PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board – January 24, 2022.
Click here to download the agenda.
$325 Million Program for Struggling Homeowners to Launch February 8
MORRIS COUNTY — On February 8, the State of New Jersey will launch the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA), a federally financed program for homeowners who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $35,000, plus free housing counseling services, to cover mortgage arrearages, delinquent property taxes, and other housing cost delinquencies.
This lifeline makes loss mitigation options, such as refinancing, a viable option.
ERMA, which is being administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), utilizes $325.9 million of federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) money under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
ERMA will also provide free housing counseling services to help New Jersey homeowners apply for this program, guide them through all available options, and even work with their loan servicers to achieve the best outcome available for their families. These counselors will also ensure that the process is accessible to those without access to the Internet or those having difficulties navigating the process.
Click here to review program eligibility guidelines and sign up for program updates.
To qualify for the ERMA program, homeowners must meet the following requirements:
- Be a New Jersey homeowner with a demonstrated COVID-19-related financial hardship occurring after January 20, 2020
- Own and occupy an eligible primary residence
- Have an income below 150% of their Area Median Income (AMI).
NJHMFA will provide the centralized application intake platform, eligibility review, and payment of assistance, which will be made directly to the servicer.
Housing counselors are available to assist homeowners with applications or understand all available options. ERMA applications can be submitted using a personal computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, or call (855) 647-7700 to be put in touch with a housing counselor.
The ERMA application portal will open for applications click here on February 8, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.
NJHMFA will work to accommodate homeowners with disabilities as well as to assist applicants with limited English proficiency. The application portal is available in many languages. Applicants seeking accommodations should contact NJHMFA at (855) 647-7700 for assistance.
To receive updates and notifications on the program via email and/or text, visit the NJHMFA HAF page and complete the “Receive HAF Update Notifications” form by clicking here.
NEW JERSEY HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE AGENCY
NJHMFA, an independent agency of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, is a statewide and national leader in providing and advocating for affordable housing and homeownership. The Agency provides financing to developers to create quality homes and provides mortgage loans down payments and closing cost assistance to help homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership. For more information about NJHMFA programs, click here.
Two Armed Robberies at Route 46 Gas Stations Within Minutes
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Acting Police Chief Richard Pantina announce an active investigation into a pair of armed robberies that occurred in Parsippany-Troy Hills on Friday, January 21, and are seeking information from the public.
On Friday, January 21, a robbery was reported to have occurred at the Shell gas station on Route 46 East at 7:54 p.m.
A black or dark gray BMW X5 stopped at the station, and the male driver asked for $25 of fuel. When the attendant turned their back, the driver pulled out a knife and demanded money.
The BMW X5 fled eastbound on Route 46. Approximately 10 minutes later, a black or dark gray BMW X5 stopped at the Conoco gas station on Route 46 West.
The male driver asked for the vehicle to be filled up with gas, later walking up behind the attendant, displaying a knife and demanding money.
The suspect pushed the attendant to the ground, returned to the vehicle, and fled west on Route 46. The suspect is described as a black male, with possibly short facial hair, and wearing a black jacket, black pants, possibly black gloves, and a black facemask with a hat.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300, or Morris County Crimestoppers at 1-800-743-7433.
Barberio to Participate in NJ Coalition for Education & Positive Choices Seminar on Suicide Prevention
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio will be participating in The NJ Coalition for Education & Positive Choices Suicide Prevention Seminar on the following dates:
Dates: Thursday, March 24 (Adults & Parents) and Thursday, March 31 (Teens)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Abundant Life Whippany, 43 South Jefferson Road, Whippany
Light refreshments will be served.
Suicide is a serious health concern and is the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15 – 24. It is complicated and tragic but it is preventable. Knowing the warning signs and how to get help saves lives. How can members of communities work together to prevent suicide? In conjunction with the Mental Health Association, Abundant Life Whippany, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. The NJ Coalition for Education & Positive Choices (NJC4EPC) has worked to develop goals and strategies to increase awareness and prevent suicide. This high-powered group invites the public to attend these sessions to learn how to prevent suicide by learning the warning signs and risk factors. Learn how by asking non-judgmental questions you can get a child to share his or her thoughts with you.
The teen session will include a brief presentation focusing on what signs to look for in a friend who might be suicidal and provide some tips on what they can do. This will be followed by a peer-led discussion on teen mental health delivered in a safe, supportive space.
Hosted by:
- Mayor James R. Barberio, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
- Mike Corcoran, Public Service Director, Town of Morristown
- Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Deputy Mayor, Hanover Township
- James Gannon, Morris County Sheriff
- Mike Loock, Chief of Police, Hanover Township
- Mental Health Association
- Pastor Vernon Outlaw, Abundant Life Whippany
- Mayor Joe Pannullo, East Hanover Township
- Darnel Richardson, Chief of Police, Town of Morristown
- Steven Shaw, Morris County Commissioner
- Mayor Mark Taylor, Florham Park
For more information contact: acegallagher@gmail.com
Lou Valori Appointed to the Morris County Park Commission
MORRIS COUNTY — Parsippany resident Dr. Lou Valori was recently sworn into the Morris County Park Commission.
His appointment was approved by the Morris County Commissioners.
Valori said, “I want to thank the Morris County Commissioners for being reappointed to the Morris County Park Commission and I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Park Commissioners to protect, preserve and promote Morris County’s precious environmental elements and recreational resources and programs.”
The Park Commission oversees one of the finest park systems in New Jersey. Provides over 20,000 acres of specialized park areas and facilities for recreational, leisure time, and educational needs of three million annual visitors. Includes ice skating arena, outdoor education centers, arboretums, golf courses, a marina, swimming-boating areas, trails (including one for the blind), para course fitness trails, camping facilities, a living farm, an operating mill, riding stable, and concerts. Offers nature study and horticultural education classes in its education center.
For more information click here.
Parsippany Office Building Sells For $6.4M
PARSIPPANY — Newmark Associates CRE, LLC, announced the recent $6,400,000 sale of a premier office property at 28 Eastmans Road, Parsippany, and the $1,100,000 sale of 6 Bartley-Chester Road, Flanders, both in Morris County.
Nancy Stanton-Tuckman, Executive Vice President exclusively managed the Parsippany transaction for the owner whose company, Millennium Systems International, occupied the entire building. The purchaser, Micrologic Associates, a technology company, will be the new tenant.
Unique to this transaction was the buyer’s immediate need for the building and the urgency to finalize the sale in 2021. Within approximately two months of bringing the property to market, Ms. Tuckman received multiple offers and closed the sale quickly in spite of a challenging office market due to the ongoing pandemic. With such incentives, both companies worked closely together to orchestrate a closing before year-end.
Ms. Tuckman highlighted a major aspect of the sale: “Both seller and purchaser are in very similar businesses, the sale of management software systems. Millennium, the majority of whose 250 employees had elected to work remotely, resulted in the determination to sell the building. Micrologic, car wash and quick lube management system experts, needed to expand their marketing department and required additional office space. It really was a win-win situation.”
Located on 4.82 acres of land, this Class A building with 47,500 SF of office space on three floors, holds 9,000 SF of storage on the lower level accessed by a freight elevator and an outer loading dock – providing exact specifications for the buyers’ needs. Ample parking of 150 spaces was another attractive feature for Micrologic who will occupy the building with employees returning to offices. The floor plan of the building includes several communal areas for collaborative work with an office set up for Green screen and video production.
Built-in 2000, the property was sold In 2012 to Millennium who had upgraded all aspects of the office building including the lobbies, elevator, and amenities which now include a Tuscany Wine Room.
In addition to the sale of the Eastmans Road property, Ms. Stanton-Tuckman was responsible for the sale of 6 Bartley-Chester Road, Flanders, a 10,000 SF industrial use building.
Built-in 1980, this two-story, well-maintained warehouse zoned CR3 for multiple uses, is situated on a private, wooded lot, and half occupied by a daycare center with ample parking and an outdoor recreation area for the center.
Attractive to the buyer, whose business formerly occupied several leased spaces, was that this investment property with an existing tenant affords them the opportunity to create a future office environment inside the existing building with functional flex space for their business, all in one location.
Representing the seller, Ms. Tuckman commented: “This sale presented multiple challenges relevant to the presence of the daycare center and its requirements for this type of use on the property. It was the working relationship and ability of both brokers to problem solve all these challenges that allowed for the final sale of this building. It was a cash offer with no contingencies that awarded the property to the buyer.”
Ms. Tuckman can be reached via email at ntuckman@newmarkrealestate.com or via cell phone at (973) 216-7107.
Newmark Associates CRE, located in Cedar Knolls, is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and registered as a Supplier Diversity provider with corporate members. Celebrating more than 30 years in the commercial real estate industry as one of the top brokerage companies in the state, Newmark Associates has been recognized repeatedly with awards by both NJBIZ magazine and the CoStar Commercial Real Estate organization. Specializing in lease and sales transactions of office, industrial, retail, land, healthcare, and mixed-use properties, Newmark customers range from regional, entrepreneurial firms to Fortune 500 companies.
The Morris County Republican Committee Leads the Way In Innovation by Announcing the First Political NFT Launch
MORRIS COUNTY — Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali announced that the Morris County Republican Committee (MCRC) will be the first political party in the state of New Jersey to pilot an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) launch as part of its 2022 Digital Marketing Campaign and Fundraising Strategy. In fact, MCRC will be the first Republican organization in the country to do so.
“Morris County Republicans are committed to leading the way in innovation and technology that delivers results. We are excited that our initial launch will be three categories of NFTs at different price points as part of our 2022 digital marketing strategy this month. We are confident that this strategy will both attract new, engaged members and donors to our party”, Chairwoman Ali said.
“With more donors attracted to our organization through NFTs, we can raise the money needed to power our campaigns against the state’s deep-pocket Democrats. Republicans in New Jersey have to avail themselves of every opportunity to grow the party and win elections,” added the Chairwoman.
Ali said she believes the MCRC is the first Republican County organization in the nation to embrace fundraising through NFT’s. “The Morris County Republican Committee is uniquely positioned to implement this new way for people to engage with the Republican Party and the Morris County Republican brand. NFTs have exploded in the areas of art, games, and collectibles with over $24.9 billion worth of NFTs sold in 2021 with $5 billion sold in January of 2022 YTD so far”.
An NFT is a non-fungible token: non-fungible” meaning that it is unique and has a way of recording proof of ownership on a blockchain, giving the buyer confidence that what they are buying is authentic. It also provides provable scarcity and demand which gives NFTs their value. This one-of-a-kind digital asset can be bought and resold by the owner.
Owning one of this limited edition NFT Collectibles comes with special perks and benefits like admission to a party, VIP seating at conventions, and special offers.
The sale of the NFT’s will begin Thursday, January 27 when 39 Platinum level NFTs, 199 Gold, and 500 “Take Back NJ” digital buttons will be available. The Platinum NFTs will sell for $1,000 apiece; the Gold for $500 and the buttons will sell for $50 each. To get on the list to learn more about the NFTs and make a purchase go to nft.morrisgop.org. The NFT can only be purchased with a credit card. The purchase of the tokens is compliant with New Jersey’s Election Law Enforcement Commission donor regulations.
Purchasers of the Platinum and Gold NFTs will receive certain benefits provided by the MCRC.
“We have been working with an exceptional partner on this project since the summer that has made the end-user buying experience easy. There is no need to own or understand cryptocurrency. They have been working hard to develop an ELEC-compliant front end to enable new users to purchase these one-of-a-kind NFTs. Buying one is easy with one-click signup and a credit card. All initial NFT purchasers will have special access to our next NFT launch this Spring to coincide with our annual convention”, said Chairwoman Ali. “Also, by putting your name on our contact list by clicking here, you will be entered into a free drawing for a free NFT.”
You can watch our explainer video and find out more information about the actual launch and benefits of NFT ownership by accessing the pre-launch webpage by clicking here.
Councilman Musella Holds Office Hours
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella spoke to a resident at Starbucks as part of his campaign promise to listen to residents.
Musella won a seat on Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council by securing the highest number of votes in the General Election held in November.
He took the Oath of Office on January 1.
The next “Office Hours” will be on February 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Starbucks, 1429 Route 46, Parsippany.
Barranco Sworn In New Jersey General Assembly
MORRIS COUNTY — Christian Barranco (R-Jefferson) was among the new Republican members of the New Jersey General Assembly to be sworn in on Tuesday, January 11 in Trenton as the Legislature begins the 2022–2023 session. He will receive an annual salary of $49,000/year.
Christian Barranco graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in 1987. Barranco earned a B.A. in political science and government from Montclair State University in 2017. His career experience includes owning Flowers Right Now, LLC, and working as a project manager with McPhee Electric, a journeyman and wireman with IBEW Local 102, and a project manager with Beach Electric Company.
Christian received 29.3% of the vote or a total of 45,224 votes.
Members of the New Jersey General Assembly serve two-year terms and are not subject to term limits. New Jersey legislators assume office at noon of the second Tuesday in January following the election.
His current term ends on January 9, 2024.
Woman’s Club Donates Two Digital Microscopes to Library
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills was pleased to donate two digital microscopes to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library. One of these microscopes will be available at the Main Library and the other will be available at the Lake Hiawatha branch.
The digital microscopes will allow students to view items through a flip-out screen rather than a traditional eyepiece, making viewing easier. The screen is adjustable and can magnify items up to 300x. It comes with a set of slides that are included in the case or they can view everyday items like their fingerprint! These microscopes can be borrowed for 14 days at a time by Parsippany residents.
Head of Children’s Services, Rose Schulman expressed her thanks to the Woman’s Club stating “Thank you again to the Woman’s Club for thinking of us and for taking the time to see us this morning. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System is very excited to add these items to our Library of Things. Our community will benefit greatly from having the opportunity to check out this equipment to try at home!”
Special thanks to Woman’s Club Education Chairman, Betty Lagitch, for reaching out to Melissa Kuzma, Library Director to see how we can help the library.
Donations like these are made possible by the various fundraising activities the Woman’s Club conducts throughout the year. Please consider supporting our club with these efforts so we can continue to support various community organizations. The Woman’s Club will be having a Tricky Tray to support our Education/Scholarship Fund on July 12 at the PAL, Baldwin Road. This will be our major fundraiser for the year, so please stay tuned for more information and ways you can help us make this a successful event.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), which are the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month September through April at 7:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Fire & Rescue Building at 100 Centerton Road, Parsippany.
If you would like to attend our next General Meeting call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703 or e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com. Check us out on the web www.parsippanywomansclub.org .or follow the club on FACEBOOK or Twitter.
Pictures Courtesy of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills