During the Veterans Day event, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Michael dePierro served as the master of ceremonies.
PARSIPPANY — A significant gathering of veterans, their families, and friends assembled to partake in the commemorative event, on Saturday, November 11 in Veteran’s Memorial Park. Among the attendees were notable figures such as County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella. Siobhan Mary Fuller-McConnell, a Gold Star Mother, was also in attendance.
Council President Loretta Gragnani then presented “The Nobel and the Brave: A Veteran’s Day Tribute.”
Council Vice President Michael J. dePierro, who is also a veteran, effectively led the ceremony, donning his service cap and a VFW jacket with pride.
The ceremony commenced with a striking Presentation of Colors by the Color Guards from the American Legion Post 249 and VFW Post 10184. This was followed by a moving invocation from Deacon Len Deo of St. Ann’s RC Church and the National Anthem, elegantly sung by local Parsippany resident Michelle Musolino-Roberts.
Deacon Len Deo of St. Ann’s RC Church
Abigail Thurkauf from Troop 95089 and Emma Sikora from Troop 97445 led the pledge of allegiance. Subsequently, Councilman DePierro delivered his introductory remarks and welcomed Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, who gave a heartfelt and engaging welcome address. Kelli Doucette, speaking on behalf of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. Council President Loretta Gragnani then presented “The Nobel and the Brave: A Veteran’s Day Tribute.”
Kelli Doucette, speaking on behalf of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill
Father David Pickins, Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Church, offered a poignant “Prayer of Remembrance.” The ceremony’s solemnity continued with the “Laying of the Wreaths,” conducted by Mark Miller, Commander of VFW Post 10184, and Bruce Michels, Senior Vice-Commander of American Legion Post 249.
National Anthem, elegantly sung by local Parsippany resident Michelle Musolino-Roberts.
Highlighting the event, Parsippany High School student Dominick Caponegro played the Taps, and Councilman dePierro read “Just a Common Soldier,” a poem that resonates deeply on such occasions, paying homage to all veterans. As the event neared its conclusion, attendees enjoyed a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America” by Parsippany Hills High School students Jaylan Royal and Sophia Dourdoulakis.
Dominick Caponegro played the Taps
Councilman dePierro wrapped up the ceremonies with the “Retirement of Colors,” performed once again by the Color Guards of American Legion Post 249 and VFW Post 10184. This event served as a poignant reminder of Veterans Day’s significance, a day to honor and express gratitude towards America’s service members, past and present, for their unwavering patriotism, love of country, and dedication to serving and sacrificing for the greater good.
Abigail Thurkauf from Troop 95089 and Emma Sikora from Troop 97445 led the pledge of allegiance“God Bless America” by Parsippany Hills High School students Jaylan Royal and Sophia Dourdoulakis“Laying of the Wreaths,” conducted by Mark Miller, Commander of VFW Post 10184, and Bruce Michels, Senior Vice-Commander of American Legion Post 249.“Laying of the Wreaths,” conducted by Mark Miller, Commander of VFW Post 10184, and Bruce Michels, Senior Vice-Commander of American Legion Post 249.Flags waved gracefully over Veterans Memorial Park.
Mark Miller, Troy Hills VFW Post 10184, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and Brigadier General John T. Reim, Commanding General Picatinny Arsenal
MORRIS COUNTY — On November 9, a special ceremony was hosted by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Esq., to honor commanders from the American Legion.
Morris County Sheriff’s Honor Guard presented the flags to begin the event and Sheriff James Gannon led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Monsignor John Hart of Assumption Parish in Morristown officiated at the invocation.
The event recognized several individuals:
Dominick Sabol, Sr., Vice Commander of Morris County American Legion
Norus Achmetov from American Legion Post 59
Angel E. Soto from Randolph VFW Post 7333
James M. Koons of American Legion Post 59
Joseph Ostrowski from American Legion Post 43
Russell Jenkins, American Legion Post 423
Anthony Scozzafava, Boonton VFW Post 242
Ken Hanzl of Montville VFM Post 5481, serving as Morris County District Commander and National Aide-de-Camp
Michael K. Murphy, Jefferson VFW Post 564
Thomas Miller, RC Gulick VFW Post 5351
Stanley Demby, American Legion Post 91
Herman S. Marmon, American Legion Post 421
Kevin Killingback, American Legion Post 390
Donald Doty, American Legion Post 245
William F. Freeman, upcoming Commandant of USMA League D Detachment
Harold Liberatore, American Legion Post 279
Mark Miller, Troy Hills VFW Post 10184
Wayne Stine from George P. Siek, VFW Post 8096.
Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office
Joe Garifo, Former Public Information Director at Morris County Government, acted as the event’s monitor. The speakers included Brigadier General John T. Reim, Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Ken Hanzl. Ann Grossi and Brigadier General Reim presented certificates to the honorees. Additional Citations were also provided by Senator Joseph Pennacchio and Senator Anthony Bucco.
Joe Garifo
The ceremony concluded with Natalia Fragomeni’s rendition of “God Bless America.”
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Brigadier General John T. Reim, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Jack Ambrose, Chief Warrant Officer at Morris County Sheriff
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen was irate after discovering veterans in state-run facilities are begging for soap and other basic necessities while lawmakers spent lavishly on last-minute pork projects in the state budget passed in June.
“This is a stark and shameful reflection of skewed priorities and neglect,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “When the state is spending at historic levels, veterans in its care shouldn’t have to resort to panhandling to meet their basic needs.”
Bergen, a U.S. Army combat veteran, took issue with three wish lists posted on the state-run websites of the state veteran homes in Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus, which currently house 574 veterans. Donations of soap, deodorant, bed linens, denture care supplies, t-shirts, and tissues, among other basic care items, are being sought.
In September, The U.S Department of Justice and State Commission of Investigation issued reports documenting insufficient controls and medical care at the Menlo Park and Paramus facilities during the pandemic, which killed at least 200 residents.
“You’d think that after back-to-back scathing reports, there would be a better effort by the Murphy administration,” he continued. “None of this would break the bank for the state to provide.”
Bergen emphasized that the disparity between the lavish state spending and the distressing plea for donations at the state homes was not just a failure but an outrage.
“Democrats hailed the state budget as a ‘statement of their values,’” said Bergen. “But in a state where historic expenditure seems to be the norm, the neglect and dire situation faced by those who have bravely served their country is an unconscionable travesty.”
Bergen emphasized that more than $1.5 billion was directed to Democrat legislative pet projects in the final weeks before the $54.3 billion state budget was adopted. The list includes $12 million for a French museum in Jersey City, $4 million for the Sewaren marina in Woodbridge, and a $500,000 dog park in Rahway.
Shortly after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the budget, Woodbridge officials announced that a 215-seat tiki bar would be part of the Sewaren marina project, which would largely be funded with state grants.
“All you have to do is look at the Democrats’ checkbook to figure out their priorities,” continued Bergen. “While our soldiers beg for sweatpants, the state is constructing a tiki bar catering exclusively to yacht owners. That certainly doesn’t make New Jersey stronger or fairer.”
For now, Bergen is urging immediate intervention.
“It’s high time we honor our commitment to those who have selflessly served our nation,” Bergen concluded. “I implore the state to swiftly reevaluate its priorities and ensure our veterans receive the dignity and care they have rightfully earned.”
PARSIPPANY —Last Tuesday, the Parsippany Council race initially saw Carifi, McGraft, and Kandil leading.
However, mail-in and provisional votes, counted on Wednesday, November 15, brought a significant change.
With 303 mail-in and 211 provisional ballots tallied, unofficial results indicate that Democrat Judy Hernandez has now edged ahead of Adam Kandil by one vote.
Paul Carifi, Jr. 4,642 Matt McGrath 4,568 Judy Hernandez 4,529 Adam Kandil 4,527 Matt Kavanagh 4,438 Bernard Clarkin 4,390
The current leading candidates are Paul Carifi, Jr., Matt McGraft, and Judy Hernandez. This could be the first Democratic win in Parsippany since 2017 when they won the mayoral race and two council seats. The mayor, Michael Soriano, lost his seat in a rematch with his predecessor, James Barberio.
Parsippany Focus has learned that the Morris County Republican Club will be challenging the results. We will update as information becomes available.
Local residents fill the Council chambers, keenly observing as Parsippany Council members engage in an animated discussion about the proposed PILOT projects
PARSIPPANY —Most of Thursday, November 9th’s Parsippany Council meeting focused on discussions about three proposed PILOT projects. PILOT, an acronym for Payments in Lieu of Taxes, relates to development incentives offered to developers.
The areas targeted for redevelopment are 2 and 3 Campus Drive and also 249 Pomeroy Road. The Campus Drive locations would potentially include residential housing. Pomeroy Road would be a potential warehouse.
“The office market is not going to pick up until 2035”, stated Mayor Barberio when he addressed the potential PILOT projects. PILOTs are a tool the state legislatures gave municipalities to help with economic development and help with redevelopment projects, he explained.
Councilman Musella rebutted, saying that he objects to the process and the lack of information presented to the Council. “The Financial Plan Agreement in Exhibit A is completely blank,” he noted.
Former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino took the microphone in the public commentary section of the meeting to explain to the public what PILOT projects are and why they can be a benefit to the town. He stated to meeting attendees and council members that these PILOT projects will not affect the school budget. He stated that schools are protected and that these PILOTS will not impact the school budget.
After Inglesino concluded, Councilman Frank Neglia thanked him and told him that he was very happy with his explanation and that he learned a lot from his presentation.
The motion to introduce the PILOT projects on the agenda was passed 4-1 with Musella being the lone vote against it.
PARSIPPANY —Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced an amendment to the FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill prohibiting the Internal Revenue Service from interfering in state and local tax (SALT) relief programs for hard-working, middle-class families. New Jersey was among the first states to provide such tax relief before their initiative was struck down by the IRS in 2019.
“The SALT cap is an unfair double tax on middle-class families that imposes billions of dollars in additional costs on New Jersey residents and makes it harder for our state to invest in critical services, such as public education and law enforcement,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I have consistently fought to make New Jersey a more affordable place to live and my amendment will allow states and localities to develop innovative policies that provide SALT relief and cut taxes for families by preventing the IRS from unjustly interfering in state-level SALT legislation.”
The House Republican majority abruptly pulled the FSGG appropriations bill from consideration Thursday morning.
In 2017, the GOP’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposed a harmful double tax and one of the largest marriage penalties in the tax code by capping the state and local tax deductions at $10,000 per household. In response, states such as New Jersey developed policies to provide tax relief to families by expanding access to the federal charitable deduction and helping small business owners to deduct their full SALT at the entity level. However, the IRS issued new regulatory guidance in 2019 restricting states from implementing these policies.
In May 2022, Rep. Sherrill led several of her House colleagues in a letter urging the House Appropriations Committee to include language in the FY 2023 Appropriations bill prohibiting the IRS from putting restrictions on SALT relief delivered by state and local governments. In July 2022, she also introduced an amendment to the House appropriations package preventing the IRS from restricting the ability of state and local governments to enact SALT relief. As part of her Jersey STRONG agenda, she also introduced the bipartisan Middle-Class Tax Relief Act in January 2023, which substantially raises the SALT deduction cap and fully eliminates the cap for 99% of NJ-11 families.
I am responding to the absurd letter to the editor written by Sam Labkovsky. Having served as a Councilman, Mayor, Freeholder, Township attorney, planning board attorney, zoning board of adjustment attorney, municipal redevelopment attorney, and developer’s attorney over the past 32 years, I think I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two. One thing I know for sure is that when you can’t talk about the issues, you through mud at the people. That’s what Mr. Labkovsky’s letter is designed to do. I don’t know Mr. Labkovsky’s educational or professional background because he didn’t provide them. But I suspect he would have showcased them if he had any credentials to support the absurdity of his commentary.
I comment here as a Parsippany resident, voter, and as a 14-year business owner in the Township. The views expressed are mine and not those of my clients. The fact is that Parsippany is going to see big tax increases if it doesn’t repurpose its vacant and obsolete office and industrial buildings into revenue-generating properties. Such should be self-evident. Parsippany needs revenue! If market forces on their own would fix the problem, then it would have been fixed. The fact is that these challenges are not new, and Parsippany needs to be proactive and do something to transform these properties. Otherwise, hold onto your wallets – because taxes will skyrocket.
It is precisely instances when the market doesn’t produce the desired results that NJ has programs through the NJ Redevelopment and Housing Law, and the Long-Term Tax Exemption Law, to assist the town in attracting projects that will transform blighted properties into revenue-generating, job-creating, and amenity-making properties which benefit Parsippany taxpayers. Other municipalities have successfully used these programs to great advantage for their communities. That’s what the Mayor and majority of the Council are doing – using existing laws and proven economic development programs to increase revenues into town hall so that taxes don’t skyrocket.
I spoke out at the November 9th Council meeting on PILOTS. I will not go through that again here. You can watch for yourself on the Township’s website (or click here). I also wrote an article about this subject which was published in the April 2022 edition of the Parsippany Focus. Read it! (Click here to read the article on Page 18)
Rather than addressing the merits of the issues, Mr. Ladkovsky opted to engage in the tried and true method of political smear. Regrettably, this method has had some success in Parsippany. But, I’m no longer constrained because I don’t sit on the Council dais. As such, I will engage and challenge the political mudslingers. Let’s up the level of debate. Let’s discuss what’s in Parsippany’s best interest and stop the juvenile political smear games.
Once again, under Mayor Barberio’s “leadership,” it was forward to the past at last week’s Town Council meeting.
On the agenda was Barberio’s latest proposed sweetheart deal calling for 3 PILOTS (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) desperately wanted, and in fact, demanded by developers who appear to be frothing at the bit to build two apartment complexes and a warehouse on what the Mayor derisively calls distressed and blighted Parsippany locations. No doubt these properties are in need of development and could provide an opportunity to increase the town’s ratables but to suggest that the only way those properties will be developed is by caving into the developers demanding PILOTS is sheer chicanery.
If the Town Council caves into the developer’s self-serving demands, the developers will then be able to reduce their Parsippany property taxes by 60% and the 40% they will actually have to pay will go to the municipality and not to the separately tax-funded town entities such as Parsippany’s schools, fire districts and libraries.
What does that mean to Parsippany taxpayers? Well for one thing if, as is likely, families with school-age children, move into the two proposed apartment complexes, then the millions of dollars that will be required to expand the already crowded schools and provide the additional staff will have to come from Parsippany’s tax paying residents with not a cent coming from the developers.
At the Town Council meeting a number of facts became readily apparent:
Fact #1: Councilman Paul Carifi had the audacity to state that he would personally ensure that the schools, libraries, and fire districts would not be negatively impacted by the PILOTS. That suggests that Mr. Carifi is woefully ignorant of Parsippany’s tax structure and/or is cavalierly dismissive of Parsippany’s already overtaxed residents.
Fact#2: Councilman Frank Neglia who should have known better fell all over himself praising John Inglesino, the developers’ highly paid attorney. Of all of the Council members Mr Neglia, a former Board of Education member and past Board President, should have had the guts to stand up to Mr. Inglesino and ask the tough questions that needed to be asked. Mr Neglia’s failure to do so only reinforces the widespread belief that he is under the Mayor’s control and is not independently committed to serving the best interests of Parsippany residents.
Fact#3: Councilman dePierro was absolutely giddy about the prospect of the PILOTS and couldn’t seem to control himself from frequently interjecting his pro-PILOT comments when Councilman Musella was trying to get clarification from Mr. Inglesino. One can only wonder why Mr. DePierro is so intent on burnishing his now-tarnished legacy of enabling Mayor Barberio’s self-serving practices and policies.
Fact#4 The casually dressed John Inglesino is back out in the open in Parsippany salivating at another chance to add to the millions of taxpayer dollars he was paid by Barberio when Mr. Inglesino was Parsippany’s Township Attorney. This is the same John Inglesino, who was brought up on Ethics Complaints by the previously mentioned Councilman Carifi.
Fact#5: Speaking of town attorneys, Mr. Michael Lavery, the current Township Attorney, was absolutely silent throughout and after Mr. Inglesino’s pro-PILOT and anti-Parsippany presentations.
Fact#5: The fix is in. With Carifi, Neglia, and dePierro already signaling their support for the PILOTs and with Barberio and Inglesino once again partnering to line the lawyer’s pockets and the Mayor’s campaign coffers, what chance do the residents of Parsippany have of defeating the PILOTS?
Absolutely none unless those residents make their voices heard above the din of the self-serving greed and ignorance of Parsippany’s Mayor and his rubber stamps on the Town Council.
PARSIPPANY — The competition for the Parsippany Board of Education was intense, featuring 11 candidates vying for just three available seats. Cassandra Cogan withdrew from the race upon her acceptance into the “European Master in Global Studies” (EMGS) program.
Newcomer Wendy Wright emerged as the leading vote-receiver, with Timothy Berrios and Andy Choffo securing the subsequent spots.
Matthew DeVitto and Kendra Von Achen’s terms end on December 31 as well as Deborah Orme, who chose not to seek re-election.
The board is made up of nine members who are appointed or elected by registered voters of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. Board members are residents of Parsippany and are elected to serve three-year terms. The nine members also elect a Board President and Vice-President by a majority vote.
Editors Note: Results are unofficial. Early Voting and Initial Mail-In Ballots Counted and await Final Mail-In and Provisional Ballot Results.
I am a more than 22-year Parsippany resident who doesn’t attend Council or other municipal meetings. However, I participated in the November 9th Council meeting called with very little notice, and I now suspect the last-minute nature of the gathering was to keep as many residents in the dark as possible about a pending construction development deal that will cost taxpayers millions. This meeting reminded me of what happened one year ago when the issue of PLA was discussed.
I can call it PLA Part 2.
The meeting’s order of business was the establishment of a long-term tax exemption plan for three “Payment in Lieu of Taxes” (better known as PILOTs) to certain developers looking to build two large-scale apartment complexes and one warehouse in town. In short, the Mayor-sponsored measure up for approval is nothing more than taxpayer-funded development that will unleash a deteriorating quality of life, higher local taxes, and strained municipal services.
At the beginning of this last-minute meeting, Mayor Barberio argued how wonderful this project is and how important it is to support developers during these economic times.
The Mayor contends Parsippany has no future without his taxpayer-funding arrangement and without providing the Council or constituents with any credible and supportive facts or figures. He just offered fear-based statements and empty promises of benefit at the meeting.
After Mayor Barberio’s pitch, John Inglesino reiterated the same previous basic talking points the Mayor delivered.
As a resident who never goes to municipal meetings, I didn’t really know who Mr. Inglesino was at the meeting, but one thing was clear to me: He is no stranger to the Barberio and Carifi clan.
Mr. Inglesino gave evasive answers to specific questions from Councilman Justin Musella and tried to convince everyone that everything would be good for Parsippany’s future and its residents if the deal was approved by the Council.
While the other council people kowtowed to the Mayor’s sales pitch, only Justin Musella raised smart questions and tried to understand how good this project could be for residents. All other Councilors didn’t make one peep, they just bobbed their heads in agreement – I’m interested WHY???
After Barberio and Inglesino’s marketing presentation, residents present were allowed to speak. Residents had A LOT of comments and questions:
1) Why is it necessary to give developers a break from taxes while township residents struggle to keep up with annual tax increases?
2) Why does this need to be done so quickly?
All attending residents and Councilman Musella voiced suspicion and disagreement with the Mayor’s burdensome initiative. And again, the Mayor could not give one substantive, clear, fact-backed answer to any of our questions.
I still kept asking myself why would a Republican, self-proclaimed fiscal disciplined mayor impose something so burdensome upon his constituents. Then, I later learned that Mr. Inglesino was the “shadow Mayor” and Parsippany township attorney working under Barberio between 2010-2018.
Come on Mayor Barberio and complicit Council members Carifi, Neglia, dePierro, and Gragnani, you must do better for your residents than to prioritize political operatives and your connected friends over the welfare of your residents.
I urge all Parsippany residents to stop what they’re are doing and voice opposition to this taxpayer-funded project that Mayor Barberio is trying to shove down our throats for the sake of YOUR future ability to afford to stay in town.
This measure will hit your wallets like a bulldozer for years to come —long after residents are able to vote these entrenched, self-serving council people out.
Please attend the Tuesday, November 21 Council meeting at 7 pm to say NO to developer giveaways!
MORRIS COUNTY — Repairing OUR World – United Against Hate kicks off United Against Hate week featuring the screening of the riveting documentary, “Repairing the World – Stories from the Tree of Life” which will be held on Sunday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Adath Shalom, 841 Mountain Way, Morris Plains. The event is co-sponsored by more than 15 synagogues, churches, Morris County Human Relations Commission, Diversity Council of Morris County, Parsippany Interfaith Council, and Randolph PEACE.
As the Pittsburgh community was experiencing grief and fear, neighbors came together, drawing upon connections to meet fear with courage, adopting the slogan “Stronger than Hate”. A diverse community worked to heal from the impacts of antisemitism, racism, hate speech, etc. The film gives voice to a multi-faith, multicultural cross-section of Pittsburgh survivors, family members, leaders, and community members to show the power of unity in crisis.
The powerful program features a story of hope and how we can do something to stop the spread of hate in our local communities where united we can effectively make a change that can be felt in people’s lives. It is a beautiful redefinition of what it means to be a good neighbor and community member.
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.
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.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting was held on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. 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
About six weeks ago I heard a rumor that the office-to-apartment projects at 2-3 Campus Drive would be applying for a Payment-In-Lieu-Of-Taxes (PILOT) agreement and that the announcement would be deliberately withheld until after the general election so that it would not become a campaign issue. As evidenced by Thursday night’s PILOT ordinances, the rumor was right on the money.
Parsippany has already had one experience with residential PILOTs, which is Stanberry and the final result was a disaster. The current mayor and two of the current council members were not in office during the final Stanberry deliberations. So, for your benefit and as a reminder to the three council members who were present, I’d like to start off with a little history, and then review some of the things that we learned about residential PILOTs.
After all of the discussion about the PILOT agreement for the Stanberry project had been completed, the administration, the council, and the public finally realized that the Township of Parsippany was being taken advantage of. However, to everyone’s great disappointment, the council reluctantly approved that PILOT by a 4-1 margin. The four council members voting yes made it clear that they did not vote for approval on the merits of the agreement, but rather, out of fear of litigation. The only positive thing that came out of this fiasco was that the former Business Administrator, Keith Kazmark, announced publicly at the February 19, 2019, town council meeting that the administration and the council attended a meeting where developers were explicitly told that PILOTs will no longer be considered for residential properties in Parsippany.
PILOTs are drafted by the developer’s attorney, and every complex clause contained in the PILOT is designed to reduce the developer’s property taxes as much as the township will bear, usually by 50% or more. In the case of Stanberry, Parsippany could have received over 60 million dollars more in tax revenue over 30 years if the property were assessed according to conventional means.
We also found out during the Stanberry negotiations that the terms of the PILOT are constructed to achieve a specific profit margin or above for the developer, and that Parsippany is expected to agree to terms that will guarantee that profit margin. On several occasions, Parsippany asked for a certain clause to be modified but was rebuffed because it would reduce the developer’s profit margin to an unacceptable level.
Another thing we learned is that the developer does not accept any degree of risk in the PILOT. Who can forget the council meeting where Parsippany proposed a change to the PILOT, and the developer’s spokesman openly stated that they will not accept any conditions that involve potential risk? I thought Councilmember Carifi wanted to strangle the guy as he voiced what everyone in the audience was thinking, “Oh, I see, it’s OK for Parsippany to take risks in the PILOT, but not for the developer”.
If you haven’t yet been convinced how one-sided PILOTs are in favor of the developer, I’ll give you one more example. About six months after the PILOT was agreed to, Stanberry announced to the council that market conditions had changed and they needed additional favorable terms in the PILOT, threatening litigation if Parsippany did not approve them. In the end, Parsippany gave them what they wanted.
Because there are affordable housing units involved, the courts require Parsippany to provide the zoning changes necessary to build the development project at 2-3 Campus Drive. Parsippany has complied, thus avoiding the possibility of a builder’s remedy lawsuit. The courts also permit the developer to ask for a PILOT, but (and this is a key point), the governing body is under no legal obligation to grant one.
The Stanberry PILOT was an embarrassment for two mayors, the council, and the taxpayers of Parsippany. It will cost the township in the neighborhood of 60 million dollars in lost revenue over a 30-year period. With all of the budget problems, Parsippany cannot afford to repeat that mistake. Stop giving away the taxpayer’s money and kill all of these PILOT ordinances on the first reading.
MORRIS COUNTY — If you need to renew your driver’s license and registration, and don’t want to make a trip to the local DMV, no worries. An upcoming visit from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s (NJMVC) mobile unit at the Morris County Library will give residents the chance to do these tasks and more.
The MVC “Agency on Wheels” will be available on November 20. The unit will be at the library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Morris County Library is located at 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany. Click here to make an appointment.
The mobile unit has a limit of 40 customers per date with an additional 10 customers to be placed on a standby list. A social security card or 2022 W2 form, current pay stub, or 1099 form are required to participate, as well as six points of ID.
Some services that will be available include:
Driver Licenses – The Mobile Units provide the opportunity for drivers to renew their license, obtain a duplicate license, change their name or address on their license, add a boat endorsement, add a veteran designation, register to vote, and/or make organ donation selections.
Non-Driver Identification Cards – The Mobile Units can provide residents with photo identification that may then serve as a primary or secondary form of personal ID.
Registrations – Drivers may renew their registration or obtain a duplicate registration card for their vehicle in the Mobile Units.
REAL ID – Mobile units can provide REAL ID to a limited number of customers. Customers who have scheduled appointments for REAL IDs must arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. on the day of the appointment.
License Plates – The Mobile Units allow drivers the option to surrender license plates.
Placards – Drivers may obtain a Persons with a Disability, Purple Heart, or Disabled Veteran placard from the Mobile Units.
Examination Permits – Customers can apply for an examination permit to take a written (law/knowledge) test. However, the written test itself is not available in the Mobile Units
REAL ID appointments are limited and must be scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. only.
Issuance of a REAL ID requires additional proof of identity. Click here to see what to bring to satisfy these requirements.
Commissioner Director Krickus, Mike dePierro, Loretta Gragnani and Commissioner Deputy Director Myers
PARSIPPANY — As the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal program has grown in popularity, the Board of County Commissioners hosted two Veterans Day Observance ceremonies on November 8 and November 9 this year to publicly honor 28 local veterans, who were accompanied by family and friends.
State and federal authorities also issued honors to the former service members at these events, including State Sen. Anthony Bucco (Morris-25) and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (Morris-25), Kellie Doucette, District Director, and Willy Tolba, Veterans and Military Affairs Liaison of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s Office. State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (Morris-26) and U.S. Rep. Tom Kean also sent “Citations of Commendations and Praise” that were issued to each veteran at both events.
Making this year’s events extra special, Parsippany Council President Loretta Gragnani and Vice President Michael dePierro, who were receiving honors with veteran service, were surprised to discover they were also being honored for many years of dedicated public service to the county.
Gragnani, whose husband, Adam, was posthumously honored for his service as a Navy veteran, is the current president of the Parsippany Township Council after serving on the council for two consecutive terms. In addition, she has served on the Board of Adjustments since 2006 in Parsippany, the township she has resided in for 54 years.
DePierro has spent more than 40 years on the Parsippany Council, which, if coupled with the six years he served on the Parsippany school board, makes him the longest-serving elected official in Morris County who is still active. He is the only Parsippany official to be inducted into the New Jersey State League of Municipalities “Elected Officials Hall of Fame.”
They both plan on officially retiring from public service at the end of the year.
After honoring them at the start of the 7:00 p.m. regular public meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Director John Krickus began the presentation of Distinguished Military Service Medals to Morris County veterans.
Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, Rev. David A. Hollowell, Sr. and Commissioner Director Krickus.
“Of all the titles I have had as an elected official, there is no title I am prouder of than United States Marine… During the time I served, I remember that our Vietnam Veterans were not treated the way they should have been. Thankfully today, I think we have a great widespread respect for our veterans, and I hope that always continues. You can challenge the war, but don’t challenge the warrior; they’re just serving our country,” said Krickus, a Marine Corps veteran.
He also noted that November 10, marks the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
The second ceremony took place on November 9th at the Morris County Veterans Services Office (VSO), where a ribbon cutting was also held to celebrate the opening of a new space for veterans’ services in the county-owned offices at the Morris View Health Care Center off West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township. The added room more than doubles the space available to support veterans and their families.
Commissioner Stephen Shaw, whose father, Robert Kent Shaw, was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, reflected on the significance of the county’s Veteran medal programs.
“I did not know anything about my father’s military service until after he passed away. He was awarded a medal posthumously two years ago, which prompted me to look into his military service and realize what he went through and the sacrifices that he made in Korea,” said Shaw.
“The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation does a phenomenal job researching and compiling information on the county website for a compendium of veterans from Morris County, going back to the Revolutionary War,” Shaw added.
In preparation for the 25th anniversary of the beginning of the War in Afghanistan coming up on October 7, 2026, the Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation invites local soldiers and sailors to participate in its latest Veterans Compendium project.
Group shot of Morris County veterans and public officials
The Honored Veterans in Brief
The late Adam J. Gragnani, Parsippany Troy-Hills Township
A veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era, he enlisted in February 1962 and served until October 1966.
Michael J. dePierro, Parsippany Troy-Hills Township
Served with the U.S. Air Force from October 1959 to August 1962 during the Vietnam War era, training elite servicemen in single-sideband communications systems before their units went into combat in Vietnam.
The late Frank C. Cestone, Denville
Served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1950 until 1954, specializing in metal smithing and rigging. He worked aboard a blimp, Airship Squadron Three, one of the Navy’s “lighter-than-air” units.
Jesse William Christmas, Hanover Township
Served in the U.S. Air Force from August 2011 to September 2014 during the Global War on Terror as a cyber transport systems specialist.
Javier Colon, Town of Boonton
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mr. Colon deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq for the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom during the 12 years he has served with the National Guard. He was called up via President Proclamation to serve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael N. Cutter, Morristown
A U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, he was on active duty from 1962 to 1965, before transferring to the Reserves and continuing to serve until 1968.
Kimberly S. Dean, Chester Township
A veteran of the U.S. Army, she served from April 1998 until her retirement in July 2023. She is a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, having served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Kevin M. Enriquez, Riverdale
A Marine, he served during the Global War on Terror from September 2012 until September 2016.
John “Jack” F. Haren, Morris Plains
Served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from April 1970 to June 1975 as a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
David A. Hollowell, Sr., Morris Township
A Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Army from February 1966 to February 1968, he supported the Army Geospatial Center as a computer programmer and systems analyst.
Stanley A. Kasiski, Hanover Township
A Vietnam veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968, he served on active duty until 1970 when he transferred to the U.S. Army National Guard. His career in the National Guard spanned 23 years.
William Klimczuk, Mount Olive
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served on active duty from October 1996 to 1999, with additional time in the Reserves until 2003. He served in El Salvador and in Operation Enduring Freedom during the Global War on Terrorism.
The Late Edward William Klingener, Sr., Town of Boonton
A Vietnam-era Veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965 before he transferred to the Reserves. He served at the Boca Chica Marina at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Key West, Fla., and rescued a man while serving on a crash crew during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was attached to the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW11) in North Island, Calif., where the squadron did shakedown cruises on the USS Coral Sea and USS Ranger. He was stationed off the coast of Vietnam on the USS Hancock CV-19.
Lemuel C. Leeper-Tilghman, Roxbury Township
A veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard, he served from May 2010 to April 2021 in the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Steven J. Levine, Pequannock
A U.S. Navy veteran, he served during the Vietnam War from June 1964 to September 1967.
Alistair H. Maclennan, Chester Township
Alistair H. Maclennan of Chester Township served in the Marines from 1965 to 1966 before he was honorably discharged.
The late Brian McCluskey, Denville
A Vietnam Veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from April 1972 to September 1977 as a quartermaster in ship navigation.
Robert J. McDonnell, Lincoln Park
A Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Army from September 1966 to August 1968, he served with 1st Signal Brigade, and as operations officer of 37th Signal Battalion. He and other officers with degrees in electrical engineering deployed the Troposcatter Microwave Communications System and other cutting-edge communication technology throughout the U.S. Army I Corps.
The late James L. McElwee, Morris Township
A Vietnam Era Veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 and continued to serve as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard in Morris County for more than two decades.
Damonique Simkins Murray, Dover
A veteran of the Gulf War, she served in the U.S. Army from November 1991 to August 1999.
Jasmine Navarro, Wharton
Jasmine Navarro of Wharton served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and has continued to work as a Department of Defense civilian in South Carolina, Saudi Arabia, Arizona, and currently at Picatinny Arsenal.
Joseph C. Notowicz, Morristown
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during the Vietnam War from March 1967 until March 1970. Serving in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery in Europe, he handled logistical, maintenance, and supply tasks.
Ronald J. Pellegrino, Wharton
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy Reserve, and New York Naval Militia, he served from October 1985 to May 1997, including duty in Panama, during the Cold War and in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He continued to work in the defense sector and as a Department of Defense civilian, now serving at Picatinny Arsenal.
Anthony “Tony” P. Romano, Morris Township
A Vietnam-era Veteran, he served with the U.S. Army on active duty from 1956 to 1958, before he transferred to the Reserves. In July of 1956, aboard a military ship en route to France, he did critical mechanical work as an electrician supporting the military supply line to the front lines.
James Tarsitano, Jr., Jefferson Township
A Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from August 1963 to July 1969, he earned the Air Force Medal 900-3, known as the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, among other accolades.
Louis F. Tremallo, Jr., Morris Township
A Vietnam-era veteran, he served with U.S. Army National Guard’s 112th Field Artillery at Morristown Armory, for six years from July 1969 until July 1975.
Marc Weinberg, Denville
A Vietnam War Veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from May 1966 to February 1969.
The late Warren E. Wilhide, Sr., Morris Township
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954, stationed at Chuncheon Air Base in Korea and with an anti-aircraft battery defending the U.S. Capitol and White House in Washington.
Eslibel Velasquez Ospina alongside poll worker Susan Slaughter
PARSIPPANY — Eslibel Velasquez Ospina, originally from Colombia and having arrived in the United States in 1986, became a U.S. citizen last July. During the General Election on Tuesday, November 7, he experienced casting his vote for the first time in the United States.
Paul Carifi, Jr., Adam Kandil, and Matt McGrath Gather at Lake Parsippany Clubhouse on Election Night.
PARSIPPANY — Preliminary counts show Republicans Paul Carifi, Adam Kandil, and Matt McGrath ahead in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council contest against Democrats Judy Hernandez, Bernard Clarkin, and Matt Kavanagh.
Party
Candidate
Votes
Republican
Paul Carifi, Jr.
4,464
Matt McGrath
4,403
Adam Kandil
4,353
Democrat
Judy Hernandez
4,233
Matt Kavanagh
4,140
Bernie Clarkin
4,101
•November 9 is the deadline for receipt by the County Board of Elections of Mail-in Ballots by delivery of the USPS that do not bear a postmark of delivery.
•November 13 is the deadline for receipt of timely mailed postmarked Mail-in Ballots to the County Board of Elections.
•November 18 is the deadline for receipt of Cure forms by the County Board of Elections.
•November 22 is the meeting of the Board of Canvassers.
•November 27 is the deadline for the County Clerk to transmit the Official General Election results to the Secretary of State.
Editors Note: Results are unofficial. Early Voting and Initial Mail-In Ballots Counted and await Final Mail-In and Provisional Ballot Results.
