PARSIPPANY — Students from the Gifted & Talented GRO Program had the opportunity to Tour the Police Headquarters with Community Relations Officer Remo D’Alessandro.
During the tour, they learned the different functions of each division within the Police Department and got to see the Prisoner Processing Area.
They also met the Public Service Telecommunicators while visiting the Communications Desk to see where 9-1-1 calls and other calls for service are answered.
PARSIPPANY — New Chapter, a faith-based recovery, opened in Parsippany at 1915 Route 46.
New Chapter treatment programs rely on Christian principles and the power of surrendering to God to receive the serenity and strength to overcome the disease of addiction. It is a life-changing program that can help individuals find hope through developing or growing into their relationship with God. Their program offers faith-based approaches integrated with evidence-based clinical approaches that help the individual receive freedom from addiction and maintain long-lasting recovery.
New Chapter Faith Recovery is headed by Clinical Director Ann Gharib, MA, LPC, LCCADC, NCC.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of this new business, along with Council Vice President Michael dePierro, Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, and Economic Development members Jigar Shah and
Nick Rafanello. Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi also attended the ceremony. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board members Nicolas Limanov and Ildiko Peluso were also in attendance.
Mayor Barberio stated, “I wish New Chapter much success. Addiction is a serious problem for so many; faith is such an important part of my own life, and bringing that aspect into the recovery process certainly seems like something that will provide strength to overcome.”
New Chapter is located at 1915 Route 46 East. They can be reached by calling (551) 353-2484 or clicking here for more information.
PARSIPPANY — The theme for this year’s Earth Day Clean Up nationwide is “Invest in our Planet.” Every year, April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day, an annual event where people demonstrate their support for protecting the planet and its environment. Many Parsippany residents of all ages gathered at Smith Field and were transported to clean up around the Boonton Reservoir, downtown Lake Hiawatha and other areas of town. Parsippany’s Earth Day Clean up with organized by Parsippany High School graduate Noah Lustig.
Noah said, “I am excited to announce that I am once again hosting the Boonton Reservoir Cleanup on #earthday Saturday, April 22. This project is an ongoing effort to give back to the local ecosystem and establish a walking trail around the reservoir. He thanked all the volunteers who participated.”
“Respecting Mother Earth should be our first priority,” said Mayor Barberio. “Keeping Parsippany clean ensures we are doing our part in that regard. I see a lot of Pride in Parsippany today! I thank you all for coming out!”
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
Build A Healthy Economy: Sustainability is the path to prosperity for humanity and businesses. Companies that developed strong Environment Social Governance (ESG) standards are seeing better profitability, stronger financial performance, and happier employees. There is no longer a choice between going green and growing long-term profits. Businesses of all sizes must act now. If they don’t, climate change will cause even more catastrophic damage to our economies and NEGATIVELY IMPACT US ALL!
PARSIPPANY — A new family-run Italian restaurant opened in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on Wednesday, April 12.
Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food, managed by Josephina Spinosa and Sergio Capdevielle, is located at 77 New Road.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani, and Vice President Michael dePierro were on hand to cut the ribbon and join in the celebration.
Also present was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov; Property owner Carmen Rodriquez; Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Secretary Raj Dichpally, and member Jigar Shah. Also attending was Patrick Minutillo, Parsippany Focus Food Critic.
Spinosa said, “I was eight years old when my parents decided to embark on a new journey and move to the United States of America. My mother’s family immigrated to Pennsylvania years before and opened a chain of Italian restaurants and pizzerias outside of Philadelphia.”
“I guess you could say that working in the restaurant business is in my DNA! Cooking has always been a big part of my family. It is one of the ways we come together at the dinner table and enjoys each other’s company and, of course, a great meal. My love for cooking was passed on to me by my grandmother. I can still remember the smell of freshly baked bread in the kitchen coming home from school. I used to love to be in the kitchen with her and help her prepare meals. I was inspired by how she turned simple ingredients into amazing dishes. I was only nine years old when I decided to write down her recipes in a little red notebook, which today has become the staple to many of the Neapolitan specialties I enjoy preparing,” she continued.
Josephina said, “My mother also played a significant role in my kitchen upbringing. Seeing her cooking for the holidays and Sunday dinners for the entire family has made me realize that food can bring people together. She has inspired me to learn and use my creativity in the kitchen. Her pizzetta montenara holds a special place in my heart. Pizzetta montenara is a delicious Neapolitan Street food that consists of fried pizza dough topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It’s a popular dish in Naples, Italy, and has gained popularity worldwide. It was one of the first dishes on the menu, and it is my mother’s recipe.”
She moved to New Jersey after marrying her husband, Sergio Capdevielle. The couple lives in Montclair with their one-year-old son, Leonardo.
“Parsippany is a thriving community with a strong economy, a mix of cultures, and many attractions for residents and tourists. Being surrounded by a vibrant food scene and a supportive community gave me the confidence to turn my passion into a business. Opening Lo Sfizio in Parsippany felt like the right next step for me. I want to bring my love and passion for Italian food and my family’s traditions to this warm and welcoming community. The goal is always to provide quality food made with fresh ingredients and bring our customers a taste of Italian street food. Lo Sifizo and its staff are committed to providing a cozy atmosphere, a smiling face, and delicious food while considering my nonna’s words: “I veri ingredienti nella cucina sono amore e passione!” or “The real ingredients in your cooking are love and passion!” These words have led me on this adventure and have become the core values of Lo Sfizio’s philosophy. Our doors are open, come and become a part of our family,” said Josephina.
Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food is located at 77 New Road. They can be reached by calling (973) 323-1505 or clicking here to view their website. You can also download their menu by clicking here. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Closed Monday.
PARSIPPANY — VSA Future, the one-of-a-kind enrichment learning center that has served students in New Jersey since 2015, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new location on Saturday, April 29.
The ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. at 2561 Route 10 East, Parsippany (Morris Plains mailing address).
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio and township council members, along with Frank Cahill, Chairman Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee, will be present to commemorate this new chapter for VSA Future and the many students and families who have supported VSA’s educational mission. The general public and families interested in learning more about how their child can benefit from VSA’s active learning models are invited to attend.
Refreshments and door prizes will be available. Open House attendees will be eligible to enter an exclusive raffle with $600 in VSA savings and receive one-day-only special discounts.
Since its inception eight years ago, VSA Future has expanded its footprint virtually, teaching students in 30 states and internationally. The academic center has year-round offerings to challenge students beyond their classroom experiences and prepare them to become confident world citizens. Upcoming courses for this summer include Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary and Scholastic Writing Award Preparation.
“We’re beyond thrilled to invite the public to our grand opening and begin a new chapter in VSA Future’s mission to engage and motivate students with a growth mindset,” said Director Dr. Julia Guo. “Opening our Parsippany location means we can offer in-person educational opportunities that have the necessary socialization benefits to prevent learning loss in young students. Our in-person courses will bear the trademarks of the VSA classroom: small class sizes and individualized feedback, interactive learning, and a rigorous, custom-designed curriculum.”
Following the ribbon-cutting celebration, VSA Future’s grand opening will also include an open house, featuring VSA directors and teachers who will discuss VSA’s ongoing and upcoming classes, including its 2023 Fun & Learning Summer Camp program.
The summer camp program will fully utilize VSA Future’s new location.
Students participating in the active and engaging day camp program, which runs from June 26 to September 1, will participate in everything from intensive academics and Public Speaking to Outdoor Oasis, Mad Science, Global Speaker Series, Arts and Crafts, and so much more.
VSA Future is now conveniently located in the same building as the new children’s amusement center Huckleberry, its 2023 Fun & Learning Summer Camp program partner. With cutting-edge gaming technology and years-long expertise in family entertainment, Huckleberry offers a safe and stimulating environment for campers of all ages to learn and have fun. With over 15,000 square feet, Huckleberry boasts indoor and outdoor play areas, VR games, and more. Regularly sanitized equipment and state-of-the-art video surveillance ensure campers have a safe and exciting place to play.
“Here at Huckleberry, we’re excited to work with VSA to offer our summer campers a space for play and exploration,” said Steve Song, the founder of Huckleberry.
VSA Future is at 2561 Route 10 East in Parsippany (Morris Plains). You can reach VSA at (973) 951-9600 or at vsafuture.com.
PARSIPPANY — Earth Day Clean Up will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Let’s Clean Up Parsippany! Join us in this Township wide event.
Registration is required by clicking here. An email with additional details will be sent.
Several locations throughout Parsippany will be targeted to be cleaned up of debris and garbage, including the Jersey City/Boonton Reservoir.
Check-in will be at the Smith Field C Parking Lot at 9:00 a.m.
Volunteers will be shuttled to various locations by Township Buses. Heavy-duty gloves are recommended.
Additional questions or need more info? Please get in touch with Parsippany Recreation at recreation@parsippany.net.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Anthony M. Bucco has introduced legislation that would delay the fourth round of fair share affordable housing obligations for municipalities from 2025 to 2028.
“The pandemic and related shutdowns and restrictions imposed by Governor Murphy had a major impact on the ability of municipalities to resolve their third-round affordable housing obligations,” said Bucco (R-25). “While towns are still trying to get back on track, the next round is quickly approaching. If we don’t implement a reasonable delay to the fourth round, we’re sure to end up with more confusion, litigation, and unnecessary costs for property taxpayers. This bill offers relief to our towns and much-needed time to keep working.”
Bucco’s bill, S-3739, would delay the start of the fourth round of affordable housing obligations, including present and prospective needs and related litigation, until July 1, 2028.
The legislation recognizes that municipalities have incurred significant expenses in complying with fair share affordable housing obligations, which ultimately are borne by New Jersey taxpayers.
It also notes the severe hardship towns have faced in trying to comply with their affordable housing obligations as a result of the pandemic, along with the recognition of the New Jersey Supreme Court that affordable housing policies are best left to the Legislature.
“The short delay we’re proposing is no different than the numerous other deadlines and timeframes the Legislature has already updated to account for the disruptions of the pandemic,” Bucco added. “By delaying the fourth round of affordable housing obligations, we can provide much-needed relief to taxpayers and municipalities while also ensuring that we have the data and resources necessary to make informed decisions about future affordable housing policies.”
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Council voted unanimously to introduce the 2023 Municipal Budget at Tuesday, April 18 council meeting. The second reading and final adoption are set for Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter.
Parsippany residents are facing another tax increase due to the introduction of a $242,243,625.75 budget.
The municipal portion of the budget is $60,497,056.75, up from 2022 which was $58,280,084.00; Municipal Library Tax is $3,168,912.00, up from $2,995,088.00; Municipal Open Space is $1,461,601.00 up from $1,458,635.00; Local School District (Estimated) $152,541,056.00 up from $149,484,427.00; County (Estimated) $24,000,000.00 up from $23,439,094.00; County Open Space (Estimated) $575,000.00 up from $565,003.00.
The 2022 Municipal Tax rate was 0.798 and in 2023 will increase to 0.828 or a 3.76% property tax levy.
The proposed budget shows an increase in the property tax levy of 3.76% and an overall tax increase of 2.57%, or $99.23 more per year per homeowner, based on an average home valuation in Parsippany of $313,063.
Mayor James Barberio said, “We are putting forward a responsible, balanced budget that provides the services our community deserves. The overall increase in the tax rate is 2.57%, and the local tax rate is 3.76%. That’s a $99.23 annual impact on the average homeowner. That comes to $8.33 a month. Nobody likes the budget with a tax increase, but we have minimized the amount of the increase while dealing with significant nationwide economic impacts and external influences. The balanced budget overcomes significant fixed cost increases created by rising inflation and contractual increases, and, prepares the townships for the future through critical infrastructure improvements and public safety investments. On top of the ongoing inflationary and supply chain issues, we are dealing with increases in health benefits costs, increased pension costs, increased utility costs, increased liability insurance premiums, and increased debt interest pressure among other items through investments in our public safety.”
“Our health benefits went up approximately 9%. Our debt interest went up 33%. Our pension costs are about 14%, 15%, and utility costs are up 14%,” continued Barberio.
According to a message included with the budget, “The budget process allows any interested resident to be better informed. After the introduction, the Township will be available to answer questions by phone or email and the public will have the opportunity to communicate their ideas/concerns with the Administration at any time during the period before the final hearing. This is about maximizing opportunities to be transparent with public funds and providing members of the public to be involved in the process.”
Councilman Justin Musella was firm on having the Township Council hold public hearings with the department heads to understand the increases in the budget and to allow taxpayers an opportunity to ask questions to the Administration, Department Heads, and Councilmembers.
It was after the Council approved the introduction of the budget, Musella, then made a motion to hold public hearings. The motion was seconded by Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and then voted in favor by all the other council members.
Mayor Barberio, Council President Loretta Gragnani, and Council Vice President Michael dePierro initially resisted the request, saying they were confident there was no fat left to cut in the budget.
“I think the important thing that we owe to the taxpayers is having a process where there is public input and we have the opportunity to interview the department heads, the CFO, and the business administrator,” Musella said. “So that way, I can have a full understanding as to the meaning behind the full increase.”
Councilman Paul Carifi agreed with Musella, then others fell in line and eventually the vote was unanimous to schedule a budget hearing. “I’m all for it,” Carifi said.
Mayor Barberio insisted to the Council that there is nothing to cut from his budget and holding any public budget session “is ridiculous, and if you guys want to do it, you can do it……set up your meetings.”
Throughout the State of New Jersey, special budget hearings are routinely held during which department heads publicly outline their budgetary needs and provide insight into increased funding requests. For example, Boonton and Denville hold public budget workshops that involve public and council participation. Wayne Township held its special budget meeting during which all department heads and Mayor Christopher Vergano fielded questions and provided their opinions on various topics before the introduction of Wayne’s budget.
To download the complete introduced budget click here.
Council President Loretta Gragnani scheduled the Public Hearing for Tuesday, May 2 at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. The hearing will start from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Andrew Cangiano Board Engineer, Keller & Kirkpatrick
Joseph Garcia Board Attorney, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs
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 April 18, 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
PARSIPPANY — Tired of the over-development in Parsippany? Come out and support the Puddingstone Heights Community on Wednesday, April 19 at the Parsippany Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Where is the Ridge? The Puddingstone Ridge is on Watnong Mountain which is the highest peak located in the southwestern corner of Parsippany.
The ridge is the one remaining forested habits in a historic neighborhood located off of Hanover Avenue and directly behind Greystone Hospital and the Police and Fire Academy.
At this zoning board meeting, the Puddingstone Developers are seeking to continue to demolish the natural barrier on the ridge, so that they can continue to extend their creeping major subdivision.
The Puddingstone Community has witnessed over the past two years the clear-cutting of acres of forest land, steep slope building with retaining walls 14.5 feet. Taller than the Berlin Wall. Major soil movement of tons of fill dirt by the truckload in order to regrade the hillside and level off the mountainside, causing erosion, contamination of streams, and possible future flooding. Where is the dirt coming from? Habitats of dozens of native animals have been destroyed including protected and endangered species.
Overdevelopment is at your backdoor. Please support the Puddingstone Community by attending the meeting on Wednesday, April 19.
Express to the town that enough is enough! We are a township, not a city!
For more information join our Facebook group “Stop the Overdevelopment of Puddingstone Ridge/Central Park of Morris.”
Sign our change.org petition and find out more. To join click here: https://m.facebook.com/groups/savetheridge.
PARSIPPANY — This Spectacular and Beautifully Appointed Center Hall Colonial is nestled in the desirable Powder Mill Section. Picture Perfect Neighborhood and Tree-Lined Streets with Curbs and Sidewalks. The flowing, classic layout is great for entertaining. The oversized foyer is bookended by a formal living room and dining. Six Penwood Drive sold for $820,000. This four-bedroom, four-bath home was built in 1978. It was listed on November 4 for $900,000 then reduced on December 23 to $850,000. Property taxes in 2022 were $16,932.00.
PARSIPPANY — Gary Martin, of Rainbow Lakes section of Parsippany, and Danny Desai, from Lake Parsippany, announce they are teaming up and running as Republican Candidates for Township Council in the June 2023 Primary. There are two vacant positions available with the retirements of longtime council members Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani.
“We are running for the vacant positions because property taxes are simply out of control in Parsippany,” said Martin. “13% tax increase in one year is not fiscally conservative, prudent, or sustainable. The actions of this Council are forcing long-time residents to move out of town. This is unacceptable and must change.”
“Water and sewer bills are choking the financial pocketbooks of our seniors and residents,” said Desai. “As a successful small business owner, I understand the importance of fiscal discipline and prudent spending. I will bring this much-needed perspective to local government as a Township Councilman.”
Martin, a retired Police Captain with 25 years of service, has lived in Parsippany for 48 years. He is a former Board Member of Education, 32 Degree Master Mason, past Shriner, Republican Club Member, and Republican Municipal Committee in District #8. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Police Medal of Honor and 200 Club Recipient.
Desai is a successful small business owner who has lived in Lake Parsippany for almost two decades. He is married to his wife Rita and has two children, Beejal and Neil, both of who are successful physicians. He is a Republican Club Member and member of the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee in District #13. He has also volunteered with Township on the Traffic Committee and Recreation Advisory Committee.
Desai also served as the Vice-President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA) where he worked to keep mandatory fees very low while offering new recreation and community-building options for the neighbors who desired them
The team Desai and Martin will bring back the fiscal responsibility to Local Government and the Parsippany Township Council. This is the time to break away from the Old Republican Organization and vote for the New Republic Party. This new party will be the future of your CHILDREN. They are the future Citizens that will make our community better. Citizens of Parsippany, please register to vote!
The Republican Primary will be held on Tuesday, June 6.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey no longer has a statewide universal directive requiring people in all healthcare facilities such as hospitals and doctor’s offices to wear masks to fight COVID-19, Governor Phil Murphy confirmed Monday as he defended the decision.
“We have lifted these mandates,” Murphy noted during his call-in TV show when a caller said he was “deeply concerned” about the move. “It was a very important decision. We did not take it lightly.”
Three years after the start of the pandemic, masks are optional in most locations in New Jersey — unless individual businesses or facilities choose to require them.
In September, the CDC ended its recommendation that masking be universal in healthcare settings and instead shifted to a risk-based approach, with facilities recommended to require face coverings if there is a high level of community spread.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Hanover Township Chief Michael Loock, Morris Plains Borough Chief of Police Mike Koroski, Morris Township Chief of Police Robert Shearer, and Randolph Township Chief of Police Will Harzula announce that on Saturday, April 22, they will be participating in the annual Operation Take Back program.
Operation Take Back is a semi-annual event coordinated nationally by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in which law enforcement agencies at the state, county, and municipal level work collectively to host Operation Take Back across the nation.
The goal of Operation Take Back is to encourage the public to anonymously turn over unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications for proper disposal. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris Plains Borough Police Department, the Morris Township Police Department, and the Randolph Township Police Department in this effort to reduce abuse and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. At its conclusion, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office will collect the discarded prescription drugs and properly destroy them in a safe and non-hazardous manner.
During this event, satellite collection sites will be established at the following locations from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:
Shoprite of Greater Morristown, 178 East Hanover Avenue, Cedar Knolls. Stop and Shop Supermarket, 245 Littleton Road, Morris Plains. Wegmans, 34 Sylvan Way, Hanover Township. ACME Supermarket, 690 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph.
If you are unable to drop off your medication at one of these locations, you can utilize other permanent drop box locations nearest you, which are listed by clicking here.
Prosecutor Carroll and Sheriff Gannon jointly stated, “This program has proven to be an effective method for the appropriate discarding of unused and unwanted medications. We applaud our citizens for their proactive steps in helping to curb the abuse of prescription medications.”
MORRIS COUNTY — For Autism Acceptance Month, the Morris County community can help Rose House residents without costing a cent!
Answer multiple-choice questions about your shopping experiences, and Rose House will receive automatic donations from HundredX of up to $150 per participant from now until May 2, 2023. ($2 per survey, up to 75 surveys)
Sign up today by texting “contribute” to 90412, or click here on any device. Please share this info with friends and family members aged 18 and up.
Your personal information is safe and secure, as HundredX Causes will not give it to any third-party company.
PARSIPPANY — Registration for Parsippany’s Memorial Day Parade is now available. The parade will be held on Monday, May 29, starting at 12:00 Noon. Details for lining up will be emailed upon registration.
To register your company or non-profit group, click here.
For questions, email the Recreation Department at recreation@parsippany.net.
PARSIPPANY — Parsipany-Troy Hills Township Council will introduce the 2023 Municipal Budget on Tuesday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
A resolution is on the public agenda to introduce the budget formally.
Council Meetings are videotaped and aired on Public Access Channel 21 at 7:00 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays and are available at www.parsippany.net. You can also view it on Parsippany Focus.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting will be held on April 18, 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