PARSIPPANY — During the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting held on Tuesday, December 19, an overwhelming attendance of more than 200 individuals led the Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Inspector to intervene, calling for the meeting’s immediate closure.

Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced that the room had exceeded its occupancy limit by 50 people and made a plea for 50 residents to leave voluntarily. Unfortunately, no one came forward, necessitating the termination of the meeting due to overcrowding.

Following this, Madin initially declared that the rescheduled meeting would occur at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28. This announcement was met with strong disapproval, resulting in almost 250 attendees chanting “Shame on You.” Many hardworking residents expressed concerns about their ability to attend an afternoon meeting.

In response to the public’s outcry, Madin later amended the meeting time to 7:00 p.m., ensuring that all residents would have the opportunity to participate. (Listen to video)

In contrast, Parsippany Focus found out that the meeting is still scheduled for Thursday, December 28, at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road, but at 1:00 p.m., despite the public’s objections. (Click here to view the calendar)

“250 Parsippany voters shouted “SHAME, ON YOU” over and over again at the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday! What should they shout now in the face of this new disrespect and manipulation” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.

Parsippany resident Dennis Letts expressed his frustration by stating, “Just when you think Barberio and his cronies couldn’t go any lower, they go back on their word and reschedule their next meeting for 1pm, when they know many residents will be at work and unable to attend. They have given into the special interests behind their corrupt PILOT’s while giving a huge middle finger to the residents of this town. Despite what we are being told, there is no good reason to do this except to squelch the voices of the people who put them in office. Their actions are shameful and we will not forget!.”

In an email to Council President Loretta Gragnani, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney Michael Lavery states “…There are a number of resolutions that were on the December 19th agenda that require passage by year-end, including the payment of Township bills. Accordingly, it is my opinion that a meeting must be held before year-end and enough time provided to members of the public for each item on the agenda to ensure that all of the business listed on the agenda is reached. As the agenda stands today, there are at least twelve (12) items that require public comment. Due to the number of people that are anticipated to attend the meeting and speak on various topics, I don’t believe the Township has any choice but to schedule a meeting before year-end and start the meeting earlier in the day to insure that all matters on the agenda may be reached.” (Click here to read the letter).

“250 Parsippany voters shouted “SHAME, ON YOU” over and over again at the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 19! What should they shout now in the face of this new disrespect and manipulation” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.

Councilman Justin Musella said “Mayor Barberio all along has been thumbing his nose at the public in hopes they don’t notice this disastrous PILOT program that does only one thing — line the pockets of his political cronies.”

“Adding insult to injury for the public, this mayor and Council President Loretta Gragnani reversed course on the original 7 PM time-slot. This obnoxious act is nothing short of cowardly and disgraceful. If the council truly believes these programs are in the best interest of Parsippany residents, they should have no problem making the meeting as accessible to the public as possible,” he continued.

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PARSIPPANY — More than 200 Parsippany residents shut down Tuesday night’s council meeting which was slated to take up the final vote on three PILOT agreements, also known as municipal tax abatements.

Before the meeting even started, the crowd of attendees standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the council chambers surpassed the room’s capacity limits. 

As a result, Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced the postponement of the meeting until Thursday, December 28 at the PAL building, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.  

Council President Loretta Gragnani angered residents, school officials, and parents for initially setting the time of the rescheduled meeting for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 —  drawing accusations that council officials tried to suppress public attendance with a mid-afternoon meeting on a weekday.

After the loud criticism and “Shame on You” chants, the time of the December 28 meeting was finally adjusted to 7:00 p.m.  

The public also expressed outrage with a procedural change made by Council President Gragnani to move the general public comment period for the Tuesday night meeting to later in the agenda after the council votes on the second reading of the proposed PILOT ordinances.

The public comment period has traditionally come before the individual resolution section of the meeting. 

Many suspect the move to delay public comments is a reaction to the unanimous pushback from residents and school board officials who vigorously protested the proposed PILOT programs at the December 5 council meeting. 

PILOT agreements are deals that enable a developer to switch their standard tax payments for a property to a fixed, yearly payment to the municipality.

Township residents and school officials warn that PILOTs will allow large developers to avoid paying their full share of property taxes while straining municipal and school district resources. 

Despite the unanimous opposition to PILOTs Council members Gragnani, Michael dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr., and Frank Neglia have voted in favor of the PILOTs being represented by former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino, who served during Mayor James Barberio’s first mayoral term from 2010 to 2017.

Dissenting Council member Justin Musella and the Township’s entire school board have repeatedly stated that the proposed PILOTs will underfund the school system as new developments undoubtedly add additional students and costs.

Municipal officials and Mayor James Barberio have stated that prolonged blight of unoccupied or demolished office buildings will greatly increase the tax burden for residents if PILOTs are not used.

PARSIPPANY — More than 200 Parsippany residents shut down Tuesday night’s council meeting which was slated to take up the final vote on three PILOT agreements, also known as municipal tax abatements.

Before the meeting even started, the crowd of attendees standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the council chambers surpassed the room’s capacity limits. 

As a result, Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced the postponement of the meeting until Thursday, December 28 at the PAL building, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.  

Council President Loretta Gragnani angered residents, school officials, and parents for initially setting the time of the rescheduled meeting for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 —  drawing accusations that council officials tried to suppress public attendance with a mid-afternoon meeting on a weekday.

After the loud criticism and “Shame on You” chants, the time of the December 28 meeting was finally adjusted to 7:00 p.m.  

The public also expressed outrage with a procedural change made by Council President Gragnani to move the general public comment period for the Tuesday night meeting to later in the agenda after the council votes on the second reading of the proposed PILOT ordinances.

The public comment period has traditionally come before the individual resolution section of the meeting. 

Many suspect the move to delay public comments is a reaction to the unanimous pushback from residents and school board officials who vigorously protested the proposed PILOT programs at the December 5 council meeting. 

PILOT agreements are deals that enable a developer to switch their standard tax payments for a property to a fixed, yearly payment to the municipality.

Township residents and school officials warn that PILOTs will allow large developers to avoid paying their full share of property taxes while straining municipal and school district resources. 

Despite the unanimous opposition to PILOTs Council members Gragnani, Michael dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr., and Frank Neglia have voted in favor of the PILOTs being represented by former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino, who served during Mayor James Barberio’s first mayoral term from 2010 to 2017.

Dissenting Council member Justin Musella and the Township’s entire school board have repeatedly stated that the proposed PILOTs will underfund the school system as new developments undoubtedly add additional students and costs.

Municipal officials and Mayor James Barberio have stated that prolonged blight of unoccupied or demolished office buildings will greatly increase the tax burden for residents if PILOTs are not used.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany has been named one of the 150 “Hottest Real Estate Markets” in the nation by Realtor.com for November. Parsippany is among 23 New Jersey towns making the list. This ranking highlights Parsippany’s continued growth, compelling amenities, and increasing demand as an attractive destination for residential homebuyers and investors alike.

Parsippany is situated in Northern New Jersey, approximately 25 miles west of Manhattan, making it a popular destination for commuters. It offers convenient access to major highways and various public transportation options. With a vast array of housing available, from single-family homes to apartments along with an active Senior Center, Parsippany accommodates various lifestyles as well. The education provided by the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is well-regarded and students and residents alike can enjoy the many outdoor spaces and recreational areas. The events and festivals that Parsippany hosts throughout the year further cement its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living and fostering a strong sense of community for its diverse population.

“We are thrilled to see Parsippany gaining recognition on a national level for its real estate market,” said Mayor James R. Barberio. “Our community has worked diligently to create an environment that fosters growth and prosperity, and this acknowledgment reflects the dedication of our residents, businesses, and local government.”

MORRIS COUNTY — An extraordinary event unfolded within the confines of the Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) facility – Winter Bash 2023, on December 9 and December 10. Despite the storm outside, the weather provided the ideal setting for youngsters aged 6-14 to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of indoor cricket, a pursuit not just for physical activity but a transformative experience fostering character, camaraderie, and lifelong lessons.

Twenty-four players, spanning diverse age groups, were strategically organized into four teams, setting the stage for a two-day extravaganza of competitive cricket. The tournament, consisting of limited-overs league matches, became a showcase of talent, tenacity, and teamwork. Each game, a microcosm of excitement, unfolded with suspense and thrill, keeping participants and spectators alike on the edge of their seats until the final bowl was hurled.

As the league matches concluded, the top two teams emerged to engage in a battle of skills for the Winter Bash 2023 trophy. The most competitive team, undoubtedly, claimed the title, while teams in the 3rd and 4th positions fought spiritedly for their place in the rankings. The captains and players of each team were not merely participants; they were heroes, recognized and awarded for their stellar performances, adding an extra layer of celebration to the tournament.

Cricket, more than just a sport, demonstrated its multifaceted benefits during Winter Bash 2023. With billions of followers globally, the sport has become a powerful catalyst for promoting physical health, enhancing cognitive abilities, and instilling values crucial for character building. The recent announcement of cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 further solidifies its standing as one of the fastest-emerging sports in the USA.

At the helm of nurturing cricketing talent is ICUSA, a decades-old cricket organization founded and led by the passionate Coach Lalta Perusad. Far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, Coach Lalta and ICUSA contribute significantly to the holistic development of young individuals aged 6-16. The organization is not merely about winning championships; it’s about equipping the youth with cricket skills that seamlessly translate into life skills, aiding them in overcoming the challenges that life throws their way.

Moreover, ICUSA continues to be a beacon of cricket development, offering ongoing upskilling programs and organizing a myriad of tournaments, both indoor and outdoor. This commitment ensures that the flame ignited by Winter Bash 2023 will continue to burn bright, illuminating the path for aspiring cricketers and contributing to the growth of the sport within the community as well as in the nation.

Winter Bash 2023 became a sanctuary of joy, passion, and triumph. Cricket, the sport of resilience, echoed within the walls of the Indoor Cricket facility, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the young participants. With ICUSA and Coach Lalta leading the charge, the legacy of Winter Bash 2023 extends far beyond the tournament, promising a generation of individuals enriched with the values and skills to conquer the storms of life with the same vigor they displayed on the cricket field.

Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) is located at 9 Whippany Road, Whippany.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to view the magazine.