Letter to the Editor: The Case Against Project Labor Agreements in Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

On October 10, the Daily Record printed a timely article entitled “Should NJ Towns steer public projects to union labor? Parsippany latest to take up debate”. The subject of the article was project labor agreements (PLAs) and Parsippany’s proposed ordinance 2022:24, which would mandate PLAs on all public construction projects over $5 million. Besides explaining what PLAs are, the columnist also included an unbiased summary of the arguments for and against these agreements. After analyzing the pros and cons, my conclusion is that the benefits of PLAs are overwhelmed by the extra costs that Parsippany taxpayers would incur by passage of this ordinance.

Regarding PLAs, the assumption is that the skill level of the unionized PLA workers is greater than non-PLA workers. However, I found no available evidence showing that PLA construction projects are any better or safer than non-PLA projects. What is not in dispute is that PLA projects are more expensive and tend to have a longer duration than non-PLA projects. An October 2010 report by the NJ Department of Labor and Workflow Development examining 2008 school construction projects, found that PLA project costs were 30% higher than non-PLA projects, and that the average duration of PLA projects was 100 weeks compared to 78 weeks for non-PLA projects. Statistics cited in the Daily Record newspaper article were in line with these findings. The article reported the results of a 2019 analysis by the Beacon Hill Institute, which also concluded that PLAs resulted in “significantly higher” costs for construction in five states, including New Jersey.

To highlight the effect on Parsippany’s taxpayers if this ordinance were passed, consider the following example. If a $5 million project was initiated with the ordinance in effect, the total cost would increase by $1.5 million due to the 30% PLA premium. Parsippany just cannot afford to be adding that kind of money to its already troubled budget. How many employees would have to be terminated to offset an extra $1.5 million?

Passage of Ordinance 2022:24 is not in the best interests of the taxpayers of Parsippany. The township has been functioning well for almost 100 years, and during that time projects large and small have been constructed without an ordinance mandating PLAs. We don’t need one now, and I hope the council will come to that same conclusion when they vote on it next week.

Bob Venezia
Parsippany

Another Parsippany Office Building Demolished

Frank L. Cahill
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Another Parsippany Office Building Demolished

PARSIPPANY — The owner of 169 Johnson Road demolished the 33,736 square foot office building and will be replacing the structure with an 87-unit-three-story over a one-story parking garage. The two-story office building was known as Brevent Plaza. The application was approved by Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board on December 21, 2020.

The project was also approved in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Fair Share Housing Center.

The Office Building was recently demolished
Four story building was approved for 169 Johnson Road. It will contain 69 market priced units and 18 affordable housing units
The 33,736 SF office building has a full-height landscaped atrium. The building featured a reception/security desk in lobby, an open foyer and skylights.
Outline of the property of 169 Johnson Road

Letter to the Editor: Project Labor Agreement’s Crush Small Businesses and Taxpayers

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Municipalities across New Jersey should remain suspicious about the spread of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) at the municipal level. As previously covered by Gannett, in my town Parsippany–an ordinance is up for debate on trying to steer all major taxpayer-funded development projects directly to union labor through law. The proposed ordinance will dictate PLAs on all municipal construction projects over $5M, which if passed, will significantly contribute to our already unsustainable tax burden. Parsippany residents deserve better than the implementation of bad economic policy and should expect better than to have taxpayer money wasted in this way. More importantly, the public should know exactly why New Jersey suffers from some of the highest infrastructure costs in the nation and how PLAs worsen this very serious problem.

PLAs establish a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement between unions and a municipality that legislates how labor will be provided for a project, at what cost, and under which conditions. To participate in a PLA project, non-unionized companies must agree to use union-supplied employees and not their own, with few exceptions.

The result of this anti-competitive measure can be seen in your quarterly property tax bill. Taxpayers will bear the burden of increased project costs by artificially reducing the number of available firms who can bid under these limiting circumstances. New Jersey Department of Labor studies show enforcement of PLAs drove up the costs on public school construction by 33% and delayed project timeline dates by six to eight weeks.

For example, Toms River has made available the results of PLA bids versus non-PLA bids, and the results are always the same, PLA bids came in substantially higher.

PLAs also discriminate against small businesses that would otherwise bid on municipal work. The vast majority of construction workers in this state, 73%, and some of whom live in my town Parsippany, have opted to not have union representation—which is their right under federal labor law. An ordinance requiring their employers to have a unionized workforce in order to bid on the township’s construction projects is a direct infringement of that right and is at its core, a fundamental violation of their civil right to make a living.

That is not to say there isn’t a place for these agreements. Consideration of a PLA on a case-by-case basis can make sense as every project has different requirements. For example, some projects can be more complex than others. For Parsippany to say at the outset that all municipal projects necessitate a PLA is shortsighted, and bad governance, since it’s clear these agreements will only increase the tax burden to our already struggling residents without providing any real tangible benefit.

I’ve heard the arguments regarding why we should have a PLA. I understand that we want quality construction, but there is no evidence or research indicating only union shops can produce a quality project. Further, the quality of the project itself tends to suffer by having an employer replace his or her entire workforce with union employees they have no relationship with. Could you imagine how productive you would be on a project if you ran a company and had your workforce replaced with people you lacked an established working dynamic?

As it stands, a thorough and competitive bidding process at the lowest responsible cost is what is best for the taxpayer. We should reject costly measures like PLAs which ultimately reduce competition, harm small businesses, and provide no real benefit to the end user–you.

Justin Musella
Councilman Parsippany-Troy Hills

 

Letter to the Editor: Protect Parsippany Taxpayers

Letters to the Editor
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An Open Letter to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor and Council members:

My name is Samantha DeAlmeida and I am the President and CEO of the N.J. Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (“ABC”). ABC is a national association representing 21,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 69 Chapters across the United States. With over 1,200 ABC members in N.J., Merit Shop contractors in N.J. employ in excess of over 400,000 workers and are responsible for over $19 billion in New Jersey construction annually.

I am writing today to voice my organization’s strong opposition to the ordinance introduced this week mandating the use of project labor agreements (“PLA’s”) on all construction
projects over $5M in Parsippany. As you know, a PLA is a form of labor contract that requires all contractors participating on a project to employ only union-represented labor, despite the fact that 73% of the construction industry workforce in N.J. have never opted for union representation. Thus, the immediate impact of mandating the use of PLA’s on all projects over $5M is that the pool of contractors available to work on any such project is vastly smaller than if a project were done so-called open shop – that is, regardless of a contractor’s affiliation with a union.

Fewer options for Parsippany taxpayers in the choice of contractors is likely one of the
reasons that the N.J. Department of Labor in its most recent study found that the use of PLA’s on construction projects increased the cost of construction by a staggering 33%, and led to significant delays in the completion of projects. There is no contrary evidence we have seen to suggest that the results would be any different for your taxpayers, thus making the proposed ordinance a very bad value proposition for
Parsippany residents.

I invite you to educate yourselves about the realities of PLAs and welcome your questions. While you owe it to your residents to have quality contractors work on publicly-funded construction projects, enacting a mandatory PLA ordinance is not the answer. If enacted, the Ordinance will hurt merit shop contractors and their employees who live in Parsippany, raise their families, pay taxes, invest in the community, and possibly vote for you. In addition, all Parsippany taxpayers will pay the price through increased costs that have been well-documented, and which could ultimately drive taxes up.

I and ABC’s members look forward to being an active part of the process as this ordinance is considered in upcoming meetings.

Sincerely,
Samantha DeAlmeida

 

Concerned Taxpayers: Please attend Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting, October 18, 7 p.m. Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive, to make your voice heard!

11th Congressional District Forum

Frank L. Cahill
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11th Congressional District Forum

MORRIS COUNTY — The three candidates running to represent the 11th Congressional District will meet in a Tuesday, October 25 candidate forum moderated by the League of Women Voters of New Jersey at Drew University in Madison.

The forum will feature Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, and Republican challenger Paul DeGroot.  Sherrill, who lives in Montclair, is seeking her third term. DeGroot, a Montville resident and former Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor, is seeking elected office for the first time. A third candidate on the ballot, Libertarian Joseph Biasco of Lincoln Park, a retired Cliffside Park police captain, is not participating.

The event, which will also be live-streamed on YouTube, will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Drew University Concert Hall, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison.  Click here to watch the live-streamed forum.

The community is invited to submit questions in advance by 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 21. Click here to submit questions. Your name and contact info is required but will not be disclosed.

Sherrill’s campaign office recently released the schedule DeGroot spokesperson Chad Niblett confirmed his candidate would participate as well.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Sunday, October 23: New Jersey Globe Debate
  • Tuesday, October 25: League of Women Voters Debate
  • Wednesday, October 26: Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ Candidate Forum

The in-person early voting period starts from October 29 to November 6. Voters can register until the deadline on October 18.

After the redistricting based on the 2020 Census, 11th district now covers these communities:

  • Morris County – Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Township (partial), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens.
  • Essex County – Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (partial), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell.
  • Passaic County – Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (partial), Woodland Park.

Letter to the Editor: Support of Cogan, Shappell and Von Achen

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

As we are all aware, the November 8 elections have the potential to bring unprecedented changes to our great nation. And as much as the congressional midterms are important, we must remember that change also begins on the local level. This year, the Parsippany – Troy Hills Board of Education election is at its’ proverbial “fork in the road.”

This letter is in support of Alison Cogan, Michelle Shappell and Kendra Von Achen. Alison and Kendra are current board members and Michelle would be a new but welcomed member. What is at stake is so important it could potentially alter the direction of the entire school district.

Parsippany has an amazing school system. Yes, it is large, but it has been well managed by the current administration and our current Board of Education. As the political and cultural landscape of our country is shifting, the tremors are beginning to create fissures that are exposing a quiet but quickly moving wave of anti-progressive thinking. It is bubbling to surface in the form of candidates and existing board members, who are suggesting banning books, limiting curriculum, taking away from professional teachers the ability to choose and monitor curriculum while ignoring the current diversity and needs of our community’s youth.

Candidates Choffo, Ferise and Raia are backed by “Mom’s for Liberty,” a newly formed radical group whose purpose is to upend school boards. They say out loud they are against “progressivism in schools.” Let’s define that word. Progressivism means: Support or advocacy for social reform, to advance the human condition with science, technology, and economic and social organization. It’s for the good of ALL. If you oppose it, the opposite is Regressive, which means to get less developed and return to an older state. In the recent debate, one of these candidates stated they were against progressive authors, who not only bring diversity to our schools, but an understanding of it. You can’t be for AND against diversity and inclusion at the same time.

If you vote for Choffo, Raia and Farise, you are choosing to take the district backward, not forward. Please vote for ALISON COGAN, MICHELLE SHAPPELL AND KENDRA VON ACHEN, rows 4 – 5 – 6 on your November 8th ballot. Let’s not go backward, let’s make a commitment to our students to move forward.

Laura McCluskey
Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey
Retired teacher from the Parsippany – Troy Hills School District

Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council Meeting – October 11, 2022

Frank L. Cahill
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Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council Meeting – October 11, 2022

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting for Tuesday, October 4, 2022 was rescheduled to Tuesday, October 11, at 7:00 p.m., in the Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken.

Regular Township Council Meetings 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 Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2022 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

File Your Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief Application by October 31

Frank L. Cahill
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File Your Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief Application by October 31

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Senior Freeze program — also known as the Property Tax Reimbursement program — reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals for increases in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residence.

Click here for eligibility.

New Jersey Senior Freeze program — also known as the Property Tax Reimbursement program — reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals for increases in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residence.

Eligible homeowners are encouraged to file applications online or by phone. However, some homeowners will be required to file a paper application. All eligible tenants can file online or by completing a paper application.

To be eligible, homeowners must have:

  • Been a New Jersey resident; and
  • Owned and occupied a home in New Jersey that was their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019; and
  • Paid the 2019 property taxes on their main home; and
  • Had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $250,000.

To be eligible, tenants must have:

  • Been a New Jersey resident; and
  • Rented and occupied an apartment or residence in New Jersey that was their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019; and
  • Lived in a unit with its own separate kitchen and bath facilities (if the building had more than one dwelling unit); and
  • Paid rent on their main home, which was subject to local property taxes; and
  • Had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $150,000.

Applicants can choose to receive their benefits either as a check or direct deposit. To learn more about the ANCHOR program, or to file an application, visit the NJ Division of Taxation’s ANCHOR website.

Celebration of Joe Bulgarini’s 100th Birthday

Frank L. Cahill
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Celebration of Joe Bulgarini’s 100th Birthday

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany resident Joe Bulgarini’s celebrated his 100th Birthday on Saturday, October 1, at Applebee’s Parsippany.

Joe was joined by his two daughters, three grandchildren, two great granddaughters, his nieces and his extended family. In addition to his family Mayor James Barberio presented Joe with a “Proclamation.”  Also joining the celebration was Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development; Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Board Member Ildiko Peluso.

Joe served his country with honor during WWII in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant T4 and was deployed to India where his unit worked to keep the Japanese forces from gaining control.

Joe Bulgarini blowing out the candles on his birthday cakee

Joe and his wife Louise moved with their two daughters, Carol and Janice, to Lake Parsippany in 1966 where they created many wonderful memories together.  He also served as President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association.

Joe is the beloved father to Carol Elmstrom and Janice Blinder, devoted grandfather to Sharon, David and Cheryl and loving great-grandfather to Carina and Victoria.

 

CCM to Hold Fall Open House

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM to Hold Fall Open House

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding a Fall Open House packed full of informative and engaging sessions and activities, including a raffle to win a virtual reality headset.

Culinary Arts students demonstrating how to make a tasty dessert for guests at the Spring 2022 Open House

Several academic programs will be holding showcases to provide students with deeper insight into different courses of study. Participants also will be able to tour the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, labs and studios. To obtain a solid understanding of the lay of the campus – the Land of the Titans – there will be a scavenger hunt and a raffle for those who take part. The winner will receive a Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset.

The Open House takes place Saturday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with three starting sessions at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Registration is required and is now taking place. To register click here.

As always, the Open House will provide high school students, their families and adult learners with the opportunity to learn about the highly ranked education CCM provides to meet educational and career goals. Those attending the Open House will be able to talk with faculty and explore the more than 100 degree, certificate and professional development programs CCM offers. They also can learn about the admissions and registration process, and the support services and co-curricular programs CCM provides to ensure the success of its students. Special admissions and registration sessions also will be held for students to secure their enrollment at the college.

Included among its many distinctions, CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for best associate degrees and in the top 1.8 percent of the best community colleges nationwide by Intelligent. The college also continues to maintain its #1 position in the state in PayScale’s “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential,” a distinction it has held for five years in a row.  To apply click here.

New Jersey’s ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program

Frank L. Cahill
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New Jersey’s ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey announced a new Property Tax Relief Program which replaces the previous Homestead Benefit program and has expanded eligibility for property tax relief for Tax Year 2019. The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Program will benefit a large number of homeowners and tenants. Click Here for more information.

The deadline for filing your ANCHOR benefit application is December 30, 2022. They will begin paying ANCHOR benefits in the late Spring of 2023. ANCHOR payments will be paid in the form of a direct deposit or check, not as credits to property tax bills.

They are currently mailing ANCHOR benefit information mailers to homeowners and tenants. Allow until the first week in October to receive your mailer. Homeowners who filed a homestead benefit application last year may be able to obtain their ID and PIN numbers online. Tenants do not need an ID or PIN number to file. Click here to visit the Division’s ANCHOR page for all filing information.

Due to high call volume, the ANCHOR and Homestead Benefit Hotline may be unable to take your call at certain times.

If that occurs, please try your call at another time. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Pennacchio Blasts Teaneck Democrats for Anti-Hindu Resolution

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Blasts Teaneck Democrats for Anti-Hindu Resolution

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio blasted the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee for its adoption of a resolution condemning and targeting major Hindu American organizations that it considers to be hate groups tied to “Hindu nationalism” in India.

“It’s concerning that a Democratic political organization whose purpose is to elect its members to government office and to influence public policy would pass a resolution effectively condemning the entire Hindu religion,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “It’s extremely dangerous to target large segments of any ethnic group or religion for harassment using government resources. It was wrong when the entire Muslim community was profiled after 9/11 for the actions of a small number of extremists, and it’s just as wrong for all of our Hindu American neighbors to be treated this way today.”

The TDMC’s resolution lists five major tax-exempt Hindu organizations that it suggests are hate groups with “direct or indirect ties” to a Hindu nationalist organization in India.

Suggesting these Hindu groups share an ideology with “Nazism and European fascism,” the resolution by Teaneck Democrats urges Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and Governor Phil Murphy to request that the FBI and CIA to investigate “foreign hate groups” and their tax-exempt status, among other things.

“Regardless of the religion we choose to practice, we are all Americans,” added Pennacchio. “We shouldn’t try to weaponize our institutions of government to attack other people or groups whose religious views or affiliations differ from our own.”

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Morris County Proclaims October 2022 Blindness Awareness Month

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Proclaims October 2022 Blindness Awareness Month

MORRIS COUNTY — Director Tayfun Selen of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners today delivered a framed proclamation declaring October 2022 “Blindness Awareness Month,” as he toured the Denville headquarters of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.

VLANJ President and CEO Bill Schuldt was on hand to accept the proclamation. He and Vice President of Development and Communications Jennifer Singer also updated Director Selen on the nonprofit’s programs.  Serving adults with vision loss for 79 years, VLANJ helps people cope and adapt to vision loss, while also providing them with training in independent living skills and assistive technology.

Blindness and profound vision loss affect more than 160,000 people in New Jersey, an estimated 7.68 million people in the U.S. and those numbers are expected to increase as the nation’s population lives longer, according to the National Federation of the Blind.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 93 million adults in the United States are at risk for vision loss and projects the number of Americans of ages 40 years old and up with serious vision loss or blindness will double to nearly 9 million by 2050.

The proclamation, signed by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, commends VLANJ for its nearly four decades of exemplary service to the public. It also proclaims October 2022 to be  “Blindness Awareness Month” in Morris County to increase awareness of eye disease and eye care, so all citizens understand the challenges faced daily by our loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers with vision loss.

The nonprofit began in Newark in 1943 as the New Jersey Association for the Blind, a place for people with vision loss to socialize. Twelve years later, the organization opened a summer camp in Denville for women with blindness and, under the name NJ Foundation for the Blind, added life skills training to the summer camp experience.

Independent skills training became year-round in the late 1990s, and by 2006, the organization provided a comprehensive, nonresidential vision rehabilitation program for adults. Adopting VLANJ as its name in 2016, the nonprofit added low vision occupational therapy and other services.

Director Selen and Bill Schuldt leaving the VLANJ offices

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, VLANJ has grown tremendously as it added and expanded virtual programming.

On October 26, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey will host its annual “Dining in the Dark” event, which allows guests to briefly experience what people with vision loss or blindness must go through when they dine. Attendees will enjoy a three-course meal using smell, touch, taste, and hearing  — but not sight — at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at vlanj.org by Click here.  Contact VLANJ Vice President of Development and Communications Jennifer Singer at jsinger@vlanj.org or 973-627-0055. Prompt 2 for more information.

VLANJ receives the majority of its funding from individual donations, which can be made by clicking here.

Fortune Named Parsippany 15th Best Place to Live

Frank L. Cahill
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Fortune Named Parsippany 15th Best Place to Live

PARSIPPANY — Families are synonymous with love, care, and support. But to provide that, about 45% of Americans are being squeezed by simultaneous responsibilities of raising their children while regularly caring for their own parents. Where this so-called Sandwich Generation chooses to live can actually help mitigate some of the stress by providing useful amenities like good schools, access to quality health care, community support, and resources for aging residents. To find hometowns that provided the right mix to meet the needs of multigenerational families, Fortune analyzed more than 215,000 data points for nearly 2,000 cities and towns across the U.S. Here are the communities that stood out.

Parsippany was ranked 15th in the top 25. Click here to read the article.

Remembrance of the Murder of Christopher Thomas

Frank L. Cahill
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Remembrance of the Murder of Christopher Thomas

MORRIS COUNTY — The 40th Anniversary of the unsolved murder of Christopher Thomas, 16, of Boonton Township, was marked Saturday, October 1, by his family, friends the Morris Catholic High School community and Morris County Law Enforcement.

The ceremony took place at the high school, 200 Morris Avenue, Denville. Thomas was a Morris Catholic junior when he was killed in 1982.

Thomas’ brother, Mark, announced an increased reward and asked the public to help solve the shooting death of his brother inside the Rockaway Townsquare Mall on October 1, 1982.

On Friday October 1, 1982, Thomas made plans to go to the Rockaway Townsquare Mall with a 14 year old female acquaintance. The two were dropped off at the mall at 9:16 p.m that night. They walked into the mall entrance, with the intention of going to see a movie at the Inner-Six Theatre and afterwards, purchasing an anniversary present for Christopher’s parents. Within seconds, Christopher was approached by a man. This man then pushed the female acquaintance aside, took out a gun and fired a single shot at Thomas point blank range in the chest. The shooter fled the scene on foot as Christopher stumbled a bit further into the mall and collapsed on the floor.

The Rockaway Township Police Department and other emergency service workers rushed to the scene and transported Christopher to the Dover General Hospital on Route 46 East, Dover. Unfortunately, Christopher was pronounced dead at 9:26 p.m. The case was then ruled a homicide.

There were at least 20 witnesses to this incident, and each one described the offender as a Caucasian male between 18-23 years old, 5’5 to 5’10” in height, and a thin build of about 135-155 pounds. He had dark medium length hair that was parted in the middle, which police suspect might have been a wig. He had a thin, dark colored mustache and some sources state he also had mirrored sunglasses on. He was dressed in blue jeans, a denim jacket and boots. There is a composite sketch posted above. Christopher’s friend said she did not recognize the gunman.

According to his family, Christopher was a promising student and a talented athlete at the time of his murder. He was preparing to be inducted into the National Honor Society and was on the high school’s varsity basketball team and the soccer team.

Police would not comment on whether they believe this was random, a case of mistaken identity, or something else entirely. They have been pursuing all angles, and have still not come up with a motive.

If you have any additional information, please contact the Morris County Cold Case Unit at 973-285-6200. All calls will be kept confidential.

Provident Bank to Acquire Lakeland Bank

Frank L. Cahill
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Provident Bank to Acquire Lakeland Bank

MORRIS COUNTY — Provident Financial Services, Inc. and Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. have entered into a definitive $1.3 billion all-stock merger agreement, creating a preeminent super-community bank in the state, according to the two financial institutions. The merger of Provident Bank and Lakeland Bank will create a financial institution that will have more than $25 billion in assets and $20 billion in total deposits. It will also have approximately 4% of all bank deposits in New Jersey, which represents the second largest share of New Jersey bank deposits for institutions with less than $100 billion in assets.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Lakeland will merge with and into Provident, with Provident as the surviving corporation. The combined company will operate under the “Provident Financial Services, Inc.” name and the combined bank will operate under the “Provident Bank” name. The administrative headquarters of the combined company will be located in Iselin.

“We are excited to announce this transformational combination of two amazing organizations. The scale and profitability of the combined organization will enable us to invest in the future, better compete for market share, and better serve our customers and communities,” said Anthony Labozzetta, president and CEO of Provident. “It is particularly gratifying to embark on this journey with our colleagues on the Lakeland team and Tom Shara, whom we have held in high regard for many years.”

According to Thomas J. Shara, Lakeland’s president and CEO, “The combination of our companies will allow us to achieve substantially more for our clients, associates, communities, and shareholders than we could alone. I have tremendous respect for Tony Labozzetta, Chris Martin, Provident’s management team and associates. We will continue to build upon and leverage our combined strengths as we focus on the future together.”

Chris Martin, executive chairman of Provident added, “We are confident that this strategic combination and the resulting strong pro forma financial performance, synergies and experienced management team will deliver on our commitment to providing superior long-term shareholder returns.”

Strategic Benefits of the Merger

While the transaction fortifies Provident and Lakeland’s positions as leading players in the Tri-State commercial real estate market, Provident’s two ancillary fee-based business lines in insurance and wealth management and Lakeland’s growing asset-based lending and equipment lease financing provide opportunities for additional growth and relationship expansion. Both Provident and Lakeland have extensive experience successfully integrating with merger partners, and both are intensely focused on ensuring a smooth integration.

Governance and Leadership

The combined company’s board of directors will have sixteen directors, consisting of nine directors from Provident and seven directors from Lakeland.

  • Christopher Martin, Provident’s current executive chairman, will continue to serve as executive chairman of the combined company board of directors
  • Thomas Shara Jr., Lakeland’s current president, chief executive officer and director, will serve as executive vice chairman of the combined company board of directors
  • Anthony Labozzetta, a current director of Provident, will continue to serve as a director of the combined company
  • A Provident board representative will serve as the independent lead director of the combined company board of directors

The combined company will be led by a well-respected management team that is comprised of individuals with significant financial services and M&A integration experience.

  • Anthony Labozzetta, Provident’s current president and CEO, will continue to serve in that role in the combined company
  • Thomas Lyons, Provident’s current senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, will continue to serve in that role in the combined company
  • The remainder of the executive team will draw from both Provident and Lakeland

The merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of customary regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of each company.

Piper Sandler Companies is acting as financial advisor, and has rendered a fairness opinion to the board of directors of Provident. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to Provident. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company is acting as financial advisor, and has rendered a fairness opinion to the board of directors of Lakeland. Luse Gorman, PC is serving as legal counsel to Lakeland.

College of the Holy Cross Welcomes Gabriel Mansolelli to the Class of 2026

Frank L. Cahill
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College of the Holy Cross Welcomes Gabriel Mansolelli to the Class of 2026

PARSIPPANY — The College of the Holy Cross congratulates the 904 new Crusaders who are starting at the College in Fall 2022. Gabriel Mansolelli, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, will be part of the Class of 2026.

Representing the largest class in Holy Cross’ 179-year history, the Class of 2026 hails from 575 high schools, 14 countries and four continents. Twenty-five percent of the class are students of color and international students; 24 languages are spoken; and 50 members hold dual citizenship. Nine students live within 1 mile of campus, which is about the same number as those who live more than 5,000 miles from The Hill.

These newly minted Crusaders have distinguished themselves through community service, leadership roles, and diverse participation in areas like the arts, music and athletics.

“Holy Cross is built for broad, deep and meaningful education and that says something very important about the kind of student who matriculates here. Our classes are small and there is nowhere to hide – in the best possible sense,” President Vincent D. Rougeau said. “Our students have to be ready for spirited engagement. They will have their certainties challenged and perspectives broadened as they prepare for a world that needs their leadership, wisdom, empathy and generosity. And we are confident that they will thrive here.”

The new Crusaders arrived on campus and moved into the residence halls on Saturday, August 27th, where they were welcomed to Mount St. James by an enthusiastic purple crew of current students, staff, faculty and alumni. Fall classes began on Tuesday, August 30th.

The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.

Parsippany Board of Education Candidates Forum

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Board of Education Candidates Forum

PARSIPPANY — The League of Women Voters held a debate for candidates for the Board of Education.  The debate was co-sponsored by Parsippany Woman’s Club.

Seven candidates are running for three available seats:

  • Falgun Bakhtarwala
  • Kendra Von Achen
  • Michelle Shappell
  • Jack S. Raia
  • Andrew Choffo
  • Alison C. Cogan
  • Yvonne Ferise

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.

Clean Water Cafe Officially Opens

Frank L. Cahill
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Clean Water Cafe Officially Opens

PARSIPPANY — Clean Water Cafe Officially opened its doors as a full-service, one-of-a-kind coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch, and specialty coffee creations.

Clean Water Cafe has partnered with Chick-Fil-A on Route 10 in Morris Plains to offer a variety of signature Chick-Fil-A lunch options.

Clean Water Cafe is located at Liquid Church, 299 Webro Road.

In addition to serving up breakfast, lunch, and specialty coffee and tea creations, the Clean Water Cafe will champion a unique purpose, supporting two causes that Liquid Church is passionate about providing supportive employment for all adults, including those with special needs, and using all proceeds to provide clean water to families in Central America and Africa.

“At the Clean Water Cafe, we believe that people with special needs such as autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, and ADHD can change the world for good! As customers at the Clean Water Cafe enjoy their favorite coffee, they will be providing hope and purpose to differently-abled friends through the joy of meaningful employment,” said Pastor Tim Lucas, Lead Pastor of Liquid Church.

“With over 80% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities unemployed, our goal is that the Clean Water Cafe will help create meaningful employment for all adults and a pathway to acceptance, inclusion, and appreciation in the workplace,” said Sarah Nilsen, Clean Water Cafe Director.

As a not-for-profit, all purchases at the Clean Water Cafe will help provide safe, clean drinking water to thirsty children and families in need in Africa and Central America.

“Access to clean water can transform lives and elevate the health of the world’s most vulnerable families. For 15 years, Liquid Church has been committed to the Clean Water Cause, completing more than 350 clean water well projects, bringing safe drinking water to over 130,000 people in 9 nations!” said Lucas. “Profits from the new Clean Water Cafe will further this mission, helping us build new wells and expand access to clean drinking water for thousands of people across the globe.”

In addition to a range of coffee options, tea, baked goods, fruit, and salads, the Clean Water Cafe has partnered with Chick-Fil-A on Route 10 in Morris Plains to offer a variety of signature Chick-Fil-A lunch options, such as the classic chicken sandwich, chilled grilled chicken sub sandwich, salads, and more.

The large, modern coffeehouse includes a seating capacity for 118 guests, cozy couches, a large community table with built-in outlets for charging laptops, plus free wifi and plenty of room to gather with groups.

Clean Water Cafe supports two causes: Clean Water and Special Needs. The Clean Water Cafe will create a path for all adults to be accepted, included, and valued in the workplace, including those with special needs. Clean Water Cafe employs 19 people with disabilities, some of whom say it’s their first paid job.

At the same time, you are helping bring clean drinking water to thirsty children and families in need from Central America to Africa.

The cafe hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and closed Friday through Sunday.

Click here for more information.

Mayor James Barberio speaking to audience
Tim Lucas, founder and Lead Pastor of Liquid Church

GYL Financial Synergies Parsippany Office Helps out at Table of Hope

Frank L. Cahill
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GYL Financial Synergies Parsippany Office Helps out at Table of Hope

PARSIPPANY — Spring Street Community Development Corporation (SSCDC) was founded in 2011 with the mission to improve the quality of life for Morris County families by addressing economic, educational, and social needs while preserving the cultural and ethnic diversity of the area.

The Spring Street CDC emerged to impact families throughout Morris County with over 100,000 meals served through the Table of Hope and over 400 kids mentored.

On Thursday, September 15 GYL Financial Synergies members, Gary Herz, Bernice Ching, Debbie Molan, and Mary Ann Marchese of GYL’s Parsippany office helped with sorting food, carrying and loading bins of groceries into cars. Today over 300 families were served.

Thank you to the team for helping out a much-needed cause. For more information on how you can help click here.

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