Thursday, November 14, 2024
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Parsippany honors those who served on Veterans Day

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Third Graders, led by Mrs. Danielle Hazel, Troy Hills Elementary School

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s American Legion Posts 249 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10184 held their annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11 (eleventh month, eleventh day, eleventh hour) at Veterans Memorial Park, Parsippany. Bruce Michels, Commander of Post 249, led the ceremony.

The Presentation of the Colors by the Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band, led by Mr. Joshua Jenkins performed “Fairest of the Fair,” during the opening of the Veterans Day ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46, followed by the Invocation by Rev. Msgr. Herbert K. Tillyer, from Saint Peter the Apostle Church.

The ceremony was presented by American Legion Post 249 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10184.

The National Anthem was performed by Mrs. Michelle Musolino-Roberts and the Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band, led by Mr. Joshua Jenkins.

The Honorable James R. Barberio, Mayor Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills welcomed the guests, said a few words to recognize the importance of this day and extended gratitude to all veterans. Honored guest was Mr. Harry Ettlinger, Educator, Advocate and Famous Monuments Men Member.

The Meaning of Veterans Day was explained by Bill DeGrosky, Past State Chaplain.

Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, CFO Ann Cucci and Jenna Collins performed an Andrew Sisters Medley.

The Veterans Day Poem, written by Cheryl Dyson was read by Eileen M. White, Daughters of American Revolution. “America” was performed by Troy Hills Elementary School third graders.

“A Patriotic Festival was performed by Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band, lead by Mr. Joseph Stella, Band Director. Prayer of Remembrance was by Rabbi Lubin, Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah.

Laying of the Wreaths was by Mr. Bernard McElwee, Commander VFW Post 10184 with honored Veterans Joe Minsavage, American Legion Post 249, Gary Erdman, VFW Post 10184 and Harry L. Ettliner, Monuments Men. Taps were presented by Anthony Paterno, Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Student and Mr. Joseph Stella, Band Director. “God Bless The USA” was performed by Third Graders at All Saints Academy, and led by Mrs. Lisa Gomez. Michelle Musolino-Roberts sang “God Bless America.”

The Benediction was by Rev. Dr. Stacie Turk, First Baptist Community Church. Commander, American Legion Post 249 Bruce Michels concluded the service.

Even though there are special days during the year that commemorate these brave men and women, most other times people don’t give much thought to the sacrifices and dangers that are faced by our troops on a daily basis.

We, as Americans, should always remember that freedom does not come free and that when our liberty is at stake there are brave men and women at the front lines defending our inalienable rights that our forefathers fought so valiantly for.

We all need to love our country and live with pride and always remember that without our veterans our country would not be the great nation it is today. Everyday is a day of remembrance; and should you see a soldier in uniform or a veteran, take the time to tell them thanks for their service, it’s the least we can do.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at intersection of Route 46 and Vail Road.

Parsippany Council inks deal with Waterview Developer; Whole Foods coming to town

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — After years of hearings, votes, and heated negotiations, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to permit a 151,000 square foot shopping center, including a Whole Foods Market on the last vacant lot in the Waterview Office Complex off of Route 46.

Barberio said the urgency of the decision was affected by recent negotiations in which representatives of Whole Foods took part. Those representatives said if the retail development was not approved, they would instead look to occupy the 64,209 square feet Parsippany Pathmark, which is slated to close before Thanksgiving
Barberio said the urgency of the decision was affected by recent negotiations in which representatives of Whole Foods took part. They said if the development was not approved, they would instead look to occupy the 64,209 square feet Parsippany Pathmark, which will close before Thanksgiving

In addition to the nearly 49,000 square foot Whole Foods, the agreement will permit RD Realty, the contract purchaser of the Waterview site, to build a maximum of five buildings, consisting of two partially attached structures and one pad site, which will be a bank.

The rear and western side of the property which totals 10.63 acres will be sold to the Township for $3.5 million. Parsippany will use funds from its Open Space Trust Account to make the purchase.  The area of land the Township will purchase will forever be deed restricted from ever being developed.

“I have fought against that area being developed right from the beginning,” said Council President Paul Carifi Jr., who voted down the proposal in 2013. “Do I like our options? No. I don’t like this being forced down our throat, kind-of. But in talking to a lot of residents in town, if you had the option A or B, which way would you rather go, I don’t think anyone wants 500-plus, 450-minimum, possibly up to 660 apartments, and the strain that would put on our town.”

Township Planner Edward Snieckus, who presented drawn plans for both the retail and housing propoals, noted that the housing could result in a net annual loss of more than $1 million to taxpayers
Township Planner Edward Snieckus, who presented drawn plans for both the retail and housing propoals, noted that the housing could result in a net annual loss of more than $1 million to taxpayers

The resolution included negotiations increasing the size of the buffer. In addition to the 49,000-square-foot Whole Foods, the shopping center would include an additional 100,000 square feet of retail space, plus a detached bank pad. It would also restrict tenant sizes to no more than 20,000 square feet in order to restrict “big-box” tenants. In a previous application a 137,000-square-foot “big box” department store (rumored to be Target).

About 70 residents appeared at Tuesdays Council meeting.

Letter to the editor: Last of the Hills of Troy Stolen; Taxpayers win nothing

By
Letters to the Editor
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MailboxsmallDear Editor:

Don’t believe what Mayor James Barberio said about the money for the “open space”; that if certain parties did not protest open space money would have come from the County. 1) It was not appropriate for such funds under the circumstance; remember it was RD’s buffer and did not meet criteria for open space requirements under the County. The County official even remarked it was one of the worse proposals ever put forth. 2) the group that protested also petitioned the County to help us in their power to buy the whole landscape as open space because of the character inherent in the landscape, ground water recharge, and neighborhood and regional enhancement.

If for example the whole landscape of the waterview was intact as an ecosystem with its natural assets undisturbed; not fragmented by the developer if may have stood a chance; under Highlands Conformance which Parsippany has rejected without public consent or transparency the landscape could of been considered “community-environmentally constrained sub-zone” and given legal protections as such, perhaps even considered rezoned off the market ,recognized in the light of so important as to be taken off-market for its long term benefits in the water cycle and community enhancement, especially to the immediate neighborhood Under conformance Belle Meade would of received their fair share market value for the land.

One good citizen also brought light to the fact when the POD zone was established these landscapes were zoned as an area with their buffer landscapes already build into the zone. Waterview was left that way for environmental and ecological reasons being in the Troy Brook Watershed, and giving balance and biodiversity, nature’s stormwater, water cycle quality and quantity cycle back to the aquifer at no costs to anyone. This original arrangement was subverted and forgotten. The Earth a natural resource in itself turned back into real estate.

Morris County does not conform to regional planning itself. So by not being in conformance to the Regional Plan Parsippany became its own worst enemy. Instead of science and law; including legal protections available under conformance, we left ourselves purposely vulnerable to gangster developers like RD.

It is time to ask; why are we being denied regional conformance? Why is the public not encourage to learn more and the administration transparent and truthful about the advances and benefits concerned in Regional Planning? By completing an environmental resource inventory and identifying unique environmentally sensitive areas, as our own master plan contends waterview could have been saved. Instead we paid for a lawsuit for an issue that was moot at the time, RD trying to rezone the land without Parsippany in their equation, knowing that all such lawsuits were inappropriate at the time because the Courts were in the process of settling the affordable housing issue. Now we have the three and one half million dollars of our tax dollars going for what still amounts to a buffer. In that area of the Troy Brook are steep slopes and slopes galore a buffer of the type we are calling open space; would of been necessary no matter. The area is also in a flood prone area, as any land use capability map would show. Its consolidated soils the best kind for water recharge and filtering will now be polluted by runoff and impervious surface.

The terrain feature known as Doremus Ridge the last of the hills of Troy will certainly, slowly but surely implode and erode. The Trees will lose their vitality, the stormwater engineering will not be maintained properly, and will not be capable of the same natural process by waterview’s consolidated soils of glacial till, further injuring our recharge, and water quality.

Replacing science with politics and politicians who think little of public environmental values, but only private economic concerns and tax dollars do not deserve our support. The continuation of their salaries is more important than the long term health of our water and quality of life. Progress in a myth science and good land use is not. Our master plan is a worthless piece of paper; as it changes continuously with every new corporate scheme of the big landowners. It is against a great moral law to be unjustly enriched at the costs of other. That is what just occurred on Tuesday, November 10 at Town Hall.

Loss of a valuable beyond money asset, and robbery of our open space funds; RD cleaned up real good. Who will be left with the real mess? Our well heads are protected in theory, but not really so, as groundwater recharge areas in Parsippany are not protected. Without these recharge areas the well will go dry and the water quality will degrade. Add the UPS new development; called redevelopment, waterview and other already developed places most vacant an idle all in the same extended landscape all Route 46 and we can look forward to more traffic, litter, floods and loss of the sense of home; America the beautiful? No it’s their country right or wrongs certainly not ours.

RD and our officials allowed; turned a civic obligation COAH that Parsippany may not have even had to adhere to. (254 affordable housing units in 2010 into 666 then thousands) The chorus sang higher, higher numbers even while COAH does not exist, but builder’s remedy, into a threat, because our Town is not our own and RD and Belle Mead have their property rights. Parsippany’s answer, scorched earth; develop all the open land so public housing can’t come here. Is not that a deliberate evasion and purpose exclusion for the alleged housing responsibility that if true will have to be built somewhere anyway? Let us save tax-dollars by abolishing our master plan expense and discontinue the environmental and open space committee, they are a waste of money. Under the present NJDEP you can rest assured this site plan will be streamlined and fast tracked, into construction as the present administration in Trenton does not protect the environment, health, safety or welfare of its citizens. Money can’t buy love, but love can be bought for money.

Nicholas Homyak

NJ Transit Salutes Veterans

By
Frank L. Cahill
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NEWARK — In recognition of our customers who have served in the Armed Forces, New Jersey TRANSIT is inviting all active and retired military personnel to ride as guests of honor on our system on Veterans Day.

Whether going to the country’s largest Veteran’s Day parade in New York City, heading to ceremonies around New Jersey or simply commuting to work or school, veterans and active members (in or out of uniform) can utilize any portion of the bus, rail and light rail network all day on Wednesday, November 11 by simply showing a valid military ID.

“Opening our doors to these brave men and women who have sacrificed for the country is just a small token of our appreciation,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim.  “It is a privilege to salute our nation’s veterans and active members and to honor their service by offering a ride on our transit system.”

NJ TRANSIT’s policy year-round allows dependents of military personnel to purchase tickets at reduced fares using the senior citizen/passenger with disabilities option upon showing a military dependent ID card.  When purchasing a ticket from a ticket vending machine or through MyTix, select Senior/Disabled to obtain the discounted fare.

About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 915,900 weekday trips on 257 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

PHS Marching Band Motorcade

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Marching Band received a motorcade send off to Allentown on Sunday, November 8, to particpate in the Group IV 2015 National Champions.

The students arrived at the high school, had lunch and then enjoyed a celebration cake before getting ready to leave on the school buses.

Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2, Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Office of Emergency Management, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Mayor James Barberio, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad all lined up in the high school parking lot and participated in the motorcade that started on Vail Road, made a right onto North Beverwyck Road, crossed over Route 46, and then turned on Route 80 West, as the students packed in three yellow school buses with two trucks carrying their equipment to Allentown.

Hiawatha Pharmacy to hold Customer Appreciation Event

By
Nicolas Limanov
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PARSIPPANY – When Atta Rehman, owner of Hiawatha Pharmacy decided to open his own business, there was no doubt in his mind that it would be in Parsippany.

This November celebrates Hiawatha Pharmacy’s Fourth Anniversary in its current location.

Atta opened his pharmacy in a store front on North Beverwyck Road in March 2010. He realized the business was struggling due to poor visibility and limited street parking on the busy section of North Beverwyck Road making potential customers not realize a local run pharmacy existed.

In November of 2011 Hiawatha Pharmacy shifted less than a mile, over to the Foodtown. Since the location change the business has shown steady improvement because of improved visibility, more foot traffic, better parking, a friendly atmosphere and an overall higher level of convenience for customers.

Atta moved to Parsippany from Queens in 1990 and graduated from Parsippany High School in 1993.

“Parsippany is home, there is no other place I would rather be.” Atta explained how much opportunity the township has given to him. “Parsippany has given me a great place to live, a great education and a place where my children can already call home”

Atta attended Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY where he achieved Doctor of Pharmacy while working part-time as a delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza in Parsippany.

Atta was very excited when he was hired for his first pharmacy job at Rite Aid in 1999, later becoming a pharmacy intern at Drug Fair.  Several years later, he became a pharmacist with Drug Fair.

Recently customers voted Hiawatha Pharmacy the best Pharmacy in Morris County in a survey conducted by the Daily Record.

Atta emphasized that it is all about his customers and taking care of the residents of a town that gave him so much. Atta is tailored toward the people, their needs, medical and emotional and willing to do anything to bring a smile to his customers’ face. Atta takes the time to speak and more importantly listen to each and every customer and get to know them because “You never know what people are going through, whether it’s depression, financial strains, chemo treatment, or a sick child at home.  An integral part of a pharmacist’s job is getting to know the customer story,”  Atta explained.

When asked Atta who is your competition he said that Rite Aid, Walgreens, Shop Rite are the biggest competitors in the area because they have the ability to market and promote on a bigger scale. They have a big advantage in prescription insurance negotiation which takes away the opportunity from independent pharmacies.  But even bigger, is the challenge to stay motivated as an entrepreneur, to continue staying focused when things aren’t going well.  Atta says, “My customers help me with that!”

Atta’s biggest goal is to build his own brand and he set up a Customer Appreciation event to kick it off.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is inviting everybody to their Customer Appreciation Weekend, Friday November 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  He will serving food and refreshments, blood pressure checks, giveaways and the opportunity to get to know Hiawatha Pharmacy.

Hiawatha Pharmacy offers a very competitive discount plan called RXCARE, and will be rolling out our new $4.00 Generic drug program to coincide with the 4 year anniversary at Foodtown.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is located inside the Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. Business Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (break between 1:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m.) and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“I have an opportunity to grow my business, in a tough economy with stern competition, by taking charge.  I have always been, still am and will always be ready for that challenge. Customers are number one. It’s not the product or price or the convenient location, it’s all about the customer’s total experience.”

Visit Hiawatha Pharmacy on Facebook, where you can find more information on Hiawatha Pharmacy and contact information. You can reach Atta by calling (973) 794-4909.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is ready to serve Pathmark Pharmacy customers, to ease their transition and to reduce any anxiety and concerns when it comes to changing pharmacies. Transferring your prescriptions is easy, just bring in your pharmacy bottles and they will do the rest.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Letter to the editor: Council, with a proverbial gun to their heads, unanimously voted to approve Whole Foods

By
Letters to the Editor
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MailboxsmallDear Editor:

On November 10, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council, with a proverbial gun to their heads, unanimously voted to approve a settlement agreement in which RD Reality would be permitted to raze and develop 16 acres of the Waterview tract. This represents the beginning of the end of a decades-long battle to preserve this land as best as possible.

In the 1980’s, a group of Intervale residents worked with the town council to preserve a 200 foot buffer along the edge of the property and zone the land as planned office development (corporate campus), minimizing the impact on the neighborhood, versus the strip mall and apartments that a developer had planned.

In 2005, Intervale residents stopped a rezoning of the land and prevented a town center. Shortly thereafter, a 55+ development was prevented. In 2013, a large complex of townhouses, Target, Whole Foods, and various other stores (leaving only a 50 foot buffer for the neighborhood) was defeated. And finally, a smaller, high-end strip mall with a 9.2 acre buffer was stopped. And while the latter was clearly the best deal in front of the residents at that time, we felt we could do better – so that’s what we did. We continued to fight.

During the summer of 2015, one of the principals from RD Reality reached out to me and said he wanted to work directly with us to find something that was amenable to everyone. We met numerous times, apparently unbeknownst to the township administration, and C4HS&W did its best to negotiate the best possible deal we could for the neighborhood and the (At that time, we were also continuing concurrently aggressively exploring ways to preserve the entire tract as open space.)

Through discussions, we were able to increase the preserved acreage to 10.6, though we were adamant about wanting more. We ensured that Intervale Road was off-limits, insisted on a treed buffer to help shield the neighborhood from noise and lights, and pushed the project as close to Route 46 as we could. While we didn’t get everything we wanted, we did everything we could. To be fair, the representative from RD was honest, approachable, and treated us far better than any of the other RD representatives who minimally dealt with us in 2012.

Did we get everything we wanted? No. But given that we were staring down the barrel of the builders’ remedy, perceived or real, our options to fight were quickly becoming limited. As the president of C4HS&W, I’m saddened that we weren’t able to preserve more, and certainly not all, of the land. As a resident of the Intervale neighborhood, I think the council’s vote last night, given the totality of the circumstances, was their best option and I thank each one for their vote.

I would like to specifically thank Councilman Brian Stanton, former Councilman Jonathan Nelson, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Lou Valori, and Council Vice President Robert Peluso for listening to the residents who strongly felt that we could do better than any deal that had been in front of them prior to November 10. They had the courage to trust a group of citizens who knew a better deal was out there, and represented their interests. I consistently told them that if the point came when I felt that there was no more fight left, not one more tree to save, then I would prefer a settlement rather than risk losing the entire tract – but that I would fight until the last possible minute. For me, that point came about 1 hour before the council meeting.

Mike dePierro, who curiously publicly chastised me prior to his November 10 vote, clearly believed that the COAH threat was real, and voted to prevent the town from being exposed to high density housing – though for some reason, attempted to make me feel badly for fighting for as much as possible until the very end. No citizen should ever be humiliated for doing what s/he feels is right for the community. In the end, his vote to preserve 9.2 acres was ultimately defeated in lieu of another vote to preserve 10.6 acres, with the additional acres being negotiated by common citizens who felt they could make a difference, several months earlier.

To be clear though, I thank all public officials, who do what they believe is right, for giving their time and making hard decisions. It’s also important to thank the Mountain Lakes council members for working so hard to protect Intervale Road. They were definitely very influential in making that happen.

It has been an unforgettable experience getting to know so many great people through this process over the past several years. Residents joined arms, exchanged ideas, had difficult conversations, held to their convictions, donated time, donated money, attended meetings, and fought for what they believed was best. I would also like to thank the current and former board members of C4HS&W: Len Cipkins, John Garrison, Margaret Gossett, Michele Tuscano, Jackie Bay, Nancy DuTerte, Gretchen Fry, Ron Owens, Dick Young, and John Beehler for their dedication to this cause.

There is no way to calculate the number of hours spent on this enormous task, and their leadership was impressive.

Dave Kaplan
President
Citizens For Health, Safety, & Welfare

PTHSD issues statement regarding employee remarks on Facebook

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is aware of the statements that were posted by one of its employees on Facebook..

The district prides itself on its diversity and its acceptance of all individuals and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

This pride is reflective of over 1,700 employees who work each day with our students, parents, and community members.

While they understand the value of free speech they do not condone any of their employees making discriminatory and offensive comments about any one particular group of people. The matter is being handled as a personnel issue.

patchfacebookpostAs reported in Parsippany Patch “Local residents expressed outrage after a Parsippany-Troy Hills School District employee took to Facebook Monday afternoon to air his grievances about the lack of Christmas décor at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall.”

In the article “A resident shared the comment, which was posted to the Rockaway Townsquare Mall Facebook page, with Parsippany Patch.

In the comment, Frank Atkins, a bus driver for the district, slammed the business for its lack of Christmas-related decorations this season. What Atkins also did in the post, where he claims to be offended as a Christian, was use the words “towel head,” a derogatory term often used to offend someone of Middle Eastern descent or someone who wears a turban.

According to Parsippany Patch, the comment was posted at 2:40 p.m. Monday, November 9, but removed within 30 minutes. It is not known if the business or Atkins himself removed the post.

Thirsty Robber steals carton of cigarettes from Quick Chek

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters was contacted by an employee who reported a shoplifting at Quick Chek, 490 North Beverwyck Road, at 3:16 p.m. on Sunday, November 8.

Patrol Officer G. Bloete responded to the scene and spoke to the employee. The employee advised the Officer that an approximately 5’10 tall white female in her 20’s, wearing a black hoodie and sunglasses entered Quick Chek and removed one soft drink from the refrigerators and then approached the register and asked for a carton of cigarettes.

The employee stated he checked the victim’s identification briefly and placed the carton of cigarettes and the soft drink in a bag.

The employee stated the actor then asked for another package of cigarettes and as he turned around to get them she ran out the front door with the merchandise and got into a black two-door Honda Civic which fled the area.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.

Pair Arrested in Parsippany Attempting to Distribute Kilogram of Cocaine

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Paul Philipps of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department announce the arrest of two (2) interstate drug traffickers and the seizure of over 1000 grams (one kilogram) of cocaine.

On Monday, November 9, members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department received information that a group of individuals were importing illegal narcotics into Morris County from New York State. Narcotics Task Force Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department intercepted this drug distribution duo as they traveled on State Highway 46 in Parsippany.

Following the vehicle stop, the drugs were located and seized from a concealed compartment in the vehicle, more commonly referred to as a “trap.” The two individuals were placed under arrest and charged. Police also seized this vehicle, containing the manufactured trap, which will be subject to a civil forfeiture action.

The wholesale street value of the seized kilogram of cocaine is approximately $36,000.   The following individuals were charged:

  • Juan E. Liranzo, 31, from Bayside, New York
  • Lia J. Cespedes, 26, from Forest Hills, New York

Both Liranzo and Cespedes were charged with the following:

  • One (1) count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
  • One (1) count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
  • One (1) count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine)

The Honorable David Ironson, J.S.C. set bail for both Liranzo and Cespedes at $250,000, no 10% option, with bail source hearing condition imposed. Both individuals were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp stated: “The Narcotics Task Force successfully interdicted a significant quantity of cocaine that was destined for distribution in Morris County.  Law enforcement in this County will continue to work together to successfully thwart upper-level drug distribution organizations as they attempt to import wholesale illegal narcotics into our communities.”

Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.  This investigation was led by Task Force Officer George Tsimpedes and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury.

Criminal complaints are merely accusations.  Despite these accusations, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

 

 

 

Driver slumped in vehicle; Then takes off from Police

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — While patrolling Route 46 Patrol Officer Michael Sprung observed a blue 2007 Mercury sedan stopped just past the driveway apron of 3159 Route 46 with its blinker on and not parked in a parking spot at 1:43 a.m. on Saturday, November 7.

Patrol Officer M. Sprung also observed the driver, later identified as Jason Demelo, 39, Haskell, slumped to the right inside the vehicle.

Patrol Officer M. Sprung pulled his patrol vehicle behind the Mercury and exited his vehicle to check on Mr. Demelo.  As Patrol Officer M. Sprung approached the vehicle he could hear the stereo of the vehicle loudly playing out of the open driver’s side front window.  Mr. Demelo woke up after several attempts by the Officer.  Mr. Demelo was advised to turn off his stereo at which time he turned off his vehicle, but not the stereo. He was also advised to produce his documents, which he failed to do. While Patrol Officer M. Sprung was outside the vehicle Mr. Demelo turned his vehicle back on and fled down Route 46 east.

Patrol Officer M. Sprung began pursuing the vehicle down Route 46 east and was soon joined by Patrol Officer M. Fernandez. The pursuit continued a short distance at which time the pursuit was terminated.

Surrounding towns were advised of the pursuit and the vehicle involved. The vehicle was pursued again by other Police agencies outside of Parsippany at which time the vehicle was stopped and Mr. Demelo was arrested.

Mr. Demelo was charged with Eluding an Officer, Speeding, Failure to Observe Traffic Lanes, Failure to Maintain Lane, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Failure to Give Proper Signal for a Turn or other Movement, Failure to Yield at an Intersection, failure to comply with officer’s directions, improper passing, failure to observe a traffic control device, unlicensed driver, Failure to exhibit license, registration, and insurance, and improper headlights.

Mr. Demelo was further charged by other jurisdictions and lodged in the Essex County Jail on a $25,000.00 bail with no 10 percent option.

Mr. Demelo also had an outstanding warrant from Clifton Municipal Court for Theft with a bail of $3,500.00.

Homeowner interrupted burglary in progress on Mountain Way

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, November 5 at 11:26 a.m. the victim called 911 to report a burglary that had just occurred.

The caller advised that the actor(s) fled the area in a gray Nissan towards South Powder Mill Road.

Responding Officers canvassed the area for the vehicle, but were unable to locate it. Lieutenant B. Dowd, Detective A. Morelli, Patrolman C. Cifaldi and Patrolman W. Stone responded to the residence and spoke to the victim.

The victim stated that he had just arrived home and shortly after entering his first floor heard footsteps on the second floor of his residence. He started to walk up the stairs where he was confronted by a white male in his 20’s with a stocky build carrying a backpack exiting a bedroom on the second floor.

The victim walked back down the steps and towards his front door. The actor began to come down the stairs and threaten the victim at which time he fled out the rear of the residence.

The victim exited the front of his residence and began to run down the street in an attempt to catch up to the actor. While he was running down the street a gray Nissan quickly left the area. Morris County Sheriff’s Office CID responded to the scene and processed the area.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.

Furnishing Solutions Free Clothing Giveaway in Honor of Veterans Day

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Furnishing Solutions, the Homeless Solutions upscale resale store, will honor U.S. veterans by inviting them to shop for all clothing absolutely free from Tuesday through Friday of this week.

All veterans and active military personnel will be given their choice of clothing items at no charge from Tuesday, November 10, through Friday, November 13, with valid military ID. Items include men’s and women’s suits, dresses, and casual wear.

Furnishing Solutions is located at 2960 Route 10 West, Powder Mill Plaza West and is open every day except Monday with the following hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Interested in getting involved with Furnishing Solutions? Email by clicking here to volunteer or click here to donate furnishings or clothing.

Click here to sign up for emails to learn about private sales and special events.

All proceeds from Furnishing Solutions benefit Homeless Solutions’ programs and services. 

Route 53 was renamed “Assemblyman DeCroce Memorial Highway”

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Route 53 has been renamed "Alex DeCroce Memorial Highway"

PARSIPPANY — It’s official. Route 53 has been renamed “Assemblyman DeCroce Memorial Highway” at a dedication held, on Tuesday, November 10 in front of Verde Restaurant.

Joining in the dedication were members of the NJ Assembly and Senate and included BettyLou DeCroce, John Bramnick,Assemblyman Jay Webber, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, Senator Thomas Kean, Senator Orojo to name a few. Also present were Sheriff Edward Rochford and Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro.

Sheriff Edward Rochford said “This is a fitting Tribute for a person who dedicated his life to public service especially transportation issues.”

“I extend my sincerest thanks to the bill’s bi-partisan sponsors for initiating this measure. Those who knew Alex know he never sought the limelight. In fact, he would be quite uncomfortable over this because he was not one to flaunt his accomplishments. His only goal was to get the job done for the people of his district and the state. Alex was a huge supporter of transportation issues. To have Route 53, which runs through his hometown and district, named for him is truly a great honor to his legacy,” said Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.

Alex, who devoted his life to public service, was an avid proponent of transportation issues in New Jersey, and was a former chairman of the committee. He was the prime sponsor of legislation that renewed the Transportation Trust Fund. He also was a strong advocate for crime victims’ rights.

Route 53 is a state highway that spans nearly five miles from U.S. Route 202 in Morris Plains, continues throught Parsippany north to Bloomfield Avenue in Denville. The route runs east of New Jersey Transit’s Morristown Line and passes under the New Jersey Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line near the Denville Station.

The full Senate unanimously approved the legislation, S-2580/A-3789 on September 12, 2013. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill approving the leglisation onf January 21, 2014.
BettyLou DeCroce addressing the officials that gathered at the event
BettyLou DeCroce addressing the officials that gathered at the event
Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick speaks at unveiling of Alex DeCroce Memorial Highway
Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick speaks at unveiling of Alex DeCroce Memorial Highway

Market Street Mission hosted 25th Annual Coat Giveaway

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Members of First Baptist Community Church at 800 Vail Road in Parsippany, helped give out hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and pajamas during the event.

PARSIPPANY — Members of First Baptist Community Church helped giving out hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and pajamas during the 25th Annual Coat Giveaway held by Market Street Mission.

Market Street Mission hosted their Annual Coat Giveaway on the Morristown Green, on Saturday, November 7. The coat giveaway started at 10:00 a.m. and continued until 2:00 p.m.

The free new and gently used coats and jackets were donated by area residents, churches and corporations.

Volunteers sorted the donated coats at their Thrift Store and helped on the day of the Coat Giveaway. The coats, and other warm winter clothing, was distributed to the neediest men, women and children, along with information on other services the Mission offers.

For the past 125 years, the Market Street Mission has ministered to the homeless, helpless, and hopeless in Northern New Jersey by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through a structured program which enables them to lead responsible, productive lives.

The Market Street Mission is still accepting coats at their Thrift Store, located at 25 George Street, off Martin Luther King Avenue.

Donations are always welcome with all money raised in the thrift store going to support the work of the Mission.

For more information on Market Street Mission, click here.

Many people started lining up at 7:00 a.m. at the Morristown Green, to register to participate in another Market Street Mission’s coat and other apparel giveaway
Many people started lining up at 7:00 a.m. at the Morristown Green, to register to participate in another Market Street Mission’s coat and other apparel giveaway
Many of the volunteers stood waiting to help the people including parents and their small children look through piles of donated coats, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, books, etc. to find exactly what they needed
Many of the volunteers stood waiting to help the people including parents and their small children look through piles of donated coats, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, books, etc. to find exactly what they needed

Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner raises 20k for firefighter in need

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department 5 hosted over 600 people, raised over $20,000 to help a brother firefighter and his family with the sudden onset of medical expenses for his wife, not covered by medical insurance.  The members joined in a planned a very successful Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner on Saturday, November 7.

“Our brother firefighter is one of the most dedicated members, always willing to help anyone, anytime. He is the backbone of our department and we are glad to help him, so that he can continue to help the fire department with his mind free from this burden,” stated Dave Cavaliere.

The event was held at District 5, Station 2, 200 South Beverwcyk Road.  Family, friends, members of surrounding Fire Departments, Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Louis Valori, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Councilman Brian Stanton, Councilman Michael dePierro, and residents packed the fire house to enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the Sons of Italy 2561.

Sons of Italy 2561 President Joe Jannarone said “The members of Sons of Italy is always happy to join in and help area residents in need.  Sons of Italy purchased the pasta,  the sauce was donated by Parsippany Best Pizza, the bread was donated by Anthony and sons and the meatballs was donated by Menella’s Poultry. We prepared over 150 pounds of pasta, cooked the meatballs and prepared the sauce. We are pleased that we could help.”

A message posted on District 5’s Facebook page stated “On behalf of the officers and members of Parsippany District 5 Fire Department and our brother Firefighter’s family, we can not thank you enough for the generosity that we received at our fundraiser yesterday. The outpouring of support from everyone here and the community was much more than we had ever hoped for and really showed how we can all come together to help each other.

There are so many people to thank and we don’t want to leave anyone out, so if helped in anyway from donating, helping behind the scenes, helping the day of, and those who attended, we know thank you is not enough. We also know that not everyone has Facebook so if you can please relay our gratitude to those that may not be able to see this message we appreciate it. It meant a lot to the members, and even more to our brother Firefighter’s family.

Sincerely,
Officers and Members of Parsippany District 5 Fire Department”

As Inglesino’s relationship with Developers flourish, so do his conflicts

By
Frank L. Cahill
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MAKING FRIENDS – Key players involved with development at the former Military Ocean Terminal, are (from left) Steven Kalafer of Fidelco, Bayonne redevelopment attorney John Inglesino, and Wasseem Boraie of Boraie Development LLC. October 6, 2015 (Hudson Reporter)

PARSIPPANY — On March 10, 2015, because the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) failed to create ‘Third Round Obligations’ in regards to each municipality’s fair housing share, the New Jersey Supreme Court empowered the courts and not COAH, to make initial determinations regarding municipal compliance with its housing obligations.  First, municipalities will now be afforded an opportunity to affirmatively seek a declaration from the courts of compliance with affordable housing obligations, prior to being declared “noncompliant” or being subjected to lawsuits alleging exclusionary zoning, including a builder’s remedy.  Second, the Court’s ruling will permit low and moderate income citizens, and those acting on their behalf, and developers the right to challenge, under certain circumstances, any municipality that fails to develop an adequate housing plan to bring the town in compliance with its fair share of regional and prospective housing needs for affordable housing.

Parsippany, represented by Township Attorney John Inglesino, is currently in the process of filing has filed a declaratory judgement with the Morris County Superior Court, while The Fair Share Housing Center, 700 Mountain Way, LLC, and RD Realty, the Waterview developer, have filed suit to challenge what Parsippany believes it’s fair share housing plan to be. Sources at Town Hall have told Parsippany Focus that Business Administrator Ellen Sandman originally recommended that outside counsel be hired to represent Parsippany in its fair share housing plan, but Mayor James Barberio refused the recommendation and insisted that Inglesino remain on as attorney in filing the declaratory judgement.

While Inglesino has indicated at recent Council meetings that Parsippany’s Declaratory Judgement with the Courts will be submitted soon, other municipalities have already submitted, or are in the process of submitting their Declaratory Judgement with the Courts as well. One such Township is Branchburg, located in Somerset County (click to see declaratory judgement). While the law firm of Woolson Sutphen Anderson is representing Branchburg, two of the interested parties are S/K Branchburg Trade Center Associates and S/K Stoney Brook Associates.  Both entities own property in Branchburg and both list 520 Route 22, Bridgewater as their corporate office.  The Bridgewater address is the Headquarters for the Kushner Real Estate Group (KRE), formerly known as S/K Properties and parent company of the two Branchburg Corporations.  Both companies are being represented by John Inglesino.

While it is not unusual for a Township Attorney to represent corporate clients as well as municipalities, Inglesino’s corporate client, in addition to owning industrial sites, vacant land, and office buildings in Branchburg, also owns two office buildings in Parsippany located at 3 and 7 Century Drive. Kushner Real Estate Group is currently in litigation with Parsippany over tax appeals in at least one of its Parsippany properties.   And even though Inglesino’s firm represents Kushner Real Estate Group in Branchburg, he and his firm also represent Parsippany in Kushner Real Estate Group‘s tax appeal against the Township. (click to see a some recent Inglesino Bills)

Inglesino Becomes Bayonne Redevelopment Attorney

In August 2014, Bayonne appointed Inglesino as special Redevelopment attorney to represent the city’s interest over a large swath of land at the former Military Ocean Terminal along the Bayonne waterfront. And while several prominent developers have rights to build on the site, two companies with ties to Parsippany plan to break ground soon; one is Inglesino’s corporate client, Kushner Real Estate Group, which states on its website future plans to redevelop the Military Ocean Terminal will be coming soon, and Fidelco Realty, out of Milburn which received a 30 year tax abatement from the City of Bayonne just weeks after Inglesino became Bayonne’s Redevelopment attorney.

Steven Kalafer, a Fidelco partner, is no stranger to Parsippany or Inglesino.  Kalafer, seen at several Parsippany Council meetings during the Waterview hearings in 2013, is also a partner in RD Realty, the contract purchaser of the Waterview Tract.

As reported last month in the Hudson Reporter, on October 6, 2015, Bayonne officials, developers, lawyers, and representatives from transportation and utilities met to discuss redevelopment plans at the former Military Ocean Terminal.  A source who attended the luncheon told Parsippany Focus that “John [Inglesino] really enjoyed himself at the event.”

In addition to Kalafer, Inglesino was seen sitting next to Wasseem Boraie whose company was recently involved in a scandal regarding Hurricane Sandy Relief Funds, Governor Christie, and Anthony Marchetta, the father of Inglesino associate attorney Justin Marchetta.

When asked to comment about Inglesino, Parsippany Councilman, Dr. Louis Valori told Parsippany Focus “John [Inglesino] has accused me of being in conflict. I find his highly unethical behavior unacceptable and he should immediately tell the Council what other conflicts he has before he gets himself in even more trouble than he already is. The nonsense needs to end.”

Sources have told Parsippany Focus that an ethics complaint is being filed with New Jersey’s Office of Attorney Ethics regarding the conflicts.

Possible Waterview vote slated for Tuesday

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council is scheduled to vote during its next general meeting on Tuesday, November 10, over a possible settlement with RD Realty, the contract purchaser of 26 acres of land known as the ‘Waterview’ tract, along Waterview Boulevard and Route 46.

In 2013, the Council voted 3-2 against creating an Overlay Zone which would have permitted a Whole Foods and another Big Box store, plus a townhouse complex on the rear of the property.

After two years of lawsuits, denied applications with the Morris County Open Space Committee, and tense negotiations, the Council is now being asked to approve a new concept plan which would permit 152,510 square feet of retail space along with 723 parking spaces.  In return for permitting the shopping center, which includes a 48,000 square foot Whole Foods Market, RD would agree to sell the rear 10.63 acre buffer to the Township for approximately $3.5 million. Funds for the purchase would be made available from Parsippany’s own Open Space Trust Fund.

Township Attorney John Inglesino, an expert with a long history in land use and redevelopment issues, successfully defended Parsippany after RD sued the Council in 2013. RD claimed that the Council had acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it voted down the original Overlay Zone. Inglesino argued that the Council was never under any obligation to ever create the overlay zone.  The court agreed and stated that RD could have applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to request a variance.

RD has since filed an application with the Board of Adjustment to build 120 affordable housing units on the property.  That application is scheduled to heard on Wednesday, December 2 at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Letter to the editor: RD has Parsippany on a Leash; Who put us there?

By
Letters to the Editor
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MailboxsmallDear Editor:

RD Realty has proved no friend to Parsippany as Parsippany has proven no friend to itself. Under regional conformance legal protections would of been possible so that also says something about the present administration. The last RD lawsuit in Morristown was not actual; it was theoretical; hypothetical; moot, in other words they RD were deliberately incurred costs and harassed Parsippany.

Why? Because the COAH decision in the courts was then pending and “near” conclusion. In addition other similar lawsuits proved the same result, wait for the NJ Higher Court decision. Can’t help thinking there is a money machine here in Morris County for Lawyers, the Judge should of thrown out or dismissed RD’s argument, at that time, he didn’t; why?

It costs taxpayers, and Inglesino’s firm profited.  It’s like a Rico Racket Scheme to rob taxpayers and pave way for something they don’t want in their town, costing them to lose, while pretending they are fighting, and then we must save money and settle the case in RD’s favor or some unwarranted compromise. We are being robbed in that Regional Conformance would have solved many of these threats and proposals and provided legal shields against rude and uncaring entities like RD. 

From, 2009-2014 Parsippany did nothing in the regional conformance procedure, they initiated to improve their Master Plan or involve the public, their own community; it was taboo for our own alleged environmental committee to even comment of the regional conformance, or the waterview. Transparency and public knowledge was not forthcoming concerning the benefits of regional conformance; instead fears and doubts spread confusing public housing with regional conformance benefits and advances to our Municipal Planning.

In 2009 Parsippany started conformance for one reason, COAH fears relating it to Regional Planning in its entirety; ignoring all other benefits to conformance; making no improvements in their planning, like an Environmental Inventory for example, making it easier for developers to attack us. Then right before the COAH court outcome, they in July 2014 reject conformance all together. People there are something not logical, flawed or corrupt in all this. Parsippany does not belong to its residents but to the large corporate landowners and their SuperPac cronies.  

Towns can keep unwanted Builder’s Remedy developments from those areas only by proactively finding and designating other appropriate areas for affordable housing. RD cannot win in court and Parsippany should not surrender in the name of saving money, if they were sincere about their/our Master Plan and protecting the community and future for all, they would go back into regional conformance.  Stop the COAH nonsense and do what is right for the town and the future of us all. Stop private economic concerns; support public environmental values. Waterview landscape could in reality be zoned as; “community environmentally constrained sub-zone” and have legal standing, under home rule; developers rule.  

Nick Homyak

Pancake Fundraiser for Par Hills Viking Football

By
Nicolas Limanov
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Senior Captains with Applebees Manager Ron Hand

PARSIPPANY — A Pancake Fundraiser for Parsippany Hills High School Viking Football team was held on Sunday, November 8 at Applebee’s Bar and Grill, 1057 Route 46.

The breakfast consisted of flapjacks, sausage, scrambled eggs, and choice of coffee, tea, milk or orange juice.

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.

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