Tax-Free Pilot for New Residential Development: Impact on Schools and Home Values

Press Release
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Tax-Free Pilot for New Residential Development: Impact on Schools and Home Values

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Board of Education kindly invites residents to join the forthcoming Town Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m., taking place at Parsippany Town Hall, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. The meeting will provide additional information regarding the financial aspects of the latest PILOT arrangement for your awareness.

Top Ranked Schools Keep Home Values High

  • Parsippany-Troy Hills School District high schools rank in the top 19% of all New Jersey high schools and in the top 12% of all high schools nationally.
  • These high rankings are possible through the 63.5% share of the township taxes collected through the Township of Parsippany.
  • On average, each student costs approximately $21,800 annually and to sustain the high rankings of all our schools.  Any additional students we welcome through new residential development will require funding as well. Without those taxes, our existing and new students will suffer, and Parsippany-Troy Hill will become a less desirable place to live which will cause a decrease in home values.

PILOT Brings More Students Which Need More School Funding

  • The PILOT agreements the Township of Parsippany has recently approved include 410 new residential units.
  • Historically, there has been an average of 0.4 students enrolled through each such unit, so this new development is expected to bring 164 additional students to the schools resulting in the need for an additional $3,575,200 in funding just for basic educational services.
  • PILOT agreements that do not include clear revenue-sharing agreements with the Board of Education create a situation where the school district is obligated to educate these new students with no additional revenue to offset those expenses. Absent this revenue-sharing, the Board of Education will need to ask the taxpayers to increase their own taxes.

With PILOT on Residential Developments, Developer and Township Win While Schools Lose

Based upon financial details provided by the Township of Parsippany, 

  • Over the agreed upon 30-year period, the latest PILOT agreements will bring $47 million in PILOT payments to the Township instead of the original $25 million in taxes expected without the PILOT agreement. 
  • Why would the developer agree to pay this extra $22 million? Because in exchange, the developer will not have to pay $89 million in taxes on their improvements (buildings) on their site. 
  • Without the taxes from the improvements, our schools will not receive $57 million in funding, the municipality will not receive $25 million, and the County and Open Spaces will miss out on a combined total of over $7 Million.

The Board of Education is NOT in favor of any PILOT agreements for residential development, especially without written, signed agreements that clearly define the fiscal compensation to the school district. The Board of Education will meet with the Mayor to start the process of ensuring that the schools have adequate funding for new students arriving as a result of residential development.  

Be informed and speak up so our students and your home values don’t suffer. 

In advance of the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. located at Town Hall, please review the PILOT program and financial information click here.

Marotta Controls Earns Top Honors from Lockheed Martin

Frank L. Cahill
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Marotta Controls Earns Top Honors from Lockheed Martin

PARSIPPANY – Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing aerospace and defense supplier, today announced that its Power & Actuation Systems business unit recently received several accolades from Lockheed Martin at the aerospace leader’s 2023 Supplier Summit. Marotta Controls earned Lockheed’s Program Management Excellence and President’s Awards for its performance as a key supplier to Lockheed’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program. Marotta provides a complex control system for this critical Lockheed program, which is the company’s next-generation, long-range precision-strike missile designed for the U.S. Army. In addition to the two summit awards, Marotta Program Manager, Antony Haines, was recognized with the Quality of Leadership Award for the same program.

“Lockheed Martin works with top suppliers in the industry to ensure our customers always stay ahead of ready. Marotta Controls has been eager to collaborate and deliver,” said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin. “With these awards, we acknowledge their outstanding commitment, products, and services that contribute to the success of our PrSM program and future endeavors.”

 With 15 suppliers under consideration, two of the five summit awards went to the team at Marotta. The summit’s Program Management Excellence Award focuses on the Program Management Team’s adherence to best practices (tools and techniques), encouraging development, and documenting and tracking performance such as budget, schedule, resources, and quality. The summit’s President’s Award is a special recognition of Marotta Controls’ superior performance and dedication to the PrSM Program. The separate Quality of Leadership Award recognizes the team lead who embodies what good leadership looks like and drives performance excellence amongst their team to align with mission goals.

 “We worked hard to demonstrate our talent and tenacity with Lockheed, designing and qualifying our hardware in record time,” said Antony Haines, Program Manager, Marotta Controls, and recipient of Lockheed’s Quality of Leadership Award. “Working side-by-side with its Missiles & Fire Control division, we’ve taken our long-established team approach that puts transparency front and center. This level of communication has served us well. With six successful PrSM test flights and counting under our collective belt, these awards further demonstrate Marotta’s ability to connect and deliver on our promises.”

Edward Wall, a Former Councilman of Parsippany, Has Passed Away

Frank L. Cahill
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Edward Wall, a Former Councilman of Parsippany, Has Passed Away

PARSIPPANY – Edward J. Wall passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023. Ed was born in Richmond Hill, New York on July 17, 1933, and moved to Elmwood Park, as a young boy.

He was the son of Edward and Bella Wall, predeceased. He attended St. Leo’s Grammar School in Elmwood Park and graduated from Pope Pius High School in Passaic.

He married his High School Sweetheart, Jane Elwood on September 17, 1955, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Jane predeceased him in 2021. They lived in Parsippany and attended St. Christopher Catholic Church. Ed was a teacher in Garfield School System 1962-1965. He taught at Wayne Hills High School from 1968-1997.

He was Chairman of the Business Education and Home Economics Departments. He was also Head Track Coach at Wayne Hills from 1968 to 1977. When he retired, he was asked to teach at St. Christopher’s School for two years. He formed the Parsippany Recreation Track Team in 1987 for students grades 4 to 8. The team won the League’s “B” Division championships in 1987 and 1988.

Wall served as a Parsippany Councilman from 1993 to 1997.

He was on the Morris County Park Commission for seventeen years and was acting president for three years. He was chairman of the Republican Club in Parsippany and a member of the Lake Parsippany Board of Directors.

He is the proud father of Ellen Jane Gasco (Joseph), Edward (Kathy), William (Tammy), Richard (Denise), Michael (Karen) and Thomas (Stacey). He was totally devoted to his grandchildren: Melissa (Kris), Jill, Amanda Rianne (Brooks), Joseph, Kelly (Kyle) Klaire, Justin, Kyle (Leslie), Sydney Jane, Brendan, Hayden, Michael Steven (Cooper), Rachel, Adrienne (Mike), Olivia, Ileana and Eagan. He had a special love for his great-grandchildren, twins, Dale Joseph & Kade Ryan, Everett, Merritt, Hadley, Lincoln, and Mack with many more expected.

He was predeceased by his sister Teresa, leaving behind a brother Peter, and many nieces and nephews.

Ed and Jane were snowbirds for nine years in Vero Beach. In 2011, they became owners of a home in The Villages, Central Florida. He became a member of the Community of Buttonwood Heights, taking up golf actively and joining St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. He became a 4th-degree Knight and a member of the Color Guard. He also was a member of the YesterYear Club and enjoyed with much pleasure his golf cart.

To sum up his life: he was a true believer in his Catholic religion, a great teacher, a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He formed many friendships in New Jersey and Florida. He will be sadly and greatly missed.

A memorial mass will be held in the Villages, Florida on December 5 at 2:00 p.m. at St.
Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. 5323 E CR 462, Wildwood, Fl 34785.

In lew of flowers a donation to charities: Morris County Park Commission, Morris County.
St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Council 13300 Wildwood Florida, 32162.

Letter to the Editor: NJ DEP Issues Violation Notices to Puddingstone Development for Wetland Disturbance

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: NJ DEP Issues Violation Notices to Puddingstone Development for Wetland Disturbance

Dear Editor:

Notices of Violation have been issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to Puddingtone Developers, LLC for unauthorized disturbance to freshwater wetlands and a transition area.

The WLM’s Bureau of Coastal and Land Use Compliance and Enforcement conducted an investigation in response to incident reports regarding alleged unauthorized activities within regulated areas at 35-47 Beverly Stand 59 Koch Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills. The Notices were issued in mid-September as the result of the investigation.

In early spring, large piles of soil from the development at the end of Beverly Street were discovered pouring down the mountainside in streams onto the adjacent property of Greystone Psychiatric Hospital.

Limited efforts were made to fix silt fences by the developer. A state-identified vernal pool was filled with sediment and a large freshwater reservoir with a tributary to the North Branch Whippany Watershed was completely muddied. Meanwhile, an NJDEP-capped landfill that had not been touched for 30 years was gullied. The estimate for the remediation is undetermined at this time but is in the seven-figure range according to an engineer for the Department of Human Services.

Puddingstone Developers LLC is part of the Mossberg family and Wilf developers with a long record of questionable building history and ethics in Parsippany Township. Long-time residents of Parsippany who do not share the same love of community impact on the environment and fellow neighbors’ welfare.

Since April 2023, the Puddingstone neighborhoods have collectively been campaigning to Save the Ridge from Puddingtone Developers LLC extension of a creeping subdivision located behind Greystone Psychiatric Hospital and the Morris County Police and Fire Training Academy.

If the Zoning Board of Adjustments approves the C Variance, one of the few densely forested areas left in Parsippany will continue to be demolished, Puddingstone Heights residents maintain.

“It is of the public interest for the board to seriously consider the overwhelmingly negative feedback and concerns over safety in the neighborhood — underscoring the seriousness of their decision, and the liability and culpability of any detrimental outcome on this board — which will be enthusiastically voiced in any such event to any platform warranted,” said resident, Guy Lehman.

In fact, at the first Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing in April, the attendance was over the meeting room capacity and had to be rescheduled to a larger venue. At the July hearing at Parsippany Hills High School, Puddingstone Developers LLC came ill-prepared as their revised plans had not been submitted. The ZBA continued with the meeting questioning the engineer based on outdated 2003 plans. Revised plans were not submitted until 10 days before the September hearing.

What the audience learned at the following hearings is up to individual interpretation as the reason for the developer’s request for a C Variance changes with each ZBA hearing.

At the hearings in July and September, the reason for variance was better marketability for two homes to be built with slightly bigger backyards. In October, the land-use planner stated it was to create a “balance” as his plan would create an ecotone. An ecotone will be created on the steep slope after 372 mature trees are removed only to be replaced by 2-inch-caliber trees that will first be maintained by the Township of Parsippany and then by the new homeowners.

Will the ecotone be able to control the storm waste and intermittent streams that flow like rivers off the mountainside? After the trees are trucked out of this residential neighborhood 2,000 trucks carrying 32,000 cubic yards of questionable dumping of soil from local construction projects to level the mountainside to create a football-sized ledge to build two homes with 400-foot driveways.

The developer is requesting a variance to build on a steep slope that is 5 times the amount that the township steep slope ordinance allows. The developer’s EcolScience study had recently expired and had no intent to provide a letter of interpretation from the NJDEP or permit concerning the purposed regulated activity in and around freshwater wetlands.

When the developer’s engineer was pressed about stormwater management plans, soil erosion, and future damage to the neighborhood properties above and continued damage to the wetlands and Greystone Hospital property below the audience members were repeatedly told by the developer’s attorney “We are only discussing the two building lots”.

“Every property owner has the right to develop their land, but land use laws are put in place to ensure that development occurs responsibly, in a way that looks out for the environment and the good of the broader community,” said Diana Buffum, another area resident. “This developer wants to ignore those rules, just to make more money.”

A vote for the developer’s variance request jeopardizes the mountainside, according to the concerned residents from Puddingstone Ridge, and its neighbors above and below, which the developer’s attorney refuses to address.

Parsippany Township is at risk for future damages to the North Branch Whippany Watershed and the responsibility for the destruction of the wetlands and Greystone Psychiatric Hospital grounds, the resident group contends. The Zoning Board’s vote will determine the future topography of the Watnong mountainside and a landscape forever changed.

“We support responsible development so that people can coexist with the environment, without causing irreparable harm,” said Chris Venezia.

The next meeting on this issue with an opportunity for statements from the public will be Wednesday, November 29 when the Parsippany Zoning Board of Adjustments convenes at 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany High School, 40 Baldwin Road.

Jes Becker
PCC Kids
Club Puddingstone Action Team

Letter to the Editor: Questions Arise Over Parsippany Officials’ Understanding of Ecology in Puddingstone Development Controversy

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: Questions Arise Over Parsippany Officials’ Understanding of Ecology in Puddingstone Development Controversy

Dear Editor:

Have Parsippany Officials performed any due diligence in their knowledge and applications of The Sciences of Ecology? Especially the ecotone scam, and our water future?

Understanding ecology is to safeguard the environment and improve human well-being. To refer to themselves as “Puddingstone Developers LLC” is absurd. This is an antithesis to the Puddingstone Ridge Corporation of the original founding community.

The developer produced NO EXPERTS in the required fields, Ecology, Hydrology, Forestry. In his fantasy of ecotones, and destroying an established forested area, to make it better. Planners and Engineers in the service of LL are not; experts in this testimony, as was obvious.

Developers’ presumption of ecotone balance, or as stated a better landscape after a major disturbance; erasing a sensitive landscape would be laughable to anyone with a basic knowledge of ecology.

The Board itself prevented Due Diligence in rejecting Advanced Property Reports/ Advanced Scientific Data made available for such Boards, and the Public concerning the properties’ inherent characteristics. We should not be concerned with Ecotones, (a misused term in this situation) but Ecosystem Services and functions that will be lost to the detriment of the Township. Established Maturing Tree Species, Original Landscape Biodiversity, Groundwater Recharge, A remaining unique neighborhood.

In addition, we must state that Groundwater Recharge cannot be ignored as O’Neil stated, Parsippany has the highest water deficit between 1-7.11 Million gallons a day. (The Block Lots are majority GWRA. Block 45.10 6.70 acres (59.37%) Lot 11 3.03 acres 99.55%)-(These areas will be erased and surely severely degraded, and their ecosystem services gone) ( The disturbance will surely have some additional impacts on the areas overall recharge phenomena )

Page 64 Master Plan.

A water allocation permit from the NJDEP is required for the diversion of

large amounts of groundwater for long periods of time.12 The Township has an NJDEP permit for up to 2,900 million gallons per year and uses about 80% of that amount within capacity limits of daily water supply. To conserve water Parsippany limits the number of days when residents and businesses may water their lawns from the start of June until the end of September each year.

* Note according to Highlands data most of Parsippany is in a water deficit area. The deficit is somewhere between 1 and 7.11 MGD. The most stressed category of water deficit in the Highlands. Part of the problem in addition to over-development/impervious surface, failure to protect GWRA in the past, depletion, (leaks), consumption (lawn culture), groundwater is withdrawn and then conveyed to the downstream sewer treatment plant, where it flows down the Rockaway River and is no longer available to recharge the aquifer, What is called water mining.

Tree Ground Cover and Soil Erased? Making it Better by Destroying a Landscape. another ecological impossibility; laughable.

At the very least Shelter-Wood Forestry Method should be applied, not the total erasing of trees, soils, and groundcover biota. (the animal and plant life of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.)

How can a major development asking for a hardship, suddenly change that position, and allege that their major development is a balance; that Ecotone can be better than a natural landscape or life in harmony with the Puddingstone Community?

The proposed major development is a Monstrosity ignoring and disregarding Master Plan Goals and Objectives Six are violated/ignored: 1-2 -7-10-11-12. (which in the time allotted cannot be read and emphasized)

3 minutes for concerned citizens to defend their Homeland, while a rich corporate developer has all the time necessary. Pride in Parsippany is just three words? We shall see.

Register Now for CCM Winterim and Spring Semester Classes

Frank L. Cahill
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Register Now for CCM Winterim and Spring Semester Classes

MORRIS COUNTY – County College of Morris (CCM) is excited to announce that registration for the Winterim and Spring semesters is open and there is no better time for students to enroll to set them on their path to success.  

By registering early, students can take advantage of several benefits, including securing their seat in the courses that best fit their schedules. Whether students prefer taking classes on campus or the flexibility of virtual learning, CCM offers a wide range of certificate, degree, and career-focused options designed to help students excel in their chosen field. The college is committed to providing an affordable education where students may have the opportunity to graduate with minimal or no debt, allowing them to begin earning sooner and embark on their professional journey with confidence. 

“At CCM, we understand the importance of higher education in shaping one’s future,” said Melissa Albright, Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations & Enrollment Management. “That’s why we are excited to open registration for the Winter and Spring semesters. By enrolling early, students can ensure that they get the classes they need, g keeping them on track to graduation.” 

Winterim 2023-2024 Semester at CCM  

Most of the Winterim classes at CCM are offered in an online, condensed, four-week format that begins Wednesday, December 20. This is a convenient way to earn credits quickly and complete a program sooner. The college welcomes first-time students and visiting students who are enrolled at a four-year college and seeking to fulfill a requirement, learn a new subject, or lighten their spring schedule. 

Spring 2024 Semester at CCM  

The college’s Spring 2024 semester consists of three different sessions, providing students with maximum flexibility to quickly move forward with their studies. Both the traditional 15-week session and the Early 7-week session begin on January 17. The Late 7-week session starts on March 18. For information about this upcoming opportunity, click here.

Key Benefits of Registering for the Winterim and Spring 2024 semesters at CCM: 

  • Flexible Learning Options: Choose between taking courses on campus or virtually and learning in the way that suits you best. 
  • Affordability: CCM is dedicated to keeping education accessible and affordable to encourage all students to focus on completion without the burden of heavy debt. 
  • Career Readiness: Choose from over 100 certificates, associate degrees, and workforce development programs to spring ahead and Go BIG at CCM in 2024! 

Your Next Steps 

The first step for all new students who want to take credit courses, whether degree-seeking at CCM or visiting from another college, is to submit an online application by clicking here. The Admissions office also can be reached at admiss@ccm.edu or (973) 328-5100; it is located in the Student Community Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, and walk-ins are welcome. Upon completion of your application, notification will be provided by email with registration instructions. All students should apply for Financial Aid as well to see the actual cost, as some students do attend for free. 

Go BIG. Get started today on becoming part of a nationally-ranked community college. CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for Best Associate Degrees and ranked Best for Transfer Students in New Jersey who want to go on and earn a bachelor’s degree.  

CCM is committed to excellence in teaching and lifelong learning through the delivery of exceptional programs and services to our students and to the larger community that reflects a dedication to inclusiveness and diversity, educational advancement, cultural enrichment, and workforce development. The college believes in creating opportunities for all individuals to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities.   

Murphy Admits The He Never Met a Tax Increase He Didn’t Like

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Admits The He Never Met a Tax Increase He Didn’t Like

MORRIS COUNTY – Assemblyman Brian Bergen said taxpayers will once again have to rescue the Democrat-controlled government from its irresponsible spending, which created the largest budget deficit since Jon Corzine was governor during the Great Recession.
 
New Jersey cannot sustain its deficit spending, Gov. Phil Murphy remarked to business leaders at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association forum Tuesday morning. Despite Murphy signing the state’s largest budget in history—$54.3 billion—it included a $1.5 billion gap in taxes collected for FY24, on top of massive collection shortfalls in FY23, which closed out June 30.
 
The governor has bragged about the state’s billion surplus; however, Murphy has allotted only $223 million of that into the state’s rainy day fund, leaving $8.2 billion to be used at Democrats’ discretion.
 
“It’s the holiday season, so I’ll be generous and admit the governor is right, New Jersey cannot sustain its deficit spending,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “But, in the interest of balance, it is only fair to say that we have a structural deficit because Governor Murphy and Democrats never saw a real cut they could say yes to. Meanwhile, regular New Jerseyans must sacrifice.”
 
Bergen complained that despite those concerning figures, Democrats tacked on an additional $1 billion in new spending before the final FY24 budget was delivered, all without public comment and with little time for legislators to examine the 450-page document.
 
The stronger, fairer New Jersey the governor touts has resulted in a family of four making $95,000 annually is considered low income, as the cost of living has increased $22,750 since he took office in 2018.
 
“Murphy likes to say he cut taxes 18 times over the last five years while ignoring the 60 taxes and fees he’s raised at a cost of $16.7 billion to taxpayers,” Bergen added.
 
Even with that gloomy fiscal outlook, Murphy told participants that he supports the expiration of corporate business tax surcharge on Dec. 31, something Democrat Senate Leader Nick Scutari has come out against in recent days, saying the state must extend it to keep NJ Transit, with an annual budget of $2.9 billion, afloat. The 2.5% surcharge jumps the state’s corporate business tax to 11.5%, the highest in the nation and the driving force behind so many businesses setting up shop in more business-friendly states like North Carolina.   
 
“The surtax needs to sunset, but then the governor says that will exacerbate the state budget’s structural deficit. So Democrats have two choices,” Bergen said. “They can cut spending or raise taxes. Their record shows that they treat the hardworking taxpayers of New Jersey as their personal piggy bank.”

Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi’s ‘OPERATION GIVE BACK’ Shows Appreciation for Veterans with Local Merchant Discounts

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi’s ‘OPERATION GIVE BACK’ Shows Appreciation for Veterans with Local Merchant Discounts

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi initiated “OPERATION GIVE BACK,” a program designed to express gratitude to our veterans for their dedicated service to our nation. This program aims to provide veterans with discounts and benefits from local merchants as a token of appreciation for their contributions and sacrifices.

The Clerk’s Office provides Morris County Identification Cards for Gold Star family members, veterans, and senior citizens. They are perfect for those who may not have a driver’s license or just want an additional form of photo identification. Veteran’s ID Cards and Gold Star ID Cards can also be used to enjoy discounts at many participating Morris County businesses.

These cards are used for identification purposes only and may not be accepted by certain agencies that require a state ID such as a New Jersey Driver License or Non-Driver Identification Card.

As a Morris County business owner, will you consider offering a special discount to veterans and Gold Star Parents who show their Morris County ID card?

The business name, location, and type of discount will be added to a discount directory on the Morris County Clerk’s website and also included in a booklet that is distributed to veterans’ organizations and other locations throughout the county. Click here to download a copy of the directory.

Please show your appreciation to our veterans by registering by clicking here.

Disclaimer: All names, addresses, phone numbers, and discounts contained throughout the directory are presented by the Morris County Clerk’s Office based on information provided by authorized representatives of the participating businesses. The Morris County Clerk’s Office is in no way responsible for the information provided by the businesses listed within and cannot attest to the quality of service they offer.

America’s Future: All NJ Wants for Christmas is Freedom

Frank L. Cahill
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America’s Future: All NJ Wants for Christmas is Freedom

PARSIPPANY — This holiday season, the America’s Future Northeast Hub (AF-NE) invites young people to experience the magic of Christmas and the joy of freedom at our “All I Want for Christmas is Freedom” event. Join us on Thursday, December 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Village, 22 Gibraltar Drive, Parsippany for an evening of festive celebration and camaraderie.

“The highlight of the evening will be the honoring of AF Member Justin Musella, a true advocate for AF’s core beliefs,” said Larry Gillheeney, AF-NE Hub Director. “Justin’s dedication to the principles of free markets, limited government, and personal responsibility exemplifies the spirit that drives our community.”

AF-NE is a place for camaraderie, community, and connection for Millennials and Gen Z leaders all working toward a common purpose – being awesome citizens and fostering communities that embrace the ideas of free markets, limited government, and personal responsibility. 

AF empowers young people through leadership development, networking, mentoring, training, and other activities. 

Embracing the Christmas season and the big ideas of freedom, AF-NE invites everyone to come together for an evening of holiday cheer. AF will provide food and refreshments for all registered guests free of charge. The event aims to bring together young professionals who are passionate about shaping the future with fresh ideas and a commitment to individual liberty, but all ages are welcome.

In the true spirit of giving, AF-NE encourages attendees to bring a non-perishable food item or toy. All donations will go to individuals in need in the local community. This act of generosity embodies the compassion that is integral to the holiday season. 

Justin will be overseeing the delivery of donations to the Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry.

Click here to register for the event.

Pennacchio Bill to Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses Clears Committee

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Bill to Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses Clears Committee

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved by the Senate Education Committee.

“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders, and firefighters are no exception,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This legislation provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and promotes educational opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”

Senator Pennacchio’s bill, S-3901, would permit students to be eligible for credits in health, safety, and physical education for successfully completing a course at a county fire academy, provided they meet certain criteria.

To receive credits, a student must be between 16 and 18 years old, must also complete an examination to become a junior firefighter, or equivalent, and must volunteer at their local fire department for a period of two years.

“Firefighting is a skilled profession that is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities,” Pennacchio added. “This bill enables students to receive their education while simultaneously serving as vital public servants.”

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