PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee had the opportunity to visit with Matthew Pierone, owner and chef of Gourmet Cafe.
Gourmet Cafe is located at 136 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.
Grateful Appreciation to Supporters: Project Graduation for Class of 2023 Thrives with Your Continued Support!
PARSIPPANY — The Class of 2023’s Project Graduation extends heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters involved, including students, parents, and staff members. Their unwavering support has played a crucial role in the success of this activity. With immense appreciation, they express their thanks for the continued support provided.
The contributions received have been instrumental in offsetting expenses related to supplies, rental fees, and entertainment. Through the generosity of the supporters, the financial burden has been alleviated, allowing for a memorable and enjoyable Project Graduation experience for the Class of 2023.
Project Graduation in Parsippany stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the parents, students, and staff members, as well as the incredible support received from the community. The Class of 2023 wholeheartedly expresses their gratitude for the continued support that has made this endeavor a resounding success.
1 Sylvan Way LLC
Onyx Equities
Acorn Home Improvements
Anthony and Sons Bakery
Anthony Francos
Applebees
ArcMorris
Baldwin Bagels
Baldwin Pizzeria Group LLC
Branchburg Sports Complex
Brooklawn School PTA
Buffalo Wild Wings
Chipotle
Lake Parsippany School
Littleton School
Intervale School
Caggiano Orthodontics
Central Middle School
Cutting Edge Landscaping of NJ LLC
Dunkin Donuts
Election Fund of Michael J. dePierro
Family Vision Associates, LLC
Foodtown of Lake Hiawatha
Frank Neglia, Parsippany Councilman
FRWD Logistics LLC
Garofalo O’Neill Ruggierio, LLC
Greenspan Family Eyecare
Hills of Troy Neighborhood Association
Howards Bagels
IHOP
Intervale Elementary School
Jersey Mikes of Hanover
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
Knollwood Elementary School
Lake Hiawatha Elementary School
Lake Hiawatha Swim Club Inc
Lake Parsippany School
Lenfam Management Company
Lexus of Route 10
Little Viking Football Inc.
Littleton Elementary School
Morris Hills Veterinary Clinic
Morris JV, LLC – c/o Onyx Management Group, LLC
Mt. Tabor Elementary School
Northvail Elementary School
Panera
Parsippany Foot & Ankle LLC
Parsippany Soccer Club, Inc.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge No. 2078
Paul Miller Porsche
Pomptonian
Priola Funeral Service, Inc.
Rockaway Meadow Elementary School
Rutgers Builders
Saint Peter the Apostle Church
Samantha Rice
Senthil Mahalingam and Kavipriya Senthil Kumar
Severna Operations, Inc.
ShopRite of Parsippany
Stop and Shop
Target Parsippany
The Good Apple Company
The Michael Konner Corporation
Tri-County Orthopedics
Troy Hills Elementary SchoolU A Pipefitters Local 274 of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry
Veterans of Foreign Wars-Post 10184
Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills
Postage Prices Soar Again: Domestic Letter Stamps to Cost 66 Cents
MORRIS COUNTY — Once again, the cost of postage for domestic letters is increasing. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a three-cent hike, bringing the price of a first-class mail stamp to 66 cents. This adjustment follows a previous increase less than six months ago in January. Since 2018, the cost of stamps has risen by a total of 13 cents.
The USPS is implementing these price hikes as part of a strategy to counter inflationary pressures and the decline in first-class mail volumes. In January, stamp prices were raised from 60 cents to 63 cents, and now they will experience a further increase of 5.4% with the approval of the Postal Regulatory Commission.
Stamp prices have seen a significant increase of 32% since early 2019 when they were raised from 50 cents to 55 cents. According to the USPS, these adjustments are necessary to generate much-needed revenue for the Postal Service. The volume of first-class mail has declined by 3% in the past year, reaching its lowest level in 50 years, and it has dropped by 51% since 2006.
First-class mail represents the mail class that contributes the most revenue to the USPS, accounting for $24.2 billion, which is approximately 31% of the total revenue of $78.8 billion in 2022. To mitigate projected losses, the USPS has implemented regular price increases, implemented reforms, and received financial relief from Congress. These measures have resulted in cutting projected losses by over half through 2031.
Morris County Man Charged with Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old
MORRIS COUNTY — A resident of Lincoln Park, identified as Luis Campos, has been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old child in his vehicle earlier this year. Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes provided this information. Campos was arrested on June 28 and is facing charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to officials, the incident took place on January 7 in Paterson. It was reported to the Elmwood Park Police on the same day, who referred the case to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. Witnesses, including the victim, were interviewed throughout the investigation, and physical evidence was collected.
Campos had a detention hearing on July 5, where a Superior Court judge granted a motion to detain him pending trial. Valdes stated that the Honorable Justine A. Niccollai, J.S.C. approved the State’s request for Campos’ pretrial detention at the hearing.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the alleged crime to contact the prosecutor’s tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO.
Campos may face parole supervision for life and be required to register under Megan’s Law if convicted. Valdes provided the potential sentencing exposure for each charge:
- First-degree kidnapping: 25 years to life in New Jersey State Prison, with a 25-year parole disqualifier.
- First-degree aggravated sexual assault: 10–20 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85 percent of the term to be served before parole eligibility, following the No Early Release Act.
- Second-degree sexual assault: 10–20 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85 percent of the term to be served before parole eligibility, following the No Early Release Act.
- Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child: 5–10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Barberio Emerges as Parsippany GOP Chair in Hard-Fought Election
PARSIPPANY — In a contentious election in Parsippany, Mayor James Barberio emerged as the victor and was elected as the GOP municipal chairman, defeating Board of Education President Susy Golderer by a narrow margin of four votes, with a final tally of 30-26. The intense nature of the election raises the possibility of the matter being taken back to the Superior Court.
Interestingly, the county committee members were not allowed to cast their votes anonymously, deviating from the usual practice.
Several committee members expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of adherence to “Robert’s Rules of Order” during the proceedings. Attorney Alan Zankin, who was present, did not permit any motions to be heard, further fueling their discontent.
Attorney Peter King expressed his surprise and disappointment at being denied entry to the meeting despite representing Susy Golderer, while Attorney Alan Zakin was granted access. He also raised concerns about the active participation of a uniformed Parsippany Police Officer in the election, questioning who authorized and funded the officer’s presence, particularly considering the mayor’s involvement. King further wondered if taxpayer money was utilized to pay for the officer’s involvement.
Barberio takes over the position from Dee dePierro, who assumed the role in July 2022 but did not seek to continue in the position. dePierro succeeded Louis Valori after his resignation. However, Judge Stuart Minkowitz’s recent ruling mandated the removal of twelve Republican county committee members appointed by dePierro due to improper procedures. Consequently, these members were not eligible to participate in the election.
Barberio claimed that he extended an offer to Golderer for the position of Vice-Chair, but Golderer refuted his statement and denied that such an offer had been made.
John Beehler, who had lost his county committee bid in the June 6 primary, was allowed to vote, but the legalities of his voting are in question. Joseph Beyroutey emerged victorious over Beehler, securing a ten-vote lead with a final count of 57-47, during the election. Beyroutey had relocated to another district within Parsippany, resulting in Beehler, the second-place finisher, being granted the seat. If the winner of an election fails to meet the qualifying requirements, the seat is deemed vacant, and the election does not automatically go to the runner-up. An example highlighting this is Republican Ana Pizutelli, who, in the heavily-Democratic 28th district, would have been the assemblywoman from 2006 to 2008. Pizutelli had lost the general election by over 20,000 votes to incumbent Donald Tucker (D-Newark), who unfortunately passed away three weeks before taking office. However, in this scenario, the 28th district Democrats chose a successor instead of awarding the seat to the runner-up.
Susy Golderer said “I was so proud of Justin Musella who is a young ambitious and hard-working politician. He was adamant about running for the chair position himself and after many conversations between us, he graciously accepted that in fact, it would be a conflict of interest. The possibility that his chair appointment would be misconstrued.”
State Senator Joseph Pennacchio (R-Montville), Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Denville), and Morris County GOP Chair Laura Marie Ali threw their support behind Golderer. Notably, Barberio had previously endorsed primary opponents against Pennacchio and Bergen earlier this year, indicating a divided front within the party.
Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains) made an effort to broker an agreement that would have installed Barberio as the chairman and Golderer as the vice chair, but it did not come to fruition.
When Barberio took the new position, he immediately announced his team. Vice-Chair, Dee dePierro; Corresponding Secretary, Angela Stanton; Recording Secretary, Sandra Neglia; Parliamentary, Robert Quinn; Treasurer, John Beehler and Sargent of Arms, Frank Neglia.
“I firmly believe that individuals aspiring to run for a political position should not hold leadership positions within the committee responsible for supporting their own candidacy,” said Susy Golderer.
In the June 6 election, a total of 63 individuals were elected to the committee, leaving 15 seats vacant. On June 14, the Chair appointed 12 people, which resulted in a lawsuit being filed in the Morris County Superior Court.
Once the election was called, and Barberio became the new Chairman, the twelve appointees were then appointed to the county committee positions. (Click here to read related articles).
“There is no better community of people anywhere else than here in Parsippany and I’m beyond thankful for the privilege of leading this amazing Committee,” said Mayor James R. Barberio. “Now we are focused on strengthening and uniting the party and I look forward to working with all Committee members to build a party that puts Parsippany first for Parsippany and by Parsippany.”
Golderer continued “Many committee members said they wanted to vote for me, but because there was no committee vote allowed for the rules which mandated only a voice vote we could not vote on a private vote and voter anonymity was not protected. Some members were afraid of retaliation from the other side. The fact that there are sides is sad enough, but to be afraid to vote your conscience and have your own opinion because of retaliation is heartbreaking.”
“I felt like I was in a communist country where citizens, in this case the membership had no rights. A democratic vote was denied, and Robert’s Rules were not followed or allowed during the meeting. We were dictated to, and my designated counselor was not allowed to be present during the voting process. Regardless of who he was. I have a right to legal representation.”
“I don’t mind losing because everyone has a right to their vote and there is always a winner and loser in a race and competition is good, but to have lost in a rigged election is proof that the Republican Party in our town needs a big shake-up. In Parsippany, the registered democrats now outnumber us by 800 voters just in the last two years,” continued Golderer.
“The rules were introduced without a formal vote by the membership, and motions were rejected by both the chair and the committee’s legal representative, despite not being elected for their positions. The events of the previous night involved instances of voter intimidation, aggressive behavior, and authoritarian decision-making. Such actions do not contribute to the goal of unifying the party, in my opinion,” said Susy Golderer.
Committee Member Robert Peluso’s vote in favor of Barberio carried an intriguing dynamic. Peluso, who has already filed his ELEC report to run for Mayor in 2025 against Barberio, opted to support Barberio in the election. Similarly, Peluso’s wife, Ildiko, followed suit and cast her vote in favor of Barberio as well.
This decision by Peluso is notable considering that Barberio did not endorse him during the recent primary when Peluso was vying for a seat in the Assembly. Instead, Barberio threw his support behind Jay Webber and BettyLou DeCroce.
Barberio and Peluso have a history of electoral competition. In the 2017 GOP primary, Peluso challenged Barberio for the mayoral seat, and Barberio narrowly prevailed, winning by a margin of approximately 375 votes out of more than 5,100 votes cast.
Both the newly elected officers and the county committee members will hold their positions until the primary election in 2025.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated Saturday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Morris County Sheriff Seeks Public Assistance in Identifying Suspects
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Warrants and Special Investigations Section is reaching out to the public for assistance in identifying the individuals responsible for a theft incident. During the Garden State Comic Fest at Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township on Sunday, June 25, between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., a cash box containing approximately $500.00 was stolen from a vendor.
The female suspect is described as a Hispanic female in her 30s, wearing a white Calvin Klein t-shirt, black sweatpants, and a white hat. The male suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late 30s, wearing a grey Aeropostale shirt, grey sweatpants, and a black hat.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers. You can click here to submit information or call (973) COP-CALL. Alternatively, you can use the “P3 Tips” app on any mobile device. Remember, your anonymity is guaranteed, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.
Anna Terhune Earns Dean’s List Honors at Coastal Carolina University
PARSIPPANY — During the 2023 Spring Semester at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, Anna Terhune has been recognized for her outstanding academic performance and named to the Dean’s List.
The Wall College of Business at the university congratulated Anna, who is a Marketing Major and presented her with an award in recognition of this prestigious accomplishment.
Anna, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School in 2022, has achieved this high honor and distinction for her remarkable academic achievement.
Coastal Carolina University is a comprehensive, public liberal arts institution in Conway, South Carolina. More than 10,000 students from across the country and the world interact with world-class faculty and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 145 student clubs and organizations.
Morris GOP Chair Laura Ali Faces No Competition
MORRIS COUNTY — Laura Marie Ali is set to secure another term as the Morris County Republican chair as no challengers have filed for Saturday’s election. This means Ali will remain at the helm of one of New Jersey’s largest Republican counties, overseeing the 2025 gubernatorial primary.
The filing deadline, which ended today at noon, passed without any contenders stepping forward.
In an effort to restore the disrupted schedule caused by the canceled 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ali announced on Sunday her intention to hold a party leadership election in 2023. Despite her term not expiring until next year, Ali sought to eliminate any possible misconceptions.
“With the good of the party in mind and the hope of bringing all of this negativity to an end – so we can become one united Morris County Republican Party – I am proposing the following: I, along with our MCRC Executive Board, will sacrifice a year of our term and run for re-election now,” she said.
Now, with no opponent, she expects Morris County Republicans to unite behind the party organization.
According to NJGlobe, Ali became acting county chair in November 2019 after Ron DeFilippis stepped down for health reasons. He had won the post in 2018 by a narrow four-vote margin, defeating Rob Zwigard by a vote of 242 to 239.
In 2020, she won the post without opposition after Zwigard and former Morris County Commissioner John Inglesino declined to run.
Ali was unopposed in 2022 after 87% of Morris GOP municipal chairs endorsed her for re-election.
Chatham Township Man Charged for Alleged Stabbing Incident
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chatham Township Police Chief Thomas Miller confirmed that Brian Kozub, 39, of Chatham Township has been arrested in connection with an alleged stabbing that occurred in Chatham Township on July 4, 2023.
On July 4 at 10:50 p.m., the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of an alleged stabbing that transpired at a residence on Buxton Road. Kozub is accused of stabbing the 51-year-old male victim in the neck with a pocketknife. The defendant and victim were reportedly celebrating the Fourth of July.
The victim was transported to Morristown Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.
Kozub was subsequently charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault, third-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and fourth-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
Kozub is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending a detention hearing.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Esporta Fitness Will Be Closing
PARSIPPANY — On August 15 at 2:00 p.m., Esporta Fitness, situated within the Troy Hills Shopping Center at 1159 Route 46, will close its doors. Customers were notified to switch their memberships to other Esporta Fitness or LA Fitness locations.
The closest LA Fitness is located at 30 Sylvan Way, Hanover, next to Wegmans Food Store. There is also a location in Randolph, 140 Route 10 in Randolph Square.
There are 135 Esporta Fitness locations in the United States as of June 15, 2023. The state with the most number of Esporta Fitness locations is Florida, with 29 locations, which is about 21% of all Esporta Fitness locations in the United States.
The Parsippany location occupied 61,221 square feet in the Troy Hills Shopping Center. This is the second store within the past few months to close. The Dollar Tree, 1099 Route 46, closed in May. Although the Dollar Tree will be leased to Phenix Salon Suites. Phenix corporate office is located in Encinitas, California. Phenix Salon Suites has developed an innovative approach to small business ownership by inviting Lifestyle Professionals to operate their business in a beautifully designed suite.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Swore in Two New Officers
MORRIS COUNTY — Nicole Levendusky and Mark Slinger were sworn in as Sheriff’s Officers for the Bureau of Law Enforcement. These officers were previously employed at the Sheriff’s Office for the Bureau of Corrections.
Officer Slinger hails from Roxbury. He attended the County College of Morris and York College, receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Officer Slinger has been assigned to the K-9 unit since March of 2020 and currently works with a search and rescue and explosives detection black lab named Odie and a Dutch Shepard named Zara, who is trained in patrol and narcotics.
While working in corrections, Officer Slinger has received employee of the month twice at the Morris County Correctional Facility and a few awards while assigned to the MCSO Canine Unit. He and Canine Zara have received top dog at USPCA PD1 Trials twice and have completed at USPCA PD1 Nationals in Georgia.
Officer Levendusky is originally from Butler. Much of her experience before the Morris County Sheriff’s Office was focused on sports, coaching, and working/training dogs. Officer Levendusky was initially hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. She has worked in various positions within the jail, including intake.
Most recently, she has been assigned to the Canine Unit and works with Canine Ollie in narcotics.
“We wish them good luck as their careers with the Sheriff’s Office continue to evolve,” officials said.
Mayor Barberio Proclaims National Gun Violence Awareness Day
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio issued a Proclamation designating June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the township. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to Jeanmarie Embler, Morris County Chapter Lead of Moms Demand Action, acknowledging the importance of raising awareness about gun violence.
The chosen date holds significance as it would have marked the 26th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, a young victim who tragically lost her life at the age of 15. Inspired by her memory, Hadiya’s classmates initiated a campaign urging people to wear orange on June 2. Orange is the color hunters wear to ensure visibility and prevent accidents in wooded areas.
Mayor Barberio expressed his support for preventing the devastating impact of gun violence and emphasized the value of every human life. He encouraged all citizens of Parsippany to join the efforts in combating gun violence and promoting a safer community.
Parsippany High School Graduates Engage in Project Graduation Celebrations
PARSIPPANY — After the Parsippany High School graduation, 140 students participated in a memorable event held at Branchburg Sports Complex. The event featured a wide range of activities and attractions that ensured an enjoyable and safe experience for the graduates:
Sports Activities:
- Turf fields were available for football, soccer, and ultimate frisbee, providing opportunities for friendly competition and team play.
- Basketball and volleyball courts allowed students to engage in their favorite sports and enjoy some friendly matches.
Entertainment:
- A four-story laser tag arena offered an exciting and immersive gaming experience.
- An arcade provided various games for students to enjoy.
- A gaga pit was available for a unique dodgeball-style game, adding an element of fun and competition.
- An inflatable obstacle course provided a thrilling and adventurous challenge.
- A climbing structure offered an opportunity for physical activity and adventure.
Additional Attractions:
- Karaoke allowed students to showcase their singing talents and enjoy a musical experience.
- A fortune teller added a touch of mysticism and intrigue to the event.
- A caricaturist provided personalized drawings, creating unique keepsakes for the graduates.
- Airbrush tattoos offered temporary body art for students to express themselves.
- A station where students could take photos with friends and have them transferred onto t-shirts provided a fun and memorable way to capture the moment.
The event aimed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for the graduates, highlighting the importance of celebrating without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Project Graduation events like this have become a popular tradition across the country, promoting awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and reducing the number of youth involved in drug-related accidents.
By organizing such chemical-free celebrations, Project Graduation aimed to ensure a memorable and responsible experience for graduating seniors, establishing a tradition that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
PHS Seniors Enjoyed Brunch After Graduation Practice
PARSIPPANY — After their graduation practice, seniors from Parsippany High School (PHS) had the opportunity to enjoy a delightful brunch. It served as a celebration of their achievements and a chance to come together before their graduation ceremony. The brunch was a special occasion for the students to relax, socialize, and reflect on their high school journey.
The brunch was made possible through the efforts of various individuals and organizations.
Thanks to the generous contributions from various organizations and businesses:
- Pomptonian Food Service: Donated pancakes, French toast sticks, hash browns, and a selection of orange juice and milk.
- Applebee’s: Generously provided 30 pounds of bacon and egg beaters.
- IHOP: Donated an additional 30 pounds of bacon.
- Foodtown: Contributed a refreshing fruit salad.
- Baldwin, Howards, and Anthony and Sons: Donated a variety of delicious bagels.
- Anthony and Sons: Generously provided donuts for everyone to enjoy.
- Dunkin’ in Lake Hiawatha: Donated additional donuts to enhance the brunch experience.
In addition to the food donations, Target and ShopRite contributed to the event by generously offering $100 gift cards. The organizers also purchased water to ensure everyone stayed hydrated during the brunch and before Project Graduation, an event held after graduation.
This post-graduation practice brunch was a memorable experience for the PHS seniors, allowing them to bond with their classmates one last time before embarking on their future endeavors. It served as a wonderful way to commemorate their accomplishments and bid farewell to their high school years.
This collective support from local businesses and organizations made the brunch a memorable experience for the graduating students of Parsippany High School.
Key Club Lt. Governor Visits Parsippany Kiwanis
PARSIPPANY — Montville High School Senior Shashank Karra visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Karra is a dedicated individual who serves as the Key Club Division 17 Lieutenant Governor. In this influential position within the Key Club organization, he takes on the responsibility of overseeing the Key Clubs at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, Morristown High School, Mountain Lakes High School, and Montville High School.
Shashank Karra’s commitment to both academics and community service is evident as he continues to excel as a rising senior at Montville. Additionally, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been sponsoring Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School, further strengthening the connection between the Key Club and these institutions.
Key Club itself is a student-led organization that operates within high schools. Its primary focus is to make a positive impact on the world through various service projects. By actively engaging in service, Key Club members not only contribute to their communities but also develop their leadership skills and cultivate a compassionate heart for serving others.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany contact President Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299 or visit parsippanykiwanis.org.
They meet weekly at the Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46 on Thursdays. The first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. all others meet at 7:15 a.m.
Governor Murphy Approves Package of Bills to Boost Housing Affordability
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy, in a landmark decision recently signed a three-bill package aimed at promoting housing affordability in New Jersey. This package aligns with the Murphy Administration’s sustained commitment to invest in housing initiatives and make New Jersey a more affordable place to live, work, and start a family.
Governor Murphy commented, “As we strive to make New Jersey more affordable for all, we must ensure we remove barriers that prevent people from becoming homeowners… I am proud to sign legislation that will not only expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers and those seeking affordable housing, but will further advance our state as the best place in the nation to raise a family.”
The three bills sanctioned today encompass:
1. A-5596/S-3991, which establishes the Urban Preservation Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA). This program, backed by an $80 million investment from federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds allocated in the FY2024 budget, supports investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction projects aimed at preserving affordable housing in urban areas.
2. A-5595/S-4026, which expands specific State programmatic interventions related to residential foreclosures. Backed by a $15 million investment from ARP funds in the FY2024 budget, this bill endows the NJHMFA with an extended set of tools to intervene in foreclosures, keeping New Jerseyans in their homes and rehabilitating and reselling vacant properties.
3. A-5415/S-3780, which codifies and expands NJHMFA’s successful down payment assistance program, reflecting the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force’s efforts to provide tangible benefits specifically for first-generation homebuyers. This bill also introduces the Resilient Home Construction Pilot Program in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to fund developers to rehabilitate existing homes and construct new affordable houses for sale.
The signed bill package fortifies the Murphy Administration’s dedication to housing affordability, evident in its investment of over $1.3 billion in the Affordable Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) dollars for housing in the past three years.
Earlier in the day, Governor Murphy endorsed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, incorporating over $300 million for affordable housing initiatives, including those promoted by the newly signed housing bills. The funding will back the programs outlined in the affordable housing bill package.
“The three housing bills signedprovide breakthrough opportunities for citizens to establish roots and enrich communities in the great state of New Jersey,” stated Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
She emphasized the impact of affordable housing on community enrichment, family stability, and economic vitality, recognizing its importance in the nation’s most densely populated state.
Kiwanis Club Honors Empire Diner and Mourns Closure: A Thirty-Year Partnership Comes to an End
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, a long-standing community organization, recently presented Frank Shizas, owner of Empire Diner, with a heartfelt plaque as a token of appreciation. For over three decades, Empire Diner has been the cherished meeting place for the Kiwanis Club, making the diner’s closure a poignant moment for the entire membership.
The Empire Diner closed on July 1, 2023.
Mayor Barberio Swears in Five New Officers to Strengthen Parsippany Police Department
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, June 28, Mayor James Barberio had the honor of swearing in five new officers to the Parsippany Police Department. Patrolman Michael Bettelli, Patrolman Alex Cavaluzzo, Patrolman Angelo Macera, Patrolman Sean Golden, and Patrolman. Justin Gosden will attend the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy before joining the ranks of Parsippany’s finest protecting the Parsippany-Troy Hills community.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2023. Click here to read the magazine.
Fireworks Celebration Begins with a Rock Show
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Fourth of July celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 4 at Parsippany Hills High School.
The area will open at 5:00 p.m. and a Rock Show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will commence at dark.
There are no pets permitted. The rain date is Wednesday, July 5.
Plan alternate travel routes if you are not attending the event. There will be traffic delays in the area of Route 53, Park Road., Brooklawn Drive and Route 202 during this time. Everyone in attendance will proceed through a Police checkpoint prior to entry. Intoxicated persons will be DENIED entry. All BAGS & CONTAINERS are subject to inspection.
*THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED:
– GLASS CONTAINERS
– ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
– PETS
– PERSONAL FIREWORKS (Even the Legal ones)
– DRONES (or other types of Aircraft)
*PARKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (Proper Placards Must Be Possessed) – Limited Parking at the Tennis Courts. Access can be gained via Glencove Road. Golf carts will be present to assist with transporting people needing assistance on the hill.
*O.E.M. PERSONNEL AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTANCE:
Volunteer members of the Parsippany Office of Emergency Management wearing Hi-Visibility Lime/Green Shirts at the event available for directions & guidance.
Letter to the Editor: Thank You Musella
Dear Editor:
As if the smoke in the air was not enough to deal with, now Parsippany residents must deal with the stench of another one of Mayor Jamie Barberio’s self-serving political power plays.
Never one to play by or even care about the rules, the blundering and blubbering Barberio apparently coerced County Clerk Ann Grossi and Dee dePierro into doing his bidding by selecting pro-Barberio, but illegal appointments, to fill vacant seats on the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee. Apparently, Barberio hoped, that by doing so, he could secure enough committee votes to become the Chairperson of the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee.
Fortunately, Councilman Justin Musella once again had the guts to stand up to Barberio and challenge the Mayor’s illegal power grab. By doing so, Musella successfully secured a ruling from Judge Minkowitz that invalidated Barberio Grossi, and dePierro’s illegal efforts
Bob Crawford