Dunn Slams Murphy for Stranding Children, Failing to Address School Bus Driver Shortage

Frank L. Cahill
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Dunn Slams Murphy for Stranding Children, Failing to Address School Bus Driver Shortage
MORRIS COUNTY — There have been statewide business shutdowns, statewide Covid mandates, but no statewide solution to the school bus driver shortage that is affecting children’s constitutional right to access education, says Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.
Reports show school districts have been largely left to figure out the problem on their own, with some altering routes and schedules to accommodate the shortage or even offering parents as much as $1,000 to drive their kids to school. Other students have had to rely on public transportation, Uber and Lyft, or endure hours-long delays on school buses that are running.
“It’s appalling that parents and individual school districts are being forced to cobble together fixes for the school bus shortage while the Murphy administration barely acknowledges that there is even an issue. Other states have governors who have stepped up and figured it out and our children deserve the same,” Dunn (R-Morris) said.
In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker activated the National Guard to drive school buses, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan are working on streamlining the process to secure a commercial driver’s license and schedule an appointment at the motor vehicle agency.
“There was plenty of time to plan for this, but we know from prior experience that the Motor Vehicle Commission doesn’t think ahead,” Dunn said.
Following the months-long government-mandated shutdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus, drivers were met with long lines and excessive wait times at reopened MVC agencies.
“This is a safety and accessibility issue that needs to be immediately addressed,” Dunn added. “Children in Paterson and Camden are being forced out of the classrooms and back into remote learning because they can’t get to school. It’s unacceptable. I am asking the governor, the Department of Education, and the MVC to put a plan into action to remedy the situation.”
Aside from saying “all options are on the table” at his weekly coronavirus briefing, Murphy has avoided stating specific measures to address the school bus driver shortage.

Kiwanis Donates to Children Fund

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Donates to Children Fund

PARSIPPANY — On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Lt. Governor Frank Cahill presented New Jersey District Kiwanis International Governor Joseph “Joey G” Giordano with a donation to New Jersey District Foundation Children’s Fund.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

Parsippany Honors the Late William C. Taylor, Jr.

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Honors the Late William C. Taylor, Jr.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented a proclamation to the family of the late William C. Taylor, Jr., on Tuesday, September 21 at a council meeting.

Taylor served as a councilman from 1981 to 1983. He was President and Liaison on the Township Planning Board; he was the President of the Par-Troy Little League West and took great pride in building all the baseball fields located there; he was a proud small business owner of the Texaco Station in Parsippany from 1975 to 1985, from which he donated the chain-link fence that surrounds Parsippany Hills High School.

William also served on the Republican Committee for his district for a number of years; he was the Director of Government Affairs at Trammell-Crow, where he designed the Mazdabrook Development on Smith Road; he also owned his own construction company from which he proudly built over 200 homes in Parsippany.

Patty Taylor with Mayor Michael Soriano
The Taylor Family

Talyor was a decorated Marksman/Sniper in the United States Marine Corps, where he also served as Military Police onboard the USS Springfield from 1962 to 1966; he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

 

BettyLou DeCroce Sworn In as President of Parsippany Rotary

Frank L. Cahill
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BettyLou DeCroce Sworn In as President of Parsippany Rotary

PARSIPPANY — BettyLou DeCroce was sworn in as President of Parsippany Rotary on Tuesday, September 21.

In addition, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi was installed as Vice President.

Rotary District Officers installed all the new officers and presented a plaque to our outgoing president Venkat Bijala.

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts live at both the local and international levels.

Parsippany Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday at 7:47 a.m., at Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46.

For more information on Parsippany Rotary Club, click here.

 

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Adds Two New Members

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Adds Two New Members

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany added two new members on Thursday, September 23 at its breakfast meeting held at First Watch.

Aisha Mahmood was sponsored by Justin Musella and Eddie Astone was sponsored by Karen DeChristopher.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Laura Wohland said “Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome two new members to our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Aisha and Eddie to our club. We welcome Aisha and Eddie to our global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Eddie Astone and Karen DeChristopher
Aisha Mahmood and Justin Musella
Karen DeChristopher pins Eddie Astone

The New Jersey District of Kiwanis International currently has 79 active Kiwanis Clubs, with a total of 1463 members. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has a total of 79 active members as of Thursday, September 22.

During the pandemic, Kiwanis Operation Feeding Morris County has distributed over 200,000 pounds of food, to 5,255 families, over 8,000 children with a retail value of over $525,000.

“Kiwanis Operation Feeding Morris County” was started in December by Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury President Cain Pope and has spread to many Morris County Kiwanis Club and other clubs in New Jersey as far away as Asbury Park, South Orange, Maplewood, Clifton, and Bridgewater.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.

Morris County National Coming Out Day to be Held

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County National Coming Out Day to be Held

MORRIS COUNTY — The public is invited to attend the first annual Morris County National Coming Out Day on Saturday, October 9, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments, food, and music.

The event is a collaboration with LGBTQ+ liaisons from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Morristown Police Department, and is intended to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community in providing a safe environment. Health and wellness resources will be provided for education and awareness.

Annually observed on October 11, National Coming Out Day is intended to support LGBTQ+ individuals and sometimes individuals outside the LGBTQ+ community to “come out.”

This event will be held at 10 Court Street (between Morris County Superior Court and Morris County Administration Building.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Regular Meeting – September 21, 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Regular Meeting – September 21, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Regular Meeting – September 21, 2021.

Click here to view the agenda.

Recycling Center Will Remain Open on Weekends

Frank L. Cahill
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Recycling Center Will Remain Open on Weekends

PARSIPPANY — During Tuesday’s Township Council meeting, Mayor Michael Soriano announced that the Township Recycling Center will continue to operate on its normal schedule, which includes 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturdays.

The center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on weekdays.

The recycling center is located on Pump House Road, near the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service.

“There was concern that keeping the Recycling Center open on Saturdays could result in deeper financial consequences, based on early budget speculations,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “Finance has now assured us that this won’t be the case.”

Pennacchio Blasts Murphy’s Mask Mandate for 2-Year-Olds

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Blasts Murphy’s Mask Mandate for 2-Year-Olds

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy’s latest COVID directive requiring children two years and older to wear masks in childcare centers drew the ire of Senator Joe Pennacchio, who called the order “useless and unworkable.”

“Every parent who has ever tried to get a photo of their two-year-old in a Halloween mask knows this rule is futile,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “When you put any covering on a 2-year-olds’ face, they instinctively grab it and pull it off.

“The Governor knows this. He knows his mandate is impossible to accomplish and impossible to enforce.”

The mask requirement was included in an executive order signed by Murphy on Monday giving workers at daycare centers five weeks to be fully vaccinated for COVID or face weekly testing for the virus.

“This is the latest of a long list of edicts that haven’t made any sense,” Pennacchio said. “Masks were required for outdoor visitors to the beaches and state parks, and restaurants were forced to close at 10:00 p.m. as if the virus became more contagious later in the night. Prisons were opened up while orders sealed the virus among the elderly and frail in nursing homes with devastating effects. And now two-year-olds crawling around behind masks. None of this ever made any sense.

“Daycare workers are going to spend all day changing dirty diapers and masks and chasing after kids who lost their masks,” Pennacchio said.

The Senator again questioned where is the science and data to support this type of edict.

Initial COVID studies last year showed that COVID had a minimal effect on young children. A Yale University study of more than 57,000 childcare centers in the U.S. determined that keeping facilities open does not contribute to the transmission of COVID.

A research review of 11 studies measuring virus transmission in child care and preschool settings determined “evidence suggests that early learning programs are not associated with increased risk of contracting COVID-19 when health and safety precautions are in place.”

Pennacchio noted that more recent studies continue to indicate that “young children are at low risk for developing COVID-19 but also don’t play a significant role in the spread” of the virus.

“Trying to force a room full of two- and three-year-olds to keep their masks on for the duration of the workday is a foolish waste of time,” said Pennacchio. “It’s just more nonsense from the front office in Trenton.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 21

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 21

PARSIPPANY —Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has a Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 21.

Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings.  All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American 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 prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.

 

Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 13, 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 13, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 13, 2021

Click here to download the agenda.

Diamond Dance Performs at Kiwanis Food Festival

Frank L. Cahill
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Diamond Dance Performs at Kiwanis Food Festival

PARSIPPANY — Diamond Dance performed a flash mob at the Kiwanis Food Festival held on Saturday, September 18.

Diamond Dance is owned and directed by Tiffany Slowinski a Puerto Rican, Parsippany native.
The Diamond Dance competition team performed in American and Puerto Rican flag tank tops and will be collecting donations to help rebuild Puerto Rico and support youth educational groups.
“When I was 14 years old we moved from Nutley to Parsippany. Most freshman’s in high school would find that extremely difficult but I just found it as another opportunity to meet new people and make (more friends) as I am still in direct contact with teachers and friends from my youth. I think that speaks volumes about my Hispanic heritage and culture. We are lovers, givers, and extremely passionate. It’s important to me to pass that trait on to my dancers. I want them to lead with their heart, befriend their competition, and give back to those in need,” said Tiffany Slowinski.
Diamond Dance is located at 164 Halsey Road and can be reached by calling  (908) 659-8079.

Girls on the Run Begins Fall Season

Frank L. Cahill
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Girls on the Run Begins Fall Season
PARSIPPANY — Girls on the Run begins its fall season.

The group meets Tuesdays and Fridays at Veterans Field in Parsippany from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and it is for girls in grades 3-5. Meetups are totally outdoors. This is a non-competitive, friendly group, and the focus is on helping girls grow in confidence with lessons that are fun, combined with light jogging/walking at the girls’ own pace.

They can use another two to four girls. You can sign up by clicking here.

Parsippany in the Changing: Converting Vacant Office Space into Ratables

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany in the Changing: Converting Vacant Office Space into Ratables

PARSIPPANY — Another Class A Commercial Building is disappearing from Parsippany.

The building located at Two Hilton Court, previously occupied by Daiichi Sankyo, which relocated to Basking Ridge in 2016, will be demolished and replaced with a warehouse.

Daiichi Sankyo, even though moved out in 2016 maintains the lease on the building until December 2022 and has been paying rent on the vacant building.

Daiichi Sankyo vacated the premises in 2016

The building was purchased in 2020 by Onyx Equities when they purchased a large portion of the former Mack-Cali complex.

In the past year, over one million square feet of vacant office space has been eliminated from the market. Parsippany is a location, location, location town. Approximately 400,000 square feet in the Stanberry Project on Route 10; 400,000 square feet in Lanidex; Two Campus, Four Campus, and 1633 Littleton Road, and this project brings it to over one million square feet.

When Mack-Cali constructed the building in 1991 it was built to specification as a one tenant building, thus making it difficult to lease to multi-tenants, and in the current market it’s considered a “White Elephant.” The Class A office building is complete with a fitness center and restaurant and contains four floors with a total of 181,592 square feet with 726 parking spaces.

Daiichi Sankyo moving out of Parsippany

The plans submitted to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills indicate the current building will be demolished and replaced with a 113,000 square foot industrial building containing 102,600 square feet of warehouse and 10,800 square feet of office. The location is very convenient to Route 10 off Dryden Way with access to Route 287, Route 80, and Route 24 within minutes, thus eliminating additional traffic on Littleton Road (Route 202).

In addition in the same complex, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board approved 2 Campus LLC., to construct a 172-unit residential building on the property located at 2 Campus Drive (Block 202, Lot 3.20); 4 Campus Drive (Block 202, Lot 3.2); and 1633 Littleton Road (Block 202, Lot 3.1).

Units COAH Units
1 Bedroom 76 7
2 Bedrooms 89 21
3 Bedrooms 7 7
Total Units 172 35

 

Also, the Planning Board approved 1 Campus Associates, 3 Campus Drive, a plan to construct a total of 238 units, with 48 units of affordable housing.

Units COAH Units
1 Bedroom 104 9
2 Bedrooms 124 29
3 Bedrooms 10 10
238 48

In addition, Stanbery will replace two vacant office buildings at 1515 Route 10 with over 500 multi-family residential dwellings. There is also an office and retail component planned but is being delayed due to COVID-19.

Lanidex Plaza will be transformed into PARQ Parsippany which is a multi-generational, mixed-use development that will encompass townhomes, multi-family residences, retail, expansive and open green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities.

The approved plan will be implemented in two phases. The first phase includes Multi-Family Building 1, which features 275 multi-family residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space, and ample parking. It will also highlight 75 clustered courtyard townhomes with two-car garages. The townhomes will feature contemporary farmhouse-style architecture with access to a clubhouse and outdoor pool. Convenient, master-down home designs are also available. An athletic field, concession building, restrooms, and playground are also included in the first phase.

Multi-Family Building
PARQ Parsippany – Aerial View 1
PARQ Parsippany Illustrative Perspective View Looking West

Coffee with a Cop Returns September 28 at Valley Bank

Frank L. Cahill
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Coffee with a Cop Returns September 28 at Valley Bank

PARSIPPANY — Join the Parsippany Police Department for another installment of “Coffee with A Cop,” on Tuesday, September 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, at Valley Bank, 800 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Center.

This semi-regular get-together offers local residents the opportunity to chat with our local police force over a multitude of important issues affecting residents and their neighborhoods while offering a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of running our police department.

Please note RSVPs are necessary for this event. Please RSVP to Ildiko Peluso at (973) 263-0601 or email here.

Road Closures in Parsippany on Saturday

Frank L. Cahill
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Road Closures in Parsippany on Saturday

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department has announced several roads will be closed Saturday, September 18 because of a run/walk event. Closures and detours will take place in the area of Campus Drive, Sylvan Way, Entin Way and Dryden Way.

Also, expect an increase in traffic in the area when the event ends at noon. Here’s when and where the closures will take place, according to Parsippany police:

  • 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon: Campus Drive will be closed from Hilton Court to Dryden Way.
  • 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon: Century Drive will be closed.
  • 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon: Dryden Way will be closed at the intersection of Campus Drive to Sylvan Way. Traffic coming from Route 10 onto Dryden Way will be turned around just south of the intersection of Campus Drive.
  • 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon: Sylvan Way will be closed from just west of Century Drive to the entrance to Wegmans.
  • 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon: Entin Road will have no access to Sylvan Way. Traffic attempting to get onto Sylvan Way will be turned around just prior to the intersection.
  • 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon: If you need to access the Hilton Hotel or Hampton Inn, use the entrance off of Route 10 West.

Driver Rescued From Vehicle Teetering Over Edge of Barrier Wall

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver Rescued From Vehicle Teetering Over Edge of Barrier Wall

PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department was requested to the Morris County Conservation Center for a vehicle that was hanging off of a half wall, on Tuesday, September 14 at 11:29 a.m.

Upon arrival, the driver was still in the vehicle and uninjured, but we did not want to remove the victim until the vehicle was stabilized for fear of the weight shifting.

A veteran front-end loader operator was on scene and with his help, we were able to stabilize the vehicle enough to have the patient step out safely.

The vehicle was eventually removed from the wall with minimal damage. Thanks to Morris County Office of Emergency Management/EMS and the County Fire Marshall for their assistance! Chief 1, Engine 12, Engine 15, and Rescue 14 responded. The Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit was dispatched and canceled en route once the patient was safely removed.
Pictures courtesy of Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department

Council Approves 2021 Budget 4-1; Carifi Votes No!

Frank L. Cahill
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Council Approves 2021 Budget 4-1; Carifi Votes No!

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted on Tuesday, September 7 to approve Mayor Soriano’s 2021 Budget, 4-1. Councilman Paul Carifi voted against the budget.

Municipal tax rate increase (including Public Library) is 4.28%. This will increase the average homeowner assessed at $311,780 and an additional $97.62 (per year) on the municipal portion of the tax bill.

The total municipal budget for 2021 is $79,733,383, and increase of $2,676,609 over the 2020 budget of $77,056,774. (The 2020 finally adopted budget was $76,333,905.78 subsequently modified by various grants received for a total budget of $77,056,774.70)

“A very challenging budget season for various reasons but in the end, the overall tax rates will be hovering around 2%, including the Fire Districts,” stated Parsippany’s Chief Financial Officer Juan Uribe.

“I originally voted to keep the $1.1 million in the budget so that the tax increase for our residents would remain at 2.15%. By removing that money from the budget raises the taxes to  4.28% which I do not want to do. We already had to increase the sewer and water rates by 39% this past year because our surplus no longer exists. That increase still keeps us in the middle of the county as far as water and sewer rates and those rates have not been raised in 12 years but still counting that and the effects of the COVID pandemic and many residents losing their jobs I just feel increasing taxes above and beyond what was proposed at this time is not fair to our residents.  I did my due diligence as I always do and spoke to many residents in the town and every single person that I spoke to said to me please do not raise my taxes any more than what is being proposed and it is for these reasons I voted not to raise taxes more than what was being proposed,” stated Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.

Parsippany Republican Committee Chairman Lou Valori stated “I urged on behalf of our overwhelmed taxpayers at a Council Meeting with Council President Michael dePierro not to raise taxes.”

Council President Michael dePierro said “The Township is halfway through the third quarter of the year before the Mayor can find enough gimmicks to balance his budget. The Mayor has pushed most of the Township’s deficit into the 2022 budget. The 2022 budget will prove to be a nightmare for Parsippany taxpayers. In an attempt to pay down some of that deficit in 2021, the Council rejected the Mayor’s request to borrow $1.1 million from the 2022 budget. We still have a serious overestimate of Revenue and a serious underestimate of Expenses. As of this writing, the CFO has not been able to provide a calculation for Municipal Taxes or the Tax Rate.”

“Residents who addressed the council praised the fact that this budget didn’t use millions of dollars in utility reserves to balance the budget and at the same time asked the council to approve a budget with a 2.2% tax increase that was achieved by using millions of dollars in reserves. They were just different reserves.  There are no more utility reserves to use and those reserves are what replaced revenue and kept taxes artificially low for too many years. The council’s decision not to approve $1.1 million in reserves along with a 4.2% tax rate is intended to slightly increase cash and revenue and hopefully lessen a higher tax increase next year, but more importantly, it begins to limit the use of reserves to compensate for revenue and introduces a degree of accountability,” said Janice McCarthy.

Click here to download the budget.

 

Governor Phil Murphy Visits Small Businesses in Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Governor Phil Murphy Visits Small Businesses in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Governor Phil Murphy visited three of the Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI)-Owned Businesses on Beverwyck Road, on Sunday, September 12.

Governor Murphy walked with Mayor Soriano and council candidates Cori Herbig and Judy Hernandez from Asia Grocery & Halal Meat, to Kabab Paradise and then to Pakwaan Indian Take Out.

Governor Phil Murphy visited three of the Asian American Pacific Islanders Owned Businesses on North Beverwyck Road

Every business owner expressed how business has changed over the last year and a half.  Kabab Paradise now has a bustling outdoor eating area and commended Mayor Soriano for the town’s quick and efficient approval process for outdoor dining at the height of the pandemic. Pakwaan Indian Take Out has become a take-out-only restaurant after its catering and fine dining establishments struggled amidst the COVID-19 surges.  “We were thrilled to welcome Governor Murphy to Parsippany to visit some of our amazing Asian American-owned businesses in town. We are committed to supporting all small businesses in Parsippany and ensuring that the rich cultural diversity of our business community thrives. Cori Herbig, Judy Hernandez, and I look forward to working with Governor Murphy for another four years,”  said Mayor Michael Soriano.

Governor Phil Murphy visits Kabab Paradise
The group walking on North Beverwyck Road

Planning Board Meeting to be held Monday, September 13

Frank L. Cahill
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Planning Board Meeting to be held Monday, September 13

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its Planning Board meeting on Monday, September 13, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, address, and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

Click here to download a copy of the agenda.

For more information, please call (973) 263-4286 or email njolie@parsippany.net.

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