PARSIPPANY — Parsippany roads still closed due to flooding:
-New Road between Route 46 East and Edwards Road
-The bridge into Montville from Vail Road
Parsippany Roads Closed
Parsippany No Longer Home to Sherrill’s District Office
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.
The exact opening date will be announced.
Letter to the Editor: PILOT: Parsippany In Lots Of Trouble
Dear Editor:
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.
Click here to download the PDF.
1 year
30 Year
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
2 https://www.parsippany.net/pages/pilot-program-information
3 https://patch.com/new-jersey/parsippany/school-board-speaks-out-against-parsippany-pilot-approval
4 https://www.parsippany.net/_Content/pdf/Frequently-Asked-Questions-PILOTs-General.pdf
5 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000119312512080629/d235613dex211.htm
6 https://s1.q4cdn.com/777653952/files/doc_financials/2021/ar/2022-annual-report-letter-wrap-final.pdf
Two Attempted Burglaries
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.
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’s PILOT Protesters Shut Down Council Meeting
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.
Jim’s Journey: Battling Glioblastoma with Unwavering Courage
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.
Click here to donate to Jim.
Letter to the Editor: Concerns Raised Over Proposed Full-Time Fire Chief and Staffing Plan in Parsippany Fire District 1
Dear Editor:
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.
Stephen Cisco
Mount Tabor
Annual Holiday Party Celebrates Morris County CrimeStoppers’ Commitment to Community Safety
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.
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.
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.
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 to submit a tip.
NewBridge Services Inaugurates New HQ at Pompton Plains Campus
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.
Public Notice
Take notice that Luxury Spirits International, LLC. has applied to the Director of the
Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a Plenary Wholesale License with an office
located at 777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 592, Office 92, Miami, FL 33131.
Objections, if any, should be made immediately in writing to the Director of the Division
of Alcoholic Beverage Control, P.O. Box 087, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0087.
Luxury Spirits International, LLC
777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 592, #92
Miami, Florida 33131
Officer/Stockholder:
Marc Hirten, Manager
449 Avenida Del Norte, Sarasota, FL 34242
Samuel Fitch, Manager
4334 Stonebrook Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459
Galaxia, LLC (Sole Member)
Ctro Pellas, Piso 10, KM 4.5 carr, a Masaya
Parsippany Focus
December 19, 2023
December 26, 2023
$100.00
Parsippany’s PILOT Protesters Shut Down Council Meeting
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 Ranked as One of the Hottest Real Estate Markets in the Nation
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.”
Indoor Cricket Winter Bash 2023: Whipping Up Cricketing Magic Amidst the Storm
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.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Declares December 5th ‘Bedding Shoppe Day
PARSIPPANY – Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5 as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.
“I commend Mike for his achievement of 35 years of success and of being a community partner with the Township of Parsippany,” said Barberio.
“His yearly food drives exemplify what giving back to the community means. The Bedding Shoppe is a fixture of this town, and I wish him another 35 years or more,” continued Barberio.
Frank Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, presented Michael with a plaque and conveyed, “Bedding Shoppe, a family-operated store specializing in mattresses and bedroom furniture situated on Route 46, joyfully marks its 35th anniversary. Established by owner Mike Hatler on October 22, 1988, Bedding Shoppe has become a cornerstone of Parsippany, dedicated to serving both the local community and nearby areas. This achievement holds particular significance, considering that a mere 5% of small businesses endure beyond the 30-year milestone. Throughout the years, Bedding Shoppe has catered to over 35,000 customers, spanning three generations of families. The store’s enduring success can be attributed to its steadfast commitment to delivering top-quality products and exceptional customer service.”
The Bedding Shoppe is located at 811 Route 46 East. Click here for more information.
Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5th as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.
Vehicle Break-In Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Stolen BMW Case
PARSIPPANY – On the morning of Sunday, November 26 at approximately 6:23 a.m. a resident on Rita Drive reported that they observed a dark sedan drop off a person dressed in black and the individual was pulling on vehicle door handles attempting to gain entry.
As patrol officers began to check the surrounding area for the vehicle and person, Ptl. Hughes observed a 2022 BMW x7 exiting a driveway on Sedgefield Drive and leaving the area.
He also observed a dark-colored Kia with its headlights off slowly moving away from the residence the BMW x7 left.
Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Nacosh Crawford, 21, West Orange.
A check of the temporary license plate affixed to the vehicle showed that it was reported stolen by the Newark Police Department.
While on the scene, officers contacted the residents where the BMW x7 exited. They advised that their house was burglarized moments earlier and the keys to the vehicle were stolen, as well as the vehicle.
Mr. Crawford was placed under arrest and transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters. He was charged on a Complaint Warrant with the following criminal offenses:
• 2nd Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• 3rd Degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary
• 3rd Degree Exhibiting a False Government Document
• Receiving Stolen Property, a Disorderly Person Offense
He was further charged with the following traffic offenses:
• Unsealed Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Inspect a Motor Vehicle
• Improper Display/Unclear Plates
• Obstruction of Windshield
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. After the defendant’s initial appearance, he was released from the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to email socialmedia@parpolice.com or call (973) 263-4300.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tax-Free Pilot for New Residential Development: Impact on Schools and Home Values
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Board of Education kindly invites residents to join the forthcoming Town Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m., taking place at Parsippany Town Hall, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. The meeting will provide additional information regarding the financial aspects of the latest PILOT arrangement for your awareness.
Top Ranked Schools Keep Home Values High
- Parsippany-Troy Hills School District high schools rank in the top 19% of all New Jersey high schools and in the top 12% of all high schools nationally.
- These high rankings are possible through the 63.5% share of the township taxes collected through the Township of Parsippany.
- On average, each student costs approximately $21,800 annually and to sustain the high rankings of all our schools. Any additional students we welcome through new residential development will require funding as well. Without those taxes, our existing and new students will suffer, and Parsippany-Troy Hill will become a less desirable place to live which will cause a decrease in home values.
PILOT Brings More Students Which Need More School Funding
- The PILOT agreements the Township of Parsippany has recently approved include 410 new residential units.
- Historically, there has been an average of 0.4 students enrolled through each such unit, so this new development is expected to bring 164 additional students to the schools resulting in the need for an additional $3,575,200 in funding just for basic educational services.
- PILOT agreements that do not include clear revenue-sharing agreements with the Board of Education create a situation where the school district is obligated to educate these new students with no additional revenue to offset those expenses. Absent this revenue-sharing, the Board of Education will need to ask the taxpayers to increase their own taxes.
With PILOT on Residential Developments, Developer and Township Win While Schools Lose
Based upon financial details provided by the Township of Parsippany,
- Over the agreed upon 30-year period, the latest PILOT agreements will bring $47 million in PILOT payments to the Township instead of the original $25 million in taxes expected without the PILOT agreement.
- Why would the developer agree to pay this extra $22 million? Because in exchange, the developer will not have to pay $89 million in taxes on their improvements (buildings) on their site.
- Without the taxes from the improvements, our schools will not receive $57 million in funding, the municipality will not receive $25 million, and the County and Open Spaces will miss out on a combined total of over $7 Million.
The Board of Education is NOT in favor of any PILOT agreements for residential development, especially without written, signed agreements that clearly define the fiscal compensation to the school district. The Board of Education will meet with the Mayor to start the process of ensuring that the schools have adequate funding for new students arriving as a result of residential development.
Be informed and speak up so our students and your home values don’t suffer.
In advance of the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. located at Town Hall, please review the PILOT program and financial information click here.
Marotta Controls Earns Top Honors from Lockheed Martin
PARSIPPANY – Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing aerospace and defense supplier, today announced that its Power & Actuation Systems business unit recently received several accolades from Lockheed Martin at the aerospace leader’s 2023 Supplier Summit. Marotta Controls earned Lockheed’s Program Management Excellence and President’s Awards for its performance as a key supplier to Lockheed’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program. Marotta provides a complex control system for this critical Lockheed program, which is the company’s next-generation, long-range precision-strike missile designed for the U.S. Army. In addition to the two summit awards, Marotta Program Manager, Antony Haines, was recognized with the Quality of Leadership Award for the same program.
“Lockheed Martin works with top suppliers in the industry to ensure our customers always stay ahead of ready. Marotta Controls has been eager to collaborate and deliver,” said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin. “With these awards, we acknowledge their outstanding commitment, products, and services that contribute to the success of our PrSM program and future endeavors.”
With 15 suppliers under consideration, two of the five summit awards went to the team at Marotta. The summit’s Program Management Excellence Award focuses on the Program Management Team’s adherence to best practices (tools and techniques), encouraging development, and documenting and tracking performance such as budget, schedule, resources, and quality. The summit’s President’s Award is a special recognition of Marotta Controls’ superior performance and dedication to the PrSM Program. The separate Quality of Leadership Award recognizes the team lead who embodies what good leadership looks like and drives performance excellence amongst their team to align with mission goals.
“We worked hard to demonstrate our talent and tenacity with Lockheed, designing and qualifying our hardware in record time,” said Antony Haines, Program Manager, Marotta Controls, and recipient of Lockheed’s Quality of Leadership Award. “Working side-by-side with its Missiles & Fire Control division, we’ve taken our long-established team approach that puts transparency front and center. This level of communication has served us well. With six successful PrSM test flights and counting under our collective belt, these awards further demonstrate Marotta’s ability to connect and deliver on our promises.”
Edward Wall, a Former Councilman of Parsippany, Has Passed Away
PARSIPPANY – Edward J. Wall passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023. Ed was born in Richmond Hill, New York on July 17, 1933, and moved to Elmwood Park, as a young boy.
He was the son of Edward and Bella Wall, predeceased. He attended St. Leo’s Grammar School in Elmwood Park and graduated from Pope Pius High School in Passaic.
He married his High School Sweetheart, Jane Elwood on September 17, 1955, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Jane predeceased him in 2021. They lived in Parsippany and attended St. Christopher Catholic Church. Ed was a teacher in Garfield School System 1962-1965. He taught at Wayne Hills High School from 1968-1997.
He was Chairman of the Business Education and Home Economics Departments. He was also Head Track Coach at Wayne Hills from 1968 to 1977. When he retired, he was asked to teach at St. Christopher’s School for two years. He formed the Parsippany Recreation Track Team in 1987 for students grades 4 to 8. The team won the League’s “B” Division championships in 1987 and 1988.
Wall served as a Parsippany Councilman from 1993 to 1997.
He was on the Morris County Park Commission for seventeen years and was acting president for three years. He was chairman of the Republican Club in Parsippany and a member of the Lake Parsippany Board of Directors.
He is the proud father of Ellen Jane Gasco (Joseph), Edward (Kathy), William (Tammy), Richard (Denise), Michael (Karen) and Thomas (Stacey). He was totally devoted to his grandchildren: Melissa (Kris), Jill, Amanda Rianne (Brooks), Joseph, Kelly (Kyle) Klaire, Justin, Kyle (Leslie), Sydney Jane, Brendan, Hayden, Michael Steven (Cooper), Rachel, Adrienne (Mike), Olivia, Ileana and Eagan. He had a special love for his great-grandchildren, twins, Dale Joseph & Kade Ryan, Everett, Merritt, Hadley, Lincoln, and Mack with many more expected.
He was predeceased by his sister Teresa, leaving behind a brother Peter, and many nieces and nephews.
Ed and Jane were snowbirds for nine years in Vero Beach. In 2011, they became owners of a home in The Villages, Central Florida. He became a member of the Community of Buttonwood Heights, taking up golf actively and joining St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. He became a 4th-degree Knight and a member of the Color Guard. He also was a member of the YesterYear Club and enjoyed with much pleasure his golf cart.
To sum up his life: he was a true believer in his Catholic religion, a great teacher, a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He formed many friendships in New Jersey and Florida. He will be sadly and greatly missed.
A memorial mass will be held in the Villages, Florida on December 5 at 2:00 p.m. at St.
Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. 5323 E CR 462, Wildwood, Fl 34785.
In lew of flowers a donation to charities: Morris County Park Commission, Morris County.
St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Council 13300 Wildwood Florida, 32162.
Letter to the Editor: NJ DEP Issues Violation Notices to Puddingstone Development for Wetland Disturbance
Dear Editor:
Notices of Violation have been issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to Puddingtone Developers, LLC for unauthorized disturbance to freshwater wetlands and a transition area.
The WLM’s Bureau of Coastal and Land Use Compliance and Enforcement conducted an investigation in response to incident reports regarding alleged unauthorized activities within regulated areas at 35-47 Beverly Stand 59 Koch Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills. The Notices were issued in mid-September as the result of the investigation.
In early spring, large piles of soil from the development at the end of Beverly Street were discovered pouring down the mountainside in streams onto the adjacent property of Greystone Psychiatric Hospital.
Limited efforts were made to fix silt fences by the developer. A state-identified vernal pool was filled with sediment and a large freshwater reservoir with a tributary to the North Branch Whippany Watershed was completely muddied. Meanwhile, an NJDEP-capped landfill that had not been touched for 30 years was gullied. The estimate for the remediation is undetermined at this time but is in the seven-figure range according to an engineer for the Department of Human Services.
Puddingstone Developers LLC is part of the Mossberg family and Wilf developers with a long record of questionable building history and ethics in Parsippany Township. Long-time residents of Parsippany who do not share the same love of community impact on the environment and fellow neighbors’ welfare.
Since April 2023, the Puddingstone neighborhoods have collectively been campaigning to Save the Ridge from Puddingtone Developers LLC extension of a creeping subdivision located behind Greystone Psychiatric Hospital and the Morris County Police and Fire Training Academy.
If the Zoning Board of Adjustments approves the C Variance, one of the few densely forested areas left in Parsippany will continue to be demolished, Puddingstone Heights residents maintain.
“It is of the public interest for the board to seriously consider the overwhelmingly negative feedback and concerns over safety in the neighborhood — underscoring the seriousness of their decision, and the liability and culpability of any detrimental outcome on this board — which will be enthusiastically voiced in any such event to any platform warranted,” said resident, Guy Lehman.
In fact, at the first Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing in April, the attendance was over the meeting room capacity and had to be rescheduled to a larger venue. At the July hearing at Parsippany Hills High School, Puddingstone Developers LLC came ill-prepared as their revised plans had not been submitted. The ZBA continued with the meeting questioning the engineer based on outdated 2003 plans. Revised plans were not submitted until 10 days before the September hearing.
What the audience learned at the following hearings is up to individual interpretation as the reason for the developer’s request for a C Variance changes with each ZBA hearing.
At the hearings in July and September, the reason for variance was better marketability for two homes to be built with slightly bigger backyards. In October, the land-use planner stated it was to create a “balance” as his plan would create an ecotone. An ecotone will be created on the steep slope after 372 mature trees are removed only to be replaced by 2-inch-caliber trees that will first be maintained by the Township of Parsippany and then by the new homeowners.
Will the ecotone be able to control the storm waste and intermittent streams that flow like rivers off the mountainside? After the trees are trucked out of this residential neighborhood 2,000 trucks carrying 32,000 cubic yards of questionable dumping of soil from local construction projects to level the mountainside to create a football-sized ledge to build two homes with 400-foot driveways.
The developer is requesting a variance to build on a steep slope that is 5 times the amount that the township steep slope ordinance allows. The developer’s EcolScience study had recently expired and had no intent to provide a letter of interpretation from the NJDEP or permit concerning the purposed regulated activity in and around freshwater wetlands.
When the developer’s engineer was pressed about stormwater management plans, soil erosion, and future damage to the neighborhood properties above and continued damage to the wetlands and Greystone Hospital property below the audience members were repeatedly told by the developer’s attorney “We are only discussing the two building lots”.
“Every property owner has the right to develop their land, but land use laws are put in place to ensure that development occurs responsibly, in a way that looks out for the environment and the good of the broader community,” said Diana Buffum, another area resident. “This developer wants to ignore those rules, just to make more money.”
A vote for the developer’s variance request jeopardizes the mountainside, according to the concerned residents from Puddingstone Ridge, and its neighbors above and below, which the developer’s attorney refuses to address.
Parsippany Township is at risk for future damages to the North Branch Whippany Watershed and the responsibility for the destruction of the wetlands and Greystone Psychiatric Hospital grounds, the resident group contends. The Zoning Board’s vote will determine the future topography of the Watnong mountainside and a landscape forever changed.
“We support responsible development so that people can coexist with the environment, without causing irreparable harm,” said Chris Venezia.
The next meeting on this issue with an opportunity for statements from the public will be Wednesday, November 29 when the Parsippany Zoning Board of Adjustments convenes at 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany High School, 40 Baldwin Road.
Jes Becker
PCC Kids
Club Puddingstone Action Team
Letter to the Editor: Questions Arise Over Parsippany Officials’ Understanding of Ecology in Puddingstone Development Controversy
Dear Editor:
Have Parsippany Officials performed any due diligence in their knowledge and applications of The Sciences of Ecology? Especially the ecotone scam, and our water future?
Understanding ecology is to safeguard the environment and improve human well-being. To refer to themselves as “Puddingstone Developers LLC” is absurd. This is an antithesis to the Puddingstone Ridge Corporation of the original founding community.
The developer produced NO EXPERTS in the required fields, Ecology, Hydrology, Forestry. In his fantasy of ecotones, and destroying an established forested area, to make it better. Planners and Engineers in the service of LL are not; experts in this testimony, as was obvious.
Developers’ presumption of ecotone balance, or as stated a better landscape after a major disturbance; erasing a sensitive landscape would be laughable to anyone with a basic knowledge of ecology.
The Board itself prevented Due Diligence in rejecting Advanced Property Reports/ Advanced Scientific Data made available for such Boards, and the Public concerning the properties’ inherent characteristics. We should not be concerned with Ecotones, (a misused term in this situation) but Ecosystem Services and functions that will be lost to the detriment of the Township. Established Maturing Tree Species, Original Landscape Biodiversity, Groundwater Recharge, A remaining unique neighborhood.
In addition, we must state that Groundwater Recharge cannot be ignored as O’Neil stated, Parsippany has the highest water deficit between 1-7.11 Million gallons a day. (The Block Lots are majority GWRA. Block 45.10 6.70 acres (59.37%) Lot 11 3.03 acres 99.55%)-(These areas will be erased and surely severely degraded, and their ecosystem services gone) ( The disturbance will surely have some additional impacts on the areas overall recharge phenomena )
Page 64 Master Plan.
A water allocation permit from the NJDEP is required for the diversion of
large amounts of groundwater for long periods of time.12 The Township has an NJDEP permit for up to 2,900 million gallons per year and uses about 80% of that amount within capacity limits of daily water supply. To conserve water Parsippany limits the number of days when residents and businesses may water their lawns from the start of June until the end of September each year.
* Note according to Highlands data most of Parsippany is in a water deficit area. The deficit is somewhere between 1 and 7.11 MGD. The most stressed category of water deficit in the Highlands. Part of the problem in addition to over-development/impervious surface, failure to protect GWRA in the past, depletion, (leaks), consumption (lawn culture), groundwater is withdrawn and then conveyed to the downstream sewer treatment plant, where it flows down the Rockaway River and is no longer available to recharge the aquifer, What is called water mining.
Tree Ground Cover and Soil Erased? Making it Better by Destroying a Landscape. another ecological impossibility; laughable.
At the very least Shelter-Wood Forestry Method should be applied, not the total erasing of trees, soils, and groundcover biota. (the animal and plant life of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.)
How can a major development asking for a hardship, suddenly change that position, and allege that their major development is a balance; that Ecotone can be better than a natural landscape or life in harmony with the Puddingstone Community?
The proposed major development is a Monstrosity ignoring and disregarding Master Plan Goals and Objectives Six are violated/ignored: 1-2 -7-10-11-12. (which in the time allotted cannot be read and emphasized)
3 minutes for concerned citizens to defend their Homeland, while a rich corporate developer has all the time necessary. Pride in Parsippany is just three words? We shall see.