hassle of traveling to city hall in person.
PARSIPPANY — During the Reorganization meeting of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council on Tuesday, January 2, Council member Paul Carifi, Jr., who has served for a long time on the council, was elected to the position of Council President by his fellow council members, 4-1. Musella was the only Councilman to vote against Carifi.
In addition, Frank Neglia was elected to serve as Vice President.
Both individuals will hold their respective positions for two years, after which new elections among the Council members will be conducted.
Additional members of the Council include Justin Musella and the newly elected members, Matthew McGrath and Judy Hernandez.
Councilman Justin Musella introduced a motion to repeal recent introduced PILOT programs
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Member Justin Musella proposed a motion to introduce Ordinance 2024:01. This ordinance aims to repeal Ordinances 2023:25, 2023:37, and 2023:38, all of which were approved during the previous council session on Thursday, December 28.
When council members convened in 2023 for their last meeting, it was to approve PILOT agreements in a lengthy 7-hour session marked by the presence of 900 upset residents.
Two Republican council members, Loretta Gragnani and Michael DePierro, have retired.
One of the new council members is Democrat Judy Hernandez, who becomes the only Dem on the council. She won by eight votes.
The other two winners last year were GOP incumbent Paul Carifi, Jr., and newcomer Matthew McGrath.
This triggered strong opposition from residents who denounced the deal as a favor to affluent developers. The final vote tally was 4-1, with Councilman Justin Musella casting the sole dissenting vote.
Musella read the following Ordinance into the record and made a motion to approve.
“An Ordinance of The Township Council of The Township Of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morris County, New Jersey, Repealing Ordinances 2023:26 (Adopting The 7 Campus Drive Redevelopment Plan); 2023:37 (Authorizing the Execution of Financial Agreement With the Township and Sig Sylvan Club Urban Renewal, LLC, Granting a Tax Exemption with Respect To That Certain Property Identified as Block 202, Lot 1.9 In Accordance With The Long-Term Tax Exemption Law, N.J.S.A. 40a:20-1 Et Seq); 2023:38 (Authorizing the Execution of Financial Agreement With The Township And Kanso Parsippany Urban Renewal, LLC, Granting A Tax Exemption With Respect To That Certain Property Identified as Block 202, Lot 1.9 In Accordance With the Long Term Tax Exemption Law, N.J.S.A. 40a:20-1 Et Seq.); 2023:39 (Authorizing The Execution of Financial Agreement with The Township And Par Development Urban Renewal, LLC, Granting a Tax Exemption With Respect To That Certain Property Identified As Block 202, Lot 3.8 In Accordance With The Long-Term Tax Exemption Law, N.J.S.A. 40a:20-1 Et Seq.).”
New Councilwoman Judith Hernandez seconded the motion, but it was subsequently voted against by Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Vice President Frank Neglia. Councilman Matthew McGrath, who is new to the council, abstained from voting, resulting in a final vote tally of 2-2-1. Consequently, the motion did not pass.
Newcomers Matthew McGrath and Judy Hernandez join returning Council mamber Paul Carifi, Jr.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills hosted the 2024 Inauguration Ceremony to formally administer the oath of office to the newly elected Council members, who emerged victorious in the November election. The three Council members taking their positions are a combination of fresh faces and a returning member. The newcomers include Judith Hernandez and Matthew McGrath, while Paul Carifi, Jr. returns to continue his service on the Council.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Member Paul Carifi, Jr., Sworn In by Morris County Sheriff James GannonNew Council Member Judith Hernandez Sworn In by Morris County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Amalia DuarteMatthew McGrath, New Council Member, Administered Oath of Office by Morris County Commissioner Thomas MastrangeloParsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk Khaled Madin Calls Meeting to Order, Certifies CandidatesReverend Bragg Delivers Benediction at Parsippany-Troy Hills Inauguration Ceremony
The Three Newly Elected Council Members Join Councilman Frank Neglia and Councilman Justin Musella, shifting the Council to Four Republicans and One Democrat. Re-organization Meeting is Scheduled for Tuesday, January 2 at 6:30 p.m. with the Election of Council President and Vice President on the Agenda.
We write on behalf of the residents, both the townhomes and single-family homes of the Glenmont Commons community. It is a community comprising approximately 265 townhomes and 140 single-family homes. The community was built between 2000 with the last phase of the development ending in about circa 2007. Tucked away, yet conveniently located, this community has plenty of advantages with very close access to the Morris County parks and recreational facilities. This is part of the same Parsippany township that was once rated number 13 in the top 20 best places to live in the country by Money magazine.
16 years after the community was built out completely, the residents find themselves in an environment that is deprived of the most basic necessity of having decent roads. We believe the roads have never been repaved since. The community roads have huge potholes, cracks, and crevices, some as deep as 8 inches soon becoming a safety hazard as drivers try to avoid them and the potential to run into pedestrians, needless to say, the cost economics of maintaining your own vehicles (tires/rims, suspensions, wheel alignment, axles, etc.).
The community roads have huge potholes, cracks, and crevices, some as deep as 8 inchesThe subsequent repair of the road looks like “patches” on a quilt.
There are parts of the road that have sunk, and many of the manholes are a few inches above the surface of the road. In addition, due to shoddy standards associated with water pipes leading to our townhomes, and single-family homes, homeowners have had to replace the incoming water lines out of their own pocket. The subsequent repair of the road looks like “patches” on a quilt. With new townhomes being built on the corner of Old Dover Road and Mountain Way, there is an obvious increase in the flow of traffic and heavy vehicles in and around this community. This only exacerbates the already poor conditions of the road, as the roads connect to the main arteries from Route 10 and these have not been addressed as well. There are new line markings though, but this is like putting lipstick on a pig.
Today we find ourselves in a really awkward situation asking our town leaders to take care of a situation that could have been avoided if they had followed through on their management responsibilities in 2010.
Circa 2020, the members of the community based on the several observations duly noted, started to voice their concerns about the condition of the roads in and around the community. The townhomes’ HOA which governs only the townhomes and not the single-family homes was made aware of the concerns. When the HOA reached out to the township, the HOA was advised the roads did not belong to the town but to the builder/developer of the community.
However, the community residents are thankful that their roads somehow fall under the radar of the streets and road division for the snow to be cleared in the winter, which is a double-edged sword adding to the already poor condition of the roads due to the impact of the heavy machines. After a lot of further back and forth, in October 2021, the HOA was informed that for the town to take over the road, the HOA would have to amend its by-laws to indicate that HOA did not own the roads. Based upon the amended by-laws the town would reach out to the builder/developer to formally sign over the roads to the town. The HOA fulfilled its obligation of having the by-laws amended and passed by a majority of its members in August 2023. Now the matter sits with the township’s attorney to address with the developer’s attorney.
Since this was an election year, and part of the council was due to be re-voted in/out, we had candidates approach the community trying to understand our needs. While they broke bread with us, donuts and coffee with Councilman Paul Carifi, samosa, and chai with Mayor James Barberio and others, the issue has remained stagnant over the past three months, and we are afraid it will remain stagnant until the next election cycle. Why are we not surprised? There is little to no confidence in the political goodwill of our leaders, considering the amount of an average estimated (approximately) $4.5 to $5.5 million in property taxes being paid by the residents of the community to the township every year.
Since the informal meetings with the mayor and council, members of the community have attended the council meetings & public hearing sessions to move the case further. At the October 17, 2023 council meeting, we were informed that the town attorney would reach out to the developer’s attorney. In the following council meeting on November 21, 2023, where the members of the community were focused on the PILOT program, as a community we again asked this question. In response, the town attorney stated he just called the developer’s attorney just that day. It is hard not to notice the lack of political will and intent as it seems like cell phones or other forms of communication do not work in the 30 days between the last town council meeting and this one.
So, how did we get here? In 2010 the township inspected the roads built for the community and as part of their engineering punch-out list, the township’s engineers identified the roads were not built to their specifications. Did the township pursue the matter with the builder/developer?
Today, almost 14 years later, the community is paying for that decision. The consequences of lack of management or mismanagement by the township, council, and mayor’s office. The roads in the community are a SAFETY hazard. Is it too much to ask for safer and cleaner roads for a community that is paying over $5 million in taxes per year? The community has entrusted its faith and confidence in the hands of the politicians thus far and is growing impatient as the condition grows from bad to worse which can have its own consequences and dire implications. The homeowners & residents are willing to work with anyone who can help take this to the next level with a prompt response that has a more tangible outcome. We hope this letter brings attention to this issue to the overall Parsippany community and sparks more urgent action by the town’s leaders.
We do not intend to have this issue fester until the next election cycle where it will be dangled as a carrot to vote for the right mayoral/council candidate.
Tax-paying residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills (Glenmont Commons)
Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment 2023 Members and Term Dates
Robert Iracane Chairman 12/31/26
Dave Kaplan Vice-Chair 12/31/23
Bernard Berkowitz Member 12/31/24
Scott Joskowitz Member 12/31/25
Nancy Snyder Member 12/31/23
Sridath Reddy Member 12/31/26
Davey Willans Member 12/31/24
Casey Parikh Alt. No. 1 12/31/23
Chris Mazzarella Alt. No. 2 12/31/23
John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
Chas Holloway, Engineer, GPI
Peter King, Attorney, King Moench Hirniak & Collins, LLP
Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary
Agenda subject to change without notice Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Council President Loretta Gragnani, Council Vice President Michael dePierro and Councilman Frank Neglia
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting was held on Thursday, December 28, 2023.
This meeting was held at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road. The meeting started at 1:30 p.m. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R. Barberio Council President Loretta Gragnani Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. Councilman Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella
MORRIS COUNTY — The 32nd Anniversary of First Night Morris County will take place on Sunday, December 31 in Morristown. First Night Morris County is an alcohol-free and substance-free celebration of arts and culture.
This year there will be over 70 live performances, 20 venues, and 50+ on-demand films taking place from 4:00 p.m. to midnight in downtown Morristown.
Events include:
•Theatre, music (rock, jazz, classical, opera), visual arts, film festivals, children’s programs, and so much more. •Fireworks at 9:15 p.m., and the program concludes with a Midnight Countdown Featuring Fireworks to Welcome in the New Year. •Complimentary Shuttles Start at 4:45 p.m. •Children’s Fun Festival at Morristown High School from 4:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. •Film Festival Starting at 6:00 p.m. •Complimentary Parking at any Morristown Parking Garage Starting at 4:00 p.m. •Complimentary Mobile App & Print Program •On-Demand Access from 4:00 p.m. on December 31, 2023, to 4:00 p.m. on January 1, 2024
Your First Night Morris County admission button (ticket) gives you access to innovative, diverse, and high-quality performances ideal for participants of all ages.
In-person venues are within close walking distance of one another, and virtual programs are accessible through the mobile app or website. For one affordable price, you and your friends and family will enjoy unlimited access to all performances in person, streaming, or on-demand.
Prices are $30.00 per ticket and $23.75 per ticket for a family of 4 packs.
The ordinance imposes a parking prohibition on both sides of Littleton Road, extending from Route 287 to Parsippany Boulevard.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2023:34 during their meeting on Thursday, December 28.
The ordinance prohibits parking on both sides of Littleton Road, extending from Route 287 to Parsippany Boulevard.
Following a thorough investigation conducted by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and the Parsippany Engineering Department, it was determined that parking restrictions on both sides of the street should be enforced at all times.
The ordinance will be effective 20 days after passage.
PARSIPPANY — Information from reliable sources within the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department disclosed that Mayor James Barberio will be promoting Captain Brian J. Dowd to Deputy Chief of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
Dowd was hired in January 1999 and assigned to the Patrol Division. He is married with three children and is a resident of Cranford.
Former Mayor Michael Soriano requested that a Civil Service Exam for Police Chief be given when Chief Miller submitted his retirement effective July 1, 2021. The results of the exam were:
•Captain Thomas G. Carney scored 90.89 which placed him in first place. •Captain John J. Wieners, III scored 89.62 which placed him in second place. •Captain Brian J. Dowd scored 82.69 which placed him in third place. •Acting Police Chief Richard Patina scored 81.29 which placed him in fourth place.
Under New Jersey’s Rule of Three, when an employer receives a list it may appoint any one of the top three eligible on the list. Thus, the employer can skip the first two top-ranked eligible employees and appoint the third, if they choose.
At that time, Captain Dowd withdrew his name from the list, and Mayor James Barberio promoted Richard Patina to chief on December 27, 2022.
Editors Note: We received communication from Parsippany Police Chief Richard Patina, that the final decision in the selection of Deputy Chief.
The meeting saw an attendance of more than 800 residents, a considerable portion of whom bore protest signs. This resulted in the room reaching its maximum capacity, prompting the need for extra chairs to accommodate the sizable gathering. Throughout the lengthy seven-hour session on Thursday, critics vehemently voiced their disapproval of the agreements, contending that they unjustly put local schools at a disadvantage and impose an excessive burden on taxpayers.
PARSIPPANY — Due to overwhelming attendance, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 19 had to be abruptly canceled due to overcrowding at the Parsippany Municipal Council Chambers.
Council President Loretta Grangani subsequently rescheduled the meeting for Thursday, December 28 at 1:00 p.m., relocating it to the PAL Building at 33 Baldwin Road.
Lake Hiawatha resident Nicholas Homyak was seen carrying a sign before the meeting started at the rescheduled meeting on Thursday, December 28 held at the Parsippany PAL Building.Before the meeting commenced, numerous residents organized a protest, displaying signs and vocalizing their concerns through chants and slogans.
The venue change was necessitated and the meeting was attended to by over 800 residents, a significant number of whom carried protest signs, causing the room to reach maximum capacity and requiring additional chairs to accommodate the large crowd. During the over seven-hour meeting on Thursday, critics strongly criticized the deals, arguing that they unfairly disadvantage local schools and place an undue burden on taxpayers.
Tensions escalated among residents when Council President Gragnani declared that each resident would only have a strict 90-second window to speak during all public sessions. Frustration mounted as residents attempted to ask questions and convey their viewpoints, only to be stopped by Parsippany Police for exceeding the 90-second time limit. “This meeting is a complete farce,” one speaker said as police took the microphone away. “As a veteran, I deserve more than 90 seconds to speak.”
Greg Remos said “I was shocked at her attitude towards folks wanting to ask questions. Wouldn’t even grant enough time to ask decent questions.” “I looked into the recall. It looks like if they serve at least one year, we can petition for a recall (just forces another election, but possible.)”
Channel 12 News was present and actively filming at the beginning and throughout the event for their nightly newscast coverage.
During the meeting, Councilman Justin Musella put forth a motion to move the public portion to the beginning of the agenda. Unfortunately, the motion failed to garner a second from fellow council members, leaving attendees disheartened and frustrated. The audience expressed their discontent loudly, as they had hoped for broader council support to allow the motion to be voted upon.
In the usual protocol of Council Meetings, the public session traditionally precedes the voting on any ordinances. However, in this particular meeting, there was a departure from the norm as the public portion was rescheduled to the end, following the completion of ordinance voting. This unexpected change in the meeting sequence added to the disappointment of those in attendance.
The PILOT deals, also known as “payments in lieu of taxes,” have been approved for developers with projects on Campus Drive and Sylvan Way. These incentives were granted through successive 4-1 votes during a tumultuous over seven-hour council session. Councilman Musella cast the lone dissenting vote against the PILOT agreement.
PILOTS have become prevalent throughout the State with at least 50 PILOT agreements in Morris County alone. Neighboring towns like Boonton, Montville, Denville, Hanover Township, and Florham Park, to name a few, have such agreements. If Parsippany doesn’t use PILOTs developers will most likely go to towns that are using the tool. Without any development replacing the vacant office buildings, the town will have to recoup the revenue from existing taxpayers. Redevelopment is necessary to prevent residents from being overburdened with picking up the tax burden previously covered by commercial properties.
“25 of the 39 Municipalities in Morris County, including Parsippany, have PILOTS. The School Board and one Councilman have been very vocal in opposing PILOTS and have published false and misleading statements. The current PILOT issues regard three projects that require six separate financial agreements. All of these projects will produce new and productive revenue-generating properties,” said Council Vice President Michael dePierro.
The ongoing feud between the Board of Education and Mayor James Barberio escalated further during the recent votes on PILOTs. Many current and incoming Board of Education members expressed their strong opposition to the PILOTs during the public comment periods held for each vote. This public disagreement highlights the tension and differences of opinion between the two parties regarding the PILOT programs.
Andrew Choffo is an incoming school board member against the projects. “There’s simply no reason to give sweetheart deals to real estate developers to build residential properties under a PILOT project,” says Andy Choffo.
Council Vice President Michael dePierro said “In general, PILOTS are a financial tool to encourage replacement of vacant, blighted properties into productive, revenue generators providing jobs and other benefits to the municipality. Under current economic conditions (high interest rates and high construction costs), vacant office buildings would remain vacant resulting in a continued revenue loss to the Township and a threat of additional Affordable Housing Units in the Township’s round IV negotiations with the Courts which is coming up soon. I would not support PILOTS if interest rates and cost for construction were lower.”
Mayor James Barberio
“The Council, by a 4-1 vote, approved a redevelopment plan and Pilot Agreements to bolster Parsippany’s commercial tax base. All of these properties were unanimously declared blighted by all of the Council. Parsippany must use the financial tools available to maximize our commercial ratables so that we can minimize taxes on our residents. Unfortunately, the Board of Education has launched a misinformation campaign about Pilots and I wish they didn’t mislead the parents and students. The fact is that Pilot Agreements do not impact funding for our schools – not one dime,” said Mayor James Barberio.
“What was even more reprehensible is that the Board of Education, along with Councilman Musella, used this misinformation in an attempt to shut down the Council meeting. Shame is on them for attempting to thwart the people’s elected representatives from conducting the people’s business. They didn’t want the facts to be brought out! I am and will continue to be committed to doing all I can to increase commercial ratables by repurposing vacant commercial buildings so that we can keep taxes on our residents to a minimum,” continued the Mayor.
Lake Parsippany resident Tony Barone said “Parsippany turned on in force in opposition, without avail. The Council had decided beforehand to giveaway the tax break. Citizen after citizen spoke, providing a wide range of reasons why the pilot should be rejected or at least delayed for further consideration. It didn’t matter.”
“They knew right from the start what their plan was. So smug and disrespectable to all the people who took the time to go there,” said Sue Petrovic.
Ken Hyland said, “I had to leave early but it was getting a little boisterous.”
“Parsippany residents are outraged as Barberio and this lame duck council inflicted irreparable harm to the township in open defiance of the wishes of the public and the alternate solutions instead of PILOTs before them. By making it more difficult for working families to attend because of the meeting time as well as the 90-second limit on public comments – my colleagues on the council showed that these PILOTs were a foregone conclusion and that the chorus of outrage directed towards these developer tax breaks was nothing more than a nuisance to them,” stated Councilman Justin Musella.
Councilman Justin Musella. Councilman Musella cast the lone dissenting vote against all of the PILOT agreements.
Jill Lammey said “I was there and was shocked at the Council President’s attitude towards some of the residents. I say don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” “I agree they always seem to change the rules during the game; Grant it five minutes we would still be there, but they looked like they cared less. I saw the Mayor walk out a few times. Pathetic if you ask me.”
Rakesh Bhatia said “It was shocking to see how these elected officials went 100% against the will of the citizens they were elected to serve. Even if they haven’t been purchased outright by vested interests, they certainly were smug enough at the public meeting to turn a deaf ear to the clearly expressed objections to their shenanigans. They did their best to push through their agendas before their terms ran out this year.”
Councilman Frank Neglia stated “This PILOT plan is a good one and will help the town and taxpayers immensely despite the propaganda you are being fed by someone. It’s easy to complain and disagree but if you’re going to do that, come up with a solution not just words and propaganda. Pilot plans do not hurt schools, and I would gladly sit down with anyone and prove to you how the schools do not lose a penny and how a pilot program benefits schools.”
Lake Hiawatha resident Jennifer Iceland said, “Thanks to Justin M. and all his supporters to bring the PILOT issue for most of Par-Troy Hills township residents awareness…as far as I am concerned Justin has been tireless working on this topic and one of a kind politician.”
Parsippany’s Declining Office Market
100 Kimball Drive – 175,000 square feet five-story, Class A office building (Constructed in 2007)
Parsippany office market is the largest in Morris County and one of the largest markets in Northern New Jersey. The Class A office market is comprised of approximately 12 million square feet of office buildings, the majority of which were constructed before 2000. Corporate leasing demand has been declining in Northern New Jersey as well as Parsippany. Parsippany office market has the highest level of vacancy in any submarket of Northern New Jersey. Statistically, the market equilibrium in commercial real estate is considered 15% to 20% vacant. Parsippany is over 40%. There are currently an unprecedented number of “vacant” buildings in the Parsippany office market, including:
•100 Kimball Drive – 175,000 square feet five-story, Class A office building (Constructed in 2007) •200 Kimball Drive – 175,000 square foot five-story, Class A office building •11 Waterview Boulevard – 121,441-square-foot office, Class A office building (Constructed in 2001) •15 Waterview Boulevard – 129,884-square-foot office four-story (Constructed in 1999); Class A office building •7 Century Drive – 67,817-square-foot office three-story (Constructed in 1979); Class B office building. Planned warehouse. •6 Sylvan Way – 195,200-square foot four-story (Constructed in 1981); Class A office building. Planned Life Time Fitness and 280 multi-family housing units •9 Sylvan Way – Industrial Redevelopment – Proposed 73,000 square-foot build-to-suite class A warehouse for lease and for sale. •8 Sylvan Way – 176,062-square foot three-story (Constructed in 1979); Class A office •7 Campus Drive – 156,000-square foot three-story (Constructed in 1982); Class A office – Industrial Redevelopment •2 Hilton Court – 181,592-square foot four-story (Constructed in 1991); Class A office – Industrial Redevelopment •1599 Littleton Road – 97,817-square foot three-story (Constructed in 1969); Class B office – Tenant Vacating in 2024
Apart from the existing vacant buildings, there are seven additional office buildings where significant leases are set to expire in the next six years. If these tenants choose not to renew, it could potentially contribute an additional million square feet of vacant office space to the market.
These proposed PILOTS mean Parsippany will receive nearly 35 million dollars in revenue over what it will receive if these projects do not happen. If that money is not raised through the below PILOTS the cost will be shifted to the Parsippany taxpayers.
“Contrary to School Board claims, the School Board will receive their share of the assessed Land taxes on these PILOT locations. They will still also receive 100% of their budget through tax collection. Also, three of these locations will not produce any school children. The three locations that do, are all part of the Township’s Affordable Agreement with the Courts. The developer at 2 & 3 Campus Drive has reduced the number of school children by dedicating some of the units to supportive housing for adults. The Township still receives credit for the same number of units required by the courts. The estimated number of school children will be far less than our objectors claim,” said Council Vice President Michael dePierro.
Ordinance 2023:26 – 7 Campus Drive One of the initial Ordinances on the agenda was Ordinance 2023:26, An Ordinance of the Township Council of Parippany-Troy Hills Adopting the “7 Campus Drive” Redevelopment Plan. Despite public opposition, the ordinance was passed 4-1, with Councilman Justin Musella voting against the plan.
Ordinance 2023:37 – Life Time Fitness – 6 Sylvan Way The next Ordinance to receive excessive public outcry was Ordinance 2023:37, authorizing the Execution of a Financial Agreement (PILOT) with the Township and SIG Sylvan Club Urban Renewal, LLC, granting a tax exemption concerning property identified at Block 202, Lot 1.9 per the Long-Term Exemption Law. The property location is Six Sylvan Way and is currently owned by Signature Acquisitions. This project will split the property where Avis Rent-A-Car, recently vacated, and replace the current structure with a Lifetime Fitness. A typical club features a 125,000-square-foot format, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, athletic courts, saunas, cardio and weight training equipment, fitness studios, kids spaces, a cafe, and a spa. The center’s pool area will occupy about 50,000 square feet of space with an outdoor beach club and bistro, lap pools, and a whirlpool. The average membership fee to join Lifetime is $175.00 per month.
Residents expressed their concerns about the necessity of another gym in Parsippany, particularly one that received a PILOT program. These concerns were amplified by the recent closure of Esporta Fitness in the Troy Hills Shopping Center, leaving a sizable 61,221-square-foot space vacant.
Life Time Fitness in Montvale
The ordinance granting a PILOT financial agreement to Life Time Fitness was passed with a vote of 4-1 in favor. Councilman Musella cast the lone dissenting vote against the PILOT agreement.
Ordinance 2023-38 – Kanso Parsippany Urban Renewal, LLC. – 6Sylvan Way An ordinance granting a Tax Exemption (PILOT) for Six Sylvan Way, under the Log Term Tax Exemption Law, identified as Block 202, Lot 1.9. This property will be developed into 280 multi-family housing units.
The ordinance granting a PILOT financial agreement to Kanso Parsippany Urban Renewal was passed with a vote of 4-1 in favor. Councilman Musella cast the lone dissenting vote against the PILOT agreement.
Ordinance 2023:39 – PAR Development Urban Renewal – 7 Campus Drive An ordinance granting a Tax Exemption (PILOT) for Seven Campus Drive, under the Log Term Tax Exemption Law, identified as Block 202, Lot 3.8.
The ordinance granting a PILOT financial agreement to PAR Development Urban Renewal was passed with a vote of 4-1 in favor. Councilman Musella cast the lone dissenting vote against the PILOT agreement.
Randy Glowacki said “Once again we see the Council except for Justin Musella being in the pockets of developers. How could they possibly vote for this after the meeting this afternoon? I’ve lived in this town for 67 years and it’s just business as usual. Something’s rotten in Denmark.”
Patricia Huncken said “The citizens voted them in and yet they don’t listen to them. They should be ashamed of themselves.”
Greg Remos said “Can elected officials in Parsippany be recalled? Is there a law for that?”
Marcy Phelps said “Starting to believe no elected official care about taxpaying residents, except Justin Musella. Remember this one election day.” “Let’s get them to recall petitions ready!”
Jennifer Iceland asked, “How about impeachment?”
Ralph Weber said “Over 700 people showed up and as far as I saw not one resident was in favor of any of the PILOT programs. It was like a football game around 1:00 p.m. Others state the arrogance of some of the town council members and the Mayor. Considering the issues in Jersey City where they stopped four of the six PILOTS, due to not meeting 100% of the program and the loss of revenue. Montville is in the early stages and is in the millions in loss. People have a right to their concerns. To reject the community and its outcry is political suicide.”
Over 50 residents spoke out against the PILOTs during the first public hearing. However, tensions among residents escalated with the strict 90-second time limit for each resident. This led to growing frustration as residents attempted to ask questions and express their views, only to be interrupted by Parsippany Police for exceeding the 90-second time limit.
Dear fellow Parsippany Residents: I hope and trust that you are enjoying this holiday season. The Council and I have been hard at work to keep taxes as low as possible while, at the same time, maintaining and enhancing the quality and scope of municipal services. We are always looking to cut costs where possible. But the fact is that we must grow our revenues to keep taxes as low as possible.
Toward that end, members of the Council and I have made it a priority to encourage the redevelopment of underutilized vacant commercial properties that are not generating significant revenue for Parsippany. We have approximately 20 vacant commercial properties and 1.2 million square feet of vacant space. This problem is getting worse, and will not improve unless we utilize the financial tools associated with our state’s Redevelopment Law. At least 25 of 39 Morris County municipalities have utilized PILOTs to keep taxes as low as possible for their residents. Parsippany needs to do the same on a targeted basis.
Unfortunately, the Board of Education has been spreading false and misleading information in an effort to inflame our community and to prevent the Council from performing the people’s business. The purpose of this letter is to debunk the three main arguments being used against the PILOTs up for approval.
First, it is imperative to understand that PILOTs do not take any money away from our schools. The fact is that the Board of Education receives every dime contained in its approved budget – whether the Township has PILOT agreements or not. The Board of Education’s contention that PILOTs take money away from the schools is false.
Second, the Board of Education’s contention that PILOTs will create more school children is also false. Let’s also be clear that according to their own figures, enrollment is down. That being said, like virtually all other towns in Morris County and across New Jersey, Parsippany has seen an increase in multifamily housing development with affordable housing set-asides. Those projects are mandated by the state’s affordable housing laws and were negotiated by my predecessor. Unfortunately, affordable housing will remain a challenge for Parsippany for years to come.
Third, the PILOTs we have negotiated will not cost taxpayers money. In fact, the opposite is true – these PILOTs will jump-start revenue to town hall from commercial projects, which will reduce the tax burden on our residential taxpayers. But for these PILOT agreements, these projects would not come to Parsippany. This fact exposes the fallacy in the argument being made by those opposing these PILOTs. They are counting money the town would never receive from ordinary taxes because those projects would never be constructed without a PILOT.
It would be easier for all of us to put our heads in the sand and let these properties go dark. Then blame the national economy for it, and we would not have to worry about the sideshows and misinformation being lobbed at us. But leaders make the hard decisions. I ran for Mayor on a platform of redeveloping vacant commercial buildings and bringing in good ratables for Parsippany. By building up our commercial revenue base, we can ease the tax burden on our residential taxpayers.
PILOTs are not the answer to all of our problems. However, PILOT agreements can be used – and I argue — should be used — on a targeted basis to attract good quality commercial development that would otherwise not come to Parsippany, and to help shape development patterns in our Township.
Thank you for taking the time from your holiday season to read this communication and to become more informed about the workings of our community. I continue to work to keep our town a great place to live and work. I wish you and your loved ones a safe and Happy New Year.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief Richard Patina was joined by Thomas Lally, Ryan McConnell, Nicolas "Nick" Santangelo, Mayor James Barberio, Shalin Patel, Robert M. Hockey Jr., and Richard "Frank" Nicoletti.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, December 27, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presided over the Oath of Office ceremony for six recently appointed Parsippany Police recruits. The event occurred at the Parsippany Municipal Building and drew a substantial audience of the recruits’ families, friends, and fellow Parsippany Police officers.
The six recruits will start at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy on January 8 and will be members of the 102nd Basic Police Class, graduating on May 30.
The recruits are Richard “Frank” Nicoletti, Shalin Patel, Nicholas “Nick” Santangelo, Thomas Lally, Robert M. Hockey, Jr., and Ryan McConnell.
Ryan McConnell takes the oath of office administered by Mayor James BarberioShalin Patel takes the oath of office administered by Mayor James BarberioRichard Nicoletti takes the oath of office administered by Mayor James BarberioRobert M. Hockey, Jr., takes the oath of office administered by Mayor James BarberioNicholas “Nick” Santangelo takes the oath of office administered by Mayor James BarberioThomas Lally takes the oath of office administered by Mayor James BarberioThe recruits signing the “Oath of Allegiance”Nicolas “Nick” Santangelo, Thomas Lally, Salin Patel, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani, Council Vice President Michael dePierro, Ryan McConnell, Robert M. Hockey, Jr., and Richard “Frank” Nicoletti
PARSIPPANY — The 97,817-square-foot office building at 1599 Littleton Road is now available for sale, offering a fresh opportunity in the town’s expanding redevelopment landscape.
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is handling the marketing of this nearly 10-acre property, highlighting its potential for asset repositioning and the advantageous combination of highway accessibility and its Morris County location.
The three-story building, built in 1969, is situated among various prominent businesses in the pharmaceutical, food, technology, and retail sectors that still anchor Parsippany’s office market. Additionally, the area has witnessed the transformation of aging commercial properties into mixed-use developments, multifamily residences, and other types of projects.
The building is currently owner-occupied by MJM Insurance. MJM plans to move soon to One Sylvan Way. The market value for 1599 Littleton Road in 2023 was $16,184,000.
Over 200 Parsippany Residents Force Cancellation of December 19 Council Meeting on PILOT Agreements. Township Clerk Khaled Madin promised residents' that the meeting would be rescheduled to December 28 at 7:00 p.m. to accommodate working residents
PARSIPPANY — A large group of Parsippany residents who are opposed to both the Town Council’s recent meeting time change and the proposed PILOT projects have organized a rally set for Thursday, December 28, beginning at 12:00 noon, according to a post on Facebook.
The December 19 Council meeting experienced significant overcrowding due to the high number of residents concerned about the PILOT projects on the agenda. This overcrowding forced the meeting to be abruptly adjourned.
Even before the meeting officially began, the council chambers were filled to capacity, with attendees standing shoulder-to-shoulder, surpassing the room’s safety limits. Consequently, Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced the postponement of the meeting to Thursday, December 28, at 1:00 p.m. at the PAL building located at 33 Baldwin Road in Parsippany. After facing criticism and chants of “Shame on You,” the meeting time was eventually adjusted to 7:00 p.m. However, Parsippany Focus has reported that the meeting is still scheduled to occur on Thursday, December 28, at the Parsippany PAL (33 Baldwin Road) but at 1:00 p.m., despite objections from the public (Click here to view calendar).
Many Parsippany taxpayers have voiced their dissatisfaction with this time change as it poses challenges for those who work during the day and wish to attend the meeting.
The Facebook post continues “If you plan on marching, here are a few requests we ask of everyone:
● Support the Men and Women in Blue they have a job to do so let us give them the space to do it. ● Please keep it peaceful! We are hoping for media attention for the right reasons, not the wrong ones. ● Leave no trace behind. We do not want to leave a mess behind like garbage, bottles, and signs. If you bring it there, please take it with you when we are done. ● Protest is, in its way, storytelling. We use our bodies, our words, our art, and our sounds.
We will distribute a flier to Parsippany’s electronic media along with all social media platforms.
Parking could be a challenge so please plan accordingly. Parking is allowed at the PAL, the Park & Ride at Smith Field, and the additional parking area next to the old Empire Diner. Please do not park on private property and no parking areas.
Bring a large sign for everyone to read and let your voice be heard! Some suggestions for signs (your ideas are probably better): ● PILOT = Parsippany In Lots Of Trouble! ● PIOLT = Parsippany Is Losing Our Top-Rated Schools. ● Show us the money! Where is it going? Hint: Contractors and…? ● Say No to Pilots. Say Yes to Schools ● Save our children #NoLargerClasses/Redistricting ● No Taxation without Representation (then put a picture of dumping tea) ● Save Our Schools ● Show Us the Money ● Who is paying for additional students? (21K per student)”
The Parsippany Police Department has installed no parking signs in front of the Parsippany PAL in preparation for the expected large crowds at the Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 28.
PARSIPPANY — A New York man has been apprehended following an 18-mile chase by New Jersey State Police starting in Parsippany early Wednesday morning.
At 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a black Nissan Altima for a moving violation on Interstate 80 westbound at milepost 43 in Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The driver, later identified as Triston Campbell, a 32-year-old from Brooklyn, initially pulled over on the right shoulder but then fled when the trooper approached the vehicle.
A pursuit ensued, covering approximately 18 miles, until the vehicle ultimately came to a halt on Drake Lane in Roxbury Township.
Campbell was arrested and charged with eluding, obstruction, resisting arrest, and multiple motor vehicle traffic violations.
Campbell is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending a detention hearing.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
